An exclusive-use safari lodge in Sibuya Game Reserve, offering luxury suites, private spaces, personalised guiding, and immersive wildlife experiences, ideal for groups, families, or bespoke safari getaways.
Nel's Lodge is Sibuya's sole-use property: it is not sold by the room, so a booking takes the whole lodge and the party has it to themselves. That comes with a private chef, a private field guide and a dedicated game drive vehicle, which is what separates it from a lodge that simply has a few rooms free at the same time.
The lodge holds two luxury suites and a luxury room. The upstairs bedroom is en-suite with a bath and shower and opens onto a balcony over the reserve, and it has room enough for two children to share with parents. Downstairs there are two air-conditioned bedrooms with direct access — one en-suite, and one with a sole-use bathroom rather than an en-suite, which is the kind of detail worth knowing before allocating a rooming list.
Children of any age are welcome. With River Camp, it is one of only two Sibuya properties that take under-twelves, and it is the only one that also has mains power and a heated pool — which is what makes it the reserve's multi-generational answer, where grandparents and small children can be in the same building without either compromising.
It runs on integrated mains and solar, so air conditioning, hairdryers and other appliances may be used throughout.
Access is by boat up the Kariega Estuary from Reception in Kenton-on-Sea. Game drives, boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, bush walks and birding are included, as are spring water, soft drinks, beers, basic spirits and a limited selection of South African house wines. The Eastern Cape is malaria-free, and the reserve is 80 to 100 minutes by road from Gqeberha.
Overview
- Location
- Kariega Estuary, Sibuya Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Malaria Free
- Yes
- Reserve Type
- Private Game Reserve
- Child Friendly
- Yes
- Open Year Round
- Yes
- Sole Use Property
- Yes
- Exclusive Use Available
- Yes
Why visit
- Sole-use only, so the whole lodge goes to one party
- Two luxury suites and a luxury room, with a private chef, field guide and game drive vehicle
- Children of any age, and the upstairs bedroom is large enough for two children to share with parents
- Two air-conditioned bedrooms downstairs, one en-suite and one with a sole-use bathroom
- A heated swimming pool, with mains and solar power throughout
- The multi-generational option on a malaria-free Big Five reserve
Accommodation
- Unit Type
- Private Sole-Use Lodge Suites
- Total Units
- 3
- Children Policy
- Children of all ages. The upstairs bedroom has room for two children to share with parents.
Lodge Suite – En Suite · 4
King, queen or twin beds
Sleeps 2
Lodge Suite – Private Bathroom · 1
King, queen or twin beds; private (non en-suite) bathroom
Sleeps 2
Room amenities
- En suite bathroom (two suites)
- Private bathroom (one suite)
- Indoor shower
- Private terrace or timber deck
- Spacious living areas
- In-room safe
- Integrated solar and mains electricity
- Plug points for charging devices
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (available at Reception and Lodge areas)
- Towels and personal amenities provided
Dining
- Cuisine Style
- Home-style South African cuisine
- Premium Beverages
- Limited premium wines available at additional cost
- All Meals Included
- Yes
- Complimentary Local Drinks
- Yes
- Dietary Requirements Accommodated
- Yes
- Tea Coffee Hot Chocolate Included
- Yes
Activities included
- Scheduled boat transfers to and from the Reserve
- Two daily guided game drives in open 4x4 vehicle
- Guided bush walks
- Guided beach walks
- River cruises
- Bird watching
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Swimming in the river
- Use of heated swimming pool
Optional activities
- Cookery lessons
- Deep-sea fishing
- Golfing
- Specialist-guided bird watching
- Horse riding on the Reserve
- Additional boat transfers outside scheduled times
Wildlife highlights
- Big Five game reserve
- Sweeping Kariega Estuary views
- Indigenous woodland setting
- Excellent birdlife
- Riverine and coastal ecosystem biodiversity
Facilities
- Whole-lodge sole use
- Heated swimming pool
- Private chef
- Private field guide and game drive vehicle
- Air-conditioned bedrooms
- Mains and solar power, so hairdryers and other appliances may be used
- Lounge and dining areas for the party's exclusive use
- River access
- Boat jetty
- Secure complimentary parking at Reception in Kenton-on-Sea
Sustainability
- Solar Component
- Yes
- Plastic Reduction Policy
- Yes
- Integrated Power Solution
- Yes
- Community Employment Focus
- Yes
- Reusable Water Flasks Provided
- Yes
- Rhino Conservation Levy Applicable
- Yes
Getting there
- Arrival Point
- Sibuya Reception – 39 Eastbourne Road, Kenton-on-Sea
- Airport Transfer Time
- Approx. 80–100 minutes by road to Reception
- Boat Transfer Required
- Yes
- Secure Parking Available
- Yes
- Scheduled Boat Transfers Included
- Yes
Practical information
- Power
- Integrated mains and solar. Air conditioners, hairdryers and other electrical appliances may be used.
- Malaria Risk
- None – Eastern Cape is malaria-free
- Wifi Available
- Yes
- Gratuities Excluded
- Yes
- Television Available
- No
- Credit Cards Accepted
- American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
- Medical Facilities On Site
- No
UK trade information
How Nel's Lodge reaches the UK travel trade
Sibuya Nel's Lodge is represented in the UK travel trade by Kusa Connect, an ATTA member UK rep company founded by Graeme Watson.
For UK trade enquiries about Nel's Lodge, contact Kusa Connect or speak directly with Graeme Watson — founder of Kusa Connect (ATTA member), former SATSA Board Director.
- Property
- Nel's Lodge
- Brand
- Sibuya Game Reserve
- Location
- Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Property type
- lodge
- Nearest airport
- Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth) (Approx. 80–100 minutes by road to Reception)
- UK trade rep
- Kusa Connect — ATTA member
- Trade contact
- Graeme Watson, Founder
Frequently asked questions from the UK trade
How is Sibuya Nel's Lodge sold to the UK travel trade?
UK travel agents recommend Sibuya Nel's Lodge to their clients, who book through specialist UK tour operators, who in turn work with the destination's Destination Management Companies for in-country operations. Kusa Connect is Sibuya Nel's Lodge's UK trade representative and does not take consumer or retail-agent bookings.
Where is Sibuya Nel's Lodge?
Sibuya Nel's Lodge is in Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The nearest airport is Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth), approximately 80–100 minutes by road to Reception from the property.
Who represents Sibuya Nel's Lodge in the UK?
Sibuya Nel's Lodge is represented in the UK travel trade by Kusa Connect, a boutique UK rep company for African travel founded by Graeme Watson — a former SATSA Board Director, ATTA member and member of the Institute of Directors UK. FAM trip availability, trade product information and operator introductions are all handled through kusaconnect.com/contact.
Trade details last updated