Elephants Safari Lodge - Bellevue Forest Reserve

Very nice place. The staff is very kind and helpful. We ate there and the meals were delicious. There was just one poblem. The temperature was 15 degrees and the room didn't have heating. So we were cold during the night.

There's much to say about this place, but let me start with what I believe is crucial information one should know before staying here. If you consider yourself an animal lover, take a moment to read my review. Bellevue Forest Reserve presents itself as a haven for animals and nature, emphasizing the preservation of endangered flora and fauna. However, it's noteworthy that the owner, Loodt Buchner, is also involved in hunting the same wildlife through Tootabi hunting safaris. This dual involvement raises ethical concerns, especially when requesting a conservation levy for one company while engaging in hunting with another. For those less concerned about hunting, there are additional issues related to the stay itself. The reception was cold, lacking warmth or attention to our child. The check-in process was brief, emphasizing identity document scanning, and we were swiftly taken to our room. Upon entering, we noticed significant cracks everywhere, unsettling us with a three-year-old in tow. Expressing our safety concerns to the staff yielded no response, and despite other safety-related issues later surfacing, no action was taken. The door lock was faulty, allowing it to be easily pushed open even if locked with a key. The shower water was scalding, making it impossible to use, and safety concerns extended to a large window in the shower where outsiders could see despite a partially covered sticker. Despite general cleanliness, there was substantial dust and dirt under the bed. Numerous issues were raised during and after our stay, but no resolutions were offered. This place does not align with its online portrayal at all, and the photos are misleading. A beautiful website, professional images, and communication during booking led us here, but the reality was quite different. A strange atmosphere was evident upon arrival, and if not for our young daughter and the lack of nearby alternatives during the holidays, we would have left immediately after seeing the room. The only positive aspect was the kind and helpful ladies in the kitchen and dining area who showed great care for our daughter. Regrettably, our stay leaves us with significant disappointment, knowing our money indirectly supports someone with a pro-hunting stance.

A very poor price/quality ratio in every aspect. Comfort is severely limited, and the photos do not accurately represent reality. There are significant cracks in the walls that compromise guest safety. There is insufficient water for showering (water from the shower is boiling hot and can’t be lowered) and toilets. Most importantly, the hotel charges a fee for animal welfare preservation, while the hotel owners, through another company, offer the opportunity to shoot the same kind of animals for avid hunters. This is a clear ripoff on every level where profit takes precedence. Avoid at all costs!

We had an amazing stay at Bellevue. We were welcomed so nicely and it was the best stay out of our Garden Route. Everyone was super nice, the interior was cool and the food and wine were very delicious.

We had a very pleasant stay at Bellevue starting with a warm welcome from Brian. The atmosphere was really something special and the food was just excellent. We’ll always remember the Giraffe Walking Tour and the guide was great. Although we only spent 2 nights at Bellevue it was definitely a stay during our trip through SA remember.

The people are nice and friendly and the giraffe walk is beautiful but the images on the booking page are highly deceptive. I did not receive the room I had booked and paid for; instead, I was provided with a room that had a tiny, outdated bathroom without a door, which was quite unpleasant (!!!). The bathroom was also leaking water and the floor was wet. Despite my request for the room I had paid for, the manager did not take any action to accommodate our request.

i had an amazin stay, the 3 course menu for dinner was delicious and had amazing service. the rooms were incredible with good beds, and an amazing shower. But the best part was the giraffe tracking we did straight from the lodge. seeing these 6 meter tall girafes only 1 meter away from you is breathtaking. definitly would recomend!

This is the place to stay near Addo, we entered Addo national park from the south and exited on the north side so we had a full day, and then it only took us 25 min to drive to Bellevue. We also arrived here a day earlier with the fantastic help from Tanya!! We did the giraffe walk which is amazing , and at the resort itself they pay so much attention to detail it’s great. Definitely stay here and enjoy te ambience

Cozy resort with attentioned people dedicated to the service and proposals for safaris activities. We discovered very beautiful gardens at the reserve and we shared very good meals with the other travelers staying at the resort in a pleasant atmosphere.