Ultimate Bucket-List Winter Safari - 6 Hours
Highlights & what you can look forward to:
- Africa's Densest Population: Home to roughly 2,000 animals and 40+ species packed tightly into a highly navigable, private ecosystem.
- 99.9% Lion Sighting Rate: Explore the historical pioneer reserve that was the very first in the Cape Province to feature free-roaming lions.
- Intimate 4x4 Proximity: Open-vehicle paths are explicitly optimized to bring you safely into close-up range with Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Giraffe, and Crocodile.
- Spotlit Night Safari: Track elusive nocturnal animals like the bouncing springhare using high-powered vehicle spotlights after twilight.
- The Giant Lapa Feast: Dine inside one of South Africa’s largest open-air lapas, enjoying local safari cuisine and traditional cooking over log fires.
The Schotia Story: Heritage & Conservation
- 6 Generations of Local Heritage: This pristine reserve encompasses the original farm, Orlando, proudly owned and run "hands-on" by the Bean family since the early 1800s.
- 100% Malaria-Free Safety: Perfect for international families, seniors, and couples who want premium big game viewing without the worry of medical precautions.
- The Ancient Albany Thicket: The landscape specifically protects a unique, tangled shrubland unique to the Eastern Cape, recreating what Africa looked like when early travelers first arrived.
Why spend your vacation driving for hours looking at empty bushes? Welcome to Africa's most densely stocked private game reserve, located just 35 minutes from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and directly bordering Addo Elephant National Park. Skip the long tracking times and enjoy an intimate, malaria-free ecosystem packed with over 2,000 animals. Finish your night with a magnificent open-air lapa feast around roaring log fires.
Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve -
N 10 and Addo Heights, Ncanarha, 6130, South Africa
Winter Itinerary (01 April – 31 August) (estimated times only)
- 13h30 – Arrival & Welcome: Arrive at the Schotia HQ office for check-in, indemnity signatures, and ranger introductions. Enjoy hot coffee or tea to warm up before departure.
- 13h45 – Gear & Safety Check: Complete your final vehicle and bag check. Ensure warm layers/jackets are accessible and that you have zero fruit packed away.
- 14h00 – Afternoon High-Density Drive: Set off in the open safari vehicle. Maximize the early afternoon winter sun to view high-density game up close while animals are actively seeking warmth.
- 15h30 – Refreshment Break: A quick bush-toilet and refreshment stretch before the winter temperature begins to drop.
- 16h00 – Sunset Safari: Track herds and look for lions as the winter sun sets earlier, triggering prime predator activity.
- 18h00 – The Giant Lapa Feast: Retreat into the sheltered ring of the lapa to warm up by massive log fires. Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked traditional buffet meal.
- 19h30 – Spotlit Night Drive: Braving the winter night air for a high-intensity spotlight drive looking for rare nocturnal species.
- 20h00 – Departure: Safely arrive back at your vehicles at reception to conclude the tour. (Note: The drive can extend past 20h00 if guests are viewing an active wildlife event).
Guests must self-drive and meet directly at Schotia Safaris Reception Headquarters (located at the corner of the N10 highway and Addo Heights Dirt Road turn-off, roughly 3km from Nanaga Farmstall).
Important Note on Late-Night Travel:
Our safari concludes after dark (around 20h00 in Winter). Because our ecosystem is high-density and the safari is packed with non-stop action, guests are usually pleasantly exhausted by the end of the evening.
Our safari concludes after dark (around 20h00 in Winter). Because our ecosystem is high-density and the safari is packed with non-stop action, guests are usually pleasantly exhausted by the end of the evening.
Pro-Tip for International Guests:
To avoid driving back to your city hotel or distant guesthouse late at night on dark country roads, we highly recommend booking an overnight stay right here at Schotia Safaris. Instead of facing a long drive after a wonderful day, your guide will drop you off at your accommodation on the reserve. You can instantly fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush. Enjoy a fresh breakfast the next morning and savely travel to your next stop in daylight.
To avoid driving back to your city hotel or distant guesthouse late at night on dark country roads, we highly recommend booking an overnight stay right here at Schotia Safaris. Instead of facing a long drive after a wonderful day, your guide will drop you off at your accommodation on the reserve. You can instantly fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush. Enjoy a fresh breakfast the next morning and savely travel to your next stop in daylight.
All you need to do is pack a small overnight bag!
If you would like to upgrade your booking to include overnight accommodation in our authentic bush lodges, please check our availability tab or message our team directly after checkout.
To ensure a comfortable and unforgettable experience during your 6-hour high-density safari, please prepare a small day bag with the following essentials:
1. Layered Clothing & Warm Jacket (Essential)
- The Bush Gets Cold: Even if the afternoon starts hot, the temperature drops rapidly the moment the sun goes down.
- What to bring: A windbreaker, a thick fleece or warm jacket, and a beanie/scarf for the spotlit night drive.
- Colors: Neutral tones (khaki, green, grey, or brown) are best, but not strictly mandatory.
2. Camera Gear & Electronics
- Unmatched Proximity: Because you will get incredibly close to the wildlife, a standard phone camera works wonderfully.
- What to bring: Bring your smartphone, DSLR camera, extra memory cards, and a fully charged power bank.
- Binoculars: Highly recommended if you want to look closely at bird species or specific predator features.
3. Sun & Elements Protection
- Open Vehicles: The 4x4 vehicles are completely open to give you unobstructed views, meaning you are exposed to the elements.
- What to bring: High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat (with a chin strap so it doesn’t blow off), sunglasses, and insect repellent.
Strict Prohibitions: What NOT to Bring
- No Fruit Allowed: Absolutely zero fruit (especially oranges, apples, and bananas) may be brought inside your bags, pockets, or jackets. Free-roaming elephants possess an incredibly acute sense of smell and will approach the open vehicles aggressively to find it.
- Drones: Drones are strictly banned across the entire reserve to protect the wildlife and ensure guest privacy.
What is included in your rate:
- Light refreshments prior to Safari.
- Light refreshments mid Safari.
- Delicious two course home cooked meal in the evening.
Tips/Gratuities: If your ranger guide provides exceptional service, it is customary to tip our Guides in cash at the end of the night. Gratuiity goes a long way :-)
No medication is available. Please bring your own i.e Epi-pen, headache, motion-sickness etc.
Please take careful note of the time schedule:
- Summer time schedule (01 Sept – 31 March): Arrive strictly no later than 14h30.
- Winter time schedule (01 April – 31 August): Arrive strictly no later than 13h30.
Shared Vehicle Dynamics:
To ensure a vibrant and shared adventure, this tour utilizes open 4x4 safari vehicles shared with other global travellers.
To ensure a vibrant and shared adventure, this tour utilizes open 4x4 safari vehicles shared with other global travellers.
- Maximum Capacity: Strictly limited to 10 passengers and 1 expert ranger guide per vehicle.
- The Benefit: This boutique size ensures everyone gets an unobstructed, close-up view of the wildlife, while giving you a wonderful opportunity to swap stories and make lifelong friends with fellow travellers from all over the world.
If you are travelling with a large family or group of friends, we will do our absolute best to group your party together on the same vehicle.