Sibuya River Camp
A fascinating 11km boat-ride up the Estuary from the seaside village of Kenton-on-Sea brings you to the jetty at River Camp. Only four spacious luxury en-suite tents skilfully hidden in the riverine forest maximize privacy for each tent and ensure an exclusive and personalised experience. Every tent has its own cosy fireplace to ensure a snuggly warm environment on chillier nights. Professional and passionate staff ensure a time to be spoilt and make memories to treasure. The Camp recommended for families with children visiting Sibuya. These enormous 75 m2 tents with sleeper couches that convert to two single beds for children sharing, ensure plenty of space for the whole family.
River Camp at Sibuya, Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa
Malaria-free Sibuya Game Reserve is an eco-destination which is positioned on the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape, approximately 130 kms from Port Elizabeth or East London. Guests are welcomed at Sibuya’s Reception which is situated near the Kariega River mouth in the small seaside town of Kenton-on-Sea, where safe parking is provided. The adventure starts with a gentle meandering 11km boat transfer from the River mouth and Kenton’s idyllic Blue Flag beaches, up the stunning Kariega River Estuary to the Reserve, setting the tone for the unique experience to follow – from the Ocean to the Bush.
Sibuya Game Reserve incorporates the unique East Cape Valley Bushveld, Grasslands and Coastal Forests. Antelope abound, including the rare Bontebok and Oribi. Elephants, Giraffe and Zebra silhouetted against an Indian Ocean backdrop complete a truly memorable picture. Here is just an overview of the activities available
- Game Drives
- Birding
- River Cruises
- Fishing
- Beach Walks
- Canoeing
- Fly Fishing
- Swimming
Discretely tucked into a small forest on the river bank, each tented room has been designed with its own unique layout in order to avoid felling trees and to protect as much of the site as possible. A light and airy design lets nature’s sights and sounds flood into the generously proportioned guest areas, creating a sense of oneness with Nature. Ground level pathways and large fold-out sofa beds make River Camp particularly well-suited for those with children sharing with their parents. Located on an ancient floodplain where an oxbow will one day form, the Camp affords views of the river from its secluded decks.
At Sibuya actively attempt to limit carbon footprint. As plastic bottles from bottled water constitute one of the largest sources of pollutants in the world today, Sibuya actively discourage their use whilst resident with us. All guests are issued with a reusable “Sibuya” bottle and are asked that they support us in Sibuya’s quest to reduce pollution and our carbon footprint by refilling these bottles with purified spring water rather than using the disposable commercial bottles of water.
In March 2016, Sibuya suffered a horrific poaching attack and three of our rhino were slaughtered and their horns removed despite the best efforts of our Anti-Poaching Unit. We cannot offer a true Big5 experience without Rhino so by necessity have to dramatically increase our protective capabilities to protect these magnificent animals. We ask all our guests to please partner with us in this effort to protect our rhino and the species as a whole.
As Sibuya is an Eco destination, the camps are run almost exclusively on solar power unless the weather interferes, then there is gas backup. Sibuya has a light footprint, light pollution is kept to a minimum, energy efficient lighting and solar lamps enhance the atmosphere. There is no WIFI, television, air conditioning, electric fans and only intermittent mobile signal – we encourage our guest to enjoy the nature around them.
Sibuya makes every effort to accommodate families with children. However, in the interests of other guests, we reserve the right to place families with young children in River Camp, which is far better suited to children than Forest Camp. Special meals for children are offered, on request, in River Camp only. Camps are not recommended for children under 3 years, due to the raised decks and proximity to the river. Children from 3 years up to 12 years of age may share with adults at 50 % of the adult rate, in River Camp. For guests comfort we recommended no more than 2 children per tent.
Children from 12 years and older, will be charged the full adult rate whether sharing with parents or staying in a separate tent Baby-sitting facilities are offered in River Camp at a nominal extra charge. We strongly recommend that parents with young children make use of this service to allow them time off to enjoy game drives. Standard game drives are not suitable for children under 6 years, due to the 3 hour duration; guests wishing to take young children on a game drive may book a private vehicle at a nominal extra charge.