Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve

Schotia Safaris

If you are staying near Addo, this is a good day safari to combine with a visit to Addo Elephant Park. It’s not the most ‘exclusive’ of experiences. It focuses mainly on day visitors. But we do recommend it for families. And anyone short on time or money to stay at one of the private game reserves.

Schotia Safaris is the oldest private game viewing reserve in the Eastern Cape and borders the eastern side of Addo Elephant National Park. This malaria free reserve is fairly densely stocked with over 40 mammal species. Including free-roaming lion which are often seen on their game drives.

They offer two options:
• Afternoon Tooth and Claw game drive
• Full day visit. Combining a morning tour of Addo Elephant park followed by lunch and then their afternoon game drive

Schotia Tooth & Claw Tour

This is a 4 hour guided game drive in an open Land Rover. With a short refreshments break at the halfway point. They try to show you as much as possible on a drive. And concentrate on the popular sightings rather than ‘the birds and the bees’. After the game drive, you enjoy a delicious dinner prepared over an open fire. A short, spot-lit night drive provides the possibility of seeing some of the nocturnal animals as you return to the reception area. The safari begins at 2.30pm and usually finishes around 8.45pm when you are returned to your vehicle at the office.

This tour is currently approx R2,000 per person but this is subject to change.

Combined Addo & Schotia Day safari

Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed in 1931 to provide a safe haven for the few wild elephants who survived government-sponsored culling to remove them. Today the elephants number in their hundreds, thanks to the unique vegetation type, valley bushveld. The thick, impenetrable vegetation has not only provided protection for the elephants and buffalo in the area. But also provided a rich food source.

The morning tour concentrates on finding and viewing elephants. With knowledgeable guides interpreting behaviour and giving a detailed insight into the private life of elephants. Buffalo sightings are a definite bonus as are other plains game. Afterwards you return to Schotia Game Reserve for lunch prior to the start of the afternoon game drive on the Schotia in search of some real, up-close game viewing.

Overnight stays – Schotia also has some 1 or 2 night programmes which combine an afternoon game drive on Schotia with a morning game drive in the nearby Addo Elephant Park. You stay overnight in their modest but affordable lodge. This is a great option if you have little time and have only a night to have a safari experience, or if you have enjoyed a safari elsewhere but want a taste of the Eastern Cape as well.

Please note: The price mentioned above is for the Schotia Tooth & Claw Tour with return transfers from your hotel in either Addo or Port Elizabeth at 9 am. You are returned to your hotel after dinner at approx 9.30 pm.