Wilderness Walking Trails

Under the guidance of well-trained trail guides, guests will be able to experience the wonders of the reserve’s wilderness areas, where the finer aspects of the bush will be the main focus of the experience. The trail guides will focus on the interpretation of signs and tracks left behind by the animal species occurring on the reserve, as well as the plant and bird species which are so well represented in a unique environment in the Eastern Cape. Opportunity will allow for some of the high-profile species to be observed on foot:  Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion and majestic large Eagles.

Birding Safaris

For guests who are avid birding enthusiasts, and who wish to go on a birding safari, they may choose to embark on a pre-arranged birding outing with the latest in birding technology. This area boasts a bird hide on Cariega Lakes water’s edge, from where a bounty of water birds can be observed as well as a breeding pair of African Fish-Eagles.

Nocturnal Game Drives

Guests can be afforded the opportunity of going on a post dinner nocturnal drive to look for animals of the night. Game viewing vehicles are equipped with spotlights to conduct night drives.

Stargazing

Sit under clear crisp skies and have the universe transcend upon you, as a field Guide interprets the South Celestial Skies, where mythology of constellations are shared. Learn the art of navigation by night, with the interpretation of the Southern Cross or Orion’s Belt. With the aid of wireless technology, the night sky can be unfolded in front of you with the aid of Google astronomy, which shows the universe as it is being seen through cloud cover.

Pangolin Accredited Photographic Safaris

Under the guidance of a qualified Ranger and accredited photo guide, guests will be offered an hour lecture on the do’s and don’ts of wildlife photography (composition, lighting, camera setting, stance, animal behavior and image reviews) fielded by a 3-hour safari experience with a photo guide and use of a DSLR camera + telephoto lens. This includes a free 8GB SD card containing the images captured, presented in a branded card holder.

Bass Fishing

Our Water Lodge is equipped with Bass fishing rods for both Fly Fishing and Bay Casting. Guests can enjoy Bass Fishing on Lake Cariega and will be accompanied by their ranger at all times.

Archery

Under the guidance of a trained Field Guide, guests will be briefed and given a demonstration on the sport of archery after which they may test their abilities at the sport. Buttresses are placed at varying distances to make it a challenging activity to partake in.

Soul Spa & Gym

Our exclusive bush spa caters for your needs with a full range of treatments. Our spa environment invites you to break all connections with time and become one with nature. Our facility has been designed to encourage the flow of air so there is a constant feeling of everything light and airy.

Enjoy the solace of our steam room and outdoor splash pool before your indulgent treatment by one of our highly qualified spa therapists, either in our secluded rooms or outside under the shade of a wild olive tree. For the more active, we have a fully equipped gym which has a 180-degree view of the wild African bush.

*Additional fees for certain activities may occur.

Guest safety is an important factor we take into account. On game drives we are in animal territory, therefore strict rules must apply. The vehicles are open along the sides and at times be quite bumpy. As a result, we’ve put rules in place regarding children under the age of 6.

For their own safety, children under the age of 6 years are not permitted to go on normal big 5 game drives.  Instead their “wild” time includes:

• Kids one-hour game drive after breakfast, with species book.
• Identification of plants and insects around the lodge within the perimeter of the fence.
• Make a plaster cast of findings, each child will be given an insect box to collect findings.
• How to make a fire in the boma including roasting some marshmallows and storytelling.
• Soccer or rugby on the grass at the lodge
• Fishing
• Wildlife & Disney DVD’s in library
• Kids board games available
• Wildlife chocolate molding

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR HUNT

Preparing for your first African Plains Game Safari can be intimidating, but there’s no need to worry. The truth of the matter is that packing for a hunt in Africa isn’t all that difficult. We have worked together with our guides on a checklist for your upcoming hunt.

PRE-HUNT CHECKLIST

• Valid Passport (South Africa requires your passport to be valid for an additional 30 days after your return date to the USA. No exceptions.)
• Airline ticket.
• Proper weapon documentation.
• Email the date and time of arrival to your outfitter for pickup at the airport.
• Inoculation (if needed in the area you are hunting).
• Deposit paid and confirmed.
• Traveler’s checks and enough cash for gifts, tip, etc.
• Travel Insurance.
• See Tips for US Hunters Traveling to Africa on our website: gageoutdoor.com/big-game/africa-hunting-safari/

PERSONAL GEAR

• Camera with extra batteries
• Personal toiletry items including any medication you need
• Chapstick
• Anti-malaria medication
• Good sunscreen lotion
• Good moisturizer
• Insect Repellant
• Rangefinders (8 or 10 power)
• Good binocular
• Good books to read
• Flashlight and/or headlamp
• Electric plug converter(s)
• Small folding knife or multitool

ARCHERY

• Bow (talk to your agent about poundage requirements)
• Arrows and good broadheads (2-3 dozen arrows should be adequate for typical hunt)
• Bow case with locks

SAFARI CLOTHING

Keep it simple. Due to the fact that we have a daily laundry service it is unnecessary to pack large volumes of clothing for your Southern African adventure. Riding in the back of a truck to and from hunting areas can get chilly, so bring a good jacket along. During the day, temperatures should be pleasant.

• 2 pairs of light hunting pants
• 2-3 hunting shirts (dark color or camo)
• 2-3 pairs of socks and underwear
• 1 pair of insulated underwear (tops and bottoms) *we recommend Merino wool
• Light jacket for stopping wind
• Wide brim hat or cap
• Good ankle boots/shoes that are very comfortable (you don’t need heavy mountain boots)
• Comfortable shoes for lounging at the lodge
• Light stocking hat and gloves
• Light rain gear

If you are hunting from May to August, be sure to bring some heavier clothing as well as temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. If you are hunting during this time add the following items:

• 1 pair of insulated hunting pants
• 2 pairs mid-weight socks
• Insulated coat

POST-HUNT CHECKLIST

• Valid Passport
• Airline ticket
• Proper weapon documentation
• Certified copy of your Passport for the taxidermist.
• Tip your Guide and other staff
• Pay trophy fees and final payments for the animals you take from your Safari.
• Make arrangements for your trophies-Taxidermy

Included in your South African Safari are all field preparation of trophies. This includes skinning, caping, salting, tagging of hides, horns, tusks and skins. Also delivery to the local taxidermists. We recommend that the mounting of trophies be done in South Africa as our taxidermists have an intimate knowledge of the animals as well as the skills to do the work best. The turn-around time is far shorter here and the costs are less than to have them mounted in the U.S.A. or Europe.