Giraffe Tracking 4x4 Safari in Bellevue Forest Reserve

Walk quietly through the bush and track giraffes in their forest habitat

Giraffe Tracking 4x4 Safari is a guided wildlife tour at Bellevue Forest Reserve, a 2,500-hectare private game reserve in the Greater Addo region near Port Elizabeth, where you drive through the Addo Valley Bushveld spotting zebra, kudu and antelope, then walk on foot to track giraffes with a FGASA-trained armed guide. Groups stay under 10 people. The tour runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes and includes coffee, tea and bottled water. Breakfast or sundowners follow at the lodge depending on whether you book the morning or afternoon departure.

The experience

The safari starts with a 4x4 drive through Bellevue's landscapes, where you'll spot zebra, kudu, impala, springbuck, warthogs, meerkats and various antelope species moving through the reserve. The real draw comes next: you step out and walk quietly through the bush itself, tracking giraffes in their forest habitat with a guide trained in wilderness safety and animal behavior. This is not a vehicle-based viewing. You're on the ground, moving at the pace the animals set, which changes everything about how close you get to understanding them.

The guide handles the tracking and the navigation. Your job is to move quietly and watch. The walk lasts roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes total, including the 4x4 portion. Afterward you return to the lodge, where the morning groups sit down to breakfast at the Eagles Nest Lookout Lounge and the afternoon groups settle in for sundowners in the bush: both moments built into the booking so you're not left figuring out what comes next. Coffee and tea are ready when you arrive, and bottled water travels with you through the reserve.

The 15:30 afternoon departure is the only option listed, so book that time slot. Infants can ride in a stroller during the 4x4 portion but will need to sit on an adult's lap during the walk itself. The reserve advises against this tour if you have spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns, since the terrain and the pace of the walk are real physical demands, not extreme, but steady.

What’s included

• Coffee and tea on arrival.
• bottled water during the safari.
• breakfast at the Eagles Nest Lookout Lounge (morning departures) or sundowners in the bush (afternoon departures).
• expert guide trained in wilderness safety and giraffe tracking.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Child (under 4)

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bellevue Forest Reserve

Is this one for you?The afternoon 15:30 departure is the only option, so book that time if it fits your day in the Greater Addo region. The small group size, maximum 10 people, and the on-foot walking component mean you're moving at the pace the animals set rather than staying in a vehicle, which changes how close you get to the giraffes and the reserve itself.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

12 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I actually see on the giraffe tracking safari?

The 4x4 drive typically brings zebra, kudu, impala, springbuck, warthogs, meerkats and various antelope species into view. The walk itself focuses on tracking giraffes in the forest, which is the core of the experience: the other wildlife sightings come during the vehicle portion.

How long is the walk on foot versus time in the 4x4?

The whole experience runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish, combining both the drive and the on-foot tracking. The guide sets the pace based on where the giraffes are and the terrain, so the split between vehicle and walking time varies by day.

What's included after the safari ends?

You return to the lodge for either breakfast (morning departures) or sundowners in the bush (afternoon departures), both included with your booking. Coffee, tea and bottled water are provided throughout the tour.

Who leads the safari and what's their training?

A FGASA-trained armed trails guide leads the group, which stays at a maximum of 10 people. FGASA certification is the professional standard for wilderness guides in South Africa, covering animal behavior, safety and tracking skills.