Join me on an incredible journey through the stunning Schotia Game Reserve in South Africa. In this blog, I share my experience of going on safari in the enchanting Schotia Game Reserve — a beautiful destination located near Port Elizabeth. This reserve is famous for offering a unique opportunity to see many of the Big Five up close, and it is also South Africa’s oldest private game reserve with nearly 2,000 animals!
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Schotia Game Reserve as an alternative to Addo Elephant Park
The safari drives in Schotia Game Reserve are truly unique as this is a private park. The animals are completely wild, but populations are monitored to maintain balance — a common practice in South Africa.
Schotia is a great alternative to the more famous Addo Elephant Park, which directly borders it. Because Schotia is less well-known, it’s also much less crowded, offering a more personal safari experience.
Enjoy your South African safari in this self-declared malaria-free reserve, often described as one of the most densely populated private reserves in Africa. With more than 40 mammal species and about 2,000 animals, you can spot wildlife all year round.
Meet 4 of the Big Five
The Schotia Game Reserve guarantees encounters with the animals that make South Africa so special. From lions and giraffes to hippos — you’ll see them all in this reserve. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll get the chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Our guide took the time to explain animal behavior in detail, and we noticed how carefully they monitor the animals’ actions. After all, they remain wild animals!
Can you spot the full Big Five here? The term “Big Five” was originally coined by hunters to describe the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today, it’s mainly used by travelers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Big Five consists of:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Rhinoceros
- Buffalo
The name has nothing to do with their size but with the risk and effort it once took to hunt them. And admit it — when you think of a safari in South Africa, seeing the Big Five is probably on your bucket list. In Schotia, however, you can see four of them; leopards sometimes wander in through the fences, but sightings are very rare.
Sadly, poaching still happens here
Despite the reserve being fenced off, Schotia has also suffered from the devastating effects of poaching. The park used to have two rhinos — a male and a female — both of which were killed for their horns shortly before our visit. It was heartbreaking to see, yet it reflects the sad reality in parts of South Africa. As of 2023, there are no living rhinos left in Schotia. The reserve is currently raising funds to reintroduce the species in the near future.
Sunset and night game drive: an absolute must
One thing that makes Schotia special is the chance to go on a night game drive. As the day winds down, you’re treated to one of the most magical sights nature has to offer — a South African sunset. The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in warm, glowing colors. You can see it in the photo at the top of this blog.
Before heading out for the night drive, you’ll enjoy a delicious South African barbecue and a drink. Once darkness falls, the adventure continues. The guide hands one person a large spotlight, and together you search for animals — a thrilling activity since many animals only become active after dark!
We were lucky enough to spot a male lion first, which later went looking for his mate and cubs. Watching such a majestic lion walking right past our jeep in the twilight — heading back to his family — was truly unforgettable.
Staying overnight in Schotia Game Reserve
Would you like to spend the night surrounded by wildlife? At Schotia Game Reserve, it’s possible! You’ll find tents and family-friendly lodges available. I didn’t stay overnight myself, so I can’t share that experience, but you can find more information on the official Schotia Game Reserve website.
In short, a safari at Schotia Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s one of the gems along South Africa’s southern coast. Many visitors also head to the famous Kruger Park, which is much larger, but Schotia offers a far denser concentration of wildlife. We had an unforgettable time at this incredible safari experience!
