Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve
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Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve
N10, Paterson, Sundays River Valley 6130 South Africa
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About
4.5
#1 of 1 resort in PatersonLocation
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HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Property amenities
Free parking
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Entertainment staff
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Location
N10, Paterson, Sundays River Valley 6130 South Africa
Getting there
Port Elizabeth Airport
54.2 km•
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Car Hire
5 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
2 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
341Reviews10Q+A34Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
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Detailed Reviews
+1
Wow, what can I say, this was an absolutely amazing day into the early evening so well worth it, we visited Addo in the morning and then in the afternoon we were taken on the tooth and claw tour. All day refreshments were served in between lunch and supper around the lapa.
So well organised we saw so many animals. The icing on the cake was the lions, including 3 cubs at the waterhole.
Scott was our ranger and continued to inform us about all the animals we saw on the tour. We were in an open jeep of 8 people in our group. So knowledgeable and answered many questions too. He also picked us up early and dropped us off at the end of the day. It was a long hot day but so well worth it. The supper was brilliant and it was nice to all meet up at the end of the day.
So well organised we saw so many animals. The icing on the cake was the lions, including 3 cubs at the waterhole.
Scott was our ranger and continued to inform us about all the animals we saw on the tour. We were in an open jeep of 8 people in our group. So knowledgeable and answered many questions too. He also picked us up early and dropped us off at the end of the day. It was a long hot day but so well worth it. The supper was brilliant and it was nice to all meet up at the end of the day.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome and complete experience when doing the overnight option! Convinient shuttle service to jeffreys bay. Amusing ride with Ed and Phillip! Fontain our ranger calmly lead us through the reserve and handeled close situations with animals very well. No leopards but the feeling of a dense wildlife makes up for it. Since there are fences it is nothing compared to a big national park but still the animals are free roaming which is beautiful to see! My personal favoutite were the elefants with Baas in musk at night at the pond doing there thing! Met the owner Mr. Bean, a hard working man, trying to ensure the preservation of wildlife and rhinos, and giving that experience to people in the shortest time possible.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This wonderful, family-run reserve puts the focus of wildlife without the frills. Our knowledgable guide helped us spot lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, kudus, and many more! The game drives were in open vehicles which allowed for close (but safe) encounters with the animals. We stayed in a very comfortable bush lodge and the hospitality was excellent. We highly recommend this private game reserve!
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So much to say about this amazing two day stay at Schotia. We had read all of the reviews and felt confident that we had booked the experience for us and in reality it proved better than we could have dreamed of. From the friendly check-in process that was informative and clear onwards, it was professional, fun and exciting.
You need to be prepared for a pretty intensive set of game drives, but the time flies by as you experience amazing moment after amazing moment. From night drives where we watched the elephants at the water hole, to the roar of the male lion as he wandered away disdainfully from us at night, the whole experience was pure joy.
We were there for New Year and the glass of sparkling wine to toast the New Year was a nice touch. The dinner experience was, after having read some reviews, much better than I expected and was a relaxed, fun way to end a long day. Wholesome, hearty, family fare.
Zane our guide worked tirelessly to make sure we saw what WE wanted as well as going the extra mile to make sure we didn’t miss anything he felt we should see. On the first night there I discovered on getting back to our room that my wallet had fallen out my pocket somewhere on the drive. Zane arrived next morning with it in his hand having driven the route in the earlier hours of the next morning to find it and return it. A gent and a hero!
Some reviews question the authenticity of a private reserve and I get that, but this place delivers in everything it does and gave us two wonderful days which we will always remember.
Like all businesses, the reserve has been impacted by Covid and I would urge you to go along and experience the hospitality, sights and sounds (there is nothing like lying in your bed at night and hearing the slow rumbling roar of the lions) of Schotia at an amazingly reasonable price (especially for those coming from the UK).
This should be an essential part of your garden route trip. Addo close by is also a good experience, but the close-up experience and number of animals you get to see at Schotia make it a must-do.
You need to be prepared for a pretty intensive set of game drives, but the time flies by as you experience amazing moment after amazing moment. From night drives where we watched the elephants at the water hole, to the roar of the male lion as he wandered away disdainfully from us at night, the whole experience was pure joy.
We were there for New Year and the glass of sparkling wine to toast the New Year was a nice touch. The dinner experience was, after having read some reviews, much better than I expected and was a relaxed, fun way to end a long day. Wholesome, hearty, family fare.
Zane our guide worked tirelessly to make sure we saw what WE wanted as well as going the extra mile to make sure we didn’t miss anything he felt we should see. On the first night there I discovered on getting back to our room that my wallet had fallen out my pocket somewhere on the drive. Zane arrived next morning with it in his hand having driven the route in the earlier hours of the next morning to find it and return it. A gent and a hero!
Some reviews question the authenticity of a private reserve and I get that, but this place delivers in everything it does and gave us two wonderful days which we will always remember.
Like all businesses, the reserve has been impacted by Covid and I would urge you to go along and experience the hospitality, sights and sounds (there is nothing like lying in your bed at night and hearing the slow rumbling roar of the lions) of Schotia at an amazingly reasonable price (especially for those coming from the UK).
This should be an essential part of your garden route trip. Addo close by is also a good experience, but the close-up experience and number of animals you get to see at Schotia make it a must-do.
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: All the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and kind, but Zane was outstanding.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent nearly 24 hours at Schotia after 2 days/nights in the Addo park. Schotia borders Addo, is smaller but is home to a wider variety of animal life. Most of the road is "off road", providing a maximum viewing experience. We did an overnight there, including the Tooth/Claw safari and our guide, Zane was fabulous. His insightful and knowledgable guiding was very appreciated with a few witty jokes and comments to always keep the mood light and positive. This venue has a huge heart -- the owner and his family serve the dinner braai (INCREDIBLE including wildebeast) and the owner and son drove around in separate vehicles hunting down buffalo, ellies and lions for us. Great sightings despite some inclement weather - but Schotia provides panchos and blankets so it's (mostly) bearable. My sister visiting from California was absolutely ecstatic about this experience and adventure.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
We had a three day period to Safari on our fly drive through the Cape. Having been through the first 2 days we had only encountered one of the big five at two other reserves.
These guys really delivered we got to see everything except the leopard. Plus loads more including giraffes, crocodiles and Hippos.
The reserve is not massive and it’s extremely well stocked so your chances of sightings are far better than the other reserves.
All the guides work together to ensure the best experience for their guests. Our guide Phillip was brilliant - very informative and a great sense of humour.
Our evening meal was good with a choice of meats and vegetables.
Phillip rounded it off with a quiz to see if the group has taken in some of the knowledge that he had imparted throughout the day. He was Witty and nothing too difficult.
All in all a day to remember.
Thanks Schotia Safaris 👍
These guys really delivered we got to see everything except the leopard. Plus loads more including giraffes, crocodiles and Hippos.
The reserve is not massive and it’s extremely well stocked so your chances of sightings are far better than the other reserves.
All the guides work together to ensure the best experience for their guests. Our guide Phillip was brilliant - very informative and a great sense of humour.
Our evening meal was good with a choice of meats and vegetables.
Phillip rounded it off with a quiz to see if the group has taken in some of the knowledge that he had imparted throughout the day. He was Witty and nothing too difficult.
All in all a day to remember.
Thanks Schotia Safaris 👍
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
We had an amazing experience at the afternoon safari at Schotias. The guide ( i forgot his name, but he told me, he only comes in when it gets busy and i do believe his name starts with M) was lovely and super insightful. We were lucky enough to have a car for ourselves and got to see most animals. The food was nice and offered besides meat also se butternut and broccoli which was good as i dont eat meat. Once it got dark our guide asked us if we wanted to check for lions again, as we were a small group and quite quickly done with the dinner. We found 3 of them snuggeling which was definitely the highlight of the day for me ( besides getting super close to the elephant family!). Great value for money!
Thanks for a great day ;)
Thanks for a great day ;)
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
best game drive ever knowlegable friendly staff that are determined to conserve the animals. Zane was our guide he was great he was determined for us to see all of the animals possible andput much time into tracking down the male lion.he was our last find for the day and what a great one.bring a jacket for the evening. the nighttime fire and candlelight for the dinner very nice and inviting.we also purched a beautiful charcoal drawing of elephants there. great value and a stupen dous time.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: bring a coat as drive may get cold after dark
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Took some friends from abroad to visit Schotia safaris,What an absolute treat! So many animals close up ,we took loads of pics.
Our tour guide Zane 😊 was Very informative and we learned so much from all his experience and knowledge. After our game drive we were treated to a Braai that we will never forget, delicious!!! We ate like kings surrounded by warm fires and parafine lamps,great ambience.
Nick the local artist, blew us away with his charcoal drawings and prints for sale, Very upmarket and stylish.
Worth a vissit,you won't be disappointed.
Thank you Peter, Family and staff for your great hospitality
From Ursula & our tourist friends
Raggy Charters
Our tour guide Zane 😊 was Very informative and we learned so much from all his experience and knowledge. After our game drive we were treated to a Braai that we will never forget, delicious!!! We ate like kings surrounded by warm fires and parafine lamps,great ambience.
Nick the local artist, blew us away with his charcoal drawings and prints for sale, Very upmarket and stylish.
Worth a vissit,you won't be disappointed.
Thank you Peter, Family and staff for your great hospitality
From Ursula & our tourist friends
Raggy Charters
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely superb experience. Our guide Zane went out of his way to ensure we saw some amazing sights and animals, and was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining throughout. A perfect way to see South African wildlife at its best, ending in a fireside dinner listening to a lion roar in the distance! 10 out of 10
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes. They have winter tours. I was on one in August. 2000 R is price and calling was easy.
Check the local weather forecast ( around Port Elizabeth ). It is their winter, but is likely to be dry, bright and warm during the day time. However, when the sun goes down, it can get really cold. It did whilst we were there at the end of June and we were up to 5 layers of clothing on the night drive, and still cold. So, be prepared. The rangers carry heavy Poncho's on the trucks if you get too cold, and we needed them. Also, we wore mainly walking gear and found this to be perfect, strong shoes etc.
Hope this helps.
No problem at all, we drove back at 10 pm. Use main road not dirt track on map!
I did the full day with evening ...which included a morning drive through Addoo Park, lunch, the afternoon and evening in Schotia Park including dinner. This came in at R2500 pp (approx £140 each). Well worth it.... The prices above were in August '17, they might be different in high season.
You can call them on the tele and book it!
"The tents have a certain 'lion atmosphere' which is thrilling - I loved it."Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
schotia safaris private game reserve hotel port elizabeth
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeGreater AddoSundays River ValleyPaterson
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Frequently Asked Questions about Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve
What are some of the property amenities at Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.