The Garden Route is better know for the big forests than the Big Five, but two new reserves are bringing the best of Africa to this tourist paradise. Sam Robb & Tamryn Bekker hit the N2?

GARDEN ROUTE GAME LODGE
Where?
Approximately three hour?s drive from Cape Town on the N2. Head to Albertinia, and look out for the big gates on your left just five kays after the town.

Scenic location?
A beautiful 5000ha reserve covered in fynbos and other indigenous plant species and situated within the world?s second most moderate climatological area.

What will you see?
All manner of creatures great and small, including elephant, lion, white rhino, buffalo, antelope, bontebok, cheetah, crocodile, giraffe, springbok, wildebeest, zebra and reptiles. The lodge also provides a home to many bird species which are best viewed on foot.

Activities:
Enjoy a guided game drive in open trucks or a guided safari horseback ride. Take an offroad motorcycle ride, or enjoy a thrilling visit to the Reptile Park where their qualified herpetologist will introduce you to 23 different species of snakes. Meet the two male cheetahs and the female with her cubs in the cheetah pen, and top it all off with a night spent star-gazing.

Fun for the whole family?
Yes! The kids will love the interaction with the animals, the extras (see added extras) and the pool area. Children between three and 12 years pay half price for accommodation packages, meals and game drives.

Interaction with the animals?
Children (and daring adults!) can wrap a boa around their necks and cradle the baby tortoises in the reptile park.

Accommodation options:
Sixteen en-suite double rooms are available in the main building leading onto the west-facing porch, which offers sweeping views of the spectacular landscape and African sunsets. Alternatively, guests can choose to stay over in individual log-cabins decorated in a blend of colonial African and modern western styles, all linked together by a boardwalk in a valley overgrown with Aloe and fynbos. All rooms are equipped with televisions and have tea and coffee facilities. MNet and DSTV are available.

Fine dining?
Sophisticated, delicious buffet-style dinners are served around a fire in the indoor boma.

Extras?
No spa as such, but a massage can be arranged and there is a swimming pool and an inviting hot spring. There?s also a great little African curio shop, and a 70-seater conference centre with its own break-away lapa.

Rates:
? May ? September 2005: sharing R625pp (lodge); R795 pp (cabin)
? October 2005 ? April 2006: sharing R940 pp (lodge), R1 100 pp (cabin)
Rates include breakfast and dinner, one morning and one evening game drive.

Contact details:
Telephone (028) 735 1200/1 or visit www.grgamelodge.co.za.

BUFFALO HILLS GAME RESERVE
Where?
Situated on the scenic Garden Route, 480kms from Cape Town (approximately four and a half hours drive). Proceed on the N2 towards Plettenberg Bay, take the R340 off-ramp towards Wittedrift (five kays past Plettenberg Bay) and follow the signage to Buffalo Hills Game Reserve.

Scenic location?
Yes, 1000ha set in the spectacular Bitou River Valley on the glorious Garden Route ? a great destination from which to savour the sights, sounds and flavours of Africa.

What will you see?
Big game such as buffalo (lots of them) and rhino, alongside all the old favourites, including giraffe, leopard, wildebeest, sable antelope, kudu, bontebok, eland, impala, bushbuck and over 150 identified bird species including the African fish eagle, kingfishers and buzzards.

Activities:
Enjoy the scenery and get up close to big game and diverse bird life during informative 4x4 game drives and educational guided nature walks. Take a porteraged hike through the scenic Elephant Gorge on the Ox Wagon Hiking Trail, a historic wagon route culminating in an overnight stay at a luxurious bush chalet. Top it all off with a tour and tasting at the infamous Nyati Distillery.

Fun for the whole family?
An excellent family venue due to its relaxed and friendly vibe. Children under 12 years pay half price.

Interaction with the animals?
Not officially, but the buffalo are so friendly that you might just have them eating out of your hand!

Accommodation options:
The Private Camp offers a choice of four en-suite rooms within Buffalo Lodge, two free-standing luxury en-suite safari tents or two bedrooms at Stone Cottage, a historic homestead with a cosy lounge and fireplace. There?s also the Safari Lodge offering six luxury tented en-suite lodges, either double or twin-bedders with jacuzzi/spa baths.

Fine dining?
Hearty, homemade meals prepared especially for you the traditional South African way on a giant braai. Meals are cooked within the outdoor boma, which is perfectly situated with sweeping views of the animal filled plains below.

Cape Etc.
From the April/May 2005 issue of Cape etc. magazine.
Added extras?
No spa, but there is an inviting outdoor swimming pool to cool off in. A tour and tasting at the Nyati Distillery, where Jack?s infamous Jungle Juice (traditional mampoer pioneered by the Dutch settlers 350 years ago) is produced, is included in every game drive booking.

Rates:
? Until 31 October 2005:
Private Camp: sharing R850 pppn
Safari Lodge: sharing R1000 pp
*Rates include an afternoon safari game drive, distillery tour and tasting, a guided morning walk and dinner, bed and breakfast.

Contact info:
Telephone: (044) 535 9739 or visit www.buffalohills.co.za.