Crown River Safari is located centrally between the coastal city of Port Elizabeth and smaller coastal towns of Port Alfred and Kenton, as well only a 30min drive to Grahamstown, well known for Rhodes University and The National Arts Festival.
Addo Elephant Park provides Big Five viewing opportunities and is within an hour‘s drive of the Lodge.
Crown River is situated in close proximity to five Big 5 reserves which offer good to excellent open vehicle game viewing of the highest standard in Africa.
Crown River Safari boasts magnificent views of beautiful Yellowwood trees supporting large Crown Eagle and Hammer Kop nests. During October, November and December the nest provides views of parent birds feeding one or two fluffy white chicks. Approximately 400 different bird species frequent the area and will provide hours of viewing pleasure.
The nest has been occupied for 20 years. Guests have the possibility of seeing a Fish Eagle diving and lifting prey from the water, while they relax and enjoy refreshments from the porch at La Boma Lodge.
Courses are adaptable and cater for a wide range of people with various interests. Among other, the experiences could include:
- The unique and diverse ecosystems of South Africa
- Learn about wildlife management and conservation.
- Gain bush survival skills
Improve your general knowledge of the bush - mammals, reptiles and birds, the trees, bushes and grasses of the area. Learn specie identification or tracking skills, take up sound identification courses or experience the Confined Solitary Soul and Sound Exercises guaranteed to heighten your senses.
Suitable for:
- pre-university students (often wanting to study medicine, veterinary science or biology)
- field/nature guides-in-training for FGASA Level 1
- gap year students
- people on career breaks
- adventure seekers
Fresh water fishing is available on the 5km river front around the lodge. The Bushman’s and Kariega rivers offer tidal river fishing.
Rock and surf fishing are available along the pristine beaches and deep sea fishing is also offered from Port Alfred - a 45 minute drive away.
Experience the challenge of passive capture or darting animals with a qualified state veterinarian. (Pre-booking is essential.)
Meander your way through the small coastal towns that mark the Garden Route, with the warm Indian Ocean never far from you. The route takes you over some breath-taking rivers and ravines, while taking in the tall Yellowwood forests and green canopies.
For the adventurer and thrill-seeker, why not take the plunge of Bloukraans Bungee, the highest free-fall bungee-jump in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors to Cango Caves and Oudtshoorn can enjoy stalactites, stalacmites and even ride an ostrich.
There are 6 top rated golf courses within 30 to 90 minutes drive of Crown River Safari Lodge. Playing any of these eighteen holes will provide challenges but ensures views to replenish the soul.
- Bushman’s Sands Golf Course
- Royal Port Alfred Golf Course
- Fish River Sun Golf Course
- Port Elizabeth Golf Course
- Humewood Golf Course
- Belmont Golf Course
Oldenburgia Hiking Trail covers an area of 6000 ha and provides the hiker with a variety of interesting sights and sounds.
A number of good hiking trails exist within 60km of the lodge, example Alexandria State Forest
Famous historic forts originally positioned along the banks of the Great Fish River in order to act as early warning signals and barriers to raiding Xhosa tribes tell their own stories while the local historian regales with anecdotes of battles fought and won, embroidering the views of various resident tribes and long-established settlers.
This can be arranged both on the property and along the beautiful shoreline of the Eastern Cape coast.
Splendid opportunities, whether historical or natural abound. Crown River Safaris, the bordering State Reserve, the tidal Kariega and Bushman Rivers and sea side resorts of Port Alfred, Kenton on sea, Riet River and Kasouga, offer creative opportunities for the keen photographer.
The Addo Elephant and Alexandria State Forest Reserves provide additional not-to-be-missed excursions less than an hour from the lodge.
Take a leisurely stroll through Settlers Park or shop-up a storm at the various shopping malls.
Both, Port Alfred 70km and Port Elizabeth 130km from the lodge, have diving facilities should you wish to participate in an underwater experience.
Penguin and seal viewing can be arranged on request.
Looking for a truly unique South African experience? Let us assist you in preparing and delivering the most memorable trip, one you'll surely wish to repeat again and again.
Enjoy arguably the most beautiful city in the World, Cape Town whilst you travel from the West Coast of South Africa en-route to the East Coast and Crown River Safari.
Cable-car your way up to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. If heights aren't your cup-of-tea, take the ferry across to Robben Island, another World Heritage site. Visit the famous prison that once housed the late Nelson Mandela.
Bathe in two different oceans, just a few kilometres apart. Go shark cage diving with Great Whites and then warm up with delicious wine tasting and fine dining experiences throughout the Cape Winelands.
Have a "whale" of a time in Hermanus, while watching Southern Right Whales frolicking in Walker Bay.
Build up experience and expose yourself to the requirements and knowledge of running and working on a sustainable game ranch.
