Step away from the city’s hum and immerse yourself in the soulful rhythm of the Eastern Cape at Pabala Private Nature Reserve. Nestled between rugged mountains and the sparkling coastline near Hankey, this malaria-free reserve offers a full-day escape filled with nature, flavours, and quiet adventure.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the Gamtoos Valley, where fertile farmlands merge with untamed bushveld. At Pabala, you’re welcomed by birdsong, wide horizons, and the scent of wildflowers drifting in the breeze.
The day unfolds in three memorable chapters. First, discover the magic of bees with an interactive honey-tasting experience, where you’ll learn how indigenous flora shapes the unique character of each golden drop. Following a light, locally inspired lunch with panoramic views of the Cockscomb Mountain, the mood shifts to botanicals. Sip and savour locally distilled gins, each infused with floral, herbal, and citrus notes that capture the essence of the region.
As the sun lowers, a guided game drive takes you across diverse landscapes of grassland and thicket. With an expert guide leading the way, quietly track giraffe, zebra, springbok, wildebeest, eland, and nyala, while keeping watch for smaller mammals and a colourful array of birdlife. Along the way, hear the stories of Pabala’s thriving ecosystem and its dedicated conservation efforts.
This is more than a tour, it’s a chance to slow down, savour handcrafted flavours, and reconnect with nature’s stillness. Experience the true taste and tranquillity of the Eastern Cape at Pabala Private Nature Reserve.
09:30 – Departure from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Your day begins with a collection from the harbour or your accommodation in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), followed by a scenic drive through the picturesque Gamtoos Valley as you head towards the tranquil Pabala Private Nature Reserve. Along the way, admire the rolling hills and expansive farmlands of the Eastern Cape.
11:00 – 12:30 | Honey Tasting Experience
Your adventure starts with a sweet introduction to the fascinating world of bees. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, discover the vital role bees play in the ecosystem and the art of honey production. Sample a variety of honey flavours, each shaped by the indigenous flora of the reserve, and learn how the environment influences every golden drop.
13:00 – 14:00 | Light Lunch
Savour a light, locally inspired lunch in a peaceful outdoor setting. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the reserve and overlooking the Cockscomb Mountain, take in the views as you relax and recharge for the afternoon’s experiences.
14:30 – 15:30 | Gin Tasting Experience
After lunch, indulge in a guided gin-tasting session. Sample locally distilled gins infused with indigenous botanicals that capture the unique essence of the region. Learn about the distillation process, explore flavour profiles, and personalise your drinks with a selection of tonics and garnishes, all while enjoying the reserve’s stunning surroundings.
16:00 – 18:00 | Game Drive
Conclude your day with an unforgettable guided game drive across Pabala’s diverse landscapes.
Journey through savannahs, grasslands, and wooded areas in search of giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, eland, impala, nyala, springbok, and an abundance of birdlife and smaller mammals. As you traverse the reserve, your guide will share fascinating insights about the wildlife, their behaviours, and the ongoing conservation efforts that make this reserve unique.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the bushveld, capture the perfect photos of this serene African wilderness.
18:00 – Return Journey
After the game drive, leave Pabala and enjoy a comfortable journey back to Gqeberha, taking with you unforgettable memories of a day full of flavour, wildlife encounters, and peaceful Eastern Cape beauty.
Terms and Conditions Apply
Rates (Per Person in ZAR)
1 November 2024 – 31 October 2025
Wildlife Sightings Disclaimer
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. While the reserve is home to the Big Five and a diverse array of animals, all sightings are subject to the unpredictable nature of wildlife and cannot be guaranteed.
✔ Passport or ID (or a copy)
✔ Sunscreen, Sunglasses & hat
✔ Camera or Binoculars
✔ Due to the climate of the Eastern Cape, we can experience extremes of both hot and cold in every season.
✔ Extra drinking water if required
✔ Pickup and drop-off
✔ Air-conditioned vehicle
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Conservation fees and Game Drive Fees
✔ Game Drive in an Open Game Drive Vehicle
✔ A bottle of mineral water at the start of the tour
✔ Honey tasting and Honey Educational
✔ Mini jarred Honey Samples
✔ Light lunch
✔ Complimentary Coffee & Tea station at The Venue
✔ Express Craft Gin tasting and Gin Education
✔ English-speaking Safari guide
✔ 2-Hour Game Drive in an Open Safari Vehicle
✘ Tips and gratuities
✘ Personal expenses
✘ Activities not mentioned
✘ Accommodation
✘ Meals & beverages not mentioned.
✘ Gin samples
✘ Items of a personal nature
Disclaimer:
The client shall not hold any claim against Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd, our partners or employees for any injury, loss, accident, discomfort or inconvenience that may have been caused to the client’s self/partner/children/family members or friends on any tour or transfer including against any of his/her/their property and/or belongings from any cause whatsoever whether occasioned by any act, neglect or default of Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd or our service providers, employees or associates or by any act of God, nature, theft or civil commotion/disruption. The client in whole hereby indemnifies Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd against any such claim and hereby holds Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd harmless in all respect thereof.
