Photos: Pabala Private Nature Reserve
About this place
Pabala Private Nature Reserve is a remarkable private reserve in the Gamtoos Valley (the name means Roaring Lion), between Loerie and Hankey in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, a short drive from Nelson Mandela Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay and the Garden Route, and close to the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve World Heritage Site. Three eco-biomes meet on the reserve, and the birding is a highlight: the reserve calls itself a birder's paradise, with more than 250 species identified. Guided game drives cross plains where the game roams free, guided nature walks explore the bush, and the experiences run from craft gin, rum and vodka tasting with wine and cheese to honey tasting and a close-up bee experience. There is a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and children's play area, plus wedding and conference venues, and the reserve is five minutes from the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance with the largest man-made sundial in Africa.
The accommodation ranges wide: four luxurious 4-star Valley View Suites and a Honeymoon Suite overlooking the plains, bed and breakfast with king-size beds, private balconies and mini bars; the self-catering three-bedroom Stone Cottage sleeping 5; a tented bush camp of permanent twin and family tents on wooden decks with fresh linen and shared ablutions; and four grassed campsites where you pitch your own tent among the wildlife. Pabala is a BirdLife South Africa affiliated property.
Amenities
Braai area
Nature trails
Swimming pool
Cooking basics
Garden
Kettle
Get to know where you stay
Keep exploring
Availability
Any available room
6 rooms, sleeps 2 to 5
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
Select date
November 2026
December 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
6 room types, sleeps 2 to 5
King, convertible to twins · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Luxurious 4-star suite overlooking the reserve plains where the animals roam free, with a king-size bed (convertible to twins), en-suite shower, coffee and tea station, mini bar fridge and private balcony. Bed and breakfast; no self-catering facilities.
4 permanent single beds · 4 guests · 1 bedroom
Furnished family tent nestled in the bush on a wooden deck, with four permanent single beds, fresh linen and towels supplied. The shared ablution blocks have flushing toilets and hot showers. An authentic African bush-under-canvas experience, self-catering.
Bring your own tent · 4 guests
Pitch your own tent on the grass-terraced camping area, kept as natural as possible, with a shared ablution block. Experience the landscape with wild animals close by. Up to 4 guests per site.
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Luxurious 4-star honeymoon suite overlooking the reserve plains, with a king-size bed, en-suite shower, coffee and tea station, mini bar fridge and private balcony. Bed and breakfast; no self-catering facilities.
2 permanent single beds · 2 guests · 1 bedroom
Furnished twin tent on a wooden deck with two permanent single beds, fresh linen and towels supplied. The shared ablution blocks have flushing toilets and hot showers. Self-catering.
Double plus 4 singles across 3 rooms · 5 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms
Self-catering stone cottage with three bedrooms sleeping 5: a double in the main bedroom and single beds in the second and third rooms, with two shower bathrooms. Easily accessible for any vehicle, about 75 m from parking.
Nature
What lives at Pabala Private Nature Reserve
4 animals and 10 birds recorded here or nearby.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Hankey
Important information
Check-in and check-outIn 14:00 · Out 10:00
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in from 14:00 • Check-out by 10:00
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Pabala Private Nature Reserve located?
Pabala Private Nature Reserve is in Hankey, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Pabala Private Nature Reserve?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Contact the host directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
How many guests can Pabala Private Nature Reserve accommodate?
Each room sleeps between 2 and 5 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.
What causes does a booking at Pabala Private Nature Reserve support?
A portion of every booking at Pabala Private Nature Reserve contributes to BirdLife South Africa. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.
How do I book Pabala Private Nature Reserve?
Select your dates on the Pabala Private Nature Reserve property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.
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