Open-air safari and real braai lunch in one day. This Schotia full day trip is built for wildlife viewing in the next-door big league of open safari vehicle sightlines, and it also feeds you with a traditional braai lunch picnic. I love the clear views from the customized open-air setup, and I love that the meal is not an afterthought. One thing to plan for is weather. You’ll be out for hours, including after lunch when temperatures can dip, so bring that warm top even if the morning looks fine.

The bigger reason this safari feels different is how it’s organized around animal encounters. You’re guided in a way that reduces the crowding you often see at sightings, and you’ll also have a shot at animals you might miss if you only stick to Addo Elephant National Park. Plus, the day is led by an English-speaking guide who can handle wildlife and the cooking side, and guides like Joel Manjoko get real praise for staying attentive and safe even when the sky turns rainy.

Key highlights to watch for

• Open safari vehicle sightlines that make it easier to spot and photograph animals without fighting for angles
• Less traffic at sightings thanks to a model that avoids self-drive chaos and keeps animals calmer
• Tea at 10:00 with traditional rusks served in a huge open-air lapa
• Lunch braai picnic with three grilled meats plus plant-based grilled alternatives if you let them know first
• Chapter 3 predator and scavenger time with a drive that wraps up around 5:00 at sunset

Schotia Safari, Big 5 chances, and why the “next to Addo” part matters

Schotia Private Game Reserve sits right next to Addo Elephant National Park, so you get that same broad sense of Eastern Cape safari country. The key difference is how Schotia runs the day. This is not the typical self-drive vibe. You go out in a customized open safari vehicle with a professional guide, which helps the whole experience feel more focused and less stop-start.

For me, the most practical advantage is variety. Yes, the big target is the Big 5. But Schotia also gives you a meaningful shot at species that are not found in Addo Elephant National Park. The tour specifically highlights white rhinoceros, giraffe, hippopotamus, crocodile, wildebeest, and rare antelopes like sable. That matters because it changes what you end up seeing, not just how you see it.

If your trip to South Africa is limited to a few safari days, this is the kind of outing that helps you avoid the “we saw elephants again” problem. You’re aiming to cover predators and scavengers too, which usually means more movement and more chances for interesting behavior, like feeding, calling, or scanning for danger.

Your day’s timing, pick-up options, and what to expect in the morning

You’ll start either from Port Elizabeth or directly at Schotia, depending on where you’re staying.

If you’re in Port Elizabeth, pick-up is at 08:00. If you’re staying outside Port Elizabeth and along the way, you’ll meet at 9:00 at the Schotia reception next to the N10 close to the Nanaga Farm Stall. From there, you’ll handle admin and rest rooms, then hop on the Open Safari Vehicle.

This may sound like logistics, but it affects your odds. Getting onto the vehicle at a steady time helps you use the morning light, when many animals are more active and when the savanna feels crisp and readable for spotting. And because the day is designed for land guests, the flow is built around group pacing rather than last-minute arrivals.

Once you’re underway, the tour is described in three “chapters,” which is a nice way to mentally slice the day. You’re not just on a long drive, hoping for the best. You get structured stops, including a tea break and a braai-style lunch picnic that keeps you comfortable and fueled.

Chapter 1: the early safari drive and the animal mix beyond Addo

The first safari chapter is designed to increase your chances of seeing wild animals freely roaming in Schotia, described as an older private game reserve right next to Addo. The “right next to” matters, but the “private reserve rules” matter more. The tour calls out that public tourists are not allowed to self-drive, which means less vehicle congestion at sightings.

In plain terms, that usually leads to calmer animals. When fewer vehicles pile up at the same spot, animals often behave more naturally instead of tensing up and shifting positions just to escape traffic. For you, it can mean longer, clearer viewing windows and less time watching other vehicles instead of the wildlife.

This chapter also targets a set of animals that are specifically noted as possible on this route. Expect a real chance at giraffe, and keep your eyes open for white rhinoceros. The tour also mentions hippo, crocodile, wildebeest, sable antelope, and other members of the Big 5.

Can you guarantee Big 5? No safari can. But the tour is built around the right logic: use the morning for wide-ranging sighting chances, then build in breaks and refreshment so you keep your energy for the afternoon when predators and scavengers may pick up.

The 10:00 tea and rusks break in a huge open-air lapa

At 10:00, you stop for tea or coffee served with traditional rusks, which are a hard homemade biscuit. The break happens in the comfort of a huge open-air lapa, described as one of the largest in South Africa.

This stop is not just a pause. It’s also a reset for your eyes. During the drive, you’re scanning constantly. After a while, it’s easy to feel like everything looks the same. A proper hot drink break helps you start the next stretch more alert, and rusks are one of those local touches that feel genuinely South African rather than packaged tourist snack food.

Also, an open-air lapa is a smart call. You get a real sense of the reserve without being shut inside, and you can still enjoy air flow and the big outdoor sounds without overheating.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets restless in vehicles, this break is a good pressure release. It also sets you up for the next segment, which ends around 12:00 for the first main stretch.

Chapter 2 lunch: braai picnic cooking, three meats, and plant-based options

After the tea break, you continue the safari until around 12:00, then lunch is the centerpiece. The tour describes a lunch picnic served in the form of a traditional South African braai, cooked in a lapa setup. Your nature guide doubles as a chef, and that matters because it keeps food preparation connected to the outing instead of feeling like a random stop at a restaurant.

The braai is made using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. The tour specifies a variety of three grilled meats, and it also offers vegetarian and vegan plant-based grilled alternatives if you let them know about diets and allergies in advance.

This is one of those details that changes the vibe of the day. When meals are predictable, everyone enjoys the safari more. If you’re plant-based, you’ll want to message or notify the operator ahead of time, because the meal service depends on knowing your needs.

Another part I like: during lunch preparation, guests are welcome to assist, and you can take photos while the cooking is happening. The tour even frames this as a cook show you can join. It’s a fun way to make lunch a memorable moment instead of a quick fuel stop.

And yes, you’ll be there while it’s cooking, so bring patience and an appetite. The smell of braai on a safari day can be seriously distracting in the best way.

Chapter 3: afternoon predators and scavengers, then the sunset return

Once lunch is done, you head back out when temperatures have cooled. This is Chapter 3, and it’s focused on predators and scavengers, plus additional areas not covered during the earlier stretches.

If you tend to enjoy the behavioral side of safari, this chapter is where that usually happens. Predators and scavengers respond quickly to what’s going on around them, and afternoon light can be excellent for spotting movement at medium distances.

Then you finish with a sunset safari style drive, returning to the starting point at around 5:00. Ending earlier than you might expect can be a plus. You get the best part of the light without getting worn out to the point where you stop caring what you’re looking at.

One more small but meaningful benefit mentioned in the tour approach: it’s designed so you can enjoy sightings without traffic congestion. That’s especially valuable in the afternoon when parks and reserves can start to feel busier. The goal is fewer vehicles at the animals, which keeps the day feeling calmer.

What’s included for your $196, and what that price is really buying

At about $196 per person, this is not a budget safari. But it can be good value because a lot of the day is wrapped into the package.

Included items:

• Pick-up and drop-off transport from Port Elizabeth and along the way to the reception
• Professional English-speaking nature guide
• Entrance fees
• Use of binoculars
• Warm waterproof ponchos
• Bottled mineral still water throughout
• Tea, coffee, and cappuccino with traditional rusks
• Full traditional braai lapa picnic with three grilled meats
• Vegetarian and vegan plant-based grilled alternatives
• 100 percent fruit juice and a cold beverages bar

What you should notice is that lunch, drinks, and a lot of on-the-ground gear are baked in. Binoculars and ponchos can save you from buying or scrambling on short notice. And the transport plus entrance fees means you’re not doing math all day in your head.

What is not included is the guide tip. That’s normal for safari guides, but it’s good to remember so it doesn’t catch you by surprise.

If you’re comparing against other full day safaris in the area, I’d treat this as a package deal that’s strong on two fronts: wildlife time plus a real traditional meal. That combination is what makes it feel worth your whole day, not just worth your ticket.

Small-group energy and the guide effect, with Joel Manjoko as an example

The day is led by an English-speaking nature guide and, in many cases, you’ll get a guide who genuinely handles both wildlife explaining and the cooking side. In the reviews, Joel Manjoko stands out for being attentive, scrupulous, and safe, even when rain rolled in.

That last part is not a trivial detail. Safari days depend on weather. When it rains, you need a guide who keeps the vehicle decisions sensible and keeps everyone feeling comfortable. You also need someone who can still find animals when conditions change, because animals do not disappear in rain, they adjust their behavior.

The vibe can also feel quieter than you’d expect. There’s mention of small group time and even the chance to be nearly alone in the reserve for long stretches when conditions allow. You cannot count on that every day, but it’s a good sign that the operator is not running a huge cattle-car operation.

For many people, the best safari guide is the one who respects your time and attention. You don’t want a lecture every five minutes, and you don’t want silence that turns into boredom. The guide approach here is built around guiding and then giving you enough time to look, watch, and soak in the moment.

Practical tips so your day stays comfortable and smooth

A few basics will help you enjoy the day more.

What to bring:

• Sunscreen

What to consider:

• Bring a warm top for sudden weather changes. The tour specifically advises this. It’s not just nice to have when you’re out all day in open air.
• The safari includes warm waterproof ponchos, so you’re covered if a shower hits, but layers still matter for comfort.

Camera and rules:

• Drones are not allowed. If you’re tempted to bring one for “cool footage,” leave it at home.

Mobility and fit:

• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• It’s not suitable for children under 3 years.
• It’s not suitable for cruise ship guests.

Language:

• English is the language used on the tour, so you’ll be able to follow instructions and explanations without guessing.

If you’re the type who loves photos, the midday braai stop gives you a chance to take pictures during cooking preparation. If you’re the type who hates clutter, just know lunch is a hands-on moment, so you may get a bit dirty around the lapa area.

Who should book this Schotia full day safari?

This is a great fit if you want:

• A full day wildlife safari with Big 5 chances near Addo
• Open vehicle viewing, meaning you want visibility and not a closed-window experience
• A safari day that includes real traditional food, not a rushed meal
• Extra odds for animals not found in Addo Elephant National Park, especially the chance at white rhinoceros and other species listed by the operator
• Less crowd pressure at sightings, thanks to the tour format that avoids self-drive congestion

It’s probably not the best fit if:

• You need wheelchair access.
• You’re traveling as a cruise ship guest.
• You want a DIY self-drive adventure instead of a guided day.
• You’re traveling with a very young child under 3.

Should you book Schotia: Open Safari Jeep with Lunch?

I’d book this tour if you’re planning at least one safari day in the Eastern Cape and you care about two things: wildlife viewing quality and an authentic local meal. The open-air vehicle setup, the reduced sighting congestion approach, and the structured day with tea and braai lunch are a strong combo. It’s not only about seeing animals, it’s about how the day is paced around your comfort and attention.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simple decision test: do you want an experience that mixes wildlife time with a proper South African braai in a lapa setting? If yes, this is a solid pick for your schedule. Just come ready for open-air time, bring sunscreen, and plan for cooler moments by packing that warm top.

FAQ

What time does pick-up happen from Port Elizabeth?

Pick-up from Port Elizabeth is at 08:00. If you are not staying in Port Elizabeth and nearby areas along the way to Schotia, you meet at 9:00 at Schotia Game Reserve Reception.

Where do we meet for the safari?

You meet at Schotia Safaris Reception next to the N10 motorway close to Nanaga Farm Stall. The activity ends back at this meeting point.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served as a traditional South African braai (BBQ) lapa picnic. The braai includes a variety of three grilled meats, and vegetarian and vegan plant-based grilled alternatives are available if you notify the operator in advance.

Are drinks included during the day?

Yes. Tea, coffee, cappuccino with traditional rusks are included, along with 100 percent fruit juice and a cold beverages bar. Bottled mineral still water is also provided throughout the tour.

What safari vehicle do you use?

You ride in an open safari vehicle, described as a customized OSV (open safari vehicle) for clear views.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are not allowed on this activity.

What should I bring and what should I avoid?

Bring sunscreen, and it’s advisable to pack a warm top because weather can change. Drones are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and is not suitable for children under 3 years.