ENVI Lodges Sets Sights on Regenerative Hospitality with Landmark Eastern Cape Safari Retreat
The expansion of ENVI Lodges into South Africa signals a transformative moment for the African outdoor hospitality scene, especially for those eyeing the intersection of luxury, sustainability, and immersive wildlife experiences. With the debut of the ENVI Addo Private Reserve scheduled for Summer 2026, a fresh chapter is unfolding in the Eastern Cape—a region renowned for its biodiversity and conservation leadership. This new project not only enriches ENVI’s African portfolio but also redefines the standard for nature-centric stays and responsible tourism in the region.
Strategically positioned on a 1,800-hectare private conservation reserve adjacent to Addo Elephant National Park, the lodge offers proximity to one of South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. A brief journey—just 75 minutes from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha—places guests on the doorstep of both iconic wildlife and untouched wilderness. The property itself is designed for intimacy and exclusivity, featuring 10 safari tents and 3 lodges that promise a personal and immersive engagement with the landscape.
ENVI Addo Private Reserve elevates the guest experience by weaving the flavours and stories of the Eastern Cape through its culinary program. Expect a journey from the earthy Xhosa hearth to the rich traditions of the Afrikaans farm kitchen, with a nod to the ancient foraging and fire practices of the Khoi San. The lodge’s open-fire cooking experiences, bush breakfasts, and sundowners accompanied by guides’ tales bring guests closer to the heart of South African heritage, making each meal a celebration of local culture and environment.
At the core of ENVI’s philosophy is a holistic approach to wellbeing. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature through guided bush walks, cycling routes, meditation sessions, and bespoke spa rituals—each designed to foster a sense of peace and restoration. The tranquil pool area, overlooking a bustling waterhole, offers a front-row seat to wildlife encounters, blending relaxation with unobstructed views of nature in action. The lodge’s solar-powered infrastructure, coupled with state-of-the-art game vehicles and expert guides, sets new benchmarks for eco-friendly luxury and sustainability in safari tourism.
The reserve is the brainchild of Gavin and Lynn Biggs, conservation philanthropists whose commitment to regeneration and rewilding has shaped the property’s unique identity. Their mission extends beyond hospitality, focusing on using the expansive reserve as a rehabilitation haven for animals rescued from captivity. Here, wildlife are gently reintroduced to natural habitats, given space and time to regain their instincts before being released into the wild. This hands-on conservation approach not only enhances biodiversity but also offers guests the rare opportunity to witness the restoration of species and ecosystems firsthand.
The reserve boasts a remarkable array of wildlife, including rare serval cats, black-footed cats, giraffes, sable antelopes, black impalas, zebras, buffalos, wildebeest, and robust herds of impalas, kudus, and Nyalas. It uniquely shelters five privately owned elephants and three cheetahs, all living freely within the reserve’s boundaries. These elephants, known as the Asanta Sana herd, were relocated as part of a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the Wildlife Emergency Fund and the Fisher Foundation, ensuring their family bonds are preserved and their long-term protection is secured. The cheetahs, too, benefit from expansive, carefully managed habitats that replicate the dynamics of the wild, allowing for authentic predator-prey interactions and natural behaviours.
Gavin Biggs’s vision extends to engaging visitors directly in conservation. By opening the reserve to guests, he hopes to inspire greater awareness and support for endangered species and ecological restoration. Plans are already underway to reintroduce the brown hyena—a species absent from the area for over 150 years—further emphasizing the reserve’s role as a living laboratory for rewilding and biodiversity revival. Biggs believes hospitality can amplify conservation efforts, positioning the reserve as a model for sustainable tourism and ecological stewardship. His partnership with ENVI Lodges reflects a shared commitment to these values and a desire to situate the reserve prominently within the global eco-tourism landscape.
Paul Jordaan, Executive Director at ENVI, highlights the significance of this addition to the brand’s portfolio—not merely as its inaugural South African venture, but as a tribute to the conservation legacy built by Biggs and his team. For Jordaan and ENVI, the lodge represents more than a hospitality project; it is a platform to advance regenerative tourism, where guests participate actively in the preservation of wildlife and landscapes.
The lodge’s conservation initiatives extend to restoring the natural environment itself. One standout project involves the rehabilitation of spekboom, an indigenous plant celebrated for its carbon sequestration abilities and vital role in South Africa’s ecological restoration efforts. Protecting the Cape honey bee—a crucial pollinator—further reinforces the reserve’s contribution to sustaining local biodiversity. The production and sale of premium organic honey from the property will not only support conservation but also offer guests a tangible connection to the land’s natural abundance.
ENVI Addo Private Reserve is not content with offering just another luxury safari experience. The vision extends to showcasing conservation achievements and setting a precedent for regenerative hospitality. Guests are encouraged to move beyond passive observation, becoming active contributors to conservation and ecological renewal. Whether joining wildlife monitoring activities, participating in habitat restoration, or supporting endangered species initiatives, every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of—and stake in—the future of Africa’s wild places.
This approach represents a significant shift in the African tourism market, where the demand for meaningful, responsible travel experiences is rapidly growing. Operators across the continent are taking note, recognizing that tomorrow’s guests are seeking not only adventure and comfort, but also the chance to make a positive impact. ENVI’s model demonstrates how luxury and sustainability can coexist, offering a blueprint for the next wave of growth in Africa’s hospitality sector.
With the opening of ENVI Addo Private Reserve, the Eastern Cape is poised to strengthen its reputation as a leading destination for conservation-led tourism. The lodge’s blend of exclusive accommodations, immersive wildlife experiences, and hands-on ecological initiatives will undoubtedly resonate with discerning travellers—and serve as a compelling example for others in the African tourism industry eager to align with the values of regeneration, community involvement, and environmental stewardship.
