Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
4.5
About
Schotia offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild. This private malaria free reserve close to the Addo Elephant National Park is probably the most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over 40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, can offer consistently good game viewing throughout the year.
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- Anne CVancouver, Washington132 contributionsHighly recommend Schotia toursWe had a fantastic guide who provided interesting insights I had not heard on previous fame drives (elephants power nap, for example). Most of the animals have no group history of being hunted and were more relaxed around the vehicle. We got to see and hear an angry male impala chasing off juveniles, white rhinos grazing 40 feet from us and an adult male lion very close. The tour was an afternoon/evening event with a short stop for tea, then dinner later. The tea stop didn’t add much to the tour for me. The dinner was a great chance to visit more with our guide. The ride back in the dark, with lights to the sides, was also a special way to see animals.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 30, 2024
- MaxGermany15 contributionsHighly recommended!An unforgettable adventure! We had an interesting, educational and fun time with our guide Zane. You can tell that he is very interested in the animals and likes to pass on his knowledge. The reserve is superbly managed and they pay a lot of attention to biodiversity and species conservation. All in all it was a successful day, with lots of animals and at the end a delicious dinner. We found the price, for what you get offered and also the work behind such a reservation, more than justified.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 26, 2024
- Tanja B2 contributionsGreat Safari along the Garden RouteWe were more than positively surprised. It was a really great safari with many animal sightings, especially 2 times (day and evening) the entire lion family! The length was ideal - daylight, twilight, darkness. Nic was a great guide! The food at the lodge was excellent and despite the many people not a mass meal, but very familiar, atmospheric and effortful. The balancing act of providing guests with lots of animals through perfect communication and information among the rangers and yet making it exciting succeeds excellently here. In this area along the Gardenroute certainly a highlight!Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 7, 2024
- willywumpaHaywards Heath, United Kingdom2 contributionsSchotia in the rain!Had an amazing trip in October to Schotia. As a family of 5 they catered for us all. The weather was very wet to start with but they provided rugs and ponchos to keep us dry and warm. Roger was our guide and he was excellent. Very knowledgable and understood how to track the animals. My daughters had never seen lions so close. It was great day. Food at the lapa was great. There wasn’t a menu just a chicken, kudu steaks, rice, potatoes etc. looked quite basic but was lovely and flavoursome. Night time Drive was fairly brief but it did t matter because my youngest was struggling a little to stay awake. Thank you for an amazing time and great memories made for me and my family.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
399 reviews
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Petrav
Rotterdam, The Netherlands311 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
What a wonderful experience. A guide (Charl) who goes to great lengths to give his guests in the tour car an ultimate experience. He had an interesting story about all the animals and when a lion was spotted he raced from one side of the park to the other to show us the lion. TOP.

Written November 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurphyT99
Providence, RI22 contributions
Jan 2020
The Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari was worth every penny spent. Nick was a great guide, dinner was fantastic, and the number and variety of animals that we saw up close and personal was beyond expectations. Memories that will last a lifetime.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fam den Os
5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We were recommended this game drive by the owner of our lodge near Addo and were not disappointed. Being a private game reverse the change to see the animals is huge and the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Great organisation and we had a lovely dinner.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlb2684
18 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This Safari was the highlight of our trip! Our guide, Roger, was fantastic. He answered all of our questions and is obviously an expert guide, but also involved in several conservation projects locally. We saw a huge variety of animals, including the lions from the adjacent Addo reserve! The bbq dinner was a great end to the whole experience. Make sure to visit if you’re anywhere near Addo.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary G
Devon, UK25 contributions
Sep 2022
We were recommended this game drive by our hotel and were not disappointed. Being a private reverse it is large enough to spread everything out but organised enough that the jeeps are in radio contact so the can stand a better chance of finding the animals. The staff were all very knowledgeable and friendly and did best to best to answer any questions. The drive didn't feel rushed at all and the driver (Mervin) stopped to allow us to take as many photos as we wanted. The 6 of us in the open jeep were provided blankets for when went cold and were all involved in trying to find the male lions location as we had already seen the females. We will definitely be back again next year.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
APOL
Oldenburg, Germany451 contributions
Feb 2020
If you want to see a plenty of different animals in a very short time this is the place to go. The disadvantage is that you will see all of that within an extremely commercialized zoo-like atmosphere. We counted 8 cars parking around 2 lions. This is far away from a real safari feeling. We didn’t like it and were really disappointed. The (included) dinner could have been a great opportunity to taste a variety of different meat from South Africa. We expected a typical “Braai”. In reality we got some overcooked chicken and lamb with some flavourless vegetables. Finally we can say that this was the worst food by a mile in the course of our 15 days trip.
Written May 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sina P
5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Incredibly well-organized safari, in an area that isn't too big. We were able to see and experience countless different animals within a few meters. Special praise goes to our guide Edward! He made the day unforgettable with his expertise and humor!
The BBQ was delicious!
An absolute must!
The BBQ was delicious!
An absolute must!

Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FellowTraveler698379
1 contribution
Sep 2021
Excellent service, Zane was very knowledgeable, friendly and informative. Saw lots of animals, more than in Addo Elephant Park. Game viewing in specialised vehicle, afternoon tea and a wonderful dinner.
Written September 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Themba
Almere, The Netherlands86 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We had a safari with dinner booked. We started at 15.00 hrs. Our guide was Nic, very nice guy. He told us a lot about the park and the animals. The dinner was very nice. Tell them if you have any specifics, like no meat etc.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreyNomad27
London296 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This place is basically an oversized zoo, the only difference between this and a regular zoo is that you are in the cage with the animals. At 1500 rand it is also vastly overpriced and has been increased from 1000 rand this time last year.
We decided to go here because of the mostly positive reviews on Trip Advisor but for once we got it wrong. We have done lots of other activities in South Africa and they have all been much better than this.
The only saving grace was our extremely knowledgeable and vastly over qualified guide Reiner who was excellent.
If you want a reasonably priced genuine experience go in your own vehicle to Addo and spend a bit of time seeking out the game. We saw 300 elephants and two lions in their natural habitat and lots of other game on our own.
There is nothing natural about Schotia. It comprises two small areas one of 700 hectares and one of 900 hectares. One is for the three very tame lions and a few antelope which they refer to rather childishly as McDonalds. The other half is for all the other game. By other game they mean a handful of giraffes and zebras, two rhinos, a hippo or two, a couple of crocodiles, some buffalo, about seven elephants and several varieties of antelope.
When we were there there were ten vehicles all chasing this small number of animals and I believe there are several more vehicles at busy times. They drivers radio each other as to where the animals are so at one point all ten vehicles had the three lions surrounded.
We parked far too close to the two rhinos and were not surprised when one of them charged and impacted the vehicle in front. We only saw one lone and rather sad elephant which another driver rather foolishly tried to talk away from his vehicle by stepping in front of it and shouting at it.
We also felt that the food provided was pretty poor bearing in mind the amount we paid. I happened to look in a couple of the pots before service took place and a thick skin had formed over the contents so it had been there for some time. It was far from freshly cooked. There was also not much variety and not enough of it and I suspect the guides had little to eat as they politely ate last. The wine and beer was plentiful as were the snacks and the fires were a nice touch.
We were also encouraged by the staff (not the guides) to tip the guides (we did). I suspect a large proportion of their income comes from tips as if we, the customers, haven't already paid enough!
We decided to go here because of the mostly positive reviews on Trip Advisor but for once we got it wrong. We have done lots of other activities in South Africa and they have all been much better than this.
The only saving grace was our extremely knowledgeable and vastly over qualified guide Reiner who was excellent.
If you want a reasonably priced genuine experience go in your own vehicle to Addo and spend a bit of time seeking out the game. We saw 300 elephants and two lions in their natural habitat and lots of other game on our own.
There is nothing natural about Schotia. It comprises two small areas one of 700 hectares and one of 900 hectares. One is for the three very tame lions and a few antelope which they refer to rather childishly as McDonalds. The other half is for all the other game. By other game they mean a handful of giraffes and zebras, two rhinos, a hippo or two, a couple of crocodiles, some buffalo, about seven elephants and several varieties of antelope.
When we were there there were ten vehicles all chasing this small number of animals and I believe there are several more vehicles at busy times. They drivers radio each other as to where the animals are so at one point all ten vehicles had the three lions surrounded.
We parked far too close to the two rhinos and were not surprised when one of them charged and impacted the vehicle in front. We only saw one lone and rather sad elephant which another driver rather foolishly tried to talk away from his vehicle by stepping in front of it and shouting at it.
We also felt that the food provided was pretty poor bearing in mind the amount we paid. I happened to look in a couple of the pots before service took place and a thick skin had formed over the contents so it had been there for some time. It was far from freshly cooked. There was also not much variety and not enough of it and I suspect the guides had little to eat as they politely ate last. The wine and beer was plentiful as were the snacks and the fires were a nice touch.
We were also encouraged by the staff (not the guides) to tip the guides (we did). I suspect a large proportion of their income comes from tips as if we, the customers, haven't already paid enough!
Written February 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi team has anyone driven from camp figtree to Scotia tooth and claw safari and back again after the evening safari? I wanted to know road conditions, is it worth self-driving to Scotia, or to we pay for an expensive transfer? thanks
Written January 14, 2019
Hello, we did not come from figtree but we paid for an expensive transfer for two reasons: first, the dinner in lapa has alcohol included, so if you want to enjoy properly, better not to risk. Secondly, for security reasons. At night time, not knowing the roads and surrounding by wild animals, it just didn't sound attractive to have a baboon suddenly jumping on your track. Anyways, just to avoid the stress and relax more. That was our thought. You will enjoy Scotia for sure!
Written January 24, 2019
Hi, I am booking a trip to South Africa for my honeymoon at the end of this Year. After enjoying Cape Town and traversing the Garden route, we will head towards Addo on Jan 3rd from Knysna. Since, my dates coincide with the peak season, so I couldn't get any acco inside Addo and hence, I have booked Happy Lands BnB outside Addo(from 3rd to 5th Jan). I am thinking of taking Schotia Tooth and Claw safari on 4th Jan.
Is it safe to drive back to my accommodation at Happy Lands after Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari that finishes around 9 PM?
Written August 17, 2018
Khaltus
Kempten, Germany
Lohnt es sich auch die tooth and Claw Safari auch für 2 Nächte zu buchen oder ist man dann 2 Tage nur „durchorganisiert“ und die Safari mit einer Übernachtung ist ausreichend?
Vielleicht kann mir jemand helfen ?
Written July 24, 2018
noirchen
Dachau, Germany
Hallo,
wie habt Ihr die Buchung der Tour vorgenommen. Kann man vor Ort buchen oder empfiehlt es sich die Tour von zu Hause aus zu buchen?
Was kostet die Tour denn ungefähr. Im Internet habe ich keine Angaben dazu gefunden.
Written July 2, 2018
i d like ro reserve 2 tickets to jalf day safari where can i do it?
Written March 11, 2018
where can i reserve tictes for one day safari here?
Written March 11, 2018
How far in advance does the SCHOTIA TOOTH & CLAW SAFARI game drive have to be booked?
Written December 10, 2017
I guess that depends on the time of year as I know they are very busy in December. However we went in April and only booked 2 days ahead, and they were far from fully booked on the day/night we went.
Written April 28, 2018
I was wondering if anyone knew how bumpy the car rides are at Schotia? My wife will be in her first trimester, so we'd like to be as careful as we can be.
Written September 27, 2017
It is a nature reserve so there are parts that are more bumpy but not really jolting. But the drivers are very helpful and you can certainly ask them to take this into consideration.
Written September 28, 2017
barbarajcamp
Manton, United Kingdom
I would like to know how we do tours if staying just outside Addo. Would like to do an elephant tour and a tooth and claw safari. Our children will be 3 and a half and one and a half. Would they be able/allowed to do the tours? What is the cost?
Thank you.
Barbara Camp
Written January 9, 2017
This is to young for a safari but write directly to Ella at Schotia. She will explain everything to you.
Written January 16, 2017
Hallo,
ich wĂĽrde gerne wissen, wie die Kombination gebucht wurde :)
Vielen Dank fĂĽr die Antwort
Written January 5, 2017
we have taken the combinaison afternoon and night tour and we enjoyed both. Have fun and enjoy your trip.
Written January 7, 2017
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