EASTERN CAPE – SOUTH AFRICA
The Amakhala Game Reserve is renowned for its truly unique topography and wildlife.
Safari Lodges And Tented Camps
Amakhala Game Reserve is located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa. The Game Reserve offers a wide variety of 3, 4 & 5-star owner-managed experiences. The private Game Park offers guests accommodation in a selection of 11 Luxury establishments made up of restored Country houses, Safari Lodges and Tented camps located in different areas of the large 18 000 acres Safari park. Some dwellings are owned and managed by fifth generation Frontier Settlers families.
Wildlife Viewing And Safari Trips
Day and night game viewing trips under guidance of professional game rangers are available. Wildlife likely to be encountered during the game drives in the Game Reserve are: the “Big Five”, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species.
Visits to nearby Game Parks such as the Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Game Reserve can be arranged at request.
Conference And Wedding Facilities On The Game Reserve
Some of the lodges on the Amakhala Game Reserve offer Conference facilities and luxurious Wedding venues.
Lodges
Bukela Game Lodge- Bush Lodge
- HillsNek Safari Camp
- Hlosi Game Lodge
- Safari Lodge
- Woodbury Lodge
- Carnarvon Dale Lodge
- Leeuwenbosch Country House
- Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp
- Woodbury Tented Camp
BUKELA GAME LODGE *****
Accommodation at this tranquil Game Lodge is provided in four suites (3 suites and 1 honeymoon suite) and five luxury safari tents, each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury.
Highlights
Each suite is well appointed for guests’ optimal comfort with every amenity, including large, en-suite bathrooms each with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, a central fireplace for romantic evenings, air conditioning, underfloor heating, private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities.
Luxury Safari Tent *****
Bukela’s Luxury Safari Tents offer a memorable tented safari experience without compromising on luxury or comfort. The large tents have all the modern conveniences including full en-suite bathrooms, air conditioners, electric blankets and minibar. At the same time, guests can experience the wonder of being in a tent in the African bush, and feel the immediacy of the surrounding landscape.
The safari tent has an expansive open-plan lounge with couch and armchairs, with a minibar and tea-coffee facilities, and opens on two sides onto the viewing deck. The tents are set on a raised wooden platform, and have wraparound viewing decks, providing panoramic views over the top of the valley. From the comfort of these viewing decks, guests can spot the elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, buck, warthog, zebra and other wildlife that frequent the camp. The main deck is perfect for sunbathing and a memorable private sundowner experience.
The Bukela tents are Amakhala’s greenest product to date, with extremely energy efficient water and room heating facilities and a combination of LED and solar lighting.
The rates are all-inclusive and include accommodation, meals, selected house beverages and 2 game drive activities (subject to availability and at discretion of ranger).
Amenities
- Balcony, Garden View
- Fridge
- Kettle
- Game Drives
This suite has a large king size bed and all the amenities required to ensure comfort throughout your stay. Our large 4-poster bed can turn your stay into something truly luxurious and romantic – perfect for honeymooners or any special occasion.
Amenities
- Braai / Boma
- Private Parking
- Patio
- Balcony, Garden View
- Kettle
- Game Drives
The four thatched suites are each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury. Each suite sleeps 2 guests and is a world of its own, separated from the main lodge by wooden walkways and indigenous bush.
Each suite is well appointed for guests’ optimal comfort with every amenity, including large, en-suite bathrooms each with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, a central fireplace for romantic evenings, air conditioning, underfloor heating, private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities.
The rates are all-inclusive and include accommodation, meals, selected house beverages and 2 game drive activities
This suite gives guests the choice between a king size bed or two twin beds, depending on their requirements. Let us know if this a special occasion and we’ll help you arrange something truly romantic for your stay – perfect for honeymoon couples.
Each of our king/twin suites sleep two guests in private chalets, separated by a wooden walkway. Each suite is well appointed for guests’ optimal comfort with every amenity, including large, en-suite bathrooms each with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, a central fireplace for romantic evenings, air conditioning, underfloor heating, private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities.
BUSH LODGE *****
Secluded and lavish
Built in the bush, against a back drop of aloe’s and indigenous fauna and flora, make the Bush Lodge a perfect African retreat.
The luxurious. rustic 5 star rated secluded tented rooms with private plunge pools, atmospheric fireplace, alfresco double showers and hot and cold air-conditioners, offer an unforgettable and exceptional romantic experience. Leisure time can be spent indulging in professional treatments in the privacy and comfort of your own suite by an exclusive in-house therapist.
Enjoy cuisine that excites the palate and leaves you needing to explore true African culture, hosted by local staff that are willing to attend to your every need.
A far cry from the average safari experience, the Bush Lodge provides undivided, personal attention ensuring your stay is pleasurable and unforgettable.
The Bush Lodge, a Game Lodge positioned in the bush at the top end of an open valley in the Amakhala Game Reserve offers en-suite, tented and thatched suites overlooking a wild life watering point with big sky views.
Highlights
A far cry from the average safari experience, the Bush Lodge provides undivided, personal attention ensuring your stay is pleasurable and unforgettable.
Rustic luxury tented bush camp
5-Star Bush Lodge is discreetly positioned in the bush. Each suite has a secluded private viewing deck with intimate plunge pool. Within the spacious interior hot and cold air-conditioning, an atmospheric fireplace, large oval bath and romantic alfresco double showers make this the perfect bush retreat.
The main lodge offers luxurious dining, splendid lounge areas and an expansive viewing deck with magnificent views of game-filled plains. Evenings are spent around the outdoor fireplace admiring the unspoilt African star-scape. The guest reception is at the colonial Reed Valley Inn, from where guests are transferred into the reserve to enjoy the comfort and elegance of the tented accommodation. Bush Lodge offers twice-daily expeditions by open 4×4 safari vehicles.
Rooms/Tents:
All buildings are thatched roofs, tented walls and have wooden floors. The main building has a large, comfortable lounge, dining area, pub and a 96m2 deck with outdoor and indoor fire place. Each of the eight tents have an open deck with plunge pool, air conditioning (hot & cold), fire place, large oval bath and outdoor shower.
Amenities
- Deep Free-Standing Baths
- Dual Basins
- Romantic Outdoor Showers
- Bathrobes
- Tea & Coffee Facility
- Complimentary Mini Bar
- King Size Beds
- Sitting Area
- Heated Bed Sheet
- Ceiling Fan
- Fireplace
- Outside sitting area
- Air conditioning
- Plunge pool
- Complimentary Mini Bar
Bush Lodge offers twice-daily guided expeditions by open 4×4 safari vehicles you will traverse over 18 000 acres weaving through 5 of the country’s 7 biomes.
The abundant wilderness of Amakhala Game Reserve preserves a complex and diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for over 60 mammal species. The Bushman’s River winds its way through the reserve providing its life source of water to the myriad of wildlife and birdlife.
The dramatic and ever changing topography of Amakhala Game Reserve is host to an abundant tapestry of sights and sounds keeping one fixated on what one may see around the next turn of the land-rover track.
HILLSNEK SAFARI CAMP ****
Positioned in a secluded corner of the Amakhala Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa, lies 4 star rated HillsNek Safari Camp. This intimate family-run lodge, set on the banks of the Bushman’s River with a breath-taking vista of rolling African plains, offers an unprecedented safari experience where privacy
and personalized attention is the hallmark of every stay.
The main lodge and four luxury tented chalets are elevated on expansive wooden decks that command panoramic views of the open plains. Discreetly positioned to ensure privacy and tranquillity, all are complete with an en-suite bathroom and romantic outside shower.
The lodge sets the stage for unforgettable African sunsets followed by evenings enjoying bush inspired cuisine and celebrating all that is ‘safari’.
HillsNek is ideal for families, small groups or those seeking a truly romantic retreat and is available as an exclusive-use lodge on request.
HillsNek Luxury Safari Tents ****
All four tents are linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways. The tents are complete with an en-suite bathroom and romantic outside shower. With all the canvas windows rolled up one may appreciate the beauty of nature from the comfort of your bed or whilst soaking in a deep bubble bath.
HillsNek Luxury Safari Tent (Family Room)
The main lodge and four private safari canvas safari tents (including one family tent) elevated on wooden decks breathe in the uninterrupted sprawling Africa vistas as nature’s daily ebbs and flows unfold before you.
The stone swimming pool sits front and centre on the main deck allowing one to relax and enjoy the African sunshine and it’s parading wildlife on the not to distant sprawling plains.
The lodge sets a spectacular stage for viewing those unforgettable African sunsets followed by pleasant evenings sitting around a copper bowl fireplace appreciating those starry nights and the Milky Way almost at your finger tips.
HillsNek Safari Camp consists of four individual luxury canvas safari tents set on expansive wrap around wooden decks with panoramic views. All four tents are linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways. The tents are complete with an en-suite bathroom and romantic outside shower. With all the canvas windows rolled up one may appreciate the beauty of nature from the comfort of your bed or whilst soaking in a deep bubble bath. The tents are discreetly positioned, ensuring maximum privacy and tranquility.
AMENITIES:
-Deep Free-Standing Baths
– Dual Basins
– Romantic Outdoor Showers
– Bathrobes
– Tea & Coffee Facility
– Complimentary Mini Bar
– King Size Beds
– White Percale Linen
– Sitting Area
– Desk
– Heated Bed Sheet
– Standing Fan
– Outside sitting & dining area
Exciting Experience On Safari
Each morning brings a new experience delivered by nature’s magic. Leaving HillsNek Safaris in a open game-viewing vehicle you will traverse over 18 000 acres weaving through 5 of the country’s 7 biomes.
HLOSI GAME LODGE ****
Hlosi Game Lodge is a small 14-room game lodge offering rich wild life game-viewing and luxurious game lodge accommodation for the whole family. The 6 suites and 8 luxury safari tents lie along a gentle curve of hill above a river plain, and offer wide-open views from your private deck.
Family-friendly Safari in Eastern Cape Game Reserve
Four star rated Hlosi Game Lodge is a tranquil grassland retreat offering rich game-viewing and luxurious accommodation for the whole family. Lying along a gentle curve of hill above the river plain, our suites offer wide-open views with five-star comforts. The main lodge includes elegant lounge and dining areas, and a splendid bar overlooking the swimming pool and waterhole.
The fenced camp is perfect for families with small children, or for those who aren’t comfortable with a chance-meeting with wild animals. Watch breathlessly from the privacy of your own viewing deck or luxurious deep-soaking tub at the array of wildlife and bird life from a safe and comfortable distance. The camp is frequented by remarkable wildlife. Watch breathlessly from the luxury of your spa bath as buffalo meander past your suite to the waterhole, or share your sundowners at the bar with a herd of elephant drinking from the swimming pool.
Hlosi can be booked exclusively as a private venue for small team-building, conferencing and wedding functions.
Highlights
Day and night game viewing trips under guidance of professional game rangers are available. Wildlife likely to be encountered during the game drives in the Game Reserve are: the “Big Five”, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species.
Game Reserve Accommodation: Rooms
With only six suites and 8 luxury safari tents, the privilege is to create intimate, personal game-viewing experiences for our guests, and to share the love for conservation, food and life. The four double suites and two 2-roomed family suites sleep a maximum of 12 adults and four children.
- Luxxury Suite
- Luxury Suite Bathroom
- Luxury Suite Bath
Each of the suites offers a sitting area, bar fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, a private verandah, air conditioning, underfloor heating, en suite bathroom with deep-soaking tub and shower, outside courtyard with outside shower.
- Luxury Safari Tent
- Luxury Safari Tent
- Luxury Safari Tent Bathroom
SAFARI LODGE ****
With signature stone-capped roof tops
Four star rated Safari Lodge in a valley of indigenous bush at the northern boundary of Amakhala Game Reserve, offers the three-day Tuskers Package which, along with activities on Amakhala offers a game drive into Addo Elephant National Park.
African tribal design-inspired owners and artists, Mike and Justine Weeks’ meticulous attention to detail is reflected in the fine African beadwork and handcrafted designs that are evident throughout this prestigious lodge. This thatched lodge with its unique safari huts and signature stone-capped roof tops, offers all the comforts of a luxury lodge and is an undisturbed retreat where you can regenerate your soul and tune into the sounds of nature. The view from the safari huts and lounge area is of the waterhole where monkeys come to play and antelope and zebra to quench their thirst.
Rooms:
The Safari Lodge sleeps 24 people in 11 luxury suites complete with private plunge pools and separate lounge areas. Large beds draped with mosquito nets, sparkling wine on ice alongside a double bath filled with aromatherapy scented bubbles make this a favourite for honeymooners and the romantic at heart.
Highlights
Upon arrival our friendly staff will make you feel at home, while you slowly sip away on a refreshing drink. Indulge in sheer relaxation as you unwind next to the pool overlooking the lush African bushveld before we usher you away on an exciting BIG-5 game drive.
WOODBURY LODGE ****
Woodbury Lodge is a 4 Star Lodge set in the Malaria free Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Set against the cliff above the Bushman’s River valley. The Lodge is an intimate family run lodge, taking special care to ensure a heartfelt service, thus an ideal place for couples or families to relax and enjoy the African bush together.
The seven stone and thatch lodges are nestled within indigenous trees alive with birdsong, with private decks with spectacular views looking out onto the game reserve. Each have spacious en-suite bathroom’s with a view over the plains, providing accommodation for up to 14 people.
Indulge in the sumptuous high tea’s with homemade breads and cakes that will leave you wanting more. Savour a crisp glass of wine over the outside burning fire or by the swimming pool over looking the Amakhala plains with storytelling of the day’s adventures under the beautiful African stars.
Safari Trips And River Cruise
A range of Big 5 game viewing under the guidance of professional Field Guides along with other activities such as the river cruise, bush walks, night drives and horse trails are on offer.
Two game drives per night stay, food and drink are inclusive in the price. If relaxation is more of an interest, just recline around the communal swimming pool and enjoy some sun while the birds keep you company.
If you haven’t found what you looking for, have a look at the neighbouring 3 star Woodbury Tented Camp below.
Woodbury Lodge KING/TWIN ROOMS
Features
This spacious Lodge offers you a choice of a large king size bed or twin beds at request, with all your amenities required to ensure comfort and tranquillity throughout your stay. This is perfect for any special occasion, couples or friends on an adventurous journey together.
Woodbury Lodge FAMILY KING/TWIN ROOMS
Features
Each of our spacious family lodges sleep up to four guests separated by a wall partition to provide privacy. Each suite is appointed with all your amenities required to ensure comfort and tranquillity throughout your stay. This is perfect for families.
Specialized children’s bags are provided to keep the little ones occupied between drives
Children under 6 are unfortunately unable to join on game drives, however a babysitting service is available at an additional fee.
Children 0 – 2 yrs can share a room with parents at our child friendly lodges with no supplement charge for the use of a COT.
Children, 3 – 11 yrs can share selected rooms with parents at our child friendly lodges, a supplement charge of 50% of the adult sharing rate will apply per child per night.
WOODBURY TENTED CAMP ***
Hear the bush breathe
Woodbury Tented Camp is one of the hidden jewels of the Eastern Cape, an intimate family-run Camp with a heartfelt service. Tucked into the embracing hillside thicket with breath-taking views, overlooking the ancient floodplain of the Bushman’s River. The tented camp allows for a rustic and secluded luxury with an authentic personalized African safari experience.
The camp consists of eight large comfortable en-suite tents all on raised bases, each with their own private decks, providing the seclusion, tranquility and an intimacy with the bush. Each tent has king size or twin beds at your request with hot running water, electric blankets for those cold evenings, along with all of your amenities required to make your stay comfortable. There are two family tents which adjoin on the balcony allowing families to enjoy the African bush together.
Camp life is centered around the thatch and canvas main dining and lounge area, with it’s expansive deck overlooking the Woodbury plain and waterhole. A wide variety of game species such as zebra, giraffe, buffalo and elephant fill the passing parade, while fish eagles soar overhead with their hauntingly call echoing across the valley.
A range of game viewing and other activities such as the river cruise, bush walks and even horse trails are on offer In between drives soak up the sun while lazing on a recliner next to the pool; enjoy tea and delicious freshly baked cakes, before venturing out onto the reserve for your next expedition. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a drink around the sizzling boma fire under the breath-taking African skies, discussing the days adventures and the unknown excitement of tomorrow.
QUATERMAIN’S 1920’s SAFARI CAMP ***
Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp is an intimate and rustic, 3 Star graded, expedition style tented camp situated on the stunning Amakhala Big Five Game Reserve.
Experience the charming simplicity of a bygone era with the emphasis on personal attention and 5 Star wildlife viewing.
The Camp Experience
This classic 1920’s-style expedition camp is modeled on the heyday of exploration, that golden era when adventure lay around every corner. The intimate 6 bed camp offers you the opportunity to experience “Africa under canvas”, with three crisp white 1900’s style safari tents fitted out with military campaign style furnishings; the choice of pioneers, hunters and explorers of that time. Relax in the central thatch boma area where local delicacies are prepared in front of you on an open fire, and dinner is served under a blanket of stars. Every effort has been made to stay true to the expedition style, with concessions only being allowed for rustic en suite bathrooms with modern conveniences.
The comfortable colonial style tents will ensure you enjoy a genuine bush experience. As you unwind on your own private deck, you may be lucky enough to see an elusive bushbuck or hear the cry of the African fish eagle. At night as you lie under canvas one of the highlights of your stay is sure to be drifting off to sleep to the sounds of nature; you can frequently expect to hear jackals calling, the beautiful voice of the fiery-necked nightjar, maybe a screeching barn owl, or if you are fortunate, the roar of lions.
Quatermains Camp staff will do their very best to make sure that you are enveloped by the natural world and that you will return home refreshed and with a new sense of wonder and understanding of the wildlife around us.
The Safari Experience
Guests at the safari camp can enjoy the excitement of “Big 5” safaris on both the award winning Amakhala Game Reserve and the world renowned Shamwari Game Reserve, the latter by an exclusive private arrangement, in a malaria free area. The twice daily 3 to 4 hour Game drives which depart directly from camp, are Guided by experienced Rangers. These safaris are sure to give you the best possible chance to see a variety of wildlife whilst sharing the knowledge that these dedicated guides have built up over the years. To round off the safari experience, guests staying for two nights or longer will have the opportunity to experience game drives on both Amakhala and Shamwari Game Reserves as well as a guided bush walk.
CARNARVON DALE LODGE ***
Settler hospitality perfect for quiet relaxation and super game viewing.
Carnarvon Dale once provided lodgings for travellers whose journeys had been halted by the flooded Bushman’s River. In that same tradition of hospitality, Roger and Maryan Hart welcome guests to their 1820 Settler farmhouse, the Bottom House, and the 1907 Edwardian Top House.
Carnarvon Dale is 3 star graded but offers wildlife enthusiasts 5-star game drives in a malaria free area on our award-winning Amakhala Game Reserve and also, for guests staying 2 nights or more, on the neighbouring world famous Shamwari Game Reserve, the latter exclusively and by private arrangement and at no extra cost. A morning excursion can also be arranged to Addo National Park for a breakfast with the elephants.
Accommodation:
Carnarvon Dale consists of the 1820 Settler farmhouse, the Bottom House, where breakfasts and dinners are served, and which offers a free wi-fi service. There are only two comfortable en-suite serviced bedrooms in the 1907 Edwardian cottage, the Top House. Lunches are served here for your convenience. The private lounge leads on to a cool, covered verandah overlooking the swimming pool.
The accommodation is ideal for two couples travelling together or for a family group. The menus offer good home cooking South African style – solid breakfasts, light lunches and three course dinners – also catering for vegetarians and diabetics.
The owners enjoy talking to their guests and, as ex-history teachers, they love talking about the history of a diverse country, history-rich area and Settler community.
Safaris:
Twice daily directly from Carnarvon Dale on 3 – 4 hour long safaris conducted by the experienced guides. Being able to traverse both Amakhala and, for guests staying 2 nights or more, Shamwari Reserves you will have every possible chance to encounter a wide variety of South African wildlife.
For something different an easily paced guided bush walk to learn about the smaller, often overlooked things will allow you to complete the ecological circle of life.
LEEUWENBOSCH COUNTRY HOUSE ***
Where Wildlife and History Mingle
Leeuwenbosch Country House
Leeuwenbosch Country House is an eight bed, quality game lodge, created from the gracious 1908 Settler home of the Fowlds family and steeped in the history of the South African Eastern Cape Frontier. Located within the renown Amakhala Game Reserve, and set amidst expansive gardens, Leeuwenbosch Country House offers spacious accommodation in four en-suite bedrooms furnished with antiques and historical paintings.
The accommodation and delicious cuisine is complimented by a wide range of game viewing and related outdoor pursuits and activities on the Game Reserve, all led by competent Professional Guides.
After an early morning coffee or afternoon high tea, these informative Professional Guides take Guests on game drives, walks and river cruises, through the scenic wilderness that is Amakhala Game Reserve, to observe the wide diversity of creatures that make this land their home. From elephants to porcupines; from rhino to lion and springbuck, all are protected with passion.
Between wildlife activities, Guests can savour a quiet moment in the dim stillness of the 19th-century stone chapel; enjoy high tea in the shade of the verandah or sit late into the night in the convivial stone-walled cellar bar. This wonderful homestead has been in the Fowlds family for five generations, and the family takes great pleasure in sharing its remarkable Southern African heritage.
Shearer’s Lodge ***
Set back from the Country House, Shearers Lodge offers four contemporary double suites, overlooking the tranquil gardens from the shade of a wide veranda. Beautifully converted from the original shearing shed, Shearer’s offers an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding areas of the Eastern Cape.
Addo Elephant National Park lies just 30 kms away; the 1820 Settlers Monument in historical Grahamstown just a 30 minute drive along the N2 highway, and the Born Free Predator Rehabilitation Centre is 10 minutes from the Leeuwenbosch gate. The beautiful beaches of Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred are also easily accessed for a day on the beach. Day trip game drives into the Amakhala Game Reserve can be arranged, if required.
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All images are credited to Amakhala Game Reserve
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