Highlights
- Four-Star rated game lodge
- Wooden walkways in the Amakhala Game Reserve
- Private viewing decks with seating
- Private candlelit dinners and the honeymoon suite
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Large and relaxing spa bath tubs
Information
- Lodge Type: Safari Lodge
- Location: Amakhala Game Reserve, South Africa
- Lodge Size: 4 Luxury Suites
- Recommended Stay: 3-5 nights
Experience An Unforgettable Luxury Safari At The Five-Star Amakhala Bukela Lodge
Nestled amidst the serene rolling hills of Eastern Cape, just 80km outside Port Elizabeth, lies Bukela Lodge. This idyllic retreat offers a peaceful escape from the world, where tranquillity reigns supreme.
With only four intimate suites, Amakhala Bukela Lodge promises an exclusive and unforgettable game-viewing experience. Coupled with luxurious and secluded accommodations and a variety of dining options, it creates an extraordinary private sanctuary to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Situated within the Amakhala Game Reserve, Amakhala Bukela Lodge boasts a coveted 5-star rating. This romantic safari destination is tucked away amidst indigenous trees and bushes at the pinnacle of a hidden valley. Connected by a charming wooden walkway, the thatched suites provide an unparalleled wildlife-viewing experience. Indulge in sumptuous lunches and private candlelit dinners while falling asleep to the symphony of silence occasionally interrupted by the majestic sounds of elephants and buffalos gracefully traversing the unfenced camp.
Furthermore, Amakhala Bukela Lodge offers the option to exclusively book the venue, making it an ideal setting for restful and picturesque small team-building events and conferences.
Reserve Information
Located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the privately owned Amakhala Game Reserve offers a captivating experience for visitors. Here, you can witness the majestic "Big Five" – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard – as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and a myriad of antelope and species. The reserve encompasses five of South Africa's seven biomes, ranging from bushveld to savannah. For a change of pace, indulge in relaxation aboard a boat cruise, lazily meandering along the scenic Bushman's River. The Amakhala and Shamwari Game Reserves, separated only by the N2 national road, create an extraordinary part of South Africa.
Rooms And Suites
The four luxury suites at Amakhala Bukela Lodge, namely Uthando Suite, Ingwe Suite, Inyathi Suite, and Umkhombe, embody the perfect blend of African simplicity and uncompromising luxury. Each safari suite, accommodating two guests, offers a unique and private escape connected to the main lodge by wooden walkways amid the indigenous bush.
Every suite is meticulously designed to ensure optimal comfort for all guests, boasting an array of amenities. From spacious en-suite bathrooms with spa baths overlooking the African bush to both indoor and outdoor showers for the more adventurous souls.
For those seeking romance, a central fireplace awaits, setting the scene for intimate evenings. Additional features include:
- Air conditioning.
- Underfloor heating.
- Private wooden decks.
- A bar fridge.
- A selection of hot drink amenities.
Cuisine And Wine
At Bukela Game Lodge, you can indulge in a delightful dinner experience. Choose between a relaxed bush braai/barbecue in the "boma" with various salads, hot vegetables, and barbecued meats like chicken, beef, ostrich, venison, or even fish. Alternatively, a diverse range of dishes will be available to cater to your taste preferences.
Immerse yourself in the ambience of rhythmic African drums during bush breakfasts, picnics, or dinners. Enjoy a sumptuous meal under the stars in the "boma" or "lapa" for a more serene setting. After dinner, guests can socialise until the early hours of the morning or retreat to the comfort and luxury of their suites. No matter the preference, waking up to the harmonious chorus of an African dawn prepares you for another day of adventure!
Bukela offers an extensive selection of South African and international wines, sparkling wines, and French champagne to satisfy discerning palates.
Lodge Facilities
The main lodge consists of a reception area a dining and sitting area with a captivating central fireplace that becomes the focal point during winter. A media and library section is also furnished with internet access (WiFi), a television, a DVD player, games, and books. A spacious wooden pool deck provides a picturesque view of a nearby buffalo frequented dam.
Adjacent to the main lodge is a separate area known as a "boma," where guests can indulge in bush braais and partake in special festivities for their enjoyment.
Safari Activities
The daily rates include both morning and afternoon game drives led by experienced guides in 4x4 safari vehicles. Amakhala Game Reserve also offers a range of other exciting activities, such as family safaris, boat safaris, night drives, stargazing, birding, bush walks, archery, fishing, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding historical sites. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the reserve and embark on unforgettable adventures.
Family Friendly
Amakhala Bukela Lodge welcomes families with a range of family-friendly amenities. From professional babysitting services to engaging kiddies programmes and specially crafted child-friendly menus, the Amakhala Bukela Lodge team ensures that every family member has an unforgettable experience.
In Conclusion
Amakhala Bukela Lodge, located in the Amakhala Game Reserve, offers an unparalleled safari experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of South Africa's diverse ecosystems while enjoying exquisite luxury suites, tantalising culinary delights, and thrilling wildlife encounters. Whether you seek an adventurous safari, a tranquil retreat, or quality time with your family, Amakhala Bukela Lodge caters to all. It's more than just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of the wild, promising unforgettable memories and experiences that will endure long after you return home.
Rates from R6 750.00 per person
- Amakhala Bukela Lodge rates
- Per person per night sharing (pp)
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Selected house beverages
- 2 game drive activities
- Premium branded beverages
- Transfers
- Telephone calls
- Laundry
- Items of personal nature
- Insurance
Kwandwe Game Reserve Review
My husband and I were fortunate enough to visit the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It had been many years since I had been on safari in the Eastern Cape and I was eager to see how the experience had changed.
We flew from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth where we picked up our rental car and drove the 2 hours to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. From the moment we arrived at the reception, we experienced the service that this Relais and Chateaux property is famous for.
We were met with a welcome drink, a cold towel and fresh homemade cookies accompanied by our check-in.
Samara Game Reserve Review
About three hours' drive northwest of Addo Elephant National Park (see Tuesday's blog) lies a different country.
If the Addo Elephant National Park enjoys a lush and verdant environment, Samara Game Reserve (close to Camdeboo National Park) is the opposite. Its semi-desert environment is more akin to Namibia.
Yet here we are in the middle of the Great Karoo near the historic farming town of Graaff Reinet.
Death of a Cheetah
When you live in Africa, love the smell of nature and its strong call, and perhaps even more importantly, understand the natural cycles; you see the death of wildlife as part of the natural order.
The strong conquer the weak, and the old give space to the young.
When you look at a magnificent animal and predator die in an area which is desperately (and successfully) trying to rehabilitate natural corridors of flora and fauna over a previously devastated land, no one would think less of you for shedding a tear.
Eastern Cape Travel Bucket List
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa's Eastern Cape. Discover diverse landscapes, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. From wild coastlines to wildlife encounters, explore hidden gems and must-visit attractions.
Create your own Eastern Cape travel bucket list and make memories to last a lifetime.
Pack your bags and let’s explore the Eastern Cape’s hidden gems and must-visit attractions that promise lifelong memories - your very own Eastern Cape travel bucket list.
Addo Elephant Back Safari
I have been travelling in Africa for over three decades. In that time, I have been on countless safaris; by Land Rover, on foot, by canoe and horseback, up and down mountains and valleys.
The sense of wonder and appreciation of natural beauty has never left me.
There are, of course, individual animals which I prefer above all others. Some are large, very large and some small but all, for some reason or other, have endeared themselves towards me. I will start with the very large.