Amakhala Bukela Lodge

Highlights

Four-Star rated
Wooden walkways
Private viewing decks
Private candlelit dinners
Indoor and outdoor showers
Honeymoon suite

Information

Lodge type; Safari Lodge
Location; Amakhala Game Reserve
Lodge size; Four suites
Recommended stay; 2-5 nights

Introduction

Resting in the rolling Eastern Cape hills 80km outside Port Elizabeth, Bukela Lodge offers a gentle, tranquil escape from the world.

This intimate four-suite lodge offers an exclusive game viewing experience which, combined with our luxurious, secluded accommodation, and variety of dining options, creates a remarkable, private retreat in which to regenerate body and mind.

Reserve Information

The privately owned Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa that offers visitors the chance to view the "Big Five", lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species.

The reserve hosts five of South Africa's seven biomes, bushveld to savannah. For a change of pace relax on board the boat cruise while meandering lazily along the Bushman's River.

A truly special part of the country this is, the Amakhala and Shamwari Game Reserves are split only by the N2 (national road) that runs between the two.

Rooms and Suites

The four suites, Uthando Suite, Ingwe Suite, Inyathi Suite and Umkhombe, are each individually styled with African simplicity while never compromising on luxury. Each suite sleeps two 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.

Cuisine and Wine

Dinner at Bukela Game Lodge may consist of either an informal bush braai/barbecue in the "boma" consisting of a selection of salads and hot vegetables, barbecued meat (chicken, beef, ostrich, venison, or even fish) or a variety of dishes may be offered to suit your palate.

Bush breakfasts, picnics or dinners are enjoyed to the sound of rhythmic African drums or guests may prefer the tranquillity of an enjoying an excellent meal under the stars in the "boma" or "lapa". After enjoying dinner guests are invited to socialise until the small hours of the morning or to retire to the comfort and luxury of their suite. Whatever the preference, they will awaken to the chorus of an African dawn and ready for another day of adventure!

Bukela offers a versatile and well-appointed selection of South African and International wines, sparkling wines and French champagne to suit your palate.

Facilities

The main lodge comprises of a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always the centre of attraction in winter. Also available are a media and library area with Internet, television, DVD player, games and books and a large wooden pool deck overlooking a small dam frequented by buffalo.

A separate area known as a "boma" adjoins the main lodge where bush braais and special festivities are offered for guests enjoyment.

Activities

Morning and afternoon game drives are included in the daily rates, guided by professional guides in 4x4 safari vehicles. Other activities within the Amakhala Game Reserve include;

Family safaris
Boat safari
Night Drives
Star Gazing
Birding
Bush Walks
Archery
Fishing
And surrounding historical sites

Child Friendly

Amakhala Bukela Lodge is family friendly with babysitting services, to fun kiddies programmes and child-friendly menus

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.
Addo Elephant Back Safari
Samara Game Reserve Review

About three hours' drive northwest of Addo National Park (see Tuesday's blog) lies a different country.

If Addo 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.
Samara Game Reserve Review
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.
Kwandwe Game Reserve Review
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.
Death of a Cheetah