South Africa · Safari destination
Amakhala Game Reserve
Safaris built around Amakhala Game Reserve.
A malaria-free Big Five reserve in the Eastern Cape's Greater Addo region, spanning 18,000 hectares across five of South Africa's seven biomes.
Amakhala Game Reserve
Discover Amakhala Game Reserve: A Premier Safari Destination in South Africa
Tailor-made safaris
Safaris in Amakhala Game Reserve.
Most requested · 7 days
7-Day Luxury Cape Town To Amakhala - Beach & Bush Safari
Most meals · All activities · Most transfers
- 3 nights at Waterfront Village Apartments in central Cape Town
- Full-day Cape Peninsula tour with the Boulders Beach penguin colony
- Flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, then transfer to the bush
- 3 nights at Amakhala Safari Lodge in the Eastern Cape
From
R 54 360
per person, complete package
≈ R 108 720 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 7 days
7-Day Malaria Free Big-5 Amakhala Safari Best of Both
All meals · All activities · All transfers
- 3 nights at 4-star Woodbury Lodge, then 3 at 5-star Bush Lodge
- Big Five game viewing in the malaria-free Amakhala Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers with professional rangers
- Sundowners on the plains with biltong and South African delicacies
Special offer available
From
R 40 670 normally R 56 630
per person, complete package
≈ R 81 340 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 13 days · South Africa
13-Day Cape Town, Garden Route & Amakhala Safari
Most meals · Most activities · Most transfers
- 4 nights at The Rockefeller in Cape Town with Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula
- 2 nights at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa with vineyard tastings at La Motte and Boschendal
- Garden Route drive with stops at Knysna Lagoon and Tsitsikamma National Park
- 4 nights at 5-star Amakhala Safari Lodge in a private Big Five reserve
From
R 49 260
per person, complete package
≈ R 98 530 for two · international flights excluded
5 days
5-Day Malaria Free Big-5 Amakhala HillsNek Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at Amakhala Hillsnek Safari Camp in the Eastern Cape
- Malaria-free Big Five reserve, ideal for family travellers
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers with professional rangers
- All meals and selected house beverages included
From
R 39 140
per person, complete package
≈ R 78 290 for two · international flights excluded
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Brochure
Southern Africa Guide
Southern Africa's icons, shaped into one itinerary: Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Cape Town.
Where to stay
Lodges in Amakhala Game Reserve.
6 lodges
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Ultra Live availabilityAmakhala 5-Star Bush Lodge
The Bush Lodge is a picturesque 5-star retreat located just 45 minutes east of Port Elizabeth, offering guests an immersive escape into a more tranquil and enchanting world. Nestled within the spectacular Amakhala Reserve, this lodge is set in an open valley surrounded by rolling hills and lush riverine vegetation.
From R 6 220 per person · night · normally R 9 320
Special offer available
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Premium Live availabilityAmakhala Safari Lodge
The Safari Lodge offers an exclusive retreat for 22 guests in 11 exquisitely furnished suites. Indulge in unparalleled game-viewing experiences from the comfort of the lodge's dedicated Land Rover. Expert game rangers will guide you through the stunning valleys and bush, where the Big 5 roam.
From R 5 330 per person · night · normally R 7 990
Special offer available
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Ultra Live availabilityAmakhala Bukela Game Lodge
Bukela Game Lodge offers a boutique Big Five safari experience less than an hour away from Port Elizabeth in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve.
From R 9 320 per person · night
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Premium Live availabilityAmakhala Hlosi Game Lodge
Located in the private 7500 hectare Amakhala Game Reserve which is only an hours drive from Port Elizabeth in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Hlosi Game Lodge offers an excellent 'Big Five' and phenomenal bird watching experience.
From R 7 990 per person · night
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Affordable Live availabilityAmakhala Woodbury Lodge
Guests are accommodated in seven cosy stone-and-thatch chalets are set among indigenous trees. Each room features air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with heated floors, and a private deck with magnificent views over the plains.
From R 4 570 per person · night · normally R 6 860
Special offer available
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Premium Live availabilityHillsNek Safari Camp
Nestled in a secluded corner of the reserve, HillsNek Safari Camp is affectionately known as the “small” camp with the “greatest” heart. This family-operated lodge, with just four rooms, epitomizes personalized service, attention to detail, and genuine warmth in hospitality.
From R 5 320 per person · night · normally R 7 990
Special offer available
Rates per person sharing, per night.
Amakhala Game Reserve
Your guide to Amakhala Game Reserve.
Why
Amakhala Game Reserve, nestled in the Eastern Cape's malaria-free Greater Addo region, offers an unparalleled safari experience. Spanning over 18,000 hectares, it boasts a diverse landscape that includes five of South Africa's seven biomes, from bushveld to savannah, providing a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.
The reserve is renowned for its Big 5 game viewing opportunities—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—alongside an impressive array of over 300 bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Amakhala's commitment to conservation and community development ensures that your visit supports sustainable tourism practices, contributing to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.
Where
Amakhala Game Reserve offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets:
- Bukela Game Lodge: A secluded, romantic 5-star lodge offering private thatched suites connected by wooden walkways, providing an intimate wildlife-viewing experience.
- Bush Five Star Lodge: A rustic luxury tented bush camp positioned in a secluded valley, each suite overlooking a watering point, ideal for those seeking a blend of comfort and adventure.
- Safari Lodge: An intimate thatched lodge with air-conditioned safari suites, offering a tranquil retreat with views of a waterhole frequented by wildlife.
- HillsNek Safari Camp: An all-inclusive 4-star Safari Camp nestled ,in a secluded corner of the reserve. The small camp with the greatests heart. This camp is family operated so guests can expect geniune warmth in hospitality
- Woodbury Lodge: Overlooking the Bushman’s River valley, this lodge offers a combination of accessibility and discretion, nestled in the Eastern Cape thickets.
- Hlosi Game Lodge: A family-friendly lodge offering luxury accommodations and a range of activities suitable for all ages.
Each lodge provides unique experiences, ensuring that every guest finds the perfect setting for their safari adventure.
When
Best Time to Visit Amakhala Game Reserve
Amakhala Game Reserve offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round, thanks to its semi-arid climate that draws animals to water sources. However, the experience varies with the seasons:
- May to September (Winter/Dry Season): This period is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around waterholes. The reserve is less crowded, offering a more intimate experience. Note that nights and mornings can be very cold, so warm clothing is essential.
- October to April (Summer/Wet Season): Warmer temperatures prevail, and the landscape becomes lush with greenery. This season is excellent for birdwatching, with over 300 species, including migratory birds, making their appearance.
Getting to Amakhala Game Reserve
By Air: The nearest major airport is Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha). From the airport, Amakhala is approximately a 75-minute drive.
By Road: From Port Elizabeth, take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. After about 50 km, follow signs directing you to the various Amakhala lodges.
By Air Travel: Scheduled flights are available from major cities like Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT) to Port Elizabeth.
Imagery
Amakhala Game Reserve, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to Amakhala Game Reserve.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Amakhala Game Reserve, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"Hi Chantal The Summit place guest house was First class , the warmest welcome Robyn was a first class host , the day drips to the wine region and Cape of Good hope etc where really good also. Limoni apartments where lovely, we were looked after by the maids and the property was fantastic . Amakhala service was fantastic, really first class couldn’t fault it.…"
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