Amakhala Game Reserve, Western Region, Eastern Cape

WELCOME TO BUKELA GAME LODGE. Bukela means to "admire or a place of great admiration" in the Xhosa language. This area has been created to offer visitors a malaria free and intimate encounter with the African Bushveld. An encounter with Africa awaits you...

Bukela Lodge is situated in the malaria free, 6000 hectare Amakhala Game reserve just 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The Owners, Deon & Elsa Truter, have for many years dreamed and envisioned such a place, where one could relax and partake of the splendor of the African bush whilst still enjoying quality service and comfort. Having both explored most of the South African reserves extensively, they chose “this place of great admiration” in order to realize their dream, not only for its magnificence but also because it would offer their guests an opportunity of discovering the Eastern Cape which is of significant cultural and historical importance. In addition, the proximity of the coast to Bukela Lodge offers guests the opportunity of enjoying the bush and discovering the pristine beaches of the Eastern Cape.

Bukela Lodge is luxurious and of an International standard. The main lodge comprises of a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always welcome in winter, 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 may be enjoyed.

The four suites Uthando Suite | Ingwe Suite | Inyathi Suite | Umkhombe Suite are each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury, sleeps 2 guests and are privately located separate to the main lodge. Each suite is well appointed for a 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, a private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities. Beds are King size or 2 singles depending on guest requirement. All suites are air conditioned while bar fridges and automatic kettles are an added convenience. All our suites are luxurious but the “honeymoon suite” with a hug e four poster mahogany bed can be reserved for that special occasion.

Dinner may consist of either an informal bush braai/barbeque in the “boma” consisting of a selection of salads and/or hot vegetables, barbequed meat (chicken, beef, ostrich, venison ,or even fish) or a selection of dishes may be offered to suit your palette. Bush breakfasts, picnics or dinners are enjoyed to the sound of rhythmic African drums or guests may prefer the tranquility of an enjoying an excellent meal under the stars in the “boma” or “lapa”. After enjoying dinner guests are invited to socialize 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!

In Amakhala you will find White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Serval, Giraffe, Black Wildebeest, Zebra and more than 12 species of Antelope. Smaller game include Bat Eared Fox, Vervet Monkey, Bush Pig, Warthog, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Spring Hair, Porcupine and Tortoise. Approximately 250 bird species may be viewed in the area including the rare African Finfoot and include many raptors such as the Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle and Jackal buzzard. A variety of snake and insect species may also be discovered.
Guests are served coffee, tea and freshly baked muffins in the main lodge half an hour before a game drive commences. The duration of a game drive is usually 3-4 hours long depending on the amount of time spent stationary while viewing game. Game rangers will halt whenever requested and share their expertise with guests. Game rangers will also stop and allow guests to alight from the vehicle for a steaming cup of coffee which is traditionally enjoyed with rusks. (a south African biscuit.)

Tariffs:
01-12-2007 to 30-04-2008: sharing R2.950 - single R4.425 - child R1.475
01-05-2008 to 30-09-2008: sharing R2.300 - single R3.450 - child R1.150
01-10-2008 to 30-11-2008: sharing R2.950 - single R4.425 - child R1.475

The rates are inclusive of VAT and are calculated in the South African Rand. The above rates include accommodation, game drives, all meals, teas, coffees and snacks.