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8.7

177 reviews

Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve, R342 Karel Landman, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Adults only

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Escape to the luxurious Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve, where a 5-star adventure awaits just 29.1mi from Grahamstown. Nestled within the stunning Amakhala Game Reserve, this exquisite lodge offers a serene retreat for those seeking both comfort and wildlife wonders. With rates starting from $1,134, you’ll enjoy top-tier amenities including a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool for refreshing dips, and free private parking to keep your stay hassle-free.

Delight in the tranquil surroundings with features like free Wi-Fi, a bar, and the option for room service, all designed to make your stay as relaxing as possible. For extra indulgence, indulge in spa treatments, massages, or horseback riding (all with extra charges), and take advantage of the free beach umbrellas and loungers during your downtime. The lodge’s adults-only policy and non-smoking rooms promise a peaceful environment, complemented by elegant touches like balconies, garden views, and private entrances for every guest.

Guests rave about their experiences, with 177 reviews echoing the exceptional service and stunning setting. While just a short drive from the city, Bukela Game Lodge offers a perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and adventure. Whether you’re soaking in the sun on the terrace or exploring the lush gardens, every moment promises unforgettable memories in this pristine South African sanctuary.

After a day of exhilarating safaris and wildlife sightings, unwind at the lodge’s inviting outdoor infinity pools, where adults can soak up the sun while enjoying breathtaking views of the reserve. Whether you prefer a peaceful float at the shallow end or a refreshing swim with panoramic scenery, these pools offer the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate amidst nature’s splendor. The pools’ serene setting and stunning vistas create an idyllic atmosphere for lounging, making them an unforgettable highlight of your stay.

For those eager to indulge their palate, the lodge’s traditional-style restaurant serves up delicious, locally-inspired cuisine that perfectly complements your South African adventure. Imagine savoring a hearty meal after a day of exploring, with the option to enjoy your favorite dishes in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet dinner, this on-site restaurant adds a touch of culinary delight to your retreat, all within the comfort of the lodge.

Most importantly, Bukela Game Lodge embraces a tranquil, adults-only environment, where peace and privacy are paramount. With chic suites and luxurious tents offering a cozy haven for two, you’ll find your own piece of paradise. Plus, with free Wi-Fi to stay connected and the option for room service, your stay can be as leisurely or lively as you wish. Escape to this South African sanctuary, where adventure, comfort, and serenity come together in perfect harmony.

Closest airports

Port Elizabeth Airport

41.6mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Adults only

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Sun deck

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Patio

Garden view

Garden

View

Free toiletries

Balcony

Bathtub

Rooms

Double or Twin Suite in Bukela Game Lodge ¿ Amakhala Game Reserve

Show 11 photos

Suite

1 King Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

485 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Bathtub

+

More details

Suite

Luxury Tent in Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Show 13 photos

Luxury Tent, King/Twin

1 King Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

540 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Bathtub

More details

Luxury Tent in Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Show 13 photos

Luxury Tent, King or 2 Twin

1 King Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

540 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Bathtub

More details

Double or Twin Suite in Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Show 11 photos

Suite

1 King Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

485 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Bathtub

+

More details

King Suite in Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Show 14 photos

Suite, King Size

1 King Size Bed

485 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Bathtub

+

More details

Show 14 photos

Luxury Suite

1 King Size Bed

Balcony

Minibar

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

King Suite in Bukela Game Lodge ¿ Amakhala Game Reserve

Show 14 photos

Suite, King Size

1 King Size Bed

485 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Bathtub

More details

Luxury Tent in Bukela Game Lodge ¿ Amakhala Game Reserve

Show 13 photos

Luxury Tent, King/Twin

1 King Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

540 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Bathtub

More details

Show 13 photos

Luxury Tent

Balcony

Minibar

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Luxury Tent

+

More details

Luxury Tent

Room Selected at Check in

More details

Guest reviews

8.7

177 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Breakfast

Featured reviews:

🇬🇧

Erin

8.2

October 2023

Staff were friendly and helpful when you asked. Accommodation is spread out and private so there isn't any overlooking from anyone. Three meals a day and drinks provided. 3 very decent portion sized meals each day. Views are fabulous over the land and although we didn't see many animals at the lodge it was lovely. Communal seating areas very comfortable and beautifully decorated. Tents are a great size with decking and outdoor seating area. A bath and shower both available. The bed was very comfortable and a electric blanket as well as log bruner available for colder evenings. Turn down service and soft dressing gowns available. The game drives were very professional and an amazing experience! So much to see and the ranger Eric was excellent, really made the game drives exciting and fun. You get drinks and some snacks on the game drive. The staff also assist with walking you to and from rooms.

Food was on the whole good. On one occasion not all starter dishes were brought out at the same time & meant we couldn't all eat together. A few times we had empty glasses and weren't checked on or offered more. It was disappointing as most tables were empty so we felt they could have been more attentive. Unfortunately we weren't able to access any of the additional options e.g. massage or star gazing. We were offered these on arrival and didn't receive a further update after we registered interest unless we had asked . The spa option had to wait until the next day to know.if there was availability - not sure what format they use but it was disappointing to wait so long before finding out it wasn't possible.

🇨🇭

Orsi

10

April 2024

We had an amazing stay at the game lodge, really enjoyed our tent, the meals, the game drives. Some highlights: - the attentive, kind, helpful and smiley staff members make all the difference - the tent was absolutely gorgeous with a small private deck where you could lounge and observe animals - the lunches and dinners were delicious, served by attentive staff - the game drives were amazing, we got to see most of the animals several times and our ranger was very informative and knowledgeable - grateful for the little things, we got a cute bedtime story printed each night, our car was cleaned before leaving and we were left some good bye cookies, little picnics our ranger organized

🇩🇪

Annika

10

February 2024

- the staff!!! So welcoming, friendly and professional - the location was breathtaking and just stumbling into an antelope having breakfast while on my way to breakfast will be a treasured memory - the accommodations were great and I am glad that I was able to stay for two nights so I had some time to lounge around - the food is amazing - this lodge has 5 stars and I was worried if I would feel uncomfortable in such an upscale environment: if you thought the same, fear not. The service and accommodations themselves are very much 5 stars but everybody is welcomed and treated the same, the overall vibe feels relaxed. - the game drives were such an experience. The rangers are knowledgeable, friendly and fun.

🇬🇧

Janet

8.2

February 2024

An amazing 2 night stay and got to see lots on our game drives. Our ranger Monde was very informative and eager to get the best views. Lodge was fine.

Food took too long to arrive at table despite being pre ordered, 45 min wait for lunch first course. Had issues too with dinner taking far too long. Waiting staff very attentive but it felt like there were issues with kitchen staff both with time taken and some quality of food. Namely my pasta dish was not cooked so as I was unable to even get my knife through it! However our overall experience was good as we had great game drives which of course was the reason fo being there.

🇮🇪

Mark

8.2

January 2024

Blown away by this location, the long drive into the park makes your realise you are far away from civilisation. The facilities are brilliant and have a real traditional feel to them, the tent which we stayed in was incredibly cool and provided us with an amazing experience of wilderness. The drives were amazing to partake (bring a fleece and it is a very bumpy ride) our driver had incredible knowledge and was doing his best for us to see all we could (you can’t promise to see everything!) During our stay the elephants decided to take a walk through the camp and it was insane experience to see them so close to the accommodation, a reminder you really are in the wild at the lodge. The staff were all very nice and welcoming onsite and you can truly relax and they will look after you.

If you’re like me and not a fan of bugs then don’t stay in a tent, it was a great experience but you are in the wild and insects and animals are unavoidable. (Spray the room before dinner and you should be fine and keep all windows and doors closed at all times) The power did decide to go at 2.00am and we left in the pitch black with no contact with reception which was a intense moment, apparently it was an uncommon incident.

🇿🇦

Kayla

8.2

March 2023

the facility, the rooms, the decor

the linen was stained, the beds were very hard, the pillows were flat and old.

🇩🇪

Matthias

10

March 2023

Not sure where to even start with this amazing property. Everything from the staff to the accomodation was incredible. The pictures are 100% accurate. You are sleeping in a very luxurious tent overlooking the nature with a lot of privacy. The staff was really so sweet and helpful, whatever it is you wished for. Especially Sus, Samy and our ranger Monde were amazing! The game drives are so different to what we expected: number one priority is not to disturb the animals and we loved that. We saw all big fives several times, even though it was raining a lot. The knowledge of the ranger was amazing. You get 2 drives per day: 6-9am and then 4-7pm. We were quite annoyed at one point with the rudeness of some guests towards the staff when it comes to the amenities or food. Yes you pay a lot for this place, but it is not comparable to a 5* luxury resort in a city where you get whatever you want whenever you want. You are in a bush afterall and should know that when you come here. There are generators to have energy at all times, but yes sometimes the WiFi might not work - but youre in the forest so we couldnt understand how people would get upset about this. You dont getthe most amazing food but its still a 5-course dinner that tasted good! Even the breakfast is amazing, with french toast or eggs benedict. We stayed 2 nights and felt that was also enough. From our side a big recommendation.

Nothing.

🇬🇧

Alan

8.2

February 2023

The hotel aspect of the stay was excellent. Comfort, food, staff, service and ranger knowledge were all really good.

The game watching was underwhelming. It felt like we were completing a tick list. All the animals you would hope to see were there but in what felt like token numbers. On the drive we had lovely vistas over the reserve with vast areas of grassland where you would hope to see herds of grazing antelope but there was not an animal in sight. We had more enjoyable game drives, driving our own car, in the national parks at very little cost. We were however unable to find the more exotic animals such as lion that you are guaranteed to find in the private reserves.

🇬🇧

Harvey

8.2

February 2023

This is a great place for safari. For each night's stay two 3-hr safaris are included (6-9am with morning coffee and 4-7pm, with welcome sundowner) with a knowledgable driver. Seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is a truly outstanding experience. The location is remote and cut off but this is a massive advantage for such an experience. The luxury tent is indeed that, canvas sides but secure and well decorated (in approriate rustic style) and well appointed and equipped. The hotel has a watering hole and the sight of a herd of elephants arriving for a wee dram was breathtaking!

🇦🇺

Melissa

8.2

February 2023

Beautiful location in the middle of the game reserve, so you can actually some wildlife from your balcony. Loved our room, very spacious and stunning. Staff was really friendly and the game drives were awesome, we saw almost all the wildlife (apart from leopard) in 4 game drives.

For the amount you're charged per night, taking into consideration you fill out a survey in advance indicating dietary requirements ànd the lodge only catering to max 28 people a day, I would have definitely expected better food options to meet dietary requirements. One of the 2 nights we stayed, they served "braai" for dinner, instead of the 5 course dinner. For me as a vegetarian they did not have any vegetarian option instead of all the meat, I was expected to just eat the side salads for dinner. Also, with the afternoon game drives there were meat snacks, but no vegetarian. Very disappointing. Lunch (also called high tea) was also very simple, just nachos and sausage rolls. Think overall the food offering could/should be improved for a 5* lodge.

Points of Interest Around Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Attractions

Addo Elephant National Park

23.4mi

Restaurants

Restaurant #1

Cuisines

  • 0

Ambiances

  • Traditional

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Infinity
  • Shallow end
  • With view

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Adults only

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Sun deck

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Patio

Garden view

Garden

View

Free toiletries

Balcony

Bathtub

Stay rules - Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property