Looking for a malaria-free Eastern Cape safari with conservation at its core? Then Amakhala Game Reserve is the perfect choice. Offering unparalleled game viewing opportunities and adventure activities, makes Amakhala a sought-after safari destination. From walking trails to horse riding safaris, game drives and conservation projects; Amakhala Game Reserve is for the explorer who loves a bit of safari luxury.
And it’s claim to fame? The reserve is one of WildEarth’s filming locations! WildEarth TV brings live game drives and safari experiences straight to your living room, offering a complete virtual safari experience. Stay tuned—we’re about to launch a hosted safari package to Amakhala and Bush Lodge with Ralph Kirsten, a presenter and Naturalist for WildEarth on the sunrise and sunset safaris from Amakhala. He also presents on Amakhala’s “Live at the Waterhole” show. Ralph is a qualified wildlife safari guide and destination specialist, making him the perfect person to host your safari. While staying at Bush Lodge, you’ll get to experience the wonders of Amakhala while learning about the wild and the various conservation initiatives underway at Amakhala Game Reserve.
Let’s delve into the depths of Amakhala and traverse our way through the reserve’s exceptional offerings. You’ll soon discover why a hosted safari to Amakhala Game Reserve is the perfect option.
The Picturesque Terrain
Undulating terrain punctuated by fiery aloe plants gives Amakhala’s concession that iconic Eastern Cape atmosphere. In fact, the area is laden with so many beautiful aloes that the reserve derives its isiXhosa name from the species. The Bushmen’s River snakes its way through the reserve, providing easy access to water for a wealth of wildlife. The 8500 hectare reserve is characterised by typical bushveld savanna, Karoo scrub and Albany thicket (evergreen and succulent shrubbery) which is synonymous with this area of the Eastern Cape. The diverse habitat supports an array of species, including the Big 5, cheetah, rhino and slightly rarer species such as bat eared fox and “lifer” birds like the rufous-chested sparrow hawk.
Momentous Wildlife Encounters
Because of the varied habitats and access to water, you’ll discover dense populations of game—Amakhala is stocked with wildlife, earning it a solid reputation for being a premier game reserve. While on safari, you can expect to see abundant elephant populations, springbok, zebra, giraffe, red hartebeest, white rhino, wildebeest and buffalo. The heavyweight predators include lions (frequent sightings), leopards (rare to see), and occasionally hyena and cheetah.
If you’re lucky enough, on the the banks of the river you’ll find Cape clawless otter and birds like goliath herons and half-collared kingfishers. Twitchers will be pleased to know there are a recorded 250 species of bird found in the reserve. Amakhala’s array of activities ensure safari goers are afforded abundant opportunities to spot the wealth of wildlife. Such activities include conservation projects, game drives, horse riding, and guided bush walks.
Activities for the Conservation Minded
The team from Amakhala Game Reserve are champions of conservation, ensuring the eco-tourism ethic is woven into their activities. The Amakhala foundation educates and trains young children about the wild, ensuring they’re all set to become guides. There are also various conservation projects underway, one of which is the well-documented cheetah project. Amakhala was chosen as a relocation destination for a coalition of three captive-born male cheetah by the Ashia Cheetah Foundation. If you’ve watched the show, you might already be familiar with them: The Three Amigos! These three characters belonged to the “miracle 8”, a group of orphaned cubs who were raised at Ashia, rewilded on the Dinokeng Reserve and then relocated to Amakhala. But…these aren’t the only cheetah to spot in the reserve. Much to the delight of WildEarth’s viewers (and everyone else!), a female cheetah called Phumelela has really lived up to her namesake, which means success. She has just had her second litter of cubs, which are thriving in the wild. She’s a successful mother who certainly knows how to protect and nurture her young, ensuring they’re always out of sight from the prying eyes of predators and scavengers.
Because of the rapid decline of the cheetah species, the Ashia Cheetah Sanctuary was founded to reintroduce cheetah into the wild. Amakhala joined Ashia as part of their commitment to conservation and to help increase the natural population of cheetah.
When it comes to anti-poaching efforts, Amakhala has their own conservation program. There is a K9 unit on-site, and daily horseback patrols that scan fence lines for potential threats. Camera traps, night vision optical equipment and aerial technology are all methods employed by the team to combat poaching.
Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge is an idyllic 5-star safari lodge situated in an open valley overlooking the game-rich bushveld beyond, as well as a waterhole. Each of the eight spacious suites are built from a mix of natural wooden floors, thatched roofs and tented walls, giving rise to that iconic African safari feel. Decor is sophisticated with hints of rustic African decor and quirky pieces scattered throughout. Plush, luxurious and in harmony with the wild: Bush Lodge’s interiors are designed to impress.
All suites have their own private plunge pool, offering a welcome respite from the daytime heat during the sizzling summer months. To take advantage of the sublime surrounds, each suite is fitted with its own private balcony which is secluded. Guests at Bush Lodge can also indulge in the ultimate wind-down time in the large oval bath or around the inviting fireplace. Main areas are set up to take advantage of the spectacular surroundings, and offer a lounge area for relaxation, dining and pub section, expansive deck and various fire places.