Amakhala Game Reserve - accommodation in Garden Route, Garden Route, South Africa

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Amakhala is named after the Xhosa word meaning Aloes, the prolific indigenous plant found in this uniquely diverse province. Steeped in history and beauty, this 7000-hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for an unforgettable safari and an intimate experience of the varied landscape, including breathtaking views of the Bushman's River. This Game Reserve is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so making a contribution to the conservation of our natural heritage.

ACCOMMODATION: A range of accommodation is available. These are owner-managed establishments that ensure you will experience first-hand, the famous hospitality of the Eastern Cape. Weary travellers through our uniquely beautiful Valley Bushveld have always appreciated the warm hospitality of the Eastern Cape. The lodges offer various styles of accommodation, which include two gracious colonial homesteads, two classic bush lodges, an historic inn and a Settler farmhouse. To maintain our hospitality and exclusivity we have limited the number of guests visiting the lodges to the amount of land which each family has contributed to the reserve.

Safari Lodge: The Safari Lodge is secretly hidden up a kloof in the indigenous Valley Bushveld. African tribal design has inspired the creation of this intimate thatched lodge and its unique safari huts, which offer all of the creature comforts of a graded four star lodge. Soak in a luxurious double bath or splash off the dust in an outdoor shower before sharing your day's adventures around the fireside under a canopy of stars. On a recommended three day safari, experience game drives, a canoe safari, a river cruise, a guided walk and a visit to neighbouring Shamwari. Children over 12 years are welcome. Your hosts are Mike and Justine Weeks.

Leeuwenbosch Country House: Built in 1908 and set in its own lovely garden, the Country House is a large and beautiful home, which offers true country living in every sense. Both spacious and comfortable, Leeuwenbosch offers en-suite bedrooms and a suite. Spend cheerful evenings in the old 1832 cellar pub where guests make many friends or enjoy a quiet game of billiards on the full size antique table. Your hosts are the Fowlds family. Children over 9 are welcome.

Woodbury: Set in a spectacular krantz above the Bushman's River valley, Woodbury Lodge offers an intimate and tranquil experience of the Eastern Cape Valley Bushveld at its best. Designed with great care to blend in with the natural surroundings, there are four thatched stone sleeping lodges, serviced by a central dining room and barbecue area, lounge bar and swimming pool. The sleeping lodges are comfortably appointed, with en-suite bathrooms, and each boasts a unique and breathtaking view from their wooden decks. Your stay will be made special by personalised attention and arrangements tailor-made to suit your requirements. There is a full range of catering options, excursions and activities. These include game drives (both day- and night- time), bird watching, canoeing, guided walks and a river cruise. Children are welcome. Your hosts are the Gush family.

Reed Valley Bed & Breakfast: Reed Valley farm, circa 1806 has been in the Weeks Family for five generations. Set in the historic farmyard, the country rooms once provided the old ‘mail wagon travelers’ a restful and safe haven whilst traveling the country, and today Rod and Tracy offer warm hospitality and great comfort. Each stylish room includes all comforts with separate entrance onto private patios. Hearty breakfasts and delicious dinners. Daily game drives. Convivial pub. Children.

Carnarvon Dale: Guests on this 1857 family farm are comfortably accommodated in the historic Settler farmhouse, "The Bottom House", or the elegantly restored Edwardian cottage, "The Top House". There is a choice of en-suite and serviced bedrooms with private lounges. Farm-style meals are usually taken in the main dining room. Morning and late afternoon safari-style game drives across the Reserve are arranged to suit your personal needs. Children over six years are welcome. Your hosts are Roger and Maryan Hart.

Shearers Lodge: Shearers Lodge, set in the grounds of Leeuwenbosch, was originally built in 1930 and used for shearing and classing wool. Now beautifully converted into four luxury en-suite bedrooms, one with a private lounge, all the rooms open on to a wide colonial verandah, overlooking indigenous gardens, rolling lawns and the quaintly charming Leeuwenbosch Chapel. Your hosts are the Fowlds family. Children are welcome.

SAFARIS: Amakhala Game Reserve offers a range of morning and evening safaris and other activities to enable our guests to experience the fascinating flora, fauna and bird life of the Eastern Cape. Go on game drives in an open Land Rover in search of our wildlife - rhino, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra, tortoise and over 16 antelope species - or take a night drive with cheese and wine sundowners before searching for elusive nocturnal animals such as lynx, porcupine and spring hare.

Relax on a slow river cruise down the Bushman’s River. The riverine bushveld offers excellent bird watching with a good chance of seeing the majestic African Fish Eagle and all three species of Kingfisher. Amongst the game drinking at the river’s edge, the rare Cape Clawless Otter might also be sighted. A guided walk with one of our qualified rangers will both fascinate and enthral you with an in-depth view into the hidden treasures of the African veld. Canoeing on the Bushman’s River will also give you a better insight into the tranquil riverine ecosystem.

  Note to accommodation seekers

As our name implies, all booking enquiries sent from Garden Route Direct go directly to home owners.

You will be sent an email with the home owners contact details in 24 hours - thus, in the event that they have not gotten back to you in that time, you can contact them directly.

We pride ourselves in being a commission free service and hope that you have enjoyed your visit and will return soon.

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