HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve

We stayed at Hillsnek with friends and had the best time. Beautiful place to stay, on arrival we were welcomed with an elephant drinking at the pool which was amazing! The tent was fabulous, very comfortable bed and a bath with a view! Used the outdoor shower too which was wonderful! Would have loved a day just to enjoy our surroundings but we were here for safari and it didn’t disappoint, 6 game drives over our 3 nights and they all exceeded any expectations we had. Hanri our guide was lovely, very knowledgeable and great fun! Enjoyed the sundowners and hot chocolate in the morning when it is noticeably cooler! The food was delicious and beautifully presented with a choice for evening meal and breakfast. This fantastic experience wouldn’t have been possible without all the wonderful staff who want to make sure you have a brilliant time. They were so warm and welcoming, so many names I couldn’t keep track but must mention Renzo, Jaison, Nadine who were front of house looking after us but not forgetting the lovely ladies with the hot cloths, cooks and cleaners who all contributed to our unforgettable trip. Thankyou everyone x

Where to start - from the moment you arrive at HillsNek you are greeted and treated like royalty. The staff are incredibly warm and friendly and bend over backwards to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. The tents themselves are private and intimate, making you feel like you are the only people in the world as you take in the breathtaking surroundings. The beds are huge and incredibly comfortable, indoor and outdoor showers are perfect after a long morning of exploration and mini-fridge is always stocked for a relaxing drink on your own balcony before heading down for dinner. Every meal was fresh and authentic, clearly cooked with love by the incredible chefs. The hospitality extends to the rangers conducting the game drives, who are passionate and friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the vast array of animals and plants across the reserve. They even took us on a walking safari at our request to let us get up close and personal to some of the finer details that you would miss on the back of a Land Cruiser.

Nothing - entire stay was absolutely faultless

We loved out time here. Our guide, Jesse, was knowledgeable and ensured we saw all the Big 5. He even managed to insert us into the middle of the elephant herd...they were within touching distance. The Reserve is in magnificent countryside...Africa stretching to the horizon. We loved the little touches - the early morning tea, the coffee and drinks breaks during the game drives, the cold towels to refresh us when we arrived back from our drives - all were wonderful. The elephants coming to drink at the pool at the lodge was the high point of our stay....they stayed for over an hour and Jesse was able to explain to hierarchy of the families under the protection of the Bull elephant....fascinating. The food was fabulous - great variety and all presented in gourmet style. The staff were superb. Renzo and his team work tirelessly to ensure everything is perfect.

I cannot find anything we did not like

Exceptional camp with really super friendly hosts, staff and guide. The food is sensational with large portions. The tent is simply awesome, the top furnishings and the exceptional view. But the game drives are more than exceptional, they are simply phenomenal. Our guide Jesse has a lot of knowledge and can explain it very clearly. He found all the Big Five and many more in the huge reserve and we were able to get very close to the animals. Many, many thanks to Jesse, Nadine, Jaison, Murray and all the staff for an unforgettable experience.

The food was great, healthy and made with care. The gamedrives were nice. Our ranger Jesse was really enthousiatic and took good care of us. The tents where beautifull and comfortabel. And Renzo gave the very best service we could wish for.

It was all very good. It was the highlight of our vacation. Maybe the tents can get hot because there is no airco.

Location and breakfast out of this world. Fantasyic

Nothing . The entire experience was fantastic

Food was excellent, very high quality, well presented and very carefully prepared. Staff were extremely friendly and very helpful, always doing as much all they could to make all guests very happy. Bed very comfortable, and the bathroom amazing for a "tent" A small camp with only 4 tents, it was very enjoyable to have everyone around the one table for 8 adults. A family would be sat at their own table, to make it more comfortable for all.

There was possibly a little too much food at every meal. Asking for a small portion still produced exactly the same amount as the portion that was a challenge to eat. Raising this with the manager, he explained that they have sometimes provided small portions in the past, but then the guest sometimes found them too small, and it made things awkward for others at the table as they had to wait for a larger portion to be prepared. So I understand the decision, just a bit sad to see some waste

Everything was excellent. The staff were exceptional. I have been on a number of safaris and the staff at Hillsnek really went above and beyond. Special mention for Jesse the ranger, Renzo and Jaison at the lodge. Got to be the best option in the E Cape.

Leaving.

Private and lovely location

Nothing really all good