Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

We have one last safari drive to complete in the morning before we say goodbye to what has been an outstanding experience from start to finish. Abbie our guide has been outstanding, and I hope she enjoys her up coming birthday. This has been a fantastic experience and each game drive has provided a new experience to add to the wonderful service and food at the lodge.

We traveled with another couple to Bukela, based on a recommendation we saw on TravelZoo. From the very minute we arrived, the experience was amazing. The staff was so welcoming, accommodating, hospitable, helpful and friendly. Not to exclude any staff (they all were fantastic), but Jeanne, Sandi, Vij, and Blessing all added to the overall feeling of being part of something special. We were greeted with a welcome cocktail, and were given a bit of an orientation to the property and what to expect during our visit. The tent accommodations were very comfortable, clean and functional. We had no problems, our travel companions had a couple issues with the hot water system, but these were always resolved very quickly with a phone call. We had an unusual situation with a lost personal item. The staff including the maintenance staff, went way over and above without hesitation to help us find our item - even to the extent of removing some of the deck boards on the wooden walkways so we could look underneath the deck. Top notch service. The food service was fantastic. We felt like we never stopped eating from start of day to end, and the food choices were nicely varied and all delicious. Our ranger, Monde (pronounced Mon-dae), was exceptional. His knowledge of the reserve was extensive. He had an amazing eye and ability for spotting and tracking wildlife, whether close or far, large or small, and made us feel comfortable and safe as we were near the animals. Overall, this was a fantastic experience we would highly recommend.

Bucket list trip with my sister. It was fabulous. From the moment we arrived until “tear in my eye departure”, it was wonderful! The food was delicious. The accommodations were cozy and comfortable , so quiet , so beautiful our guide, Evance , was outstanding and driving us around and finding all the animals. We stayed six nights and we did all of the extras. The horseback riding was amazing giraffes walk right up to you and your horse . The star-gazing ,to see stars we’ve never seen before in the northern hemisphere …outstanding …the nighttime Safari and the bird safari …do them all and get a massage! All of the staff is marvelous. In the states we’ve gotten used to hotel staff not taking care of your room when you’re gone. This staff comes twice a day to your tent to clean up open windows close windows. It’s amazing. One of the best trips we’ve ever taken.

Everything! Food great, nice bar, good staff. Enjoyed our safaris

Water not very warm but to be expected as remote

It was located in the most beautiful surroundings and each luxury tent was well looked after with good attention to detail. Beds were comfortable and there was plenty of space.

Beautiful lodge. Friendly staff. Great game drives. Plentiful food

Communication was poor about what was included

My wife and i travelled to Bukela Game Lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve to celebrate my 70th birthday, and it was one of the best experience of our lives.From start to finish, everything was truly 5-star. Our ranger, Mundi, was extraordinary-his knowledge and tracking skills were second to none, and thanks to him we saw the Big 5 along with many other animals in their natural environment. Returning to the lodge after each drive felt like coming home, the warm welcome made us feel like family.The entire Bukela team was both professional and genuinely caring. Highlights included a Braai evening with wonderful local singing and dancing, consistently excellent food, and the special touches for my birthday. I was treated to a private champagne dinner, followed the next morning by a "buzz fizz" breakfast and a birthday cake, with the staff singing to me in both English and their local language. Bukela Game Lodge is a place of warmth, beauty, and unforgettable memories. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly special experience. Merlon and Jennifer

From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed like family. The entire staff went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable — from the warm smiles at every meal to the thoughtful details that made each day feel special. Our ranger, Wangu, was outstanding. His knowledge of the wildlife, patient explanations, and ability to spot animals we never would have seen on our own made every drive an adventure. Each outing felt like stepping into a nature documentary, and yet it was deeply personal and unforgettable. The spa experience with Aya was absolutely exceptional. From the moment she welcomed me, her calm presence set the tone for pure relaxation. Her massage was both deeply therapeutic and wonderfully soothing. I left feeling renewed and restored - truly one of the best treatments I’ve ever had. The lodge itself was beautiful, blending comfort and nature perfectly. The food was delicious, the rooms immaculate, and every part of the experience felt carefully considered. What impressed us most was the genuine care and passion of the people here. It’s clear that the staff love what they do, and that spirit shines through in every interaction. We leave with memories we’ll cherish forever — and already dreaming of our return. Thank you for making our safari an experience of a lifetime. — William & Amy

Wonderful lodge, very friendly staff Lodge deserve the 5 star status. Luxary tents are gorgious, the whole Amakhala reserve is very diverse with plenty of animals. Just like other reviewers mentioned, kitchen is excellent anfd friendlynees of staff outstanding.

Absolutely fantastic game lodge. Conveniently located an hour or so north of Port Elizabeth. The staff is wonderful, friendly and helpful. Beautiful expansive views from everywhere on the property, including from the deck of our large glamping tent. We always saw plenty of exotic animals on each safari ride. The Bush Walk was so interesting and we highly recommend it. Thank you to everyone at Bukela for making our stay so memorable! And special thanks to Uzi for the safari cappuccino!