Bush Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve

Breakfast was pleasant lots of choice . Staff were pleasant and AJ did his best to find what animals we did see. Nice touch fire being lit in tent and bath ran when returned after drive.

Toilets in main lodge stained didn’t look clean . The tent toilets again were very dirty and tired desperately needed new seats . The tent felt very tired difficulty opening and closing concertina doors warped. Tent desperately in need of refurbishment. Expected to see more animals didn’t go on morning drive as I was ill but did ask other couple on same one and stated they only saw one rhino and wart hogs.

The setting was great, food was lovely, room was large and had a private plunge pool where you could watch for wildlife. Felt very peaceful.

Dinner would have been better served a bit later - the turnaround between getting in from a game drive and being ready for dinner was sometimes about 30mins, which wasn't really enough time to get ready/make full use of the room facilities. The outdoor shower was nice but had nesting birds and sometimes monkeys playing around in it - part of the fun I guess but meant it wasn't always that useable!

Our stay of 48 hours at Bush Lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve was memorable for all the right reasons. All staff, including our two rangers, were first class. Food was copious and delicious. All arrangements worked smoothly. Game viewings were excellent. Strongly recommended.

It would be helpful if directions to the property strongly advised guests (many of whom will be foreigners unfamiliar with the area) against taking the minor road down to the N2 from Paterson. This is an unpaved, un-signed road with many ruts and deep potholes. Although this route looks OK on the map and is favoured by in-car GPS systems, this 10 km stretch of road is unsuitable for ordinary vehicles (ie cars without 4WD)

Unfortunately, we only spent one night at the Bush Lodge. Despite the short time, we saw a lot of animals during the two game drives thanks to our fantastic and very experienced ranger Jona and got especially very close to the herd of elephants. The whole team at Bush Lodge was incredibly friendly and helpful and we received a very warm welcome. Due to the limited number of accommodations, the atmosphere is very relaxed and personal, which we really liked. Great breakfast and lots of nice little things (e.g. heated fireplace in your own tent after returning from the game drive and much more). Thanks a lot to everyone for this great experience!

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Outstanding service and atmosphere. Knowledge of the game guides

The only criticism would be almost too much food. The lunch menu could be much lighter eg salad selection as breakfast is late and the evening meal is 3 course. Also a fish selection rather than 2 meat in the evening. There was a vegetarian alternative but not fish. Light or skimming milk would be preferable too.

This is a superb place to stay in every way, we cannot recommend it highly enough. Over the years we have stayed in many game parks & reserves in Africa and on leaving Amakhala, we felt we could never again experience any such wonderful encounters with a wide range of amazing animals! On the game drives, we were in the safe hands of the excellent Chief Ranger Jono who was so informative and completely tuned into whole environment. Back at the Bush Lodge our every need, whim & wish was catered for by the friendly, well-trained staff. Treat yourselves!

One small comment, our evening host Athi was obviously hard-pressed to man both the bar and to serve wine to guests at their tables. An extra member of staff would have helped!

Everything here is incredible, you'll be blown away by the set up, the staff, the food, the safari, the rooms, the scheduling, the drinks options, it's all spot on. The reserve itself is great, so big it feels like a lot of effort to see the animals but still small enough that we saw all of the animals we could have asked to see. The guides were incredible, so helpful, chatty and accommodating and all of the time spent at the lodge is exceptional - chill/drink/eat/coffee/swim, do what you want its all there!

Nothing not to like, everything was amazing. Before coming my only hesitation was price, but once you factor in the fact of the safari and the all-inclusive nature, its absolutely worth every penny.

Everything - our entire stay was perfect. The lodge is beautiful, our tent was spacious and comfortable with a gorgeous view out to the watering hole. The bath and outdoor shower were great. Staff could not do enough for you - so friendly and kind. Our ranger was fantastic, very experienced and knowledgable about the area and the animals and we got some great sightings. The lodge is all inclusive and luxury and worth every penny - we would love to go back! If you are considering Amakhala reserve you need to stay here!

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No negative aspects at all. Great tents (maybe needed to be updated shortly) but nothing serious. Service is next level. Game drives were superb and very informative. Stay here for a perfect safari

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