Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
5.0
#1 of 7 lodges in Amakhala Game Reserve
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Discreetly positioned in the bush at the top end of an open valley in the reserve, each of the superlative en-suite, tented and thatched suites overlook a watering point with big sky views.Each suite has a secluded private viewing deck with intimate plunge pool. Within the spacious interior hot and cold air-conditioning, an atmospheric fireplace, large oval bath and romantic alfresco double showers make this the perfect bush retreat.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Bush Lodge Amakhala garners praise for its scrupulous cleanliness and comfort, with attention to details like hot baths and orderly facilities that haven't gone unnoticed. The lodge's commitment to value is celebrated by guests who feel the superior service, gourmet cuisine, and thrilling safari outings justify its 5-star rating.
Service at the lodge is frequently lauded for its personalized approach and professional staff who ensure a memorable experience. The atmosphere is described as a perfect blend of luxury and nature, with rooms that not only meet but exceed guest expectations through lavish amenities and the chance to witness wildlife from the comfort of their accommodations.
Atmosphere
Luxurious
Rooms
Luxurious
Value
Exceptional
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
My wife and I and our two daughters decided to go on a family safari at Amakhala Bush Lodge in celebration of my wife’s birthday. We booked two luxury safari tents, and my wife and I were upgraded to a luxury family tent with a king size bed in the main room and two twin beds in the other room. Our daughters were in a luxury tent with two large twin beds. Both tents were extremely spacious, clean and comfortable, with a relaxing lounge area, en-suite bathroom with outside shower, as well as a private deck with a plunge pool and lovely views of the bushveld. The bathrobes and slippers, and fully stocked minibar in the tents were very convenient. The main lodge itself has appealing facilities including, a lounge, bar, dining, and deck area with magnificent views of the bushveld plains. The indoor and outdoor fires added to the pleasant ambiance of the main lodge. There is also an appealing swimming pool and outdoor relaxing area also overlooking the bushveld plains. The management team and other staff, including, Rod, Damian and Atie, were excellent, ensuring that everything was handled perfectly to ensure a memorable stay. The waiters were very attentive, efficient and friendly, and went out of their way to ensure that at all times we were well looked after. Our specific dietary needs were well catered for, and the chefs Thenjiwe and Godfrey were exceptional, as the food was superb, particularly the fillet steak, pork belly, and crème caramel. A real treat and surprise was that for my wife’s birthday, she was presented with a scrumptious cake at dinner, and the staff sang a local version of happy birthday which was beautiful and greatly appreciated. Our ranger James was professional and knowledgeable. During our stay we had the exclusive use of our own game vehicle which was a real bonus. We had fantastic sightings and saw plenty of game, including lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, black wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, jackal, warthog, mongoose, and cape hare. We also saw lots of antelope, including, eland, waterbuck, kudu, hartebeest, blesbok, impala, and duiker. We were also lucky to get really close to view a cheetah feeding on an antelope carcass, and were fortunate to view a lioness tracking a buffalo and her baby. The hot water bottles that were provided on the morning game drives, and the hot face cloths when we returned were useful and very nice. The refreshments provided on the game drives were delicious, particularly the muffins and “bush brew” (coffee, hot chocolate and amarula) in the mornings, and the tasty snacks and sundowners in the afternoon. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and had a fantastic family safari at Amakhala and definitely hope to be back.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment we stepped off the Land Rover arriving at Amakhala Lodge, we knew we were in for a special experience. Enough cannot be said about the warmth and professionalism of the staff. They knew our names immediately and developed a personal rapport with each client. Special mention about Lynette, our incredibly informative guide for three days, who infused us with her passion for all the wildlife, but especially the rhinos. She obviously loves her work. Returning from late afternoon safaris to be greeted by hot chocolate as we descended from the Land Rover, and a warm drawn bath and stoked fireplace in our luxury "tent"...the little extras that told us we were in good hands. Exceptional cuisine and free flowing spirits accompanied meal time when we could share our experiences of the day with the other guests. Absolutely first rate! They deserve their Certificate of Excellence.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Wow! The Bush Lodge was the highlight of our African safari experiences. When you arrive at Amakhala, you check in at a small historic house just off the road and we were a bit worried because it looked nothing like the pictures online. After we signed the paperwork, we were introduced to our guide AJ who ushered us to a safari vehicle for the 10 minute drive to the beautiful Bush Lodge. The main lodge is comfortable and inviting and overlooks a watering hole where we saw zebras, warthogs and even lions during our stay. We stayed for four days which was long enough to get a feel for the ecosystem of the reserve and see tons of animals. Unlike some of the national parks, we never went more than a few minutes on safari without seeing animals and we saw lions everyday during our stay. Highlights of the Bush Lodge included the food, the service and our incredible ranger AJ. AJ was so knowledgeable and clearly loves his job and the animals in the reserve. Every drive we had a goal to find a certain animal and AJ was successful every time! AJ was so considerate of our group and the animals. Although there are several lodges at Amakhala, it never felt crowded and we were usually the only vehicle in sight. There were never more than two vehicles viewing the same animal(s) which reduced stress on the animals and made for a much better viewing experience than the National Parks where you tend to encounter crazy traffic jams as guides jockey to view the predators. The food was the best we encountered on our entire trip to Africa and service was on point. The lodge is small with just 8 rooms so the service was very personalized. Bush Lodge is a great value as well offering better service, food and safari experiences than other lodges charging 3x the price. The only thing to be aware of is that the rooms are tents and offer very little insulation from temperature changes and wildlife noises. The lodge staff does its best to keep you warm with fireplaces and lots of blankets, but the mornings were chilly! It was also a bit unnerving (but unique) to hear the lions during the night. Even though the lodge is fenced, they sounded like they were right outside! The only hiccup we had was that our tent was visited by a bat every evening. We discovered the tiniest crack in the tent seam where the bat would slip in, circle around the ceiling and fly out without bothering us. Not a big deal and after the second time, we looked forward to the visit! We highly recommend the Bush Lodge and Ranger AJ and can’t wait to return.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Bring gloves, hats and layers for the game drives.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tatum Weeks, Marketing at Bush Lodge Amakhala
Responded 10 Aug 2024
Good day, We are so incredibly blown away by your experience at our lodge! Thank you for your kind feed back! What a wonderful time you’ve had, we as a team always strive to make memories that will last a life time, and hope that you only look back at your time at Bush Lodge with fondness! We are incredibly apologetic about the batty situation, perhaps the room was so cozy even the Bat had to get a closer look! We have since completed an array of renovations to the lodge and hope that this experience does not hinder future visits! Again, thank you kindly for taking the time to leave us a review. We have passed along your compliments to all staff and of course to your Ranger AJ. Kindly always, the Bush Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is an absolute dream. We had high expectations and they were exceeded and them some. The edge this place has is a real family feel/ fun edge - James made us laugh so much on our safaris, Francois was also great and down to earth and Godfrey was the best cook ever. Fires lit and bath run for your return from drives, nothing is too much effort and it is STUNNING. My only build would be they really should offer dressing gowns in the room - I gave them this build so fingers crossed they will follow through
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What can I say... the whole experience was incredible from start to finish. All the staff were so friendly and always greeted us with big smiles. The food was excellent and the choice was great (also amending dishes if needed for visitors) and we loved sharing the the big dining table for dinner with all other guests and exchanging stories about our trips and what we had seen. The tent was beautifully appointed and the plunge pool was great for refreshing after hot game drives. Hot baths ready in the evening after colder or wet safari drives or a shower under the stars... and to Jono (our ranger), thank you for the amazing experience and the chance to see so many animals up close. Your love for the animals, plants and purpose of the reserve was infectious and you taught us so much. We loved the adventure of following tracks and scanning the landscape with binoculars in search of wildlife. Can't wait to come back and experience it all over again!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tatum Weeks, Marketing at Bush Lodge Amakhala
Responded 12 Mar 2023
Dear Annabel, Thank you for your excellent review of your stay at Bush Lodge. It is wonderful to hear the things you enjoyed most with us. I will be sure to pass on your compliments to the rest of the team. We really hope to welcome you and Koen back in the near future. All the best, The Bush Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have just returned from an excellent trip to Bush Lodge. Everything exceeded our expectations and it was such a wonderful and relaxing treat. The rooms with private plunge pools overlooking the waterhole where animals came to drink throughout the day and night were absolutely amazing.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to give us an excellent game viewing experience with a little Tyre change on the way😊 we got up close and personal with the wildlife and it was amazing thank you James.
The lodge it’s self if stunning and the service was excellent. The hot bath waiting for you after your evening game drive, hot water bottles given to you for your early morning game drive, everything had been taken care of.
The meals were delicious with creative menu options. The food was excellent and all the staff are amazing and so kind! I would recommend Bush lodge highly for a bespoke and personal bush experience. Kim, Allison, Jordan & Kristi made our holiday extra special.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tatum Weeks, Marketing at Bush Lodge Amakhala
Responded 10 Aug 2024
Good day Sheila, Wow, what a wonderful review! Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your stay. You and your fiancé were wonderful guests to host and the Team definitely appreciated your warm and friendly company! We hope to see you soon - perhaps next time for your special honeymoon (wink wink!) Our team is dedicated to curate memories that will last a lifetime for our very special guests, and hope that you look back at your time at Bush Lodge Amakhala with fondness! See you soon! Kindly always The Bush Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There is nothing that the hosts at Bush Lodge could have done better to make our stay more enjoyable. The lounge area, pool, outside drinks area are only surpassed by the rooms which are spacious and have everything you could wish for in them. Attention to detail is unsurpassed, from the moment you get there to the time you leave. Staff are attentive but not intrusive, and the food is plentiful and excellent quality. We had good sightings on the Game Drives, with knowledgable guides who made it both fun and educational. Amazing views from The Ridge and a great place for a sundowner! Our memories of Bush Lodge will be forever.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Rooms are all good, we had 2 of which one was a family room which was very spacious
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tatum Weeks, Marketing at Bush Lodge Amakhala
Responded 06 Oct 2022
Dear The Forrest Family, Many thanks for your review, we truly appreciate your kind words. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay with us at Bush Lodge. Hopefully, you shall return one day in the not too distant future to make more memories! Kind regards The Bush Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have never experienced such high quality service like I received at Bush Lodge. They were attentive to small details that went above and beyond and made the experience - from knowing our names upon arrival, making up a bath after our evening game drives, to proactively checking in. The people were incredibly friendly and kind, I miss them terribly! Our ranger Jono was superb and made the experience top notch - he was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, funny, and personable. From the people, to the rooms, to the amenities, to the curated experience Bush lodge created - they created an amazing once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget! I can’t wait to come back!
Read more
Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tatum Weeks, Marketing at Bush Lodge Amakhala
Responded 10 Aug 2024
Good day, We are absolutely blown away by your experience at Bush Lodge! Thank you for taking the time to tell us how much you enjoyed your stay! You are always most welcome! It was a pleasure to host you, and there is no job too big for our dedicated team to tackle when it comes to making your bush breakaway dreams come true! Well keep an eye out for your next visit! See you soon, The Bush Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It is hard to find the words to describe our visit to Bush Lodge. Their motto is 'come as guests, leave as friends' and that was certainly how we felt during our stay. The staff were beyond helpful, experienced and kind and welcoming. Especially Atty, Kristy,AJ, Suzy and Allison were INCREDIBLE. They are all fantastic personalities who made are stay, one that will last a lifetime. The wildlife was magical and we were so glad for the respectful approach gto viewing them, with limited trucks. Made us confident in the reserves knowledge and caring nature to conserve the wildlife in a way that is best to them, but also gave us a fantastic and private excursions.
The rooms exceeded expectations and the quality of the photos! We were so comfortable and warm and felt very safe. The attention to detail was also incredible, heated beds, hot water bottles on early game drives and much much more (don't want to spoil any surprised). But we were so thrilled, and those details really enhanced the trip.
The food was also beautifully done, and the standard was up there with 5* London restaurants, something we were not expecting in the bush! Godfrey is very talented !!
We also went on a riding trail which was wonderful, although a bit more rough and ready around the edges than we were expecting, compared to Bush Lodge. Nevertheless the horses were well behaved, safe, although anyone wondering the skill level required, the horses do 'run' up hills and theres no stopping them. So being able to confidently, walk,trot,canter is a minimum requirement (we are experienced so were fine). My only comment would be to invest in that even more and to offer early morning/evening rides too. We loved it though and will have memories to treasure forever.
One thing is for sure, we've found our go to game reserve and will not be going anywhere else in the future! we look forward to our return trip.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tatum Weeks, Marketing at Bush Lodge Amakhala
Responded 25 Sept 2023
Good day, Thank you for your kind review! We absolutely strive to create lasting memories for our guests and we are most happy that your time spent with us was memorable. We look forward to hosting you again in the future! Kindly Kristi
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bush lodge - amakhala game reserve was nothing short of amazing, easily the best experience we've ever had. It exceeded our expectations and wish we had stayed longer. We received a very warm welcome from the moment we stepped into the lodge, truly a 5 star treatment.
Athi, our barman was hilarious, kept us entertained. Bryan our ranger was very informative and very hilarious, went above and beyond to make the game drive more than just about spotting the wildlife. We managed to see most of the wildlife they keep. The food was mouth watering, the chef did an amazing job. From the dining setup, the food presentation and to how amazing it tasted, 10/10 from us. They kept us well fed.
Help is literally a phone call away and comes within minutes to your tent when needed. The luxurious glamping accommodation also exceeded our expectations, it's exactly the kind of relaxation we needed. The Bush lodge staff valued us as their guests and treated us like royalty.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Amakhala Game Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
R 9,728 - R 15,491 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeAmakhala Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
