HillsNek Safari Camp
N2, Amakhala Game Reserve 6011 South Africa
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About
#2 of 7 lodges in Amakhala Game Reserve
Location
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Travellers' Choice
HillsNek Safaris is an intimate, luxury tented camp positioned on the banks of the Bushmans River. Situated in a tucked away corner of the Amakhala Big 5 Game Reserve, the lodge is 70km's from Port Elizabeth in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. An abundant variety of wildlife includes lion,rhino, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, buffalo, zebra and a myriad of plains game. The stone, canvas and thatched main lodge is at the heart of the camp, with four private safari tents elevated on wooden decks that enhance the spectacular views of surrounding plains and bush. All tents have panoramic views of the African plains, and game viewing can often be enjoyed from the comfort of your bed. Personalized service and outstanding hospitality is the hallmark of every stay.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Horseback riding
Walking tours
Kids stay free
Airport transportation
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Plunge pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Board games / puzzles
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Coffee / tea maker
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Safe
Seating area
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Electric blanket
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Location
645Reviews12Q+A73Room tips
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Camp Acacia at the Hillsnek Safari camp is a lovely place to stay. The drive to the camp with the camp manager is already an adventure. The domain itself is beautiful. Nice view! Safe to walk around with the animals that live inside the territory. The facilities are good as well. We enjoyed our time!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
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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.
Helpful
+1
I can see now why people find it hard to put into words how amazing this place is, it’s truly another level of being spoilt. From the minute you arrive, you are cared for like a family member. There are so many little personal touches and you want for nothings. We were here for 3 nights so had 5 drives and had the wonderful Jesse for all of them. He has such great knowledge and got us close to so many animals, our highlights being giraffes and cheetah in the early morning mist, Rhino within metres of the car and a young elephant coming over to see what we were. We were very spoilt by Jesse taking us to some amazing views for our drinks stops too. At the lodge, the luxury is obvious from the moment you step in. We had the family tent and you have so much room, we loved it. The food, WOW, it’s soooo good and you are fed from the moment you wake to bedtime. Everything was great but I had the best omelette I’ve ever had in my life - Amanda is magic in the kitchen. Renzo, Nadine, Zi and all the staff are attentive and every need is met. And finally, the elephants came to drink and to say it was an emotional experience is an understatement. I cannot imagine any safari stat beating this one 😍…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Don’t eat the day before you arrive 😆
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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.
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 28 Oct 2023
Dear Debbie, Simon and Aidan Thank you so very much for your really great review! We love to hear our guests had an amazing experience with us at HillsNek and will be sure to pass on your compliments to all the staff involved in making your stay so enjoyable. Stay safe and we certainly hope to welcome you back sometime in the future. Take care and warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
What can I say, our honeymoon stay at Hillsnek was everything we wanted and more. We stayed for 3 nights and from the moment we arrived to the moment we left, all the staff we amazing! Jesse our guide for the stay took us on 6 drives and we had the best time, we saw so much amazing nature and had the best experience. The lodge is beautiful, spacious and homely and the tents… well you wouldn’t really think you were in a tent, everything you could need has been thought of. The Food - WOW, every meal fresh with options, breakfast lunch dinner snacks ok the drive, all just so lovely. We were so so lucky to see the elephants come and drink by the pool, it was incredible. If you are thinking of booking Hillsnek, do it. Thank you to everyone there - Renzo, Nadine, Jesse, Zi and all the others, you really made our honeymoon the most fabulous time!!…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Go for 3 nights, 6 drives allows you to see so much!
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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.
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 20 Oct 2023
Dear Hayley and Adam Thank you so much for your great review! We are so pleased you enjoyed your honeymoon stay with us at HillsNek and the elephants came to drink at the pool. That is always a highlight for our guests! I will be sure to pass on your compliments to Renzo, Nadine, Jesse, Zi and the other members of staff. Stay safe and we hope to welcome you back to HillsNek one day in the future. Take care and warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
It's very difficult to put into words the three days we had at Hillsnek. From the moment we arrived at the gates every single member of staff treated us so well and did everything to make our stay special and comfortable. The lodges and main building are exactly what you'd expect from a luxury game lodge and really made you feel like you were on a true African Safari. The twice daily drives are superb, despite only 8 of us in camp they used two vehicles so never more than 4 in a vehicle, our Ranger Tim explained everything and found almost every animal we wanted to see (But be aware it's a large park so don't expect animals on demand, but that made it all the more authentic, take warm clothes if going in winter/Spring too). I'd suggest not eating for 24 hours prior to arrival as you get fed so well from 6am to midnight... We felt guilty not being able to finish every meal and snack, all of which was delicious. There are so many personal and luxury touches that I won't spoil them, but they really make it a special time. We also opted for a 2 hour big 5 walking safari which I highly recommend, this is run by a local lodge owner and gives you a totally different perspective from the drives - We were so lucky we were able to walk to within 50m of three Rhino, utterly incredible, whilst also learning about tracking, plants and general park life. As I said every single member of staff made our stay special but biggest 'shout outs' to Tim, Jaison and Andrew, thank you so much for memories that will last a lifetime.…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Room Tip: Just go....
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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.
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 14 Sept 2023
Dear Carol, Guy, Rebecca and Julian We are so thrilled to read your really wonderful review! We strive to make every guest a happy guest! Your compliments to Tim, Jaison, Andrew and the other lodge staff have been passed on. We certainly hope we will be able to welcome you back sometime in the future. Stay safe, take care and warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This 2 day experience with the family was just brilliant.! I just don't know where to start ... The setting and tents were incredible. Beautiful towels,bedding, pillow, beds,attention to detail was spot on. Toiletries, furnishings etc .. The views were incredible from the tents . We had 2 tents . Our 17 and 19 yr olds had their own and we had one along the path near by. Everyone felt safe and very looked after . The Tents were looked after while we were out on safari. Tim our safari guide was just great. So knowledgable about everything ! We did 4 drives on a 2 night stay and saw 4 of the big 5 , plus so much more . cheetah with her cubs, giraffe , antelope . A wonderful experience . The lodge/site itself was 5* all round ! Beautiful layout, furniture and very attentive team. The food was out of this world ! stunning menus every day. Choice and very accomodating to different diets . So much of it ! You were greeted with a huge tasty brunch after your early sunrise drive . After the evening drive you are greeted with a warm hot drink. I almost don't want to give too much away but you won't be disappointed on any level if you chose HillsNek. super family treat x …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: If going in Winter take a few warm layers. The morning safari can start cold . They do give you...
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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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 06 Aug 2023
Dear Jennifer, Stuart, Evan and Nia Thank you so very much for your great review! We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us at HillsNek and will be sure to pass on your compliments to Tim, the chefs and the team. Stay safe and we hope that we will be able to welcome you back to HillsNek sometime in the future. Take care and warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
First of all, the food was amazing. I have a couple of intolerances and they've handled it brilliantly. The rooms were very pretty, a bit cold at times but there is a heater and heated blankets. The drives were fantastic, we saw a bunch of animals and our ranger Andrew was wonderful. The issue that stuck out most was the shower. Two out of three nights, we had cold showers with very little pressure. We structured our showering schedule so that there was no load shedding while we showered, yet the water was still cold. We mentioned it to our host, and he seemed to think it a non-issue. Considering the price we paid, it is quite unacceptable. We hope that in the future they can fix this issue for good.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 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.
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 02 Jun 2023
Dear Charlotte and Luke Thank you for your review and am really sorry to hear you had problems with hot showers. As may have been mentioned to you the lodge is currently under maintenance and certainly the water pressure will be a high priority since this has not been mentioned by guests previously. We are pleased however you enjoyed your meals and the drives with Andrew and hope this will stay with you for a long time. Take care and warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
WOW! Absolutely incredible place for our first safari experience. Picked up from our car by Brogan, our host/ranger for our stay. Further warm welcome from Andrew and team with tray of drinks and nibbles. Our luxury tent - only one of 4 set in the hillside was completely private with outside shower plus handheld unit in bath - we understand there are currently refurbishment works going on which will provide an indoor shower area - this was the only negative for us. Food was excellent and plentiful and the game drives, 3 hours twice daily , were incredible. Brogan was totally committed to us getting the best possible experience and seeing as much of the wildlife as we could, and went over and above to do this. A couple of highlights for us were seeing lion cubs stalking a mother and baby rhino, and a herd of elephants coming to drink out the swimming pool. But these were one of so many amazing and unforgettable experiences. So many beautiful birds and animals to spot! Everything was done so well, including tea brought to your room at 6am before the first drive of the day, hot drinks and snacks during game drive, drinks and hot flannels to welcome you back, and same in the evening but sundowners and nibbles on safari, and hot chocolate or other delicious drink when you got back. Felt thoroughly spoilt and so sad to leave this wonderful, caring place. So, a great big thank you, particularly to Brogan, whose company we enjoyed so much - what a great sense of humour and so passionate about his subject. We had a lot of fun and learnt so much. Also Andrew and Zee for making us so welcome, and your lovely chef whose name we never did find out. Wishing you all the best for your renovations and I hope we will meet again. Janice & Steve…
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 02 Jun 2023
Dear Janice & Steve Thank you so very much for your wonderful review! We are always so pleased to hear guests enjoyed their stay with us and your special compliments to Brogan have been passed on to him as well as to Andrew, Zee and Chef Maggie. Our renovations are well under way and hope you will be able to visit us again some time in the future to enjoy the new indoor shower! Take care and warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We enjoyed our Time at Hillsnek very much. Especially the Game drives 2 times a day, the fantastic view, the beautiful luxury Rooms and the exzellent Service and the Caring Team. Thank you for our awesome Experience!!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 02 Jun 2023
Dear Natalie and Lars Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us at HillsNek and we hope to welcome you back some time in the future. Take care Warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Came here with my children to celebrate our special birthdays. It was at the end of our South African adventure and we certainly finished on a high. We were looked after from arrival till our saddened departure by Renzo and his team, and Andrew made sure we saw all our wish list of big 5. Amazing.
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: I travelled with my adult children, ideal location and staff so attentive to all needs. Food...
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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.
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 06 May 2023
Dear Tracey, Jake and Yasmin Many thanks for your great review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us at HillsNek and have passed on your compliments to Renzo and his team and to Andrew. Stay safe and we hope to welcome you back to HillsNek one day in the future. Take care ad warm regards Amber and the HillsNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Unreal experience! HillsNek will make you feel in the heart of nature while offering you the best service and luxurious feeling. Having only 4 lodges, the whole experience felt very personal and private while at the same time enjoying the feeling of community with the other guests during game drives and meals. Our ranger Tim did his best to show us everything we wanted to see and more while making us feel safe and sharing great stories. Renzo and the staff made sure to be ahead of every of our needs. We even had the elephants coming to drink in the pool twice during our stay - it's not just great marketing ;)
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 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.
Helpful
Response from HillsNek Safari Camp, Owner at HillsNek Safari Camp
Responded 21 Mar 2023
Dear Janis A Thank you for your great review! We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us at HillsNek and that the elephants paid you two visits! We will be sure to pass on your compliments to Tim, Renzo and the staff. Stay safe and we hope to welcome you back to HillsNek one day in the future. Take care and warm regards Amber and the HillNek Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$465 - US$723 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeAmakhala Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about HillsNek Safari Camp
What are some of the property amenities at HillsNek Safari Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at HillsNek Safari Camp?
Top room amenities include a minibar, a refrigerator, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at HillsNek Safari Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at HillsNek Safari Camp?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at HillsNek Safari Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does HillsNek Safari Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, HillsNek Safari Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at HillsNek Safari Camp?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at HillsNek Safari Camp?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.