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!

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.

Stayed in February 2024

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)

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.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

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!

Stayed in March 2024

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.

Outstanding service and atmosphere. Knowledge of the game guides

Stayed in March 2024

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!

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!

Stayed in March 2024

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 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!

Stayed in December 2023

NA

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!

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

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

Stayed in February 2024

Perfect location, excellent service. Exceeded our expectations in terms of game drives, saw lots and the ranger was excellent.

Stayed in March 2024

Staff were amazing,

Stayed in March 2024

The outside showers are lovely but not when the weather is cold.

Wonderful waterhole in front of lounge area. Beautiful lodge and deck. Probably the best food we have ever had at a bush lodge. Very friendly and capable staff. They went the extra mile to ensure that we had a great experience.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

Everything!

Stayed in March 2024

The only thing I didn't like was they put me in a room which was furthest away from the main lodge (not ideal for solo female) because after dinner the walk back in the dark was scary !! a small oversight.

Everything, amazing lodge, rooms. The food was fantastic, the staff were wonderful, the safari was wow !! I saw all the animals. Had to pinch myself....they made me a beautiful cake for my birthday 🎂 Highly recommended 👌

Stayed in February 2024

However, a minor downside was the crowd around the game sightings. Even with a policy limiting to three vehicles per sighting, it occasionally felt overcrowded, which slightly detracted from the wilderness experience. Yet, the extraordinary game sightings and the expertise of our wonderful ranger, Ruan, made this a negligible issue.

We recently had the privilege of staying at the Bush Lodge in Amakhala, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The lodge exudes an elegant African colonial chic decor that instantly makes you feel immersed in luxury amidst nature. Our unit, more akin to a luxurious tent, came with a thatched roof and a private plunge pool, offering a stunning view of the waterhole. This became our serene spot to watch a variety of game, including elephants, jackals, warthogs, and countless antelopes, all from the comfort of our bedroom. The game drives were a highlight, presenting some of the most impressive wildlife encounters we've ever experienced. From lions to cheetahs and rhinos, each sighting was breathtaking. The food at the lodge was exceptional, with a diverse menu that included various game dishes, as well as vegetarian and non-game options, catering to all tastes.Overall, our stay at Bush Lodge was unforgettable. The combination of luxurious accommodations, thrilling wildlife encounters, and exquisite dining made it an extraordinary adventure. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic African safari experience

Stayed in February 2024

Our three days at Bush Lodge were amazing. The accommodation was perfect (we appreciated the private plunge pool and loved the large comfortable bed). The meals varied and delicious. Most of all were the six game drives with James (JD) at the helm. We saw a wide variety of animals including 4 of the Big 5. Thanks to a wonderful team for making our little vacation memorable.

Stayed in February 2024

The rooms were fantastic, spacious and clean. Overall excellent but with a small comment on checking the rooms and ensuring the ceiling fan works and light bulbs are changed. There were also quite a few wasps around the outdoor shower.

We went to bush lodge for a special occasion and it was incredible. Staff were so friendly, helpful and welcoming. Roan was an incredible ranger.

Stayed in January 2024

Everything was perfect

Everything at Bush Lodge was amazing! The Team at the lodge were very friendly and helpful, the room was amazing! The Game drives were incredible - Jono our Ranger was so knowledgable and we saw everything we could have wished for - Lions Hunting, Cheetahs on a kill, Elephants having a mud bath, Hippos, Zebra, giraffe, Ostrich, buffalo and antelope species. We even had the opportunity to go horse riding and get up and close giraffes which was incredible!! Would recommend to anyone

Stayed in January 2024

The third stone in the second corner on the game drive :-D

Thanks to the whole team! James, thank you for these unforgettable morning and afternoon rides. You immediately felt that he was a very experienced and funny ranger! Keep it up! We were able to see four of the big five. The lodge is very luxurious. Please remember that you live in the "bush" and you can sometimes encounter insects and other creatures while showering under the open sky. :-) But that's exactly what makes it so special! Many thanks to all the staff at Bush Lodge for this wonderful time. Hope to see you again soon Daniel&Sissy

Stayed in January 2024

Kids beds had no mattress heater nor mosquito net. The toilet for the kids had no sink so had to go to the other side of the lodge to wash hands.

It was beautiful. The main bed had even mattress heaters. A small private pool outside your own lodge. Beautiful view, lovely big bath tub.

Stayed in December 2023

Minor issues: Only Outdoor shower available which was Hard to use due to windy weather, but bath tub inside; appliances little rusty

Amazing hospitality, passionate ranger/spectacular game drives

Stayed in December 2023

We had three fantastic days at Amakhala Game Reserve, Bush Lodge. The tents were very comfortable and the food very good. The game drives were amazing. Our game driver Jono did a super job. very enthusiastic, very knowledgeable information given during the drives and he was fantastic at spotting the animals and very dedicated to making sure we saw as much and varied as possible.

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing

Excellent customer service !

Stayed in November 2023

Relaxed atmosphere. Excellent knowlegeable and informative guide and great game viewing.

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing

The lodge was everything and more than we were expecting. The tents are amazing , comfortable, well equipped, clean and just beautiful 😍 staff are attentive, friendly and smile all the time. They made you feel sooo welcome. The rangers are passionate and knowledgeable and make the drives spectacular!

Stayed in November 2023