The Bush Lodge is a picturesque 5-star retreat located just 45 minutes east of Port Elizabeth, offering guests an immersive escape into a more tranquil and enchanting world. Nestled within the spectacular Amakhala Reserve, this lodge is set in an open valley surrounded by rolling hills and lush riverine vegetation.
Children aged 12 and above are welcome.
Discreetly tucked between the treetops, this intimate lodge features wood, canvas, and thatch, providing the perfect base to explore the African wild. The lodge includes a lounge, bar, and elevated outdoor boma. Private plunge pools, on-site therapists, and alfresco double showers emphasize comfort. Wifi is available in public areas by the main lodge.
Each of the eight private rooms offers en-suite facilities, a private lounge, and climate control. The Big 5 roam the hills and plains of Amakhala, alongside a variety of birds and diverse vegetation. Guests can enjoy the spectacular scenery from every angle, including sundowner canoe safaris and a cheese and wine boat cruise.
Accommodation
6 King/Twin Luxury Safari Tents
Built in the bush at the top end of an open valley, each tent overlooks a watering point with stunning sky views. Structures feature thatched roofs, tented walls, and wooden floors.
2 Luxury Safari Family Tents
These tents also overlook a watering point and include a king-size bed with a bath in the main room, twin beds in a second room with their own toilet.
Dining
Savor cuisine that excites the palate and offers a true taste of African culture, hosted by attentive local staff. All meals are enjoyed in the Main Lodge and are included in your stay.
Activities
Game Drives
Join our Big 5 Safari Adventure on the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve. Morning and evening game drives depart from your lodge, guided by professional rangers in open Land Rovers. Experience abundant wildlife, diverse vegetation, and the dramatic landscape of the Eastern Cape.
Horse Riding
Amakhala Horse Trails provide a unique perspective of the bush. Riders can enjoy incredible views and get close to wildlife such as eland, wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest, and giraffe. Trails cover 1700 hectares, offering opportunities to canter across plains, trot to appreciate views or walk quietly along river lines. These trails cater to small groups of up to 6 intermediate to experienced riders, with younger experienced riders aged 10 to 15 welcome if accompanied by a guardian. Horseback safaris typically last two to three hours, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing and refreshment breaks.
Big 5 Wilderness Walks
Explore the ancient landscape with a FGASA accredited Professional Trails Guide and a Specialist Birding Guide. Walkers might track and view African giants like elephants and rhinos, and discover countless small creatures and their tracks and signs.
Accommodation, meals, selected house beverages and 2 game drives per day
September 15, 2024
Very responsive
Very responsive, I sent an email and got a response almost immediately (I checked it’s like 11pm their time…on a Sunday)
September 15, 2024
Shann was amazingly helpful
Shann was amazingly helpful! After spending several days online on our own trying to find good accommodation or even available rooms and lodges, we reached out to safari and to shann, who set us up in record time with a beautiful destination, flights and transfers. I absolutely recommend this dite and the incredible service
September 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 17, 2024
Thanks to Keith!
Keith was prompt, thorough and efficient. He was available as and when needed, answering all the questions I had, and guiding us along the way.
Sep 17, 2024
This Travel Firm is Ready for You!
We have completed the preliminary reservations with this amazing travel firm. Thank God they exist! We would never have been able to figure out how to put the pieces of our trip to AFRICA together without them. They are patient, caring, detailed, and responsive to communications…something you expect, but do not always receive when service is involved. Connect with them via email if you are even thinking about going to Africa. Cheers!
Sep 16, 2024
First time to Cape Town
We are a group of ten friends traveling together to Cape Town for the first time. Safari.com was our top choice for travel agents. Leché and Tracy were incredibly helpful and prompt with our questions and bookings. The trip to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve was fantastic, and everything went off without a hitch. We highly recommend Safari.com for your safari plans!
Sep 15, 2024
Very responsive
Very responsive, I sent an email and got a response almost immediately (I checked it’s like 11pm their time…on a Sunday)
Sep 15, 2024
Shann was amazingly helpful
Shann was amazingly helpful! After spending several days online on our own trying to find good accommodation or even available rooms and lodges, we reached out to safari and to shann, who set us up in record time with a beautiful destination, flights and transfers. I absolutely recommend this dite and the incredible service
Sep 15, 2024
Safari booking
Fadiel was very prompt in responding to my emails. Despite a double booking for our Safari - not his fault - everything worked out well in the end.
Sep 14, 2024
Sara Van Coillie
Sara Van Coillie, representing Safari.com, has gone above and beyond in assisting with a custom booking for an African safari experience I wanted arranged for my colleagues visiting Namibia for the first time. I highly recommend reaching out to her—she’s a true champion! It’s been a pleasure working with her.
Sep 14, 2024
Had such an amazing experience working…
Had such an amazing experience working with Leigh-Ann. She was able to get me everything I wanted at the price I wanted. Could not recommend more.
Sep 13, 2024
Sara curated a trip of a lifetime
Sara curated a trip of a lifetime. Met all our requirements and exceeded our expectations all within our budget!