Bukela Game Lodge

26.7km from Paterson  - 70km outside PE on the N2 to Grahamstown 

Bukela Game Lodge is a 5-star luxury lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve, Addo Eastern Cape, South Africa. 

Accommodation at this tranquil luxury game lodge is provided in four suites and ten luxury safari tents, each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury. This secluded safari destination is tucked away into indigenous trees and bushes at the top of a hidden valley and has the perfect setting for the intimate and romantic guest experiences for which we are renowned.

Connected by a wooden walkway, our thatched suites and luxury safari tents offer a remarkable private wildlife-viewing experience. Indulge in sumptuous high teas, private candlelit dinners or exciting fireside boma dinners under African stars. And as you fall asleep, hear the silence broken by the unmistakable sounds of elephant and buffalo making their stately progress through the unfenced camp.

Accommodation

Luxury Safari Tent
Our large luxury safari tents are one bedroom and have all the modern conveniences, including full en-suite bathrooms, air conditioners, electric blankets and a minibar. It also offers an open-plan lounge and viewing decks over-looking the African bush.

Luxury King Suite
This suite has a large king size bed and all the amenities required to ensure comfort throughout your stay. Our large 4-poster bed can turn your stay into something truly luxurious and romantic - perfect for honeymooners or any special occasion.

Luxury King/Twin Suite
This suite gives guests the choice between a king size bed or two twin beds, depending on your requirements. Let us know if this a special occasion and we'll help you arrange something truly romantic for your stay - perfect for honeymoon couples.

THE BUKELA SAFARI EXPERIENCE

Guests are greeted on arrival at Bukela with refreshing hand towels and served drinks on the pool deck overlooking a waterhole frequented regularly by a herd of elephants. 

Afternoon/Evening Game Drives
Summer/Spring Months (October - March) 4:00pm
Winter/Autumn (April - March) 3:00pm

Light snacks in the form of delectable sweet and savoury pastries are provided half an hour before the game drive is to commence at the main lodge. Bottled water, beverages and light snacks such as biltong are provided en route and the vehicle will stop in order for guests to alight and enjoy a sundowner at sunset. The duration of a game drive is usually 3-4 hours depending on the amount of time spent stationary while viewing game.

Dinner
Dinner may consist of either an informal bush braai/barbeque in the “boma” consisting of a selection of salads and/or hot vegetables, barbecued meat (chicken, beef, ostrich, venison or even fish) or a selection of dishes may be offered to suit your palate. Please feel free to chat to our hosts about any dietary requirements.

After enjoying dinner guests are invited to socialise until the small hours of the morning or to retire to the comfort and luxury of their suite. Whatever the preference, they will awaken to the chorus of an African dawn and ready for another day of adventure!

Morning Game Drive
Summer/Spring Months (October - March)  6:30am
Winter/Autumn Months (April - September)  7:00am

Guests are served coffee, tea and cereals, fruits, yoghurt, rusks in the main lodge half an hour before the game drive commences.  Game rangers will halt whenever requested and share their expertise with guests. Game rangers will also stop and allow guests to alight from the vehicle for a steaming cup of coffee which is traditionally enjoyed with rusks.

Brunch
On returning from the morning game drive, guests have 30 minutes at their disposal to freshen up before brunch is served. Breakfast/brunch is usually buffet style with a choice of fresh fruit as well as sweet pastries, toast and jams. Bukela’s talented chef will cook eggs to preference which are served with bacon or sausage from the buffet. After brunch guests are welcome to relax at the refreshing pool or enjoy a nap after the excitement of the game drive, depending on their preference. We ensure that guests have enough time to relax and we strive to accommodate every need. Books of an African theme, cards, board-games such as chess as well as massage treatments can be organised in the comfort of their own room

Boat Cruise
As part of your stay enjoy a tranquil cruise down the winding Bushman’s river that can be organized on request as part of your game drive. Enjoy a sundowner with snacks where you may catch a glimpse of a timid bush buck and birdlife along the riverine forest. The river cruise affords the best opportunity of viewing the rare African Finfoot as well as the less rare but more majestic Fish Eagle.

Extra Activities at Bukela

Archery: A ranger will take you to Hlosi Lodge, where he will show you how to use a bow and arrow. Then test your skills and accuracy in a wild archery contest. Snacks and drinks will be supplied. Cost – R 150 per person.

Bushman’s River Cruise and Birding Safari: A tranquil cruise down the Bushman’s river can be organized with beverages and snacks provided. This will afford you the best opportunity for viewing the rare Finfoot as well as the less rare but more majestic Fish Eagle, various other species of birds may also be viewed along the river. Cost – R 250.00 per person.

Bushwalks:
A qualified ranger will take you out on an exciting walk through the wild, not only will you be seeing the animals up close, but the ranger will explain the finer points of the fauna and flora. Cost – R 350.00 per person.

Fishing: A ranger will take you out on the beautiful Bushman’s river to do a little bit of catch and release fishing. What a way to spend the middle of the day when you have nothing to do. We will supply you with a drink in the hand and a few finger snacks on the side. Cost – R 200.00 per person.

Night Drives:
A ranger will take you on a drive at approximately 20h00 in order for you to view nocturnal animals, you will never see in daylight. Take home precious memories of one of the most amazing experiences of Game viewing under the beautiful African stars. Cost – R 450.00 per person.

Spa Therapist: For total relaxation enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment in the comfort of your own room or balcony - room service is also available for drinks/ smoothies.

Star Gazing:
A qualified ranger with expert knowledge of star constellations takes you out to a safe and dark area on the reserve, not too far from the lodge and shows you what the constellations look like in our beautiful Southern Hemisphere. Cost – R100.00 per person.

Our Policies

INCLUSIONS: 
Accommodation, meals, selected house beverages and 2 game drive activities (night drives & guided walks are subject to availability and at discretion of ranger at selected lodges).

EXCLUSIONS: 
Premium branded beverages, transfers, telephone calls, laundry and any items of personal nature

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: 
Available at additional cost. Kindly contact reservations for updated cost.

CHILD POLICY:
12+ yrs welcome

TRIPLE OCCUPANCY:
A person 12 yrs and older can share with 2 adults at selected lodges, the full sharing adult rate will apply for the third person.

GUIDE & DRIVER POLICY:
When and where a guide room is available a rate of R1050pppn will apply for a guide or driver.
A guide or driver staying in lodge rooms will be charged the applicable single/sharing adult rate.
The guide/driver rate is subject to annual increase without prior notice.

PEAK SEASON:
Room rate (double pps) and minimum 2 night stay applies.