five star accommodation



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Address:
Amakhala Game Lodge,
Karel Landman Street,
Addo Area,
Eastern Cape,
South Africa

Bukela Game Lodge


5 STAR EASTERN CAPE LODGE
ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

The beautiful Bukela Game Lodge is nestled within the Eastern Cape's Amakhala Reserve just outside Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay). Situated in the green hills of South Africa, this 5-star lodge is the ideal place for quality rest and relaxation.

This area is not a risk zone for malaria, making it safe for young and old alike. In addition, the reserve is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards and rhinos, known in South Africa as the Big Five. Other residents include giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and an impressive diversity of bird species. The conservancy covers 7000 hectares, in which fantastic service, tasteful décor, luxurious amenities and world-class dining make for the perfect escape from city living.

Accommodation

The Bukela Game Lodge comprises of only four suites, guaranteeing intimate surrounds and personalised service. The Uthando Suite, Ingwe Suite, Inyathi Suite and Umkhombe Suite each boast their own style and décor and can accommodate a maximum of two people. They connect to the main lodge by means of wooden walkways and are kept private by being surrounded by South Africa bush.

The honeymoon suite is equipped with a romantic four-poster mahogany bed. Standard amenities in all the suites include:
  • En-suite bathroom
  • A luxurious spa bath with views of the surrounding bush
  • An indoor shower
  • An outdoor shower
  • A fireplace for chilly winter evenings
  • Air-conditioning
  • Telephone
  • Heated floors
  • A wooden deck from where to enjoy the magnificent views
  • A bar fridge
  • Tea- and coffee-making facilities
  • King-size beds OR two single beds

Amenities

Bukela Game Lodge lives up to its luxury rating by providing a range of convenient amenities for the comfort and convenience of each of the esteemed guests.

The main lodge boasts:
  • Reception area
  • Dining room
  • Sitting area
  • Central fireplace
  • Media centre
  • Library
  • Internet facilities
  • Email facilities
  • Computer
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Books
  • Swimming pool deck with awe-inspiring views
The boma, as traditional places of meeting are known in South Africa, connects to the main lodge and is a lovely venue for barbecues and celebrations.

Additional services, facilities and amenities include:
  • Church services - there is a small chapel in the Amakhala Reserve, which is ideal for wedding ceremonies and so on. The staff at Bukela will also be happy to assist with finding a nearby church and providing information regarding the time and venue of its services.
  • Conference facilities in the Amakhala Reserve.
  • Snacks and refreshments are served on formal game drives.
  • Housekeeping - suites are cleaned discreetly and efficiently three times a day. The staff members are helpful and always available to assist guests.
  • Information - each suite contains tourist information. In addition, staff members can assist with flight arrangements, transfers, reserving accommodation or advice regarding tours and guides.
  • Laundry - at a small additional cost, the lodge will wash and iron laundry items for guests. There are no dry cleaning services available.
  • First aid - certain medication and first aid equipment is available to treat minor illnesses and injuries. There is a doctor within 20 minutes' drive from the lodge.
  • Complimentary bottled water is available to guests as the tap water is not fit for drinking.
South Africa is famous for its variety of world-class wines. Bukela boasts a collection of local and international vintages to suit every taste and preference.

Guests are advised to bring light, cotton clothing to protect the shoulders and back while keeping them cool during the hot summer months. Evenings and mornings can be chilly, so fleece tops, socks and trousers are recommended. During the winter, pack clothes that can be layered, as the days are generally quite pleasant and temperate. Clothes to be worn during game drives should be in natural colours and a wind breaker is advisable. The harsh rays of the sun are dangerous. Apply plenty of sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a broad-rimmed sunhat. The fauna and flora of the Eastern Cape are gorgeous, so guests are reminded to bring along their cameras and binoculars to ensure that they miss nothing.

Summer is between October and March, when daytime temperatures can exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Winter is between June and August. Winter days are usually sunny, with cold mornings and evenings. Summer experiences more rain than winter. Before embarking on any excursions, the rangers at the lodge will check the forecasted weather conditions for the day.

Activities

The Eastern Cape not only boasts an array of natural wonders, but is also culturally and historically abundant. The towns and villages around Bukela Game Lodge and the Amakhala Reserve are fascinating, making for excellent day trips. The staff at the lodge will provide extra information or contact details for various nearby sights and activities.

Grahamstown - "City of Saints"

Grahamstown is a historical town, occupied largely by students of the Rhodes University. This is one of the towns originally occupied by the 1820 Settlers and, as such, enjoys a deep sense of history. Its colonial architecture, wide roads and tree-lined avenues all attest to a time past, when the first discoverers began to develop villages in the gorgeous province. Several historical building, monuments, museums and galleries tell the story of the town and province. Some of these include the Albany Museum (which is over 150 years old) and the History and Natural Science Museum. Every year, Grahamstown hosts the National Arts Festival (usually during June / July), which exposes arts, crafts, theatre and music from all around the country.

Alexandria

This is a small town, just 20 to 30 minutes from the game lodge. It has basic supplies as well as a petrol station.

Bathurst, Port Alfred and Kenton - on - Sea

Bathurst is another historical town, very small in size but brimming with character. It has the oldest pub in the region as well as interesting shops, farms and activities. The area around it is famous for its pineapple farms, which line the roads all the way to Port Alfred.

Port Alfred is a coastal town, popular amongst surfers, boaters, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. The Royal Port Alfred Club is ideal for avid golfers, while those in need of some TLC will enjoy one of the two health hydros in the area.

Kenton-on-Sea is a further 25 km from Port Alfred and has an entirely different vibe. It is a sleepy seaside town nestled between the Kariega River and Bushman's River.

Port Elizabeth

PE is a major city in Nelson Mandela Bay, just 40 minutes from Bukela Game Lodge. This area was also occupied by the 1820 Settlers and, although its historical character is still intact, PE is known for its many shops, industries and entertainment centres, as well as its expanses of pristine beaches. Port Elizabeth is also home to many excellent restaurants as well as casinos, bars, pubs and clubs. Several golf courses are within PE and its immediate surrounds, including the Fish River Sun and Humewood Golf Course.

Palaeontology Excursions

In recent decades, a remnant of a skeleton of a Stegosaur was discovered very close to the Amakhala Reserve. This is the first skeleton of this kind to be uncovered, and has major implications in the archaeological community. The Bushman's River is the area in which many fossils have been discovered. These can be seen around the reserve and tell of a time, hundreds of millions of years ago, in which animals roamed these plains without restriction.

Directions
  • Take the N2 from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown.
  • 70km's turn Right onto the R342
  • Alexandria / Karel Landman road.
  • Enter the Amakhala game reserve gates.
  • Follow the signage to Bukela game lodge.
  • 7km from gate
  • View Amakhala game reserve map.