A safari adventure in South Africa can seem daunting, especially when you are visiting a big game reserve. You deserve the best holiday possible and we are on hand to ensure you have a memorable trip! Our FAQ list answers any questions you may have about the Amakhala Game Reserve and more.
Questions & Answers
What does a typical day in the reserve entail?
A typical day will start with tea and coffee before an early morning game drive, followed by breakfast upon returning to the lodge. You can then relax in either the main lodge or your room or take part in other activities if the lodge offers any. Enjoy a light lunch after your leisure time. The second game drive of the day will take place in the late afternoon. After the afternoon game drive, indulge in a delicious supper.
Is the reserve a malaria-free area?
Amakhala, as well as the entire Eastern Cape province, is malaria-free.
What is included in the rate?
The daily rates include three meals per day, select beverages and daily game drives.
How big is the reserve?
The game reserve covers approximately 7 500 hectares of protected wilderness.
How many nights should I spend in the reserve?
We suggest a 3-night stay, as this is enough time to enjoy the accommodation, cuisine and safari experience. This gives you time to see a variety of wildlife without having to rush the sightings or game drives.
What activities can I look forward to?
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Amakhala, but these differ from lodge to lodge. You can enjoy game drives, bush walks, bird watching, fishing and archery, as well as spa treatments and a children’s programme. Please contact us to find out what activities your lodge of choice offers.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
The Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) roam the reserve. You can also expect to spot zebra, giraffe, cheetah, wildebeest, warthog and jackal, as well as a variety of antelope.
Does the reserve offer animal encounters?
You will get the opportunity to observe wild animals on daily game drives. However, no up-close encounters or ‘petting sanctuaries’ are available.
Is the reserve involved in conservation efforts?
Yes, Amakhala has a strong conservation ethos. The families that collectively own the reserve belong to a conservation committee. A 20-member Land and Game Department looks after the area.
What type of accommodation is available?
Amakhala is home to 11 unique lodges ranging from 3-Star to 5-Star ratings. They include safari lodges, tented camps and country houses.
Which lodge offers the best game viewing?
All of the lodges set in the reserve offer fantastic animal sightings and game drives. Safari Lodge – located opposite a busy waterhole frequented by wildlife –in particular boasts wonderful views of the animals.
Do the lodges cater for honeymoons, weddings and conferences?
Yes. Many of the lodges boast wedding and reception venues. Packages offered include a minister, wedding cake, flowers and specialised game drives. Select lodges also boast honeymoon rooms as well as conference facilities. Please contact us for more information about wedding and honeymoon packages.
Is the reserve child-friendly?
The lodges within the Amakhala Game Reserve are child-friendly and welcome children aged 12 years and older; certain lodges welcome children of all ages. Amakhala has a selection of family-friendly safari lodges. Hlosi Game Lodge and Leeuwenbosch both offer family suites and a Children’s Programme.
Can I take my child with me on game drives?
Children six years and older are welcome on all game drives. Those aged five years and younger can join the game drives at the discretion of the game ranger. You can also book a private safari vehicle at an additional cost.
Is the reserve wheelchair-friendly?
Unfortunately, Amakhala is not wheelchair-friendly.
What currency is accepted and languages are spoken?
The South African Rand is the only currency that can be used within the reserve; all major credit and debit cards are alsoaccepted. The Rand can be exchanged at most banks, forex bureaus and at certain hotels before travelling to the reserve. The staff members at Amakhala speak fluent English, as well as other local languages such as Xhosa and Afrikaans.
What is the climate like?
The area around the reserve boasts a moderate climate with temperatures rarely rising above 32˚C and rarely falling below 10˚C. The winter mornings and evenings are chilly, while the summers are warm and sunny.
What is the dress code?
We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing throughout your stay. On game drives, you should avoid wearing bright or colourful clothing.
What should I pack?
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellent.
Clothing:
- Light clothing for summer safaris.
- Warmer clothing with waterproof jacket for winter stays.
- Good walking shoes.
- Bathing suits.
- Sun hat and/or sunglasses.
Other:
- Camera.
- Binoculars.
- Flashlight.
How do I get there?
Situated in the Eastern Cape between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, Amakhala is roughly an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, guests can drive there themselves if they have a hire-car.
What are the check-in/out times?
The check-in time is from 2pm – 5pm and check-out is at 11am.
Is tipping expected?
We encourage you to tip the staff if you feel that the service is good, but tipping is voluntary. We recommend that you give your game ranger R100 per day, and R50 per day for other staff members such as chefs, waitrons and cleaners.
Is reception/mobile coverage/WiFi available in the reserve?
There is mobile phone coverage across the reserve, but the signal strength is not always strong andinternet connectivity is limited. Apart from Quatermain’s Camp, complimentary WiFi is available at all lodges and camps.
What type of food can I expect?
Each lodge presents its own dishes, cooked by professional chefs who take pride in their work and use local ingredients (Halaal and Kosher not provided for).
What makes the reserve unique?
Amakhala offers a getaway with beautiful views and luxury accommodation. Situated in a prime malaria-free area, the reserve is home to fascinating wild animals. Amakhala has some of the most diverse accommodation for all budgets, solo-travellers and large groups, as well as weddings and conferences.