Family-run tented camp on the Bushman's River
HillsNek Safaris is an intimate family-run, luxury tented camp positioned on the banks of the Bushman’s River, in a tucked-away corner of the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve. The stone, canvas and thatched main lodge is at the heart of the camp, with private safari tents elevated on wooden decks that enhance the spectacular views of the surrounding plains and bush — a feeling of being at one with the African landscape, its sights, sounds and smells, the way early explorers experienced it.
Set on a site of historical significance — the first dinosaur fossil discovery in South Africa, the Cape Iguanodon — HillsNek is committed to the conservation of palaeontology and the preservation of the site.
Inside HillsNek Safari Camp
Rooms & suites
Classic Safari Tent
Sleeps 2 adults · Four-poster bed with mosquito net · En-suite with freestanding tub · Private deck with plains-and-bush views · 4 tents available
Experiences at HillsNek Safari Camp
Two game drives daily are included, plus a wider range of activities than most lodges in the area thanks to the family-run, intimate scale.
- Amakhala Big 5 guided walks
- Safaris on open game viewers
- Horseback safaris
- Guided walks
- Bird watching
- Stargazing
- Bushman's River walk
- Visit the on-site Cape Iguanodon dinosaur fossil discovery area
- Pure uninterrupted relaxation
Facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurant & bar / lounge
- Room service
- BBQ / picnic area
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas only
- Free + secured parking
- Daily housekeeping
Best time to visit
HillsNek is at its best on cool, clear winter mornings (May–September) when the light is sharp and the bush is thinned out. Summer brings heat haze on the plains and warmer evenings on the deck.
May – September
- Best Big 5 game viewing
- Crisp, clear morning light
- Quieter — fewer guests overall
- Pack layers for early drives
October – March
- Lush green landscapes
- Newborn animals everywhere
- Long warm evenings on the deck
- Busier over school holidays
Reviews
“Smaller and quieter than the other lodges. We saw the Big 5 in two drives and ate breakfast watching impala. Could not ask for more.”R. Pillay · TripAdvisor
“The view from our deck was unbelievable. We sat there with our coffee every morning and just watched.”The Wilsons · Google
“Felt like our own private lodge. The team is small but every person made an effort to remember us.”M. Erasmus · Feedback Co
Policies & practicalities
Check-in / Check-out
From 13:00 · Out by 11:00
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in public areas only (no in-tent Wi-Fi)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Smoking
Non-smoking property
Booking lead time
Bookings need to be made at least 1 day in advance
Cancellation policy
- 60+ days before arrival — no forfeit
- Less than 60 days — 100% of booking total forfeited
Your full cancellation terms appear in the booking widget before you pay and on your booking confirmation email. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Questions about HillsNek Safari Camp
What's included in the rate?
Accommodation in a private Classic Safari Tent, breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, selected house beverages, two daily game drives in an open 4x4 with a qualified ranger, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Lunch is not included — guests typically have brunch after the morning drive and tea before the afternoon drive. Premium drinks, spa treatments and bush dinners are billed separately.
Are children welcome at HillsNek?
The currently bookable Classic Safari Tent is adults-only — children aged 9 to 18 are not accepted in this room type. A 2-bedroom Family Safari Tent exists but is currently unavailable through our booking system (closed seasonally or for refit). For families with children, consider Bush Lodge (children 12+), Woodbury Lodge (children 6+), or Leeuwenbosch Country House on the same reserve. We will update the listing when the Family Tent reopens.
What is the Cape Iguanodon site?
HillsNek sits on the site of South Africa's first-ever dinosaur fossil discovery — the Cape Iguanodon. The lodge is committed to palaeontology conservation and the preservation of this historically significant site. Guests can visit the site as part of their stay.
How do I get to HillsNek Safari Camp?
HillsNek is approximately a one-hour drive northeast of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport, via the N2 towards Grahamstown. Pass the Shamwari and Amakhala main exits; at the Woodbury Lodge signboard, turn right off the N2, follow the signs through the reserve to the "Conservation Centre" — your ranger meets you there to escort you to the camp. The lodge will share door-to-door directions on confirmation.
What makes HillsNek different from the other Amakhala lodges?
HillsNek is intimate and family-run — just four safari tents on elevated wooden decks, with a stone-canvas-thatched main lodge on the banks of the Bushman's River. Smaller and more personal than the larger Amakhala lodges, and uniquely set on the Cape Iguanodon dinosaur fossil discovery site. Activities include horseback safaris, walking safaris and stargazing in addition to standard Big 5 drives.
What activities are included?
Two daily game drives in an open 4x4 with a qualified ranger. Amakhala Big 5 guided walks. Horseback safaris. Bird watching, stargazing, and a walk along the Bushman's River. A visit to the on-site Cape Iguanodon dinosaur fossil discovery area.
What is the cancellation policy?
60+ days before arrival — no forfeit. Less than 60 days — 100% of booking total forfeited.
