Tribal-design thatched suites with private plunge pools
Safari Lodge sits secretly hidden in the indigenous bush of the award-winning, malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve — 65 km from Port Elizabeth, at the eastern end of the Garden Route. African tribal design inspired the lodge: wood, reeds and thatch, with canvas drop blinds that open the rooms onto the surrounding bush. Eleven unique safari suites — two King and nine King/Twin — each feature a private plunge pool and patio, double bath, outdoor shower, and a small seating area with safe and mosquito net.
Game viewing is on open Land Rovers across the reserve, with the option to add an Addo Elephant Park excursion on a 3-day Tuskers package, and an afternoon sundowner cruise on the Bushman’s River as one of the included drives. The lodge has its own waterhole that draws birds, monkeys, giraffe, zebra and antelope.
Inside Safari Lodge
Rooms & suites
King Suite
Sleeps 2 · King bed · Private plunge pool & patio · Double bath · Outdoor shower · 2 suites available
King/Twin Suite
Sleeps 2 · King or twin configuration · Private plunge pool & patio · Double bath · Outdoor shower · 9 suites available
Experiences at Safari Lodge
Two game drives daily are included on open Land Rovers across the award-winning Amakhala Game Reserve.
- Twice-daily Big 5 game drives on open Land Rovers
- Sundowner cruise on the Bushman's River (as one of the afternoon drives)
- On-site waterhole with birds, monkeys, giraffe, zebra and antelope
- Optional Addo Elephant Park excursion on the 3-day Tuskers package
- Bush spa (massage, facial, sundowner soak)
- Small-creature and plant interpretation on drives
- Stargazing on private patios
Facilities
- Private plunge pool & patio on every suite
- Bush spa
- Restaurant
- Bar & lounge
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Tour / sightseeing desk
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas only
- Free parking
- Daily housekeeping
Best time to visit
Safari Lodge is at its most atmospheric in winter (May–September) — log fires every night, crisp morning drives, and the lodge to yourself on quieter weeks. Summer brings warm afternoons on the deck and a longer golden hour for photography.
May – September
- Fireplaces lit every night
- Best Big 5 game viewing
- Crisp morning drives
- Quieter — fewer guests
October – March
- Long warm evenings on the deck
- Rich photographic light
- Lush green landscapes
- Book early for honeymoon dates
Reviews
“Honeymoon perfection. The bush dinner under the stars on our last night was something we will never forget.”James & Anya · TripAdvisor
“The most beautifully appointed lodge we have stayed at in Africa. The fireplace, the bath, the deck — every detail.”D. Whitmore · Google
“Felt like a country house in the bush. Service was effortless without being intrusive.”Lara K. · Feedback Co
Policies & practicalities
Check-in / Check-out
From 13:00 · Out by 12:00
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in public areas only
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
- 46 to 60 days — 10% of booking total forfeited
- 31 to 45 days — 50% of booking total forfeited
- 3 to 30 days — 75% of booking total forfeited
- 2 days or less — 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 Safari Lodge
What's included in the rate?
Accommodation in a thatched safari suite (King or King/Twin), breakfast, lunch and dinner, selected house beverages, two game drives daily on open Land Rovers with qualified rangers, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Premium drinks, spa treatments, and private bush dinners are billed separately. A conservation levy of R210 per adult and R105 per child under 12 per night is added on top.
Are children welcome at Safari Lodge?
Yes — children aged 9 and older are welcome. Children 9 to 11 are charged at 50% of the adult rate; teens 12 to 18 are charged at the full adult rate. Each suite sleeps two, so families with children need to book multiple suites. For younger children, consider Woodbury Lodge (6+) or Leeuwenbosch Country House (all ages).
Does every suite have a plunge pool?
Yes — all 11 suites (both King and King/Twin) feature a private plunge pool and patio, plus double bath and outdoor shower. The plunge pool and patio are standard across the lodge, not a premium upsell.
What's the Bushman's River cruise?
One of your afternoon game drives at Safari Lodge is replaced with a sundowner boat cruise on the Bushman's River that runs through the Amakhala reserve. It's a Safari Lodge signature and a different way to see the game and birdlife — a notable differentiator from other Amakhala lodges that offer only land-based drives.
How do I get to Safari Lodge?
Safari Lodge is approximately 65 km (around 45 minutes drive) from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) via the N2 towards Grahamstown. Around 50 km out, keep left on the N2 — then travel a further 13 km following the Amakhala Game Reserve road signs. The lodge will share the final door-to-door directions on confirmation. Airport transfers can be arranged through African Safari Group on request.
What is the 3-day Tuskers package?
The 3-day Tuskers package combines a Safari Lodge stay with an excursion to Addo Elephant National Park — known for its huge elephant population. One of your safaris on the package is taken at Addo instead of Amakhala. Available on request.
What is the cancellation policy?
60+ days before arrival — no forfeit. 46 to 60 days — 10% of booking total forfeited. 31 to 45 days — 50% of booking total forfeited. 3 to 30 days — 75% of booking total forfeited. 2 days or less — 100% of booking total forfeited.
