Bush Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve
Luxury tent in Eastern Cape
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
About this luxury tent rental
Situated in the Amakala Big Five Game Reserve, Bush Lodge offers an intimate lodge experience. It features an outdoor swimming pool, viewing deck and a number of game drives and bush walks.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Smoking allowed
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
TV
Family friendly
Map of Eastern Cape
Available Rooms
1 King • 322 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 645 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
100% verified reviews9.0 / 10.0
We recently had the privilege of staying at the Bush Lodge in Amakhala, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The lodge exudes an elegant African colonial chic decor that instantly makes you feel immersed in luxury amidst nature. Our unit, more akin to a luxurious tent, came with a thatched roof and a private plunge pool, offering a stunning view of the waterhole. This became our serene spot to watch a variety of game, including elephants, jackals, warthogs, and countless antelopes, all from the comfort of our bedroom.
The game drives were a highlight, presenting some of the most impressive wildlife encounters we've ever experienced. From lions to cheetahs and rhinos, each sighting was breathtaking. The food at the lodge was exceptional, with a diverse menu that included various game dishes, as well as vegetarian and non-game options, catering to all tastes.Overall, our stay at Bush Lodge was unforgettable. The combination of luxurious accommodations, thrilling wildlife encounters, and exquisite dining made it an extraordinary adventure. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic African safari experience
However, a minor downside was the crowd around the game sightings. Even with a policy limiting to three vehicles per sighting, it occasionally felt overcrowded, which slightly detracted from the wilderness experience. Yet, the extraordinary game sightings and the expertise of our wonderful ranger, Ruan, made this a negligible issue.
9.0 / 10.0
Eines vorneweg: das Reservat ist ein Traum. Landschaftlich wunderschön und wir hatten mit unserem Guide AJ einmalige Tiererlebnisse. Er hat alles dafür getan uns einzigartige Erlebnisse zu bieten, wir haben von spielenden Elefanten am Wasserloch bis zu Löwen mehr oder minder auf Armlänge entfernt tolle Dinge erlebt. Die Lodge selbst ist auch traumhaft schön, die Zelte schön dekoriert und ausgestattet. Die Privatsphäre die man dort hat ist wunderschön, ein Platz zum Herunterkommen. Das Personal hat uns wunderbar umsorgt und war jederzeit ansprechbar.
Die Erwartungen waren bei dem Preis hoch. Den Zelten merkt man ihr Alter an, die Sauberkeit dort hätte für 5 Sterne besser sein können. Auch das Essen war für meinen Geschmack für den Preis sehr bodenständig gehalten. Es war aber sehr schmackhaft.
10.0 / 10.0
We loved our stay at Bush Lodge and experienced wonderful game drives thanks to our exceptionally talented ranger Jono. He really is the jewel in the crown of Bush Lodge. So knowledgeable and really went out of his way to ensure we had the very best of sightings. We learned so much and had such a wonderful time. He positioned the landrover superbly so we always had the greatest view possible and has a real photographers eye. The first thing he did was find rhinos for us as we had never seen rhinos in the wild before and then ensured we saw rhinos every day. We also had incredible cheetah and lion sightings. We were also pleased that Bush Lodge have land rovers - they are such fun to be in. Couldn't be better. Thank you Jono.
10.0 / 10.0
I liked it because the tents were great and the view was great. It is a family run business. I met the grandfather his son his wife and his grandson. They treated us very well. They really cared about their staff which is important to me. There is a lot of abuse by employers in south africa but the opposite here. I saw more big game here than the other reserve I stayed. Another big plus was the price.almost half the price for same thing you get at similar reserves.
M
maybe better selection of meals but since the majority of customers are European and I am american we have different tastes
7.0 / 10.0
Nice lodge, with tents that can accommodate three adults.
Compared to the other 5 star in the game reserve, I was a bit disappointed by the value for money (but this one accomodates 3 adults whereas the other one does not). The ranger also did not give a lot of explanations.
So it is a nice place, quite small, but I thought the level of service did not match the quite expensive price we paid.
10.0 / 10.0
the staff were fantastic, the location was amazing, rangers were so knowledgeable and friendly and we saw the most amazing things, chef was top class
nothing
10.0 / 10.0
Alles was 10/10
Om huis toe te kom
9.0 / 10.0
We LOVED Jono - our ranger!! He made our experience unforgettable!!
We loved the tent, the bath, the water whole that’s infront that’s attracting the animals to come visit!
We really appreciated having gluten free and sugar free options.
The reserve itself is very pretty and calm. The staff were very pleasant! We saw so many animals, nature was incredible! Highly recommend booking this reserve.
We would’ve loved the schedule to be sent to us before arrival. An intro video that explains about the concept would’ve been nice as well.
There’s quite a ride coming in to the reserve- you have to park the car outside and we were not aware of that - important to know.
Dinner is held in a shared big table which we thought was super awkward and uncomfortable. After being out with the animals all day you’re too tired to socialize with strangers.
The outdoor shower is were not very hygienic in our opinion. Water pressure could also be improved.
9.0 / 10.0
The room was gorgeous. The staff pampered us. The guide was fantastic.
9.0 / 10.0
We spent an amazing 2 nights at Bush Lodge. The accommodation was very comfortable and the little touches, such as having the bath run when you return from the evening game drive, were lovely. Meals were good and all drinks included. All staff members were very friendly and keen to do everything to make sure the experience was good. I wasn't sure about the communal dining but it proved most enjoyable getting to know the other guests and sharing stories of our day. But the undeniable highlights were the game drives. We did not really expect to get so close to so many wild animals - lions with their cubs, elephants with a baby, rhinos, cheetahs, the hippo family, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, buffalo, all the deer species, ostriches, even tortoises.
The only minor niggle was a flat tyre on our last game drive. It happened only 5 minutes after leaving the lodge so should really have been picked up before we left. No mention was made afterwards that we had lost half an hour of our drive, nor the fact that my husband had to do all the heavy lifting as our ranger was physically incapable. It didn't really detract from the drive, we still saw plenty but a little acknowledgement would have been appreciated.
10.0 / 10.0
Bush Lodge was a lovely camp in Amakhala. We felt properly taken care of from the moment we arrived. The set up and routine there is fabulous - great organisation - the staff are great and our ranger, Rohan, was excellent and so knowledgeable.
The game drives were brilliant and we felt so privileged to see so many animals at such close range whilst learning interesting facts about them.
There were lovely touches in the hospitality such as hot towels when you get back from game drives and the thoughtful turn down service which included the ‘window shades’ in the tent having been pulled down, lamps lit and a small bath having been run and waiting for you when you get back from the afternoon game drive - felt like luxury.
9.0 / 10.0
The staff were all excellent and very welcoming, we really enjoyed our stay here. The location and lodge were excellent. Food and drinks were all delicious
We had a massage treatment whilst we were there, the massage bed was very uncomfortable so neither of us found it very relaxing or value for money
10.0 / 10.0
First class service from start to finish.
No issues
10.0 / 10.0
Absolutely everything 😊👍. Staff, accommodation, food, passion towards animals and clients alike.
Nothing at all- just magical.
10.0 / 10.0
The whole experience was amazing. Difficult to put into words. Spectacular views from the lodge, very knowledgeable and professional rangers, great food, extremely friendly atmosphere, very thoughtful touches (like running a bubble bath on return from game drive), wonderful decor.
No faults.
10.0 / 10.0
Exceptional scenery where you see animals passing by from you tent or the restaurant.
Very professional staff with an incredible eye for detail to make the stay memorable.
Highly recommended!
10.0 / 10.0
What a perfect end to our holiday. The staff are incredible, the rangers have such a vast knowledge and manage to find everything you could want. The care from the staff is top notch, from running you a bath when you get back from the evening drives to keeping you topped up!
The rooms are lovely, each very private with their own deck and outdoor shower that isn't overlooked! The beds are very comfy.
The reserve itself is the perfect size with options to branch into other areas if you need to, but without spending hours driving there. We will definitely be sending friends and family here, worth every penny.
Absolutely nothing!
8.0 / 10.0
The staff, the game drives were great and we were lucky with watching a cheetah hunt.
Food and service was exceptional.
The reception where you check in was awful and I strongly feel this needs to be addressed as first impressions do count and let's down the actual true experience
10.0 / 10.0
Everything! What an amazing safari experience (animals, staff, facilities). Our ranger DJ made sure we dont finish any single game driver without experiencing something stunning (each run was special, thank you!)
Nothing really - lunch is light but in that heat its fine
10.0 / 10.0
The staff were exceptional and cared for our every need . Watching the wildlife come to the watering hole next to the terrace and your dipping pool was mesmerising . Lovely touches like filling the bath with hot water for our return from the evening game drive . The rangers were super knowledgeable and tracked down lions , elephants , cheetahs , rhinos , giraffes galore , jackals , warthogs , buffalo plus more … we had so many unforgettable moments . True African hospitality and delicious food too !
10.0 / 10.0
everything was more than perfect. couldn’t dream of a better stay
9.0 / 10.0
It was all wonderful, exceeding our expectations. Lovely staff and fellow guests. A big thank you to Jono, our ranger/guide for the duration of our stay - you made our safari very special. We saw so many animals and birds. It was also brilliant to see many of them come to the waterhole on front of the lodge.
I can only agree with all the positive comments already written.
Nothing significant.
9.0 / 10.0
Staff were super friendly, especially Athi and Suzy. The game drives were excellent and James had an Eagle eye for finding the animals, plus educated us with loads of fun facts.
10.0 / 10.0
Breakfast and all meals were excellent.
Communication from the lodge could have been better. A game drive was available in the afternoon of our arrival day. We didn't know this and had just a few minutes between arriving and going on the drive. We were not the only people in the same situation.
10.0 / 10.0
Fabulous intimate lodge with just the 8 tents … guests get to know each other on the twice daily game drives and over dinner so it adds a nice social element to the stay.
The tents are large and spacious and luxurious … we were there in October and had one day on the cold side … staff had turned on the electric blankets in the beds and upped the heating for when we returned … lots of little touches like that were standard. The view from the tents is amazing … overlooking a watering hole we were greeted by giraffe , bison , rhino etc etc each morning when we opened the curtains !!!
The food was great … plenty of it and very tasty. Breakfast , lunch and dinner all included.
The game drives were amazing …. James is a bit of a character and has years of experience. Clearly went over and above some days to make sure that the guest experience is top notch … elephants , bison , giraffe , cheetah , rhinos were all ticked off … the lions were a little elusive and had not been seen for a few days … on our final drive he stayed out longer than he should have and it paid off with a spectacular close encounter with 3 lions to give a perfect ending to our 2 night stay … highly recommend Bush Lodge … just do it !!! :)
Nothing … was amazing all round
10.0 / 10.0
wow - what an experience! I would highly recommend staying here. the food and service was exceptional and all the staff were super friendly. the staff had lit a fire in our room and run a bath for us for when we got back from the afternoon safari, there were electric blankets on the beds (we were there in their winter). We also had hot water bottles and blankets for the morning safari!
A big shout out to Athi the barman and Kim and James who were our guides. James was brilliant, he has a huge amount of knowledge about the reserve and the animals.
first time doing a safari so have nothing to compare it to but would return in a heartbeat. Saw 4 of the big five - didn’t see the leopard but there was a cheetah with her 2 cubs which was amazing.
10.0 / 10.0
The best ever staff you can get , so helpful and nothing is too much trouble, James the guide is the best , he's got an hidden six sense in finding the animals, 5 star food from Godfrey
Nothing, cannot fault the stay
10.0 / 10.0
the private lodges are fantastic, food and hospitality first class and the location within the reserve is perfect
nothing. it was all great
10.0 / 10.0
It was absolutely spectacular. I couldn't possibly recommend Amakhala Bush Lodge any higher. If you are looking for a luxury bush getaway, this is definitely it.
Not one thing.
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing staff , the safari guides were brilliant. Great attention to detail
FAQs
How much does this luxury tent cost compared to others in Eastern Cape?
The average price for a rental in Eastern Cape is $97 per night. This rental is $30 above the average.
Is parking included with this luxury tent?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Bush Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this luxury tent?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Bush Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve. Enjoy the water!
Is Bush Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this luxury tent is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Bush Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, internet / wifi, fireplace, and smoking allowed.
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