Overview of Bukela Lodge

Bukela means ‘Place of Great Admiration’ and this intimate safari lodge certainly lives up to its name. Set in the 18 000-acre, malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Bukela has been inspired by Africa with natural elements and interesting African artifacts blending to create a unique atmosphere.

It is a place where both a Big 5 safari and the deserted beaches of the Eastern Cape can be enjoyed. Set off on morning, afternoon and early evening game drives in search of the Big 5, all resident in this diverse private reserve, or head out to the coast for to wander along unspoilt beaches. Also to be discovered in the area are 1820 English and Dutch settlements, Stone Age workshops and dinosaur fossils.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • Set in beautiful Amakhala Private Game Reserve
  • Perched a top of a valley with magnificent views
  • Intimate and private safari lodge - perfect at the end of a self-drive Garden Route holiday
  • Luxurious and romantic suites
  • Viewing lounge overlooks a waterhole where animals come to drink
Bush dining

Bush dining

Cultural visits

Cultural visits

Day tours

Day tours

Game drives

Game drives

Historical tours

Historical tours

Live music & entertainment

Live music & entertainment

Night drives

Night drives

Picnics

Picnics

River cruises

River cruises

Specialist guides

Specialist guides

General Facilities

The main part of Bukela Lodge comprises a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace – always welcome in the cool winter months. There is also a useful media and library area with Internet access, a television, board games and books plus a swimming pool, surrounded by a large wooden deck and overlooking a small dam, often visited by herds of buffalo. Morning, afternoon and early evening game drives are provided and led by professional, knowledgeable rangers who will take you in search of the famous Big 5 and a host of other classic African animals.

Computer facilities

Computer facilities

Laundry service

Laundry service

Swimming pool

Swimming pool

Dining

The African influence at Bukela extends to the lodge’s cuisine, and dinner is usually an informal barbeque around the fire or a selection of traditional African dishes, enjoyed to the sound of African drums. Breakfasts, picnics and dinners at Bukela may be served out in the reserve itself, depending on the weather and your requests.

Expert Opinion

We know because we go
Shelley Fernandes

Shelley Fernandes

Client Experience Manager

The lodges friendly atmosphere, cozy fireplaces and the overall great ambience that you experience at this lodge will leave you with only fond memories of your safari amongst the African bush

Why travel with Go2Africa?

Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa.
When you travel with us you’re assured of the Big 5 Guarantee.

We Are Safari Experts

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend.

Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Positive Impact

The money from your trip stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects long after you return home.

Full Service, 24/7 On Safari Support

We take care of every detail, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, until you return safely home.

Complete Financial Protection

Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance, and Our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association

Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

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Traveller Reviews

  • MC

    The people were very friendly. Great accommodations. Beautiful scenery. The food at the lodge was out of this world. We gained 5 pounds in 5 days. Unfortunately the weather was not the best the last few days. However we managed to encounter several exotic animals. The staff at were super. Geoff, the ranger, was very knowledgeable and informative. We took close to 1000 pics. I would highly recommend a visit to South Africa and also a vacation through you.

    Mats Carenback
  • JG

    Bukela Game Lodge – very quaint lodge. Extremely friendly and helpful staff from the manager to the wait staff to the housekeepers. The other guests staying there and accompanying us on the drives were also very nice, making for a fun time. It was great to experience something different. The food was wonderful and although we didn’t get to choose our meals, not a single one of them left us hungry. We were lucky when we arrived because the water supply had just been fixed after elephants had ripped it apart the night before.

    Joanne Greenberg
  • MM

    A fantastic place and staff. We saw all the animals we wanted (and more)

    Myles Mackenzie
  • BL

    The Bukela Game Lodge was the highlight of the trip. The main lodge and the individual suite lodges are really well done and a credit to the owners. We had a great and relaxing three days there. I would strongly recommend it to anyone. It has the added bonus of all the game you could want to see with no mosquitos.

    Bill Legge
  • JP

    It was definately the high point of the trip and the host, guides, cooks and accommodations were top notch. Saw lots of animals and enjoyed it thoroughly. Would return in a heartbeat.

    Joel Pelavin
  • JP

    It was definately the high point of the trip and the host, guides, cooks and accommodations were top notch. Saw lots of animals and enjoyed it thoroughly. Would return in a heartbeat.

    Joel Pelavin
  • JP

    It was definately the high point of the trip and the host, guides, cooks and accommodations were top notch. Saw lots of animals and enjoyed it thoroughly. Would return in a heartbeat.

    Joel Pelavin
  • KW

    We arrived very early from Addo and that wasn’t a problem we were offered brunch and were able to sit round the pool until we needed to move for our sunset drive. The lodge was beautiful, as were the guest lodges/rooms, the scenery was awe inspiring, and the hospitality of Deon and Elza was overwhelming. We both want to go back to Bukela for a longer stay – just need to save up for that one! The safari drives were excellent too, we were out for about 4 hours on both the sunset and sunrise drives and saw loads, very close up!

    Katherine Webb
  • KW

    We arrived very early from Addo and that wasn’t a problem we were offered brunch and were able to sit round the pool until we needed to move for our sunset drive. The lodge was beautiful, as were the guest lodges/rooms, the scenery was awe inspiring, and the hospitality of Deon and Elza was overwhelming. We both want to go back to Bukela for a longer stay – just need to save up for that one! The safari drives were excellent too, we were out for about 4 hours on both the sunset and sunrise drives and saw loads, very close up!

    Katherine Webb
  • KW

    We arrived very early from Addo and that wasn’t a problem we were offered brunch and were able to sit round the pool until we needed to move for our sunset drive. The lodge was beautiful, as were the guest lodges/rooms, the scenery was awe inspiring, and the hospitality of Deon and Elza was overwhelming. We both want to go back to Bukela for a longer stay – just need to save up for that one! The safari drives were excellent too, we were out for about 4 hours on both the sunset and sunrise drives and saw loads, very close up!

    Katherine Webb