UPDATED FEB 2020. If you have been following my blog for a while, you might remember that last year I visited South Africa to live out my childhood Lion King dreams. Well, it was so incredible that I decided to go back. Plus, I figured the lions were missing me by now. This time, instead of going solo, I took my mum along so she could experience an epic, safari experience too. Though I stayed at the same reserve, I chose a different lodge and here is my complete review of the Amakhala Game Reserve Bush Lodge.
Amakhala Game Reserve Bush Lodge Review – Is It Worth It?
Disclaimer:
This post was written in partnership with Amakhala Game Reserve.
The basics
Location: Amakhala Game Reserve, South Africa
Cost: Luxury
Highlights: Game drives, luxury accommodation, impeccable service, relaxation
Welcome to the Amakhala Game Reserve Bush Lodge
A typical day at the Bush Lodge
The times for the schedule change depending on the time of year you visit as the game drives work around sunrise and sunset. Here’s what you can expect on an average day.
- Wake up call
- Game drive (with a break in the middle for snacks and a hot drink)
- Breakfast
- A few hours to relax around the lodge
- Lunch
- Game drive (with a break in the middle for snacks and a drink)
- Bath
- Dinner
Main room setting at the Bush Lodge
The rooms
You’ll get to stay in a tent when you visit the Bush Lodge at Amakhala Reserve.
Wait a minute, a tent? That doesn’t sound like luxury accommodation.
Have faith, young grasshopper and let me explain. This is not like any regular tent. It’s glamping in the most luxurious way.
Dream bed
Your spacious tent is home to a cozy bed, bathtub, fireplace, desk and wardrobe area, and a few bugs because it kind of goes with the territory.
The room is serviced during the game drives and they even draw you a hot bath in the evenings while you are out looking at the animals.
When you return, you can relax and warm up in the tub before dinner.
There is an outdoor shower as well and having a shower under the stars is a nice way to end the day. The only thing I think it is missing is a bathrobe, but, other than that, it’s got everything you need.
Pre-dinner bath time is a ritual you will fall in love with
Lodge with private plunge pool
Being able to stay in a lodge with a private pool is kind of the dream, right?
When you stay at the Bush Lodge, your tent comes with a deck and private plunge pool. Whether you want to relax on a sun chair and read, or pour a glass of wine and take a dip, you’ll be able to completely relax and unwind.
There is also a larger shared pool by the main building.
Both have views that stretch out into the reserve, and one of the things I enjoyed doing was animal spotting from the pool. I was lucky enough to see warthogs, monkeys, antelope, and even a rhino!
Main pool
Game drives at the Amakhala Game Reserve
Two game drives per day are included in your stay – one in the morning and one in the evening.
You will likely have the same ranger for the duration of your stay, which is a treat because this way they know what animals you’ve seen, and what you haven’t.
They also can keep track of what information they’ve already shared with you so you don’t end up getting the same facts over and over.
There are so many animals to see on the reserve
My ranger was ‘Lynx’ and she was absolutely fantastic. From the outside, it seems like the job of a ranger means having a masters degree in multitasking.
She could drive, answer questions, listen out for important announcements on the radio, and spot animals all at once.
Not only was she a complete badass, navigating the 4WD tracks in all sorts of terrain while making it look easy, but she had a wide knowledge of everything in the reserve from plants, to birds, to the big game.
My ranger is the coolest!
The food
I remember saying to my ranger at one point, “I don’t think I’ve felt hunger the whole time I’ve been here.”
It’s certainly a place where you are very well fed.
The buffet breakfast spread, with baked goods, cold cuts, exotic fruit platters, oatmeal, and yogurts, is an impressive meal on its own. But, just like a classic infomercial would say, ‘but wait – there’s more!’
Breakfast spread
You also get to choose a made to order breakfast meal with options like an omelet, big breakfast, French toast, or simple bacon and eggs.
There is a light lunch before the afternoon game drive where you get things like a wrap, burger, or quiche.
When it comes to dinner, this is where you really need your stretchy pants.
The 3 course meal every night will fill you up and also give you an opportunity to try unique, local foods like antelope, ostrich, or kingklip fish. Yes, I tried all these and they were all delicious, especially the ostrich. There were always standard and vegetarian style meals on the menu if you prefer.
One of the things that makes it special is that no detail is spared when it comes to the elegant setting. Each night had a different design, with different candle holders or decorations, and it was like observing a work of art each time I sat down for dinner.
Beautiful dinner setting
Extra add-ons
If you want to add on something extra to your stay, you could visit the spa for a treatment or even add on an extra activity like a horse riding tour.
I opted for a massage between game drives one day and it was heavenly. My therapist even asked me to look up at the window at one point because there was a family of warthogs getting a drink at the small waterhole outside. I can tell you, I’ve never seen anything like that during a massage.
There is also a small store where you can get unique souvenirs like a rhino t-shirt to help rhino conservation, ornaments for your home, or handmade beaded jewelry.
Some beaded necklaces from the gift shop
The important thing to remember
When booking and comparing costs, the important thing to remember is that when you book at the Bush Lodge, your food, drinks, game drives, and accommodation are all included.
During your stay, you only have to budget for extra add-ons and tips.
The awesome hosts, Athi and Brenda, who will make your cheeks smile from laughing so much and take great care of you
Is it worth it?
Overall, I say that the Bush Lodge is absolutely worth staying at. I think the same for the Bukela Lodge where I stayed last time, and I’d hazard a guess that it’s the same for any of the lodges on the reserve.
You’ll always get what you pay for no matter where you stay. Sometimes I find that doing a budget style trip is fun, other times I go for mid-range. When I think of doing something as epic as an African safari experience, I think if you’re going to do it, do it well.
You’ll be pampered, stay in dreamy accommodation, eat delicious food (and never feel hungry), and spend a lot of time out on the reserve with the animals.
To me, it was worth every cent and absolutely enhanced the experience of the safari vacation.
I love that a reusable water bottle was included and it’s yours to keep!
Other posts to help you plan your safari vacation:
- What To Wear On Safari In South Africa – A Practical Packing Guide
- Glamping In South Africa – Tips For Planning Your Luxury Safari Stay
- Bukela Game Lodge – What You Need To Know For An Epic Safari Visit
Athi made an awesome fire each night
For more information:
Visit the Bush Lodge website. For updates and special deals, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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