Bukela Game Lodge

Safari Lodge 

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Description

Welcome: Resting in the rolling Eastern Cape hills 80km outside Port Elizabeth, Bukela Lodge offers a gentle, tranquil escape from the world. The abundant Amakhala wildlife includes lion, cheetah, black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra and buffalo, ranging over a breathtaking oxbow river plain in the heart of the 7000 hectare, malaria-free conservancy.Our intimate four-suite lodge offers an exclusive game viewing experience which, combined with our luxurious, secluded accommodation, and variety of dining options, creates a remarkable, private retreat in which to regenerate body and mind.

Amenities: Bukela Lodge offers 5-star luxury of an International standard. The main lodge comprises of a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always the centre of attraction in winter. Also available are a media and library area with Internet, television, DVD player, games and books and a large wooden pool deck overlooking a small dam frequented by buffalo. A separate area known as a “boma” adjoins the main lodge where bush braais and special festivities are offered for our guest’s enjoyment. Church service - We can advise times and locations of religious services in the area. A small chapel is available in the Amakhala Reserve for weddings and other religious ceremonies. This should be booked in advance. Computer/Email - A computer can be made available for guest use should you require it. Conference facilities are available in the Amakhala Reserve. Please contact us for more information.

Clothing - Dress code and clothing is informal. It is advisable to wear loose fitting and light garments in summer, layering clothing in winter. Sensible shoes are important in the rough terrain. A warm wind breaker jacket or jersey for game drives even in summer is a necessity. Neutral colored garments are advisable in the bush. Sun hats, sunglasses and swimming costume are required in summer. Fleeced sweatshirts, golf shirts, robes and caps are available for purchase from the lodge should guests require any of these items.

Equipment - A good pair of binoculars is a recommendation especially for bird watching. Good photographs can be taken on game drives when the vehicle is stationary, but rarely when in transit as terrain is rough. Guests should bear this in mind when purchasing suitable camera equipment. The recommended film is 100-200 A.S.A. and a zoom lens is not always a necessity but recommended.

Food - Please inform management at Bukela of any specific dietary preferences you may have before arrival. Coffee, tea, fresh juice and pastries are served before each game drive in addition to any snacks provided on the drive itself. Beverages and snacks over and above that mentioned can be requested throughout a guests stay, accounts for which may be settled on departure.
Housekeeping - Suites are cleaned unobtrusively thrice daily while guests enjoy a game drive or meal. At no other time will guests be disturbed unless they request assistance. Our staff is always available to assist guests wherever necessary. Incoming calls may be received on the lodge cellular phone.

Information services - Guests will find directories of tourist information in each suite. Should guests require assistance with flights, transfers or accommodation reservations, or require that Bukela assist with reputable tour operators, please let us know. Laundry - Guests personal items can be washed and ironed at a nominal fee. Laundry bags are provided in suite cupboards. Dry cleaning is unfortunately not offered. First aid and Medical - A well stocked supply of over the counter medication is available to guests should they experience any physical discomfort during their stay at Bukela. Medical practitioners are also available 20 minutes drive away.
Telephone - There are telephones installed in each guest suite. Should guests require a cellphone, the lodge can make one available to them at standard cost. South African network providers MTN and Vodacom coverage is reasonable in most areas of the reserve.

Water -The water is derived from a borehole and not for human consumption. Complementary bottled water is provided. Wines - Bukela Lodge offers a versatile and well appointed selection of South African and International wines, sparkling wines and French champagne to suit your palate. Weather - The region is temperate with summer conditions (October – March) reaching temperatures of 36C. Winter (April-September) brings many sunny days but evenings can be chilly. Rain falls mainly in the summer months and umbrellas are available in the main lodge for your use when traversing to your suite in these conditions. The African climate can change dramatically whatever the season. Rangers will check weather reports before embarking on a game drive, but guests should please ensure that they are suitably attired in “layered” clothing for hot or cold conditions.

Suites: The four suites, Uthando Suite, Ingwe Suite, Inyathi Suite and Umkhombe, are each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury. Each suite sleeps two guests and is a world of its own, separated from the main lodge by wooden walkways and indigenous bush. Each suite is well appointed for guests’ optimal comfort with every amenity, including large, en-suite bathrooms each with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, and a central fireplace for romantic evenings, air-conditioning, under floor heating, private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities. Beds are King size or two singles depending on guest requirements. All our suites are luxurious but the “honeymoon suite” with a huge four poster mahogany bed is a particularly intimate space and can be reserved for your special occasion.