Amakhala Game Reserve

Home 9 Destination 9 Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve Overview

Reasons to Visit Amakhala Game Reserve

* Excellent wildlife viewing * Free from malaria * Open-vehicle game drives and night drives * Very accessible and easily integrated with the Garden Route * A good variety of privately owned lodges and tented camps * Excellent elephant viewing

Amakhala Game Reserve Wildlife

Amakhala is a small, well-stocked private reserve offering good viewing of most of the well-known safari animals, for instance, lion, elephant, white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, vervet monkeys, and several antelope species including greater kudu, eland, and the endemic black wildebeest.Lucky visitors might see brown hyena, bat-eared fox and possibly even leopard. Some nocturnal species such as aardvark and porcupine are sometimes spotted on night drives.

Black Rhino
--
Buffalo
Common
Cheetah
Occasional
Elephant
Common
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Occasional
Hyena
Rare
Leopard
Rare
Lion
Common
Rhino
Common
Wild Dog
--
Wildebeest
Common
Zebra
Common

Wildlife Highlights

A river cruise on the Bushman’s River provides a chance to see the rare Cape clawless otter. The reserve supports a good population of the endemic black wildebeest, which can often be seen together with the more common Burchell’s zebras.Both lion and cheetah are likely to be seen over the course of a couple of days and lucky visitors might see brown hyena, but spotted hyena is absent.With more than 240 bird species recorded, Amakhala is a great birding destination. There are game drives, walking safaris, and river cruises with knowledgeable guides.Birding is, however, not the focus of these shared activities and it might be worth booking private game drives to avoid disappointment if birding is a priority. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Best Time to Visit Amakhala Game Reserve

Best Time to Visit

Best Weather

Worst Weather

In Amakhala, wildlife viewing is good all year. Since the climate is semi-arid, animals are always attracted to water sources – but marginally more so during the driest months of June through September. Nights become very cold at this time, making it essential to bring warm clothing for game drives in open vehicles.

Low Season

April to September (Cold evenings and mornings)

High Season

October to March (The park gets crowded, especially during school holidays)

Amakhala Game Reserve Weather and Climate

Amakhala is considered semi-arid to arid. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year but there are two peaks: in February-March and October-November. Winter and summer occur at opposite times as in Europe and North America. The temperature cools to freezing point in the middle of winter.

How to get to Amakhala Game Reserve

Most visitors to Amakhala Game Reserve arrive via O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. You may start your tour from either of these destinations by organized safari or by driving yourself. Many choose to drive via the Garden Route from Cape Town, taking a leisurely week or two to do so before arriving at Amakhala.

By Air

There are domestic flights to Port Elizabeth to access this region by doing a self-drive from the airport.

By Road

* From Port Elizabeth take the N2 towards Grahamstown.* Approximately 50 km from Port Elizabeth is an intersection, keep left on the N2 towards Grahamstown.* From the intersection travel for a further 13km towards Amakhala Game Reserve.* See road signs of various Amakhala lodges along the way. There is no central entrance.

Where to stay in Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Woodbury Tented Camp

Unveil Nature’s Tranquility at Amakhala Woodbury Tented Camp Nestled in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Amakhala Woodbury Tented Camp offers an immersive retreat into nature. Situated within the renowned Amakhala Game Reserve, this camp is an ideal haven for those seeking an authentic safari adventure. Canvas tents provide an intimate connection with the natural surroundings. Each […]

Amakhala Woodbury Lodge

Discover Amakhala Woodbury Lodge in the Heart of Nature Nestled in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Amakhala Woodbury Lodge offers a captivating escape into nature. Situated within the renowned Amakhala Game Reserve, this lodge is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Experience an exclusive safari allowing guests to witness Africa’s iconic wildlife in their […]

Amakhala Quatermain’s Camp

Experience Authentic Safari Charm at Amakhala Quatermain Camp Amakhala Quatermain Camp, nestled in the heart of South Africa’s captivating wilderness, promises an authentic safari adventure that immerses you in the untamed landscape. At the camp, accommodation in canvas-covered chalets blends the comfort you seek with a closer connection to nature. Guided game drives and leisurely […]

Leeuwenbosch Country House

Embrace Serenity and Adventure at Leeuwenbosch Country House Leeuwenbosch Country House is a gracious colonial retreat amidst indigenous gardens, offering a family safari steeped in settler history. Built in 1908, it boasts four spacious en-suite bedrooms adorned with historical images, documents, and antique furniture dating back to the 1800s. Savour moments in the 19th-century stone […]

Amakhala Safari Lodge

Discover Tranquility and Thrilling Safaris: Amakhala Safari Lodge Welcome to Amakhala Safari Lodge, an enchanting retreat situated in the heart of the Amakhala Game Reserve. The lodge offers an exquisite fusion of luxury and raw wilderness, providing travellers with a safari experience like no other. Accommodation at Amakhala Safari Lodge features elegant suites, each offering […]

Amakhala Bush Lodge

Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Splendor: Amakhala Bush Lodge, a Safari Haven Welcome to Amakhala Bush Lodge, a captivating retreat nestled within the splendid Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa. Offering a unique blend of luxury and untamed wilderness, this lodge invites travellers to experience an extraordinary safari adventure. Accommodation at Amakhala Bush Lodge features well-appointed […]

Discover More

About Us

Get Started