Bukela Lodge was my favourite lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve, alongside Amakhala Safari Lodge. What I liked is the combination of personal service with understated luxury. Hosts play an important part in the safari business and all the staff at Bukela were friendly and attentive, very important when you arrive on a rather cold July evening!
We were immediately shown to our spacious rooms which were just the right mix of luxury and elegance. The fire was already roaring so that the room was deliciously warm. (Air-conditioning is available for the summer months when you want the room to be cooled). There’s a cosy sitting room area with complimentary sherry and an interesting selection of coffee table books and a small alcove with the tea/coffee ‘station’ and minibar. The bathroom was semi open plan but the partial wall meant that people wanting privacy would not be on display to the rest of the room whilst bathing or showering.
We didn’t have much time for a game drive but our guide was quietly knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about Amakhala, The reserve has a number of different eco-systems which makes for varied game-viewing and we enjoyed a morning coffee at a stunning viewpoint overlooking the steeply wooden valley with its river far below.
TIP: Ask for room 4 if you want a secluded romantic experience with four poster bed, but note that this means you are also furthest from the swimming pool and main lodge.
