We are thrilled to introduce our newest elephant arrival, born in May 2024. Our tiny ellie is so small you might have to squint to see it! Mom and the herd are still very protective, but we managed to capture a glimpse. Watch the adorable moment here. Stay tuned for more updates as we share the journey of our precious new addition! 

Amakhala Game Reserve's new wildlife corridor through the Bushman’s River, which is currently under construction, will provide more space for large animals like elephants, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, and hippos to move freely and to explore new areas, promoting natural behaviours and healthier ecosystems. Wildlife corridors enable animals to access food and water, migrate naturally, and maintain genetic diversity. Camera traps will show which animals use the corridor, and will monitor their movements and activities. This project is the first phase of the Albany Biosphere initiative, aimed at creating a larger, interconnected conservation area. The next phase involves the removal of fences between Amakhala and other game reserves, allowing animals to move freely between these lands. This incredible effort is possible due to a collaboration between Amakhala Game Reserve and Conservation Landscapes Institute (CLI), Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA), and African Rhino Conservation Collaboration (ARCC), with hopes that other reserves will join this effort in the future. 

We are thrilled to share the recent findings from the Wild Cycad Conservancy's visit to Amakhala Game Reserve! The Conservancy, dedicated to protecting South Africa's threatened cycads, conducted an in-depth survey of our cycad population and made an unexpected discovery: our cycads are Encephalartos horridus. This species, commonly known as the Eastern Cape blue cycad, is critically important to preserve due to its rapid decline from poaching. The team identified at least five individual E. horridus plants, suggesting a potentially established population, with the possibility of more in similar habitats. 

This discovery is significant as E. horridus is typically found around Uitenhage, with a small outlier population at Colchester. The population found at Amakhala represents a major range expansion for this species. The Wild Cycad Conservancy recommends a comprehensive search for additional cycads and developing a plan to introduce more plants. We are excited about these developments and look forward to contributing to global cycad conservation efforts.

Photo Credit: Dr William Fowlds

When the first fences were dropped by the founding families in 1999, Amakhala Game Reserve measured a modest 3300 hectares. Aside from the indigenous species such as bushbuck and duiker, the first “exciting” game species to be introduced were the likes of impala, zebra and black wildebeest. The development of lodges had only just begun, and a lot of work lay ahead.

It is inspiring to look back over 25 years and see how far this special reserve has come. Several more parcels of land have been incorporated, including the buy-in of two additional land owners. With a landmark underpass set to open next month to link two sections of the reserve, and an expansion at the eastern edge of the reserve planned for later this year, Amakhala Game Reserve will tip the scales at just over 9 000 hectares. This unbroken landscape is a mosaic of habitat types and geological features, from towering cliffs to thicketed dune forests and sweeping grasslands. Amakhala also forms part of the Indalo Protected Environment, officially adopted in 2019, that formerly recognizes the area as land under conservation. On the wildlife front, a great variety of species now call this place home, including lion, elephant, cheetah, giraffe and buffalo. In 2023, black rhino were successfully reintroduced to Amakhala after a more than 200 year absence from the land they once roamed.

The Amakhala Foundation was established in 2009 to provide development opportunities for the people of the area alongside the conservation of the natural environment. The Foundation now has a well-established environmental education programme alongside a range of other education and skills development programmes.

Amakhala has also demonstrated resilience, with the global pandemic exacting an especially heavy toll on the tourism industry. The drought of visitors was matched only by a prolonged shortage of rainfall, with the beautiful Bushman’s River that winds through the reserve running dry. Fortunately, local and international travel is flourishing once more, with many guests from around the globe making Amakhala their safari destination of choice. The river is still dry, but we live in hope. This past rainy season was a good one and the veld is in exceptional condition, with our namesake aloes flowering en masse. And so as we celebrate our 25 year milestone, we acknowledge the courage and persistence of the Amakhala community, the challenges that have been overcome, and the successes that have been achieved to create a wildlife paradise in this corner of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.  

Author: Wesley Gush

As of June 1st, Amakhala Game Reserve has discontinued horse trails. This decision follows the removal of fences under the Bushman’s River bridge, allowing the Big 5 to access the former horse trail area. This change enhances the movement and natural behaviours of these large animals, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. We appreciate your understanding and support as we prioritise the safety and well-being of both our guests and wildlife. Thank you for your continued support of our conservation efforts. 

The Amakhala Foundation has launched its digital learning programme! Our Learning Facilitators, Xabisa Nkani and Nondumiso Myataza, have been introducing the young learners at iJosi Preschool and the Sidbury Primary School to the joys of literacy and numeracy games on the tablets, and through real-life games and creative activities also included in the programme. We are grateful to the Good Works Foundation for their guidance and generosity with the software, which is all Wi-Fi free.

In addition to the Coaching for Conservation programme, our Environmental Education programme hosted a special World Environmental Day event on 4 June, with the help of 16 visiting students from Dalhousie University in Canada. Using the theme of “endangered species”, we had 6 stations where learners learnt about cheetah, black rhino, cycads, vultures, the Addo flightless beetle, and riverine rabbits. It was a day filled with running, creativity and lots of fun in the outdoors.   

Bukela Game Lodge

Exciting news for guests at Bukela Lodge! Now, you can experience the thrilling wildlife action at our waterhole from the comfort of your own home. With our new and exciting live feed, you can witness the wildlife magic of the great outdoors unfold without having to step outside. From playful elephants splashing in the water to buffaloes enjoying a refreshing bath, our live stream offers you a front-row seat to nature's wonders. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views and captivating animal encounters. It's an opportunity you won't want to miss! To watch the waterhole moment click HERE

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Bush Lodge

Guests at Bush Lodge are embarking on a unique safari adventure like no other: six days of unprecedented access to the magnificent landscape, the animals, the people and the entirety of the Amakhala ecosystem – working side-by-side and hands-on with one of the world’s most renowned and respected wildlife veterinarians, Dr. William Fowlds. These guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help Dr. Fowlds and his team with at least two animal procedures on the game reserve. It is an exclusive wildlife experience made possible by Trip with a Purpose, a travel company that curates personalised and enriching journeys. 

Photo Credit:  Bush Lodge 

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HillsNek Safari Camp

HillsNek Safari Camp is closed during June for comprehensive camp maintenance and intensive staff training. Our dedicated team will be enhancing their skills in essential areas such as fire training, first aid, and 4x4 driving to ensure your safety and comfort. In addition, our talented chefs will undergo specialised training sessions, which means that we will be rolling out new, delectable menus in July, designed to tantalise your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. We look forward to welcoming you in July with even more exceptional experiences, refreshed surroundings, an invigorated team and the outstanding service you expect. 

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Hlosi Game Lodge

Hippos are an impressive sight, which can now be enjoyed from the comfort of Hlosi Lodge, where the resident hippos have been delighting guests with their playful antics! These massive creatures have been opening their mouths wide, giving visitors awe-inspiring "whoa" moments. They also bounce around in the water, playfully rolling over each other and showcasing their surprising agility despite their size. Guests watching from the lookout hide, or relaxing outside under the veranda, are treated to spectacular shows as the hippos' lively displays add an extra layer of excitement to the Hlosi Lodge experience, making every visit truly memorable.  

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Leeuwenbosch Country House

Our guests have enjoyed outstanding game viewing and interesting animal behaviour sightings of late, including lions and rhino seemingly in harmony with each other, going about their business, even while right near each other! With the winter rain, the Reserve is also looking fantastic and the full waterhole outside Leeuwenbosch has brought us many visitors, which our guests have enjoyed whilst laying by the pool or in our little bird hide! We have also brought out the winter woollies, welcoming fires, hot chocolate, old brown sherry, electric blankets and all the things that make our guests that little cosier! 

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Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp

Do you fancy a little more adventure on your safari? Why not book a 3-night stay, and in addition to 2 glorious nights in camp, with the associated game drives, we will also take you out across the reserve on foot to spend the night in a charming cave, situated above the Bushman's River valley! You might feel a little tired when you reach our exciting destination, but we will soon cheer your body and soul with a few welcome drinks around the fire whilst you take in the stunning view, as our trails guides rustle you up a delicious dinner.

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Safari Lodge

The guests at Safari Lodge held their breath as the drama unfolded before them during one of our recent safaris! Cameras clicked incessantly, as the excited visitors strived to capture the moment's intensity. Gasps and whispers filled the air: "Will the kudu escape?" "How close can the lion get?" Eyes fixed on the scene, they felt the thrill of the wild, witnessing the timeless chase between predator and prey from the safety of the vehicle, while the guides' reassuring presence and insightful commentary added depth to the sighting, enhancing another rare and unforgettable wildlife experience. 

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Woodbury Tented Camp

As part of their African Wildlife Ecology course, students from Dalhousie University (Canada) have recently visited Amakhala Game Reserve, as part of a collaboration with Amakhala and Rhodes University initiated in 2016. As in previous years, Woodbury Tented Camp were proud to host the group, whose course included a number of lectures from different experts, as well as mini field projects for each student individually. Of course, there were also exciting outings onto the reserve, including game drives and a horse safari. We trust the students and coordinators enjoyed the visit – we look forward to many more! 

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Woodbury Lodge

Woodbury was established as a Gush farming enterprise back in 1853, before it ultimately became part of Amakhala Game Reserve in the 1990s. Below is a photo of one of the farm houses that still stands on the land today – now surrounded by wildlife in place of livestock. Along with Woodbury Lodge and Woodbury Tented Camp, we are nearing completion of the brand new Woodbury Manor, an exclusive lodge overlooking the Bushman’s River valley. The Manor will form part of the Woodbury portfolio and share our family-run ethic and warm atmosphere. Can you guess which animal we’ve chosen for the logo?  

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In an exciting new initiative, we will be sharing some of the amazing wildlife images captured by both our Amakhala Rangers and guests who visit the Amakhala Game Reserve. To have your images considered for inclusion, please email your photograph taken on the Reserve, with your name and surname to sandra@amakhala.co.za. 

Photographs supplied by James Bilsbury. 

Image credits: James Bilsbury