Amakhala Game Reserve, where the breathtaking beauty of the
Eastern Cape surrounds you and the safari begins the moment you arrive. Just an hour from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), yet far from the crowds and noise, you find yourself surrounded instead by the hum of the wild, the fresh smell of the earth and the thrill of spotting Africa’s Big 5 in their natural home. The wild is calling and your journey starts here. Watch the video for a glimpse of the incredible wildlife and unforgettable experiences that await you at Amakhala Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most unforgettable conservation reserves. |
Enjoying The Wild, Anywhere, Anytime Get on the world’s biggest virtual safari vehicle and see what’s happening right now at Amakhala Game Reserve – from amazing predator sightings to peaceful waterhole moments, the wild is always entertaining!
WildEarth TV brings LIVE wildlife action 24/7 from 7 wilderness hotspots across Africa, including Amakhala Game Reserve, right to your screen. Simply tune in via DStv channel 183, download the WildEarth App from your app store, or catch up on highlights via the WildEarth YouTube channel. For over a decade, WildEarth’s LIVE broadcasts have focussed on making its more than 5 million viewers feel like they are actually on a safari vehicle in far-away Africa with their interactive virtual safaris from some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Currently
capturing Amakhala’s wildlife wonders are two passionate WildEarth presenters: Morgan Mulholland, born and raised in the Eastern Cape, and Andrew “Bushlove” Wostenholm, a seasoned guide and Ecotraining guide trainer at South Africa’s top reserves. Photo Credit: WildEarth TV Cheetah Cubs Born at the Reserve Amakhala Game Reserve is delighted to welcome a healthy litter
of 4 cheetah cubs! Cheetahs are an endangered species and a key conservation priority for Amakhala Game Reserve. We work closely with NGO’s for the southern Cheetah Meta-Population Project to increase cheetah numbers, distribution and genetic diversity. Recently, the cubs were brought out of the den site by their cheetah mom. They are still small but very
playful. At this age they look like honey badgers to deter other predators. They are estimated to be about 6 weeks old, based on when the female cheetah was seen mating, the gestation period and when she started denning. She is about 6 years old, and this is her third litter on Amakhala Game Reserve. The new cheetah family is monitored daily and strict protocols are put in place to protect them from disturbances and interference, and represents a significant success in terms of the Meta-Population Project. Counting Wildlife for Conservation A Reserve-wide game count – essentially a stock take of all Amakhala’s mammal species - is one of the most important things that we do each year. Everyone is involved, from the Ecology team to the owners, guides, Amakhala volunteers, and the rest of reserve team. The game count is done over a three-day period at the beginning of May each year. To count the wildlife on the Reserve teams each drive all the
roads in their zone and record all mammal species spotted into the SMART Mobile application that then feeds into the SMART database for our ecological data. During the year we also record births, deaths, introductions and removals that aid in analysis for each population. With data such as population numbers, sex ratios, predation pressure and genetics, we can make evidence-based management and conservation decisions. For example, we can determine and manage population growth rates along
with our carrying capacity - the maximum number of herbivores Amakhala can sustain without environmental degradation. Dependent on our stocking rate compared to our carrying capacity along with other factors mentioned above, we are able to determine what species we need to remove or introduce. This data allows us to maintain sustainable populations that
leads to ecological balance that is crucial for the health and sustainability of our environment. |
With Gratitude: Thank You to Our Conservation Sponsors At Amakhala Game Reserve, we are deeply grateful to the dedicated sponsors who support our conservation work and help us protect South Africa’s wildlife. A heartfelt thank you to Wilderness Foundation Africa and pilot Angus Tanner for assisting with our aerial game re-count in May. Your skilled piloting and calm professionalism played a crucial role in ensuring its success. To
Zoetis, we sincerely appreciate your generous sponsorship covering the full cost of the helicopter, veterinary services and tracking collar for the white rhino procedure in May. Your commitment to wildlife protection made this critical operation possible. Thank you to MediVet for covering the veterinary costs of the black rhino collaring, also conducted in
May. The ability to safely collar and monitor this magnificent animal is essential to our ongoing conservation efforts and your support made it possible. We also extend our thanks to the Chipembere Rhino Foundation for funding a Blue Tick Hound puppy and German Shepherd for our Anti-Poaching Unit. This young dog will be trained by our security manager, Grant Ashe and the APU dog handlers as part of a succession plan to ensure future generations of APU dogs are always
available. Your contributions make a real and lasting difference. It is partnerships like these that keep the heart of conservation beating strong. Thank you for standing with us in our shared mission to protect and preserve our wildlife heritage. With
appreciation,
The Amakhala Game Reserve Team |
Successful Health Promotion Outreach Days The Amakhala Foundation
facilitated three Health Promotion Outreach Days for all people living on or around the Reserve at the Sidbury Sports club in March, April and May. This is an exciting new initiative, launched in partnership with the Rhodes University Department of Pharmacy and the government’s Department of Health. Named the Sak’Imphio Project, this rural outreach was made possible by specific funding secured by the University for this
purpose. To facilitate service learning for its Senior Pharmacy students, members of the community could discuss ailments, medicines and medication regimes with the students and their lecturers. In addition, nursing sisters from the local Department of Health provided access to a whole range of tests, from HIV testing to pap smears and TB tests. They also checked the local school children and administered vaccinations and Vitamin B drops where necessary. 189 people were seen in total, and the
community was most grateful, as for many of them it is difficult to get to clinics or hospitals in town. The Foundation carried the cost of the venue and provided refreshments to staff and patients. At the end of the last session, a delicious chocolate cake served as a fitting thank you to the students and nursing staff! In the educational arena, the Foundation has launched a programme of after-school support for the young learners from Amakhala Game Reserve (Grade 1 – 3) who attend the local primary school. These learners receive a light lunch once they have completed their formal school day and then spend about an
hour-and-a-half with Learning Facilitator, Khanya Hobongwana, doing their homework and other activities that promote their literacy and numeracy skills. Sometimes they even have a bit of fun and games in-between! Please follow the Amakhala Foundation’s
Instagram page for regular updates on its range of activities! Amakhala Game Reserve News Lodge Closures During the Low Season
During the upcoming low season, several lodges will temporarily close for scheduled maintenance and seasonal adjustments. Guests planning their
stays should note the following closure dates:
• Bush Lodge: 01 – 31 July
• Woodbury Lodge: 18 June – 2 July
• Woodbury Tented Camp: 18 June – 2 July
• Quartermain’s Camp: 27 June – 22 July
Lodges Remaining Open
The following lodges will continue to operate as usual, offering guests an
uninterrupted safari experience:
• Leeuwenbosch Country House
• Induli Game Lodge
• Safari Lodge
• Hillsnek Safari Camp
• Hlosi Game Lodge
• Bukela Game Lodge
• Woodbury Manor
Amakhala Game Reserve Lodge News
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Our recent staff party was a wonderful celebration of a fantastic season! It was the perfect opportunity for our team to relax after a busy period. A huge thank you to Amanda and Xolelwa for baking
delicious cakes. The game drive and lunch at the lodge were a fantastic way to unwind, allowing our staff to experience the lodge's hospitality as valued guests and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. It was a great way to wrap up the season and show appreciation for all their hard work and camaraderie before our month-long closure in July. // More Info Ensuring that Hlosi guests didn’t have
all the fun, a whole herd of elephants decided that Bukela Lodge’s garden was the next best spot to visit! They made their way right up to the reception and curio shop, happily munching on the plants as if they were specially prepared just for them. It seems all of the fresh greenery at the lodge is simply too good to resist—and
honestly, we love it. Watching these gentle giants up close, so relaxed and at home, is a reminder of just how magical life in the bush can be. // More Info Since the dropping of the fence with the rest of Amakhala, it’s been fantastic to see wildlife moving into this area and exploring the landscape. The Manor is located at the edge of rolling
grasslands dotted with trees (aptly nicknamed “the Serengeti”) which has been attracting a wide variety of game, including a mighty rhino bull who has decided to make it his new home. A herd of buffalo has also enjoyed the fresh grass, along with a host of other plains game. Photo Credit: Nico Nel The HillsNek team recently took a
well-deserved break to explore Amakhala Game Reserve — viewing it from our guests’ perspective. This experience reinforced our deep appreciation for the diverse and breathtaking landscapes that make each safari memorable. Spending time in the wild reminds us why we are passionate about sharing these extraordinary moments and inspiring a new generation of
conservation-minded explorers. Looking ahead, our next month is filled with exciting plans — from chef training and curating a new wine list to team-building activities — all aimed at continually enhancing our guest experience and fostering a love of conservation and the true spirit of safari life. // More Info As more Safari Lodge visitors request spa
treatments, Mandi, our resident therapist, needed “extra hands”. To our delight, a current team member, Nomphelo Mnana, expressed an interested to pursue spa therapy training, and recently passed her theory and practical requirements with flying colours! Congratulations on this remarkable achievement Nomphelo! From mastering techniques to creating serene experiences, this journey exemplifies the heart and spirit of Safari Lodge — where service, excellence, and personal development go hand in hand. We are proud of our team of qualified spa therapists, who provide exceptional treatments, relaxation and rejuvenation to our valued guests. // More Info At Induli Game Lodge, magical sunset
moments unfold during early evening game drives. As the golden light casts a warm glow, sightings of brown hyenas, porcupines, and aardvarks become enchanting highlights. The bush comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, adding to the mystique. As guests return to the lodge, they're greeted with warm drinks around roaring fires, sharing tales of the day's adventures. The crackling flames and starry night sky create a cozy ambiance, making the experience truly unforgettable. The
perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and hospitality makes Induli Game Lodge a haven for safari enthusiasts. Tranquillity abounds. // More Info Our guests were treated to an unforgettable elephant encounter recently at Hlosi Lodge. A whole herd wandered up to our pool and even stopped by the waterhole for a refreshing drink! It was a breathtaking sight—gentle giants up close, splashing and rumbling just metres away. While our resident hippo wasn’t thrilled about sharing his space, our guests were mesmerised. Moments like these remind us of the magic of the bush and why Hlosi is such a special place to experience it all. Keep your cameras ready—you never know who might drop by
next! // More Info The road to Woodbury Lodge winds through a
special habitat known as Albany Thicket, interspersed with open areas of grassland. This has become the favourite haunt of a family of brown hyenas, a rare and elusive nocturnal scavenger. Despite their typically shy nature, these particular individuals are now being seen regularly in the evening and early morning, often reclining in the sand at a fork in the road. Guests have been treated to some incredible sightings lately, as captured here by guide Nico Nel. Image Credit: Nico
Nel // More Info Leeuwenbosch Country HouseWe have had a fantastic couple of months here at Leeuwenbosch, with many exciting changes and additions. We have created a beautiful new space to welcome our Day Safari visitors and to host conferences. Our first conference hosted guests from all over the world, who thoroughly enjoyed their work by day, interspersed with rejuvenating morning coffee breaks and lunches overlooking the reserve with the animals milling about, several thrilling game drives, and dinners in the bush under a magnificent canopy of
stars! // More Info Woodbury Tented Camp has had some
very special visitors lately – a mother porcupine and her baby porcupette! These prickly customers have been found roaming around the camp in the evening, quite happy to explore the stone pathways between the tents and the communal areas. Being the official logo of the Camp, it’s almost as if they’ve come to say goodbye to one of Woodbury’s longest serving managers, Kat Barlow, who will be moving to Germany in the coming month. Kat has been part of the Woodbury family for just over 10 years,
expertly managing the camp through thick and thin, and ensuring that our guests have an unforgettable Woodbury experience. We wish her and her family all the best on their next adventure! // More Info Quartermains 1920's Safari CampIt’s been a wildlife-filled few months at Quatermain's! From hippo tracks being found just outside camp, to elephants drinking from the hot tubs, and two male lions calling all night long, guests have been 'wowed' and delighted with amazing sights, sounds and interactions, all from the vicinity of camp! The best find of all was a young bull elephant, so relaxed at our camp that he decided to lie down and have a little snooze, until his loud snoring alerted ranger David to his presence! Follow our Facebook
page https://www.facebook.com/quatermains1920ssafaricamp to see more wild adventures! // More Info |
Spotted on Amakhala Game Reserve 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
African Wild Whispers, a guest visiting Amakhala Game Reserve. Image credits: African Wild Whispers |
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