CONSERVATION NEWS

RAIN BRINGS RENEWAL TO AMAKHALA

After many years of challenging dry conditions, the landscape at Amakhala Game Reserve is showing welcome signs of renewal. Since around 2015, the Eastern Cape experienced a prolonged period of below-average rainfall, with rivers such as the Bushmans River running dry and groundwater levels dropping significantly. Throughout this period, Amakhala implemented practical measures to maintain resilience - boreholes ensured reliable water access for wildlife, while land management practices were adapted to protect available grazing.

Over the past few weeks, however, the heavens have finally opened and an average of 170mm of much-needed rainfall has brought an immediate transformation across the reserve. The veld is responding quickly, with fresh grass emerging, flowering trees adding colour to the landscape and surface water returning to areas that had long been dry.

Game drives are now moving through a bush that feels newly alive. The greener conditions have already encouraged wonderful wildlife sightings  - an aardvark emerging after the rain, bat-eared foxes active across the plains, and the delightful appearance of caracal kittens. A honey badger has also been spotted, birdlife is flourishing with sunbirds adding flashes of colour among the flowering plants and rangers have reported cheetah and brown hyena moving through the revitalised landscape.

Nature in the Eastern Cape has always shown remarkable resilience. While the long drought reminds us of the importance of careful water stewardship, this recent rainfall is a welcome reminder of how quickly the land can respond when conditions shift. Amakhala is enjoying a beautiful moment of rejuvenation.  

AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE
LODGE NEWS

At HillsNek, our greatest strength is our people. This year we're proud to celebrate several long-serving team members whose dedication and warmth make HillsNek feel like home.

Leading the way with 23 years of service are Maggie (Head Chef) and Susan (Front of House). Maggie's locally inspired cuisine and Susan's effortless guest care are the soul of our dining experience. Juju (Juliet), our Head of Housekeeping with 13 years at HillsNek, brings the same quiet dedication, from crisp linens to thoughtful personal touches, and is often the unsung reason guests feel instantly at ease. Rounding out a remarkable group of 12-year milestones, chef Amanda brings creativity and consistency to every dish while inspiring the next generation of kitchen staff, and husband-and-wife team Ed and Cece keep the camp safe, comfortable, and running smoothly behind the scenes. Renzo, our General Manager of 9 years, ties it all together with calm leadership and a warm presence that ensures each guest feels well looked after. Long tenures mean relationships, refined instincts, and a genuine love for the work. To our whole team  - thank you. The HillsNek magic is real because of you. Here’s to many more years of service, stories, and shared moments at HillsNek. 

One hot summer afternoon at Bush Lodge, guests were treated to a truly unforgettable sighting of our famous Cheetah Amigos. During the game drive, the three brothers slowly approached the Land Rover and, to everyone’s delight, decided it offered the perfect patch of shade. One by one, they settled beside the vehicle, enjoying a cool respite from the heat while guests watched in awe. The cheetahs lingered peacefully for some time, completely relaxed and unfazed by the vehicle’s presence, offering a rare and intimate close-up encounter and a perfect reminder of the incredible wildlife experiences that make Amakhala so special. Sadly, one of the brothers has since passed on – rest easy, beautiful boy. Photo Credit: Jono Pledger

Bukela Game Lodge, part of the Lion Roars Hotels and Lodges Collection, is buzzing with excitement! After a phenomenal season, we’re carrying that energy into the year ahead with plenty to delight our guests. Think fresh new menus packed with exciting flavours, a revamped drinks menu to sip while the bush comes alive, and experiences designed to make every stay unforgettable. From sunrise to sunset, Bukela offers 5-star luxury in the heart of the wilderness, where comfort and adventure meet. Guests can look forward to a year filled with indulgence, wildlife, and unforgettable moments. There’s so much to explore, taste, and enjoy - come see what’s new at Bukela!

At Safari Lodge, we love creating unforgettable wildlife experiences, and our Tuskers Package is the perfect way to maximise your safari adventure. Book a three-night stay and experience the abundant Big 5 wildlife of the Amakhala Game Reserve, and also enjoy a full-day excursion to the Addo Elephant National Park, where you will travel in an open safari Land Cruiser with a qualified guide with fascinating stories, insights and facts about the wildlife and history, before enjoying a relaxed bush picnic with cold drinks and traditional South African vetkoek. Please note: This package is not applicable to PayStay special offers.

Set above the Bushman’s River valley, Induli Lodge offers a safari experience that is deeply connected to the landscape. With just a few private suites, guests are invited to slow down and savour sweeping views, warm hospitality, and thoughtful comforts between adventures. Days begin with early morning game drives in search of remarkable wildlife, before giving way to long, unhurried afternoons overlooking the valley. As evening falls, seasonal cuisine, flickering firelight, and the quiet sounds of the bush create a sense of calm that lingers long after the day’s excitement. At Induli, luxury and wilderness exist in perfect balance. 

Hlosi Game Lodge, part of the Lion Roars Hotels and Lodges Collection, is sparkling with a fresh new upgrade! The pool is now bluer and more inviting than ever, while a new water trough lets wildlife come closer to drink and explore. Elephants have already discovered it, delighting guests with their playful presence. Visitors are loving the chance to relax poolside while enjoying these peaceful wildlife moments, creating a true connection to the bush. The upgraded pool and trough offer a perfect blend of comfort and nature, making every stay at Hlosi Lodge feel special, memorable, and full of little surprises to enjoy. 

What a stunning season it’s been with new guests from all over the world and our loyal guests returning to Leeuwenbosch, as well as incredible sightings reported each day! We are proud to show off two baby rhino, baby cheetahs, baby elephants and all the new plains game. It’s quite an honour to sit so close to watch a mum and her babies interact – especially as she allows us to be present, knowing we mean no harm to her. We have had some much-needed rain on the reserve, and it has turned so green and beautiful. We look forward to the coming months!

One of our favourite things to do is welcome back our return guests to Quatermain’s, as this tells us that we are doing 'something right'. We have many guests who have become dear friends over the years and none more so than Julia and David Horton, who regularly bring their family to stay with us. On this last stay they celebrated their 10th safari with us, and they have just booked for their 11th in 2027! We'd like to thank all our dear guests for their wonderful support over the years. Without you, we wouldn't be here! 

One event dominated the local “headlines” over the past month – rain! The bush has been transformed by the welcome arrival of substantial rainfall across the reserve, a huge relief after the extremely hot and dry conditions that had dominated the summer months. Fortunately, the days are still long and should allow for plenty of growth and rejuvenation in the veld. Guests at all three of the Woodbury Collection properties have been enjoying safari drives through the brilliant green landscape full of wildlife and dotted with flowering trees and plants. Photo Credit: Nico Nel

SPOTTED ON AMAKHALA
GAME RESERVE

To celebrate our wildlife, we share some of the amazing images captured by both our Amakhala Rangers and guests who visit 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 Lulu in Africa. 

AMAKHALA FOUNDATION NEWS

SURVIVAL SWIMMING LESSONS

For many children in the areas surrounding the Amakhala Game Reserve, swimming lessons are an unaffordable luxury. Many of them still swim in farm dams, rivers, and the sea, and young lives are unnecessarily lost through drownings. While full sets of swimming lessons are not feasible due to distance and cost, the National Sea Rescue Institute offers a series of "Survival" lessons that teach children to help themselves in water should they fall in or get into trouble. The Amakhala Foundation teamed up with the NSRI and local boys school Graeme College to offer our children these survival swimming lessons in nearby Makhanda over a period of about 6 weeks. Volunteers from the school, including hostel mother Bridget Swift (pictured) offered up their time to help the children.

READING CAMP

The year ended on a high note for the Amakhala Foundation at the end of 2025, with our annual Reading Camp taking place for local Grade 3 learners, as well as a comprehensive Holiday Programme for all the children of Amakhala staff and the surrounding communities. Madoda Ndlakuse from the Nal'ibali literacy organisation got them in the mood on Day 1 with his storytelling expertise and his motivation to read. Pictured here is local legend, Basil Mills, who took the Reading Camp participants on a nature walk to teach them about the environment and help them find inspiration to write stories. He also read them a story that he had written, and each of the learners went home with a copy of his book. 

If you would like to know more about the Amakhala Foundation click here. 

PLEASE NOTE
WINTER LODGE CLOSURES: 

Bush Lodge: 01 – 31 July 2026
Woodbury Lodge: 16 – 30 June 2026
Woodbury Tented Camp: 16 - 30 June 2026
Quatermains: 26 June – 20 July 2026
Induli: 11 – 29 June 2026
Hillsnek: 10 – 25 June 2026

Reservations: All Lodges, +27 (0) 41 450 5658, reservations2@amakhala.co.za

Contact Us: Sandra Coetzee (Sales & Marketing Manager), +27 (0)83 652 9170, sandra@amakhala.co.za 

Our mailing address is: Amakhala Game Reserve, Cnr 10th Ave & Scarbourough Crescent, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6070, SOUTH AFRICA​​​​​​​​​​​