20 years of Conservation and Community
This year Amakhala Game Reserve celebrates 20 years of Conservation and Community, continuing to thrive as a unique example of how communities can convert agricultural land to ecotourism and create a viable tourism economy, while protecting our wildlife and uplifting the local community.
Amakhala was formed in 1999 when four farming families joined their farms together in a collaborative ecotourism venture. This facilitated a remarkable transformation from separate cattle and sheep farms to a single 8 500 hectare reserve. Today, guests from around the world enjoy fantastic game viewing opportunities in a diverse landscape that includes sweeping plains, towering cliffs and the meandering Bushman’s River. Ten camps and lodges provide our visitors with a selection of
accommodation, ranging from intimate tented camps to luxury five star lodges, all within the tranquil environment of the African bush.
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Over the past 20 years, we have embraced the challenge of re-establishing the original flora and fauna that historically occurred in the area. Founder populations were introduced, and as the wildlife population increased, a dedicated Ecology Unit was created to monitor and manage Amakhala’s wildlife, vegetation, and the relationship between the two. In 2018, Amakhala Game Reserve was awarded Protected Area Status by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government in recognition of its contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in South Africa.
Wildlife conservation on Amakhala also encompasses multi-layered anti-poaching measures, including a professional anti-poaching unit (APU) and a dedicated rhino monitoring program, funded by a Conservation Levy.
The on-going effort to conserve these natural resources for future generations has enabled us to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism in the Eastern Cape – offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate the natural landscapes, indigenous wildlife and unique local culture.
In addition, the Amakhala Volunteers program offers a hands-on conservation and wildlife ecology experience. Volunteers assist with animal monitoring, land rehabilitation, maintenance and other field projects through this unique opportunity to return to nature, contribute to conservation, and make a difference.
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As community is very important to us, the Amakhala Foundation was founded in 2009 to support and uplift the surrounding community in various ways. At the Amakhala Conservation Centre, the Foundation provides environmental education programs where children from the surrounding area come to learn about their environment, wildlife conservation and sustainability.
Through workshops and training programmes, the Foundation equips community members with knowledge and skills to improve their lives. Local artists also generate income through our Craft Centre, where guests and members of the public can purchase hand-crafted items.
The Foundation’s bursary fund provides young children in the Amakhala community the opportunity to attend the local Sidbury Primary School, and funding is also provided for the nearby iJosi preschool and Isipho Charity Trust, which cares for 300 orphans.
We look forward to sharing this celebration with you, as we look back proudly at 20 transformational years and commit with renewed vigour to Conservation and Community in the years ahead.
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Plunge Pool or Watering Hole? HillsNek’s plunge pool is the talk of the town… among the elephants!
Imagine enjoying breakfast, hearing a gentle trickle of water behind you and turning your chair to see an elephant joining you for a morning drink from the pool! Guests at HillsNek need not imagine - from lone males to an entire herd of elephants taking refreshing morning drinks or sneaky midnight slurps, our surprise visitors are always welcome at the Plunge Pool, although they keep us guessing when it comes to their drinking schedule. See our latest video ( click here) to get a taste of the action! |
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The team at Woodbury Tented Camp is delighted to unveil the latest addition to our unique
camp living area: a large, crystal clear pool in a wooden deck overlooking the African plains. Poolside recliners provide a comfortable spot to rest between game drives or enjoy the sunshine after a cool dip. The viewing rail affords guests the opportunity to spot elephants, giraffe and a variety of game that regularly visit the area. Guests now have a choice between the more intimate and secluded pool in the heart of the camp, or the recent addition overlooking the magnificent plains. |
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After a great stay with excellent service, one of our tour operators surprised our butler - Brent - with a R50 note folded beautifully into a heart shape. It was a heart-warming moment for the whole team, as we pride ourselves
on outstanding, personalised service. Whether it is the delight of the Hearsey family when our team surprised their parents from the UK with a beautiful handmade Christmas tree or the appreciation of the Amakhala Volunteers enjoying specially-prepared meals and a homely welcome, superb service is what you can expect at Safari Lodge! |
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Woodbury Lodge’s new signs recently came under close inspection from some of the feline
residents on Amakhala Game Reserve. Fortunately, the signs stood up to the test and guests should have no trouble navigating to the lodge – just keep an eye out for some big cats along the way! These lions are top of the food chain, but have to remain constantly on the lookout for prey in order to survive. The Amakhala pride continues to provide excellent sightings for guests and appear happy to go about their business in the presence of our game viewing vehicles.
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Incredible different sightings of big cats made for many highlights over the very hot and dry last couple of months here at Leeuwenbosch! The heat has been scorching, so much so that we have seen lions and other animals wander over and flop down in the shade of the vehicle! Even the cheetah has been too hot to be bothered to move from the middle of the road!
The Reserve also welcomed a beautiful baby elephant, which has made for magical sightings.
We are also gearing up for new group types this year, starting with our very first Fitter Stronger Goes Wild week in October! Check it out on: http://www.leeuwenbosch.co.za/specials/fitter-stronger-goes-wild |
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Carnarvon Dale Lodge
Close: 7 May
Open: 1 Aug
Hlosi Game Lodge
Close: 22 May
Open: 9 June
Bush Lodge
Close: 1 June
Open: 1 Aug
Hillsnek Safari Camp
Close: 3 June
Open: 4 July
Quatermains
Close: 14 June
Open: 08 July
Woodbury Lodge
Close: 25 June
Open: 18 July
Woodbury Tented Lodge
Close: 26 June
Open: 18 July
Bukela, Safari Lodge, Leeuwenbosh Country House
Open
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