Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is a wonderful choice for travellers who want to experience an African safari without having to travel all the way to the Kruger National Park. This malaria-free private game reserve lies near Paterson, between Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha and Grahamstown/Makhanda, and offers a choice of safari lodges, tented camps and historic country accommodation.

The game reserve is also home to the Big Five, as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and many antelope species. Morning and evening game drives are included with stays at the reserve’s accommodation, with professional rangers taking guests out in open safari vehicles.

A nice thing about Amakhala is the accommodation choice you get. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a five-star safari lodge as there are more affordable tented camps and historic country houses. So you can take your pick between 3, 4 and 5-star establishments, ranging from restored country houses to traditional safari camps and luxury lodges.

What Makes Amakhala Game Reserve Special?

Amakhala covers a large area of Eastern Cape bushveld, from grasslands to riverine areas with dense growth. The fact that Amakhala is malaria-free is another important attraction, particularly for families travelling with children or visitors who would prefer a safari destination without the malaria risk associated with some other parts of South Africa.

The accommodation at Amakhala is part of the safari experience itself. Waking up in a canvas tent, sitting on a private deck overlooking the bush or relaxing beside a swimming pool while watching the surrounding landscape can be just as memorable as the game drive.

Affordable and More Budget-Friendly Accommodation at Amakhala

A safari holiday can become expensive, especially when luxury accommodation, meals and game drives are included. Fortunately, Amakhala has some options that are more affordable while still providing the opportunity to experience a private Big Five reserve.

Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp

Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp is one of the most interesting choices for travellers who want a traditional safari atmosphere without paying for an ultra-luxury lodge.

The camp is designed around the style of the old expedition camps of the 1920s. The accommodation is in intimate safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, while the camp itself has a wonderfully old-fashioned feel. There are fires, candlelit dinners and a sense of being much closer to the bush.

The camp is three-star graded, but that does not mean guests miss out on the important part of the safari. Amakhala describes the camp as offering the opportunity for five-star wildlife viewing, with game drives included. Each tent also has a private wood-fired hot tub.

For someone who would rather spend money on the safari experience than on an enormous luxury suite, Quatermain’s can be an appealing choice.

Woodbury Tented Camp

Woodbury Tented Camp provides another way to experience Amakhala without moving into the highest luxury price bracket.

The camp has comfortable en-suite safari tents on raised platforms, with private decks and views towards the surrounding bush. The canvas accommodation gives visitors that wonderful feeling of sleeping close to nature while still having the basic comforts expected on safari.

The camp is family-friendly and has access to the Woodbury facilities, including swimming pools and dining areas. It is also fully inclusive, with meals, selected beverages and two game drives a day included in the published rates.

This makes Woodbury Tented Camp worth considering for travellers who want the safari atmosphere of a tented camp but do not want to pay the rates of the reserve’s five-star properties.

Leeuwenbosch Country House

For something completely different, Leeuwenbosch Country House combines safari with history.

The country house dates back to 1908 and is associated with the Fowlds family, one of the Eastern Cape’s old frontier families. It has four en-suite bedrooms and is surrounded by gardens, giving it a very different atmosphere from the tented camps. Historical photographs, furniture and other reminders of the family’s past add character to the stay.

This is a particularly interesting option for families and visitors who enjoy history as much as wildlife. The house can also work well for small groups looking for a more private and homely safari experience.

Although it is one of the more affordable accommodation choices at Amakhala, guests still have access to the reserve’s Big Five safari experience.

Woodbury Manor

If you’d like something peaceful and comfy in Amakhala, take a look at Woodbury Manor. The Manor has that welcoming feel of a traditional country home, making it a good choice for guests who prefer a relaxed and homely atmosphere rather than a large, formal safari lodge.

Guests can seriously enjoy the bushveld as Woodbury Manor is surrounded by the natural beauty of the reserve, and you may well get the chance to spot wildlife and take part in exciting game drives. There is something special about returning to a comfortable country house after a day spent exploring the reserve.

Woodbury Manor is a 5-star, exclusive-use private safari villa and is well suited to travellers looking for a quieter safari experience.

Hlosi Game Lodge

Families should take a close look at Hlosi Game Lodge. The lodge is specifically described as family-friendly and offers suites and safari tents, family accommodation and a swimming pool overlooking the surrounding bush.

The lodge also offers its Cubs on Safari programme, making it particularly suitable for families wanting to introduce children to the excitement of a South African safari.

There is plenty for adults to enjoy too, with comfortable public areas, dining facilities and regular game drives.

HillsNek Safari Camp

HillsNek Safari Camp is a smaller and more intimate option. It is situated beside the Bushman’s River, with four luxury safari tents elevated above the landscape.

The setting gives guests a feeling of being away from the busier parts of the reserve. The camp is family-run and places an emphasis on personal service and privacy.

The tents combine the romance of canvas accommodation with the comforts expected from a luxury safari property. Panoramic views, outdoor showers and an intimate atmosphere add to the experience.

For couples wanting something peaceful, or visitors who prefer a smaller safari camp rather than a large lodge, HillsNek is an attractive option.

Induli Game Lodge

Induli Game Lodge is another intimate property at Amakhala. The lodge has only three en-suite chalet suites, each sleeping two people, which gives it a particularly private atmosphere.

The name Induli means “hilltop” in isiXhosa, and the lodge is positioned to take advantage of its natural surroundings. The small number of suites makes it more suited to couples or travellers looking for a quieter safari experience.

Bukela Game Lodge

If you want an all-round 5-star experience, try Bukela Game Lodge as it offers an especially romantic and secluded atmosphere.

The lodge is tucked away in a hidden valley amongst indigenous trees and bushes. The thatched suites are connected by wooden walkways and provide private wildlife-viewing areas.

Bukela is particularly suited to couples celebrating something special. The combination of secluded accommodation, wildlife, luxury and the African bush makes it an appealing choice for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.

How Much Does an Amakhala Safari Cost?

Safari prices change according to season and accommodation, so it is always worth checking current rates before booking.

At the time of writing, Amakhala’s published 2026 rates range from around R6,340 per person sharing per night at properties such as Leeuwenbosch Country House, Quatermain’s and Woodbury Tented Camp, while Woodbury Lodge is listed from R8,470 and the higher-end properties rise above R11,000 per person sharing in some periods.

These are not simply room-only rates. Amakhala states that its published rates include accommodation, all meals, selected house beverages and two game drives per day. Conservation levies, transfers, premium branded drinks and personal expenses are excluded.

This is important when comparing safari accommodation. A lodge that initially appears expensive may include considerably more than a normal hotel room.

Which Amakhala Accommodation Should You Choose?

The answer depends largely on what you want from your safari.

For travellers watching their budget, Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp, Woodbury Tented Camp and Leeuwenbosch Country House provide some of the more affordable ways to stay inside Amakhala while still enjoying the Big Five safari experience.

For families, Hlosi Game Lodge, Woodbury Lodge and Woodbury Manor are worth considering because of their family-friendly accommodation and facilities. Hlosi also has its Cubs on Safari programme.

Couples looking for something more intimate can consider HillsNek, Induli, Bukela or Bush Lodge, depending on the level of luxury they want.

For a special occasion, Bukela Game Lodge and Bush Lodge offer five-star accommodation, while Woodbury Manor provides the possibility of an exclusive-use safari for a family or group.

And if history appeals to you, Leeuwenbosch Country House offers something that a modern luxury lodge simply cannot reproduce – the atmosphere of an old Eastern Cape homestead combined with the excitement of a private game reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amakhala Game Reserve

Is Amakhala Game Reserve malaria-free?

Yes. Amakhala Game Reserve is situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, making it an attractive safari destination for families and travellers who prefer a malaria-free area.

Can you see the Big Five at Amakhala?

Yes. Amakhala is a Big Five reserve, with lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard among the wildlife that may be encountered on game drives. Sightings are never guaranteed because the animals are wild.

What is the more affordable accommodation at Amakhala?

Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp, Woodbury Tented Camp and Leeuwenbosch Country House are among the accommodation options with lower published rates, although safari accommodation is generally more expensive than an ordinary hotel.

Is Amakhala suitable for families?

Yes. Several properties are family-friendly, including Hlosi Game Lodge and Woodbury Lodge, while Woodbury Manor is designed for families and groups wanting exclusive-use accommodation.

Can you visit Addo Elephant National Park from Amakhala?

Yes. Addo Elephant National Park excursions can be arranged from Amakhala, and Safari Lodge offers an option involving an Addo game drive for guests staying three nights or longer.

Final Thoughts

Amakhala offers accommodation ranging from three-star tented safari camps and historic country accommodation through to four- and five-star lodges. The reserve’s accommodation rates also include game drives, making the safari experience available across several price levels.

This game reserve is fantastic for a safari in South Africa and more specifically in the Eastern Cape. It’s fantastic for anyone wanting a Big Five safari in a malaria-free setting. With everything from affordable tented camps and historic country houses to romantic five-star lodges and exclusive-use accommodation, there is plenty of choice when deciding where to stay.

The Eastern Cape offers plenty of other great getaways, so why not look at our extensive Eastern Cape destination guide?