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Bukela Lodge
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Amakhala Game Reserve
BukelaLodge 
Bukela Lodge is situated in the malaria free, 6000 hectare Amakhala Game reserve just 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The owners, Deon & Elsa Truter, have for many years dreamed and envisioned such a place, where one could relax and partake of the splendour of the African bush whilst still enjoying quality service and comfort. Havingexplored most of the South African reserves extensively, they chose “this place of great admiration” in order to realize their dream, not only for its magnificence but also because it would offer their guests an opportunity of discovering the Eastern Cape which is of significant cultural and historical importance. In addition, the proximity of the coast to Bukela Lodge offers guests the opportunity of enjoying the bush and discovering the pristine beaches of the Eastern Cape.
In creating the Lodge, Elsa Truter has drawn on Africa itself for her inspiration in designing and decorating the lodge where ever possible. This theme extends as well to the cuisine offered which is both traditional and contemporary African cuisine.. The lodge therefore offers the guest a true African experience encompassing all of ones senses, and not tempered by Western or European influences except where comfort and service are concerned. In this regard, guests can expect every service they would expect of an exclusive 5 star international establishment.
Accommodation at Bukela Lodge
Bukela Lodge is luxurious and of an International standard. The main lodge comprises of a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always welcome in winter, a media and library area with Internet, television, dvd player, games and books and a large wooden pool deck overlooking a small dam frequented by buffalo. A separate area known as a “boma” adjoins the main lodge where bush barbeques and special festivities may be enjoyed.
The four suites are each individually styled in African simplicity, while never compromising on luxury, sleeps 2 guests and are privately located separate to the main lodge. Each suite is well appointed for a guests’ optimal comfort with every amenity including large, en-suite bathrooms each with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, a central fireplace for romantic evenings, a private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities. Beds are King size or 2 singles depending on guest requirement. All suites are air conditioned while bar fridges and automatic kettles are an added convenience. All our suites are luxurious but the “honeymoon suite” with a huge four poster mahogany bed can be reserved for that special occasion.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation; all meals; afternoon tea with fresh cakes; game viewing activities; a guided walking trail; Tourism Levy and 14% VAT, Sundowner drinks, soft drinks and beers.
Rates Exclude:
All wines and spirits; during low season special all drinks are excluded, telephone; curios and child minding at R100.00 per day.
Extra information
Bukela Kiddies Adventure Programme
Bukela strives to accommodate the individual needs of children from providing cots, rooming in with parents and entertaining children for the benefit of weary parents requiring rest!
Activities offered for children:
- Special game drives supervised by qualified rangers
- Special Mini Safari
- A qualified ranger accompanies children on a game drive to explore the bush in an enclosed vehicle. Each child receives a “bush activity pack” with fun tasks to complete. Children will experience the bush using all their senses; touching, tasting, seeing, smelling and hearing and experiencing the different elements of the bush.
- Supervised walking “insect safaris” by day or by torch light. Children are encouraged to find and identify different insect species.
- Supervised Fishing – at Bukela Dam
- Swimming
- Special Kiddies Meals – Our Chefs chocolate mousse is to die for!
- Baby Sitting Available
- Television,Video and board games library
- Special occasions such as birthday parties can be catered for
We look forward to entertaining your children while you can look forward to a well deserved rest !
The Bukela Wedding Experience
Experience the intimacy of a small exclusive wedding at Bukela Game Lodge. We are able to accommodate a maximum of 16 people - 8 guests sharing as well as another 8 guests sharing at a neighbouring lodge. Children are able to “room in” with their parents if necessary.
Bukela staff is able to assist the Bridal couple in planning their perfect day down to the finest detail required to ensure their wedding experience as unique and special as it should be. As part of the wedding package and at no extra charge, Bukela invites the bride and her mother/wedding assistant to stay for 2 nights prior to the wedding to finalise details and prepare for the wedding.
Church service - We can advise times and locations of religious services in the area. A small chapel is available in the Amakhala reserve for weddings and other religious ceremonies. This should be booked in advance.
Computer/Email - computer can be made available for guest use should you require it.
Conference facilities are available in the Amakhala reserve. Please contact us for more information.
Dress code and clothing is informal. It is advisable to wear loose fitting and light garments in summer, layering clothing in winter. Sensible shoes are important in the rough terrain. A warm wind breaker jacket or jersey for game drives even in summer is a necessity. Neutral coloured garments are advisable in the bush. Sun hats, sunglasses and swimming costume are required in summer.
Fleeced sweatshirts, golf shirts, robes and caps are available for purchase from the lodge should guests require any of these items.
Equipment - A good pair of binoculars is a recommendation especially for bird watching. Good photographs can be taken on game drives when the vehicle is stationary, but rarely when in transit as terrain is rough. Guests should bear this in mind when purchasing suitable camera equipment. The recommended film is 100-200 A.S.A. and a zoom lens is not always a necessity but recommended.
Food - Please inform management at Bukela of any specific dietary preferences you may have before arrival.
Coffee, tea, fresh juice and pastries are served before each game drive in addition to any snacks provided on the drive itself. Beverages and snacks over and above that mentioned can be requested throughout a guests stay, accounts for which may be settled on departure.
Housekeeping - Suites are cleaned unobtrusively thrice daily while guests enjoy a game drive or meal. At no other time will guests be disturbed unless they request assistance. Our staff is always available to assist guests wherever necessary. Incoming calls may be received on the lodge cellular phone.
Information services - Guests will find directories of tourist information in each suite. Should guests require assistance with flights, transfers or accommodation reservations, or require that Bukela assist with reputable tour operators, please let us know.
Laundry - Guests personal items can be washed and ironed at a nominal fee. Laundry bags are provided in suite cupboards. Dry cleaning is unfortunately not offered.
First aid and Medical
A well stocked supply of over the counter medication is available to guests should they experience any physical discomfort during their stay at Bukela. Medical practitioners are also available 20 minutes drive away.
Smoking is permitted in specific suites and on the terrace of the main lodge. Smoking is not permitted on game drives while the vehicle is in motion.
Telephone - There are telephones installed in each guest suite. Should guests require a cellphone, the lodge can make one available to them at standard cost. South African network providers MTN and Vodacom coverage is reasonable in most areas of the reserve.
Water -The water is derived from a borehole and not for human consumption. Bottled water is provided.
Wines - Bukela Lodge offers a versatile and well appointed selection of South African and International wines, sparkling wines and French champagne to suit your palette.
Weather - The region is temperate with summer conditions (October – March) reaching temperatures of 36C. Winter (April-September) also consists of sunny days but evenings can be chilly. Rain falls mainly in the summer months and umbrellas are available in the main lodge for your use when traversing to your suite in these conditions.
The African climate can change dramatically whatever the season. Rangers will check weather reports before embarking on a game drive, but guests should please ensure that they are suitably attired in “layered” clothing for hot or cold conditions.
