Location: South Africa » Eastern Cape » Garden Route » Alexandria

Bukela Game Lodge

Private Game reserve in the eastern cape

Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585

Description

Having both explored 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.

Resting in the rolling Eastern Cape hills 80km outside Port Elizabeth, Bukela Lodge offers a gentle, tranquil escape from the world.

The abundant Amakhala wildlife includes lion, cheetah, black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra and buffalo, ranging over a breathtaking oxbow river plain in the heart of the 7000 hectare, malaria-free conservancy.

Our intimate four-suite lodge offers an exclusive game viewing experience which, combined with our luxurious, secluded accommodation, and variety of dining options, creates a remarkable, private retreat in which to regenerate body and mind.

ACCOMMODATION

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 braais and special festivities may be enjoyed.

The four suites Uthando Suite | Ingwe Suite | Inyathi Suite | Umkhombe Suite 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 hug e four poster mahogany bed can be reserved for that special occasion.

GAME

White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Serval, Giraffe, Black Wildebeest, Zebra and more than 12 species of Antelope. Smaller game include Bat Eared Fox, Vervet Monkey, Bush Pig, Warthog, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Spring Hair, Porcupine and Tortoise. Approximately 250 bird species may be viewed in the area including the rare African Finfoot and include many raptors such as the Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle and Jackal buzzard. A variety of snake and insect species may also be discovered.

FLORA AND FAUNA

It is typically African valley bushveld punctuated by colorful wild flowers specific to the area. The word “Amakhala” is a Xhosa name given to the regal Aloes which proliferate here. With their striking orange flowers, this well known medicinal plant grows in abundance in the reserve. Flat savannahs and riverine forests offer a variety of habitat for game and the area has 20 small dams and 17 kilometers of the Bushmans river winding through it.

HISTORY
From a historical perspective, Bukela Lodge offers their guests an ideal platform from which to explore and discover not only the many 1820 English and Dutch settlements in the surrounding area, but also stone age “workshops’ dating back 300 000 years. The first Stegosaur skeleton (Paranthodon Africanus) to be documented in South Africa was discovered in the Bushmans river valley less than one kilometer down river from the reserve.

Bukela Lodge is situated in an area which was considered to have the highest concentration of game in South Africa before the hunting parties of the 1800’s changed this. Continued conservation endeavors and the shared vision of ‘turning back the clock’ has ensured that future generations will also be able to appreciate the splendor of the area. Eco- tourism has in part ensured this, but of equal importance is the contribution guests make when visiting the area towards the development of skills in previously disadvantaged indigenous communities. This has empowered communities to achieve economic independence, a sense of self worth and has further ensured a symbiotic relationship between man and nature.

Amenities

Bukela Lodge offers 5-star luxury of an International standard.

The main lodge comprises of a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always the centre of attraction in winter. Also available are 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 braais and special festivities are offered for our guests enjoyment.

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 - A 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.

Clothing - 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 colored 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.

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. Complementary 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 palate.

Weather - The region is temperate with summer conditions (October – March) reaching temperatures of 36C. Winter (April-September) brings many 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.

Rates

1 December 2008 – 30 November 2009

R 3 245.00 per person per night sharing

R 4 865.00 per single per night

1 Dec 2009 - 31 March 2010, 1 June 2010 - 31 July 2010

R 3 895.00 per person per night sharing

R 5 840.00 per single per night

1 April 2010 - 31 May 2010, 1 Aug 2010 - 30 Sep 2010

R 2 760.00 per person per night sharing

R 4 140.00 per single per night

Includes: VAT, accommodation, all meals, teas/coffees, snacks, 2 game drives

Excludes: All drinks, curio purchases, laundry, telephone calls and other personal expenses, transfers and gratuities.

Tourism levy: No levies are charged at present

Optional extras on Request

Transfers to and from Port Elizabeth Airport, Whale Watching Excursions, Exclusive Safari Vehicle and Ranger

Children will only be accepted at Bukela Game Lodge by special arrangement.
3. For booking and rates purposes, children are considered to be under the age of 12.
4. Child rate applies when sharing with two adults.

Directions

Resting in the rolling Eastern Cape hills 80km outside Port Elizabeth, Bukela Lodge offers a gentle, tranquil escape from the world. The abundant Amakhala wildlife includes lion, cheetah, black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra and buffalo, ranging over a breathtaking oxbow river plain in the heart of the 7000 hectare, malaria-free conservancy. Our intimate four-suite lodge offers an exclusive game viewing experience which, combined with our luxurious, secluded accommodation, and variety of dining options, creates a remarkable, private retreat in which to regenerate body and mind.