Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

A very welcoming resort without fences where animals can roam around. We had a phantastic stay in the tent adjacent to the waterhole (No. 11). We enjoyed the great hospitality of the entire team with resort manager Jennie and Duty Manager Zusiphi. Delicious food and drinks were provided all day. During the game drives with Ranger Wonga we were able to see the Big Five and many more.

Ranger: Wonga 5* Superb ranger is very knowledgeable, passionate about the animals, and flexible with structuring each drive to suit all. His experience and game drives were the best part of our 3 night stay. Room 3.0* Main issues no hot water each evening as blew fuse every day in No.8 halfway through showering. Variable housekeeping, i.e., turn down service 1 room got bedtime stories the other room didn't. 1 had an electric blanket, and the other didn't. Housekeeping variable. Service 3.0* All staff were friendly. However, for an all-inclusive service , staff were not always visible or available pre-lunch/dinner service to provide coffees or drinks around bar and pool areas. We were not made aware that SA KWV Brandy was chargeable despite the bar server upselling! Our last day fell short of expectation for a 5* resort due to miscommunication, and it tainted our overall experience. Basically, if you leave after 11 am, but Trailfinders don't arrange pick up until 15:30, you are expected to pay as you go for lunch, water, and drinks - but this is not advised upon arrival meeting or by Trailfinders! We have never experienced this in any other All Inclusive location. Usually, it's a "swings & roundabouts" scenario as guests do not arrive and depart at the same time. Food 3.0* Breakfast was good each day. Lunch & Dinner, we had 50% errors/mistakes on our pre-orders (4 pax) on 2 out of 3 days. Our final night we received excellent service and the best food. Public Areas 3.0* Toilets - no hot water or sanitiser. Taps constantly fall off fixtures. Hand soap broken and paper towel dispenser erratic. As a group of 4 travelling, sadly, we could not recommend Bukela to anyone else.

What a place!! Loved every minute, everything top notch as you would expect but,, it is the people that make the experience. From Zeus on arrival to Evence out in the bush. The house staff and the morning welcome, incredible. We left feeling part of the family, we will remember forever, thank you one and all.