Bukela means to ‘admire or a place of great admiration’ in the Xhosa language. The reserve has been created to conserve the natural wildlife in the area and to offer you an intimate, malaria free encounter with the African Bushveld. In addition, the proximity of the coast to Bukela Lodge offers you the opportunity of enjoying the bush and discovering the 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 wherever possible. Natural elements such as thatch and wood is used extensively in the architecture and interesting African artifacts add atmosphere.

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.

Morning and evening game drives, accompanied by knowledgeable rangers, allow you to go in search of the Big 5.

Bukela Lodge is situated in the malaria free, Amakhala Game Reserve just 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth.