Amakhosi Safari Lodge

The Amakhosi Safari Lodge is situated in the Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, on the banks of the Mkuze River, right in the heart of Zululand. It boasts six luxurious river and two honeymoon suites, in complete harmony with their surroundings. Amakhosi also offers a private home experience. This hidden gem is a touch of paradise that accommodates for guests. From the moment you arrive, feel the caring touch of Amakhosi splendor.

Herewith some practical information for you when visiting the Lodge.

Artistic décor, African fusion cuisine and prompt attentive service, makes Amakhosi a bush lodge difficult to match elsewhere in Southern Africa. St. Lucia Wetlands and Sodwana Bay are a mere 2.5 hours away from the lodge and are well worth incorporating into your itinerary. Mozambique and Swaziland is also in close proximity.

Rediscover yourself and the richness of life in ‘The Place of Kings’. Situated past Pongola on the road to Nongoma, where King Goodwill Zwelethini has his palaces, Amakhosi Safari Lodge gives majestic new meaning to a royal bush experience and welcome.

Personal attention rules, from the warm hand-towels, sherry and smiles that greet guests, to the plush comfort of the six palatial thatched chalets and two Umntwana Honeymoon Suites strung along the Mkuze River. Each is angled for the ultimate privacy and has a separate lounge, a seductive step-up double bath with candles, and a bedroom opening onto a viewing deck overlooking the river, some set with a personal plunge pool. “IsiGodlo” (meaning “chiefs residence) This private home is Exclusive and located a leopard’s leap away from the main lodge, this hidden gem accommodates four deserving guests and offers you a share of paradise.

Relax in your suite or in a rock-fringed lodge swimming pool and watch the flash of the Lilac-breasted Roller or Malachite Kingfisher, but when darkness falls, listen for the roar of the lions . . . You can also unwind, revitalize and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the unique African surrounding of our new Amakhosi river SPA, here guests can enjoy holistic body, skin and beauty rituals; rejuvenating massages and soothing treatments by Africology, these are designed to relax the body and bring harmony to the spirit while preserving youthfulness and enhancing health and vitality.

This is Big 5 territory and what you don’t view from your deck, expert guides invariably will deliver on dawn and dusk game drives.

Conversation around the fire at night is of close encounters with lionesses and playful cubs, sand-bathing elephants and streaking cheetah. But equally engrossing are the adventurous guide’s encounters with smaller creatures, from delicate bark spiders to glossy dung beetles; and anecdotes about the trees and medicinal plants of the reserve. Depending on the season, you can choose from fishing, walking, cultural and frogging safaris.

Most evenings, centre on the 5* plated bush dinners produced in the Amakhosi kitchen. Guests linger contentedly on the expansive lodge deck and reconnect themselves with nature through the sounds of the bush, then retire to the friendliness of the bar, or doze around a fire pit, where traditional Zulus and later, fireflies dance.

General Information:

A Unique Location: 
Settled in the heart of northern Zululand in a concealed, unscathed paradise.

• Amakhosi Private Game Reserve.
• Near the Swaziland border, 40km west of Pongola.
• Five hours by road from Johannesburg and four hours by road from Durban.

Five Star Luxuries:
Be overwhelmed by warm smiles, hot hand towels, and five-star opulence where grace is an everyday reality, interwoven with the natural surroundings of the bush. 

• Accommodating 16 adults in royal elegance.
• Children of all ages welcome, however children under 8 are not allowed on game drives unless prior arrangement is made and a private vehicle is booked (extra charge)

Accommodation:

Welcome to our private kingdom that offers a high level of service and luxury living amidst striking surroundings.

River Suites
• Six luxury suites, of which two have Interchangeable lounge, which can be transformed into a second bedroom to accommodate children. 
• Ceiling-high windows, private viewing deck with open views across the Mkuze River.
• Air-conditioned lounge, bedroom and bathroom bath, shower, toilet, and bathrobes. 
• A safe, fully stocked mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
• Outside shower

Umntwana Honeymoon Suites
• Two honeymoon suites.
• High thatched ceilings, glass walls, and open-plan design with spacious deck, private bubble pool and hammock.
• A safe, fully stocked mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
• Air-conditioned lounge, bedroom and bathroom separate shower, toilet, and bathrobes.

Private House
• 2 Bedroom Private House
• High thatched ceilings and open-plan design with spacious deck, private swimming pool 
• Air-conditioned lounge, 2 bedroom and bathroom with separate shower, toilet, and bathrobes
• Spacious lounge open plan lounge area 
• Coffee/team making facilities 
• Mini bar

Cuisine:

Where flavors offer a combination of an African fusion style with European flair.

• Brunch
Buffet style comprising a hot and cold smorgasbord, with only the freshest of ingredients.

• High Tea 
Traditionally served on the veranda with platter after platter boasting vegetable wraps, chicken kebabs, mini pancakes with salmon and caviar, pâtés, quiches, chocolate and mini cheesecakes.

• Dinner
An elegant candle-lit, multi-course menu accompanied by a selections South African wines. On alternative evenings and (weather permitting) a traditional dinner may also be enjoyed in the open-air under the stars. 

Lodge Facilities:

Feel the caring touch of Amakhosi’s splendor.

• Dining room.
• Inside lounge.
• Bar.
• Swimming pool with comfortable deckchairs.
• Library.
• Curio shop corner.
• Satellite television.
• Central e-mail facilities (additional cost).
• Phone facilities (additional cost).
• Wi Fi

Amakhosi River Spa:

Relax the body and bring harmony to the spirit

• Couples treatment room
• Africology range
• Snack bar
• Fully equipped fitness room 
• Tranquility area, adults only
• Infinity pool
• Sun garden
• Showers and change room

Activities:

Life in the bush is an exhilarating, unique experience with well-deserved moments of relaxation being the order of the day.

• Game Drive Safaris
This doyen of safari experience (early morning and late afternoon) allows guests to observe the Big 5 as well as shy nocturnal animals, along with a variety of flora and fauna.

• Bush Walks
Bush Walks are offered from the lodge this includes a combination of bush walking and game viewing. These are offered after your morning game viewing safari. Depending on your fitness level this could vary the time. 

• Seasonal Frogging Safaris (Nov – Feb) 
This activity is very depended on our rainy season. Wade through water ponds and reeds at night in search of 33 different species of frogs. With headlamp and gum boots, as many as 15 to 20 of these slippery little amphibians can be sighted in one outing.

Weddings:

There is no substitute for getting married in the bush. From the moment the bride and groom arrive, until long after the ceremony held in one of the most beautiful areas of the reserve, they are transported into a dream world fit for a king and his queen. At Amakhosi, competent staff take care of everything, all you have to do is arrive and say "I do".

General:

Voltage: 220V SA.
Season: Summer - October to April / Winter - May to September.
Health: Amakhosi is situated in a low risk malaria area; however, please consult your doctor for further advice.

What To Bring

We suggest a warm jersey or windbreaker for early morning game drives, suntan lotion, a cap or hat, binoculars and camera.

Child Policy

• Children 0 - 7 years free of charge 
• Children 8 - 12 years 50% of the sharing adult rate, if sharing with adults 
• Children 13 years and above, full adult rate accommodated in a separate suite 
• Children under 8 are not allowed on game drives unless a private vehicle is booked at an additional cost quoted on request
• Babysitting facilities are available should you wish to make use of them, at R30 per hour
• Full T&C are available on request

Road Transfers
We have a mini bus available for road transfers, quotes done on request.

World Luxury Hotel Award
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Lilizella Award For Service Excellence
- Best Game Lodge Kwazulu Natal
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Lilizella Service Excellence Visitor Experience
- Best Wildlife Experience Kwa Zulu Natal
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018