The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Amakhosi Safari Lodge

19 Awards

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Amakhosi Safari Lodge

Awards

 

Lilizella Provincial winner 2014/15/16/1/18/19 for Service Excellence Visitor Experience, Wild Life Encounters and Best Five Game Lodge

Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award – 2013/14/15/16/17/18/19/20

World Luxury Awards

2014 Winner Luxury Safari Retreat

2015 Continent Winner Luxury Bush Lodge

2016 Winner Luxury Bush Lodge

2017 Winner Best luxury Game Lodge

2018 Winner GLOBAL award Luxury Game Lodge

2019 Winner Best Luxury Game Lodge  

 2020 Winner Best Luxury Game Lodge

2022 Global 100 – Winner Best Safari lodge of the year – South Africa

2023 Haute Grandeur Hotel Winner   

 

What's Special About Amakhosi Safari Lodge

ACTIVITIES:
Life in the bush is an exhilarating, unique experience with well-deserved moments of relaxation being the order of the day. With the pressues of everyday taking its toll on everyone,  we strive to offer more than just the average game drive experience with a selection of activities for our guests at affordable rates.
• 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. In order to offer a more personal experience we only take 6 guests per vehicle
• Walking Safaris
Walking Safaris are offered from the lodge this includes a combination of bush walking and game viewing safaris. This is not for the faint hearted!
• Seasonal Frogging Safaris (Nov – Feb)
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.
• Birding Safaris
On request and subject to guide availability 4-6 guest minimum for private vehicle prebooking essential. Unlimited birding in the different habitats of Amakhosi Private Game Reserve
Photographic Safaris
• This needs to be prebooked in advance as we would have to secure local photographer and also 4-6 guests minimum in order to secure private vehicle
Wellness Safaris

This needs to be prebooked in advance as we would have to secure suitable yoga instructors and also 4-6 guests minimum in order to secure dedicated private vehicle
Various Themed Weekends
• We have been offering various themed weekends

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Amakhosi Safari Lodge & SPA is a big five- and five-star private safari lodge and is nestled on the banks of the Mkuze River in the Amakhosi Private Game Reserve in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, 40km west of Pongola. The natural blend of river wetlands and valley bushland, with the umbrella thorn trees in the north, open grassland in the south, the thick bush grassland blanketing the mountains in the west and wild game roaming free, makes this a concealed unscathed paradise worthwhile to explore
From the moment you arrive, you are scooped up in arms of royalty and elegance. The warm friendly atmosphere, the seductive turquoise swimming pool, carefully designed dining room, lounge, satellite television, library, curio shop and friendly reception all say: “This is five-star opulence in a place where grace is an everyday reality

All you need to know

Intro

Immerse yourself in a regal safari experience at Amakhosi Safari Lodge, nestled en routeto Nongoma, past Pongola, neighboring King Misuzulu Singobile Zwelethini's esteemedpalaces. Set within its private Amakhosi Big Five Reserve, discover a realm where everymoment reignites the essence of royalty and adventure.
Our dedication to personalized care begins with warm hand-towels, delightful sherry, andgenuine smiles welcoming our guests. Set alongside the Mkuze River, our six luxuriouschalets and two Umntwana Honeymoon Suites epitomize serenity, each strategicallypositioned for utmost privacy. With separate lounges, bathrooms, and bedrooms openingonto scenic viewing decks with hammocks overlooking the river, the two honeymoonchalets even boast personal plunge pools. Experience exclusivity at 'IsiGodlo,' the chief'sresidence, this
two bedroom private home experience is
an intimate haven for fourdiscerning guests, discreetly tucked away from the main lodge.
Whether unwinding in your suite, lounging by the rock-fringed lodge swimming pool, ormarveling at the vibrant Lilac-breasted Rollers and Malachite Kingfishers, the days cascadetranquility. As night falls, listen for the resonant roars of lions echoing through theAfrican wilderness. For rejuvenation, Amakhosi River Spa offers holistic body, skin, andbeauty rituals by Africology, designed to nurture the body, mind, and soul amidst theallure of the African landscape.
Explore the domain of the Big 5 within Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, where skilledguides ensure remarkable encounters during dawn and dusk game drives. Engage incaptivating discussions around the fire, tales of lionesses and playful cubs, elephantsenjoying sand baths, and swift cheetahs darting through the savannah. Venture into theworld of smaller marvels, from intricate bark spiders to glossy dung beetles, alongsideinsightful narratives about the reserve's flora and medicinal plants. Seasonally, select froman array of activities including walking safaris and frogging expeditions.
Evenings at Amakhosi are a culinary delight, blending African fusion with Europeanfinesse. Guests savor sumptuous meals on the lodge deck, immersing in the symphony ofthe bush, before retiring to the conviviality of the bar, sharing stories of the day's safariescapades by the fire pit.

Highlights

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.

Need To Know

DEPOSIT:
Deposit strictly required on booking and confirmation and full payment must bemade before arrival
CANCELLATIONS:
30-15 Days before arrival, 50% cancellation fee
14- 8 Days before arrival, 75% cancellation fee
7-0 Days before arrival, 100 % cancellation fee
All cancellations must be done in writing to
res@amakhosi.comGENERAL:
From the moment you arrive, feel the caring touch of Amakhosi splendor
VOLTAGE: 220V SA.
SEASON: Summer - October to April. Winter - May to September.
HEALTH:
Amakhosi is situated in a low/no risk malaria area; however, please consult
your doctor for further advice.
WHAT TO BRING:
Warm jersey/windbreaker for early morning game drives; suntan lotion;
cap/hat/ binoculars/camera & personal medication.
ACCESSIBILITY
We look forward to welcoming you to our piece of paradise in a Zulu Kingdom.
BY ROAD: 5½ hrs from Johannesburg & 4 hrs from Durban.
GPS: GPS S27degr 39.239' / E 31degr 38 030'. PLEASE ensure that guests do not use the NONGOMAroad when using GPS, drive to Pongola and follow directions from there.
BY AIR:
Johannesburg-Amakhosi approx. 1½ hrs.
Durban-Amakhosi approx. 1 hr.
AIRSTRIP:
27 degrees – 34,272 South and 031 degrees / 36,756 East .
CONTACT DETAILS
Amakhosi Safari Lodge
Physical address: Farm Vergelegen, R69 Magudu – Kwa Zulu Natal
Postal Address: P.O.Box 354 Pongola South Africa 3170
Tel +27 34 4141157
Reservations:
res@amakhosi.com
, alternative number for reservations 0720231211
Sales & Marketing :
sales@amakhosi.com
Lodge Email
info@amakhosi.com
Facebook URL: https:// www.facebook.com/amakhosi.safarilodges
Twitter URL:
https://twitter.com/amakhosilodge
Instagram: amakhosi_safari_lodge
Tiktok: @amakhosi_safari_lodge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amakhosisafarilodge9052

Safaris

DAILY PROGRAM
An extraordinary destination, where royal treatment is a part of each day, where the staff’s passion for wildlifeand the bush filters through every moment and every encounter.
Times in the daily programme are approximate, and may differ on occasions.Your guide and management willkeep you informed, should these change:
Day one:
14h00
Arrive at Amakhosi Safari Lodge.
15h00 (winter)/14h00 (summer)
Enjoy High Tea on the verandah.
15h30 (winter)/16h00 (summer)
Depart on afternoon game viewing safari with sundowners during thedrive.
19h00 (winter)/19h30 (summer)
Return and freshen up before dinner.
19h30 (winter)/20h00 (summer)
Return for pre-dinner drinks followed by dinner either in the diningroom or boma.
Day two:
05h00 (winter)/04h30 (summer)
Wake up call by your ranger.
05h30 (winter)/05h00 (summer)
Early morning coffee on the verandah, before heading out on gameviewing safari.
05h45 (winter)/05h15 (summer)
Depart on morning game viewing safari with a stopover in the bush
for coffee/tea.
09h30 (winter)/09h00 (summer)
Return to the Lodge for brunch.
Thereafter, at leisure (enjoy a massage, relax at the pool or embark upona bush walk with your ranger.
15h00 (winter)/14h00 (summer)
High Tea on the verandah.
15h30 (winter)/16h00 (summer)
Depart on afternoon game viewing safari with sundowners.
Should you be keen to experience a frogging safari in the summer months, thiscan be incorporated with prior arrangement.
19h00 (winter)/19h30 (summer)
Return and freshen up before dinner.
19h30 (winter)/20h00 (summer)
Return to the lodge for dinner in the dining room or boma.
Day three:
05h00 (winter)/04h30 (summer)
Wake up call.
05h30 (winter)/05h00 (summer)
Early morning coffee followed by game viewing safari.
05h45 (winter)/05h15 (summer)
Depart on game viewing safari and stopover in the bush forcoffee/tea.
09h30 (winter)/09h00 (summer)
Return to the Lodge for brunch.
11h00
Check-out time. Porters will collect your luggage from your suite.
05h00 (winter)/04h30 (summer) - Wake up call by your ranger.
05h30 (winter)/05h00 (summer) - Early morning coffee on the verandah, before heading out on game viewing safari.
05h45 (winter)/05h15 (summer) - Depart on morning game viewing safari with a stopover in for coffee/tea.
09h30 (winter)/09h00 (summer) - Return to the Lodge for brunch. Thereafter, at leisure (enjoy a massage, relax at the pool or embark upon a bush walk with your ranger.
15h00 (winter)/15h30 (summer) - High Tea on the verandah.
15h30 (winter)/16h00 (summer) - Depart on afternoon game viewing safari with sundowners. Should you be keen to experience a frogging safari in the summer months, this can be incorporated with prior arrangement.
19h00 (winter)/19h30 (summer) - Return and freshen up before dinner.
19h30 (winter)/20h00 (summer) - Return to the lodge for dinner in the dining room or boma.

Day three:
05h00 (winter)/04h30 (summer) - Wake up call.
05h30 (winter)/05h00 (summer) - Early morning coffee followed by game viewing safari.
05h45 (winter)/05h15 (summer) - Depart on game viewing safari and stopover in the bush for coffee/tea. If you are keen to participate in a Cultural Safari, this can be arranged with your ranger and incorporated into one of your morning safaris.
09h30 (winter)/09h00 (summer) - Return to the Lodge for brunch.
11h00 - Check-out time. Porters will collect your luggage from your suite. We include a packed lunch for your next journey.

Wildlife

Amakhosi teems with ‘Big Five’ whilst the wetlands showcase over 400 bird species. Five safari options including game viewing safaris, overnight walking safaris, seasonal frogging safaris, fishing safaris and cultural safaris.

Conservation 

The Amazulu K9 Unit, an integral part of our wildlife conservation efforts here at Amakhosi Safari Lodge .

Our AmaZulu K9 Unit patrols a vast 50,000 hectares, ensuring the safety of endangered white and critically endangered black rhinos.

The incredible work of our K9 unit speaks for itself. In just 15 months, they've drastically reduced poaching incidents, with only one rhino lost compared to the previous year's tragic toll of 20 killed and 11 injured. Canines are proven to be incredibly effective in deterring poachers, but they need the right tools to continue their lifesaving work.  We have partnered with ProjectThorn and 12 Hours who have been instrumental in raising funds for this unit and any assistance that you can give them to help the unit is greatly appreciated  these can be done through Given Gain website and tax certificates can be issued 

https://www.givengain.com/project/karrie-raising-funds-for-12hours-73276?fbclid=IwAR11iXbcbrAR6kg47BXB7c-dlzxdyyrlzIjLhJ6Ip3z6aW7CLsWrnT0aip4

Quick Facts

Average Stay

3 Nights

Average Price

R4150 Per Person Sharing Per Night

Child Policy

CHILD POLICY:
Children 0-5 years free of charge and will NOT be allowed on game drive, please ensure that you arrange babysitting with front office before adults depart for gamedrive
Children 6 -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 6 are not allowed on game drives unless a private vehicle is booked.
Babysitting facilities are available should you wish to make use of them, at R85 perhour T&C are available on request.

Accommodation

FIVE STAR LUXURIES:
Be overwhelmed by warm smiles, hot hand towels, and five-star opulence where grace is an everyday reality, interwoven withthe natural surroundings of the bush.
• Accommodating 20 adults in royal elegance.
• Children of all ages welcome, however children under 6 arenot allowed on game drives unless prior arrangement is madeand a private vehicle is booked (extra charge)
River suites
Six luxury suites all with King Size beds interchangeabletwin beds
Interchangeable lounge, in two of our River suites whichcan accommodate children under 12, sharing withparents.
Ceiling-high windows, private viewing deck with open viewsacross the Mkuze River.
Air-conditioned lounge & bedroom.
Bathroom with bath,shower, separate toilet, bathrobes.
Mini bar fridge – additional charge
Safe
Outside shower
Hammocks on viewing deck
Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities
Umntwana suites
• Two honeymoon suites. Both with King Size Beds
• High ceilings, glass walls, and open-plan design with spaciousdeck, private splash pool and hammock.
• Air-conditioned lounge & bedroom.
Bathroom with shower,separate toilet, and bathrobes.
• Mini bar fridge – additional charge
• Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities
• Safe
ACCOMMODATION
:
Welcome to our private kingdom that offers a high level of serviceand luxury living amidst striking surroundings.
WWW.AMAKHOSI.COM
isiGodlo
2 Bedroom Private House, one double King size bed and secondbedroom 2 single beds
High ceilings and open-plan design with spacious deck, private swimming pool
Air-conditioned lounge, kitchen and dining area, 2-bedroomeach with en suite bathroom, separate shower, toilet, andbathrobes
Mini bar fridge – additional charge
Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities
Barbeque area
Safe

Accolades

TGCSA 5 STAR SINCE 2002

Lilizella Provincial winner 2014/15/16/1/18/19 for Service Excellence Visitor Experience, Wild Life Encounters and Best Five Game Lodge

Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award – 2013/14/15/16/17/18/19/20

World Luxury Awards

2014 Winner Luxury Safari Retreat

2015 Continent Winner Luxury Bush Lodge

2016 Winner Luxury Bush Lodge

2017 Winner Best luxury Game Lodge

2018 Winner GLOBAL award Luxury Game Lodge

2019 Winner Best Luxury Game Lodge  

 2020 Winner Best Luxury Game Lodge

2022 Global 100 – Winner Best Safari lodge of the year – South Africa

2023 Haute Grandeur Hotel Winner   

 

Season

High Season 1 Jan - 30 Apr & 1 Oct - 31 Dec

Quoted in ZAR sharing;


4751 ppspn River Suite

5095 ppspn Honey Moon Suite

24050  pn Private House sleeps 4


Low Season 1 May - 30 Sep

4121 ppspn River Suite

4465 ppspn Honey Moon Suite 

22325  pn Private House sleeps 4

RATES INCLUDE:
Accommodation.
Brunch, High Tea, Dinner.
2 game viewing drives per day
Transfers from the airstrip to the Lodge.
Rates are subject to change without prior notice and are quoted per person per nightsharing. All major credit cards are accepted, except Diners card, however no chequepayments are acceptable. All specials are strictly EFT which must clear before arrival
RATES EXCLUDES:
Amakhosi game reserve conservation levies, charged on behalf of the reserve, atR300 per room per night. Rates are subject to change without notice. Transport toand from Amakhosi Safari Lodge, Gratuity, Items of a personal nature, Telephone,Drinks, laundry and any additional activity.

Best Value Safari Property

Best Value we know

11-03-2024 @ 11:23am
Best Safari Experience

Best Experiences with the Big Five????????????????

11-03-2024 @ 11:23am
Best Value Safari Property

My fav bush activity at Amakhosi Lodge was Frogging - I will remember it forever! Rain Frogs and Arrowhead Frogs have such different faces, and demeanors - best adventure ever!

MG from United States
06-03-2024 @ 7:38pm
Best Value Safari Property

Great holiday with my family in July 2023

05-03-2024 @ 5:27am
Best Value Safari Property

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 5:53pm
Best Safari Experience

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 5:53pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Amazing 5 star food cooked daily!

04-03-2024 @ 4:26pm
Best Value Safari Property

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 3:24pm
Best Family Safari Experience

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 3:24pm
Best Safari House

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 3:24pm
Best Safari Spa

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 3:24pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 3:24pm
Best Safari Property Location

Amakhosi safari lodge

04-03-2024 @ 3:24pm
Best Value Safari Property

We absolutely loved our stay. The staff, the meals, the accommodations, the service... Everything was top notch!

V
04-03-2024 @ 2:01pm
Best Safari Experience

WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK AGAIN!!! So glad I have been there <3

04-03-2024 @ 1:54pm
Best Value Safari Property

Amakhosi is amazing!

04-03-2024 @ 1:39pm

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