Four star rated Hlosi Game Lodge is a tranquil grassland retreat offering rich game-viewing and luxurious accommodation for the whole family. Lying along a gentle curve of hill above the river plain, our suites offer wide-open views with five-star comforts. The main lodge includes elegant lounge and dining areas, and a splendid bar overlooking the swimming pool and waterhole.
Our fenced camp is perfect for families with small children, or for those who aren't comfortable with a chance-meeting with wild animals. Watch breathlessly from the privacy of your own viewing deck or luxurious deep-soaking tub at the array of wildlife and bird life from a safe and comfortable distance.
Day and night game viewing trips under guidance of professional game rangers are available. Wildlife likely to be encountered during the game drives in the Game Reserve are: the "Big Five", lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species.
Clothes -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.
Food - Please inform management/reservations at Bukela of any specific dietary preferences you may have before arrival.
Water -The water is not for human consumption. Complementary bottled water is provided.
Morning Game Drive
Summer/Spring Months (October - March)
Morning Game Drives commence at 6:30am
Autumn/Winter Months (April - September)
Morning Game Drives commence at 7am
Guests are served coffee, tea and cereals and yoghurts in the main lodge half an hour before a game drive commences. The duration of a game drive is usually 3 hours depending on the amount of time spent stationary while viewing game. Game rangers will halt whenever requested and share their expertise with guests. Game rangers will also stop and allow guests to alight from the vehicle for a steaming cup of coffee which is traditionally enjoyed with rusks (a South African biscuit).
Brunch
On returning from the morning game drive, guests have 30 minutes at their disposal to freshen up before brunch is served. Breakfast/brunch is usually buffet style with a choice of fresh fruit, as well as sweet pastries, toast and jams. Following this, a full cooked breakfast is available.
After brunch guests relax at the refreshing pool or enjoy a nap after the excitement of the game drive, depending on their preference. We ensure that guests have enough time to relax and we strive to accommodate every need. Books of an African theme, cards, boardgames such as chess as well as television and internet facilities are available in the main lodge for guest convenience.
A tranquil cruise down the winding Bushman’s river can be organized on request. Enjoy a sundowner with snacks where you may catch a glimpse of a timid bush buck in the riverine forest. The river cruise affords the best opportunity of viewing the rare African Finfoot as well as the less rare but more majestic Fish Eagle.
Afternoon/Evening Game Drive
Summer/Spring Months (October - March)
Afternoon Game Drives commence at 4:00pm
Autumn/Winter Months (April - September)
Afternoon Game Drives commence at 3:30pm
Light snacks in the form of delectable sweet and savoury pastries are provided half an hour before the game drive is to commence at the main lodge. Bottled water, beverages and light snacks such as biltong are provided en route and the vehicle will stop in order for guests to alight and enjoy a sundowner at sunset. This is the highlight of an evening game drive, as an African sunset is something one feels privileged to witness.
Dinner
Dinner may consist of either a five course meal served by the crackling fireplace in the warm atmosphere of the lodge or an informal bush braai/barbeque served under the stars in our outdoor “boma”. Barbeques are presented in a buffet style with a spread of salads and/or hot vegetables and barbequed meats (chicken, beef, ostrich, or venison), followed by a selection of puddings and cheeses.
After enjoying dinner, guests are invited to socialize until the small hours of the morning or to retire to the comfort and luxury of their suite. Whatever the preference, they will awaken to the chorus of an African dawn and ready for another day of adventure!
Kids on Safari
Hlosi welcomes and caters for children of all ages. We specialise in creating exclusive and unforgettable family safari experiences. Our lodge facilities, dining experiences and safari activities all include children-friendly options, without compromising a luxurious and rejuvenating experience for adults.
Accommodation
- Children under the age of 12 are accommodated at Hlosi by prior arrangement
- Children 12 and over are accommodated as adults
- Children sharing with adults will be accommodated on a cot or on a single bed, depending on their age and subject to availability
- A maximum of two (2) children may share with two (2) adults in a one-room suite, subject to availability of cots and/ or beds
- Our two-room family suites can accommodate a maximum of three (3) children in the second bedroom, subject to availability of cots and/ or beds
Rates
- Children aged 0-2 are accommodated free of charge when sharing with at least one adult
- Children aged 3-11 are eligible for a child rate of 50% of the adult rate when sharing with at least one adult
- Children 12 and over are accommodated at the adult rate
- Child rates are inclusive of accommodation, meals, selected beverages, activities and game drives (subject to Ranger discretion)
- Child rates do not include babysitting
Activities & supervision
- We accept all children from 0 – 12 years old at Hlosi. Children over 12 are deemed adults (i.e 13 and above)
- Children from 3 – 12 years will be included in the Cubs on Safari programme run by the Child Co-ordinator.
- Baby-sitting services by prior arrangement with the lodge can be available from 15:30 until after dinner at an hourly fee of R 80.00 per family.
- The Children’s programme will run from 09:30 – 16:00 or as determined by the Child Co-ordinator depending on the children in camp.
- Children aged 0 – 2 are not permitted on Game Drive unless in a private midday game drive detailed below and then at the ranger’s discretion.
- Children 6yrs and over will automatically be included in game drives activities.
- Children 5yrs and younger will only be included at the discretion of the ranger at the time of stay. Alternatively a private landrover can be booked at the time of stay at an additional cost and subject to availability.
- A private midday game drive is available for families at an additional charge of R 750.00 per vehicle for a maximum of 2 hours. Families may share a vehicle up to a maximum of 9 people including the children. This is subject to availability of vehicles and rangers.
- A dedicated children’s room is available, with books, games, toys, television and DVDs.
- A wide range of activities is available at dedicated times throughout the day. Our Children’s Coordinator will meet parents and children on arrival to explain what activities are available, and schedule children’s activities during guests’ stay. Together with parents, a programme is tailored to suit weather, children’s ages and availability of specialist staff for specific activities
- The Hlosi Kids Safari activities are available to all children aged three and over. For younger children, a babysitting service is available at an additional cost.
- All swimming activities must be supervised by parents at all times
Additional services
- A children’s menu is available, and dedicated children’s mealtimes can be arranged
- A babysitting service is available by prior arrangement with the Children’s Coordinator, at an additional cost.
The Amakhala Game Reserve encompasses some of the most breathtaking scenery and ecosystems in the Region. An abundance of game species roam the Reserve including elephant, lion, cheetah, buffalo, and rhino, and over 16 species of antelope.