The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a significant achievement - the translocation of another 20 rhinos, which brings the total number of rhinos moved to 250. This milestone commemorates BRREP's ongoing commitment to securing habitat, fostering growth and ensuring the long-term survival of highly endangered black rhinos. 

Amakhala Game Reserve is proud to be part of this amazing project and to be the custodian of the 250th rhino to be relocated, providing a safe and spacious new habitat!

The latest group of translocated rhinos were captured from an Eastern Cape reserve and contribute to the project's mission of creating space for breeding and relieving pressure on existing populations. Over the past two decades, BRREP has also witnessed the birth of more than 200 calves, contributing to the doubling of black rhino numbers from a low point of fewer than 2,500 before 2000. This success showcases the project's efficacy in range expansion and biodiversity preservation. 

Project Leader Jeff Cooke highlighted the crucial role of partnerships with organisations like Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, as well as the support of private landowners and funding from the WWF Netherlands. 

For the full story please click HERE 

Photo Credit: Peter Chadwick

Photo Credit: Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve solemnly observes Rhino Remembrance Day every 16 November, dedicating this day to honouring the rhinos already lost and raising awareness about the plight of the last few remaining rhinos. The special Rhino Remembrance Memorial at Amakhala Game Reserve bears the names of Chippy, Isipho and Geza - three precious local rhinos tragically lost to poaching. This memorial serves as a poignant tribute to these three majestic rhinos and also to the other 10,017 rhinos lost in South Africa since 2008. 

In celebration of the occasion, the Anti-Poaching Unit and personnel from Amakhala Game Reserve gathered at the memorial site at the spectacular God’s Window. There, they paid tribute to the enduring legacy of our rhinos and reaffirmed the team's dedication to ensuring their survival.

Demonstrating a steadfast dedication to protect rhinos and wildlife, Amakhala Game Reserve has robust multi-layered security measures in place, including a specialised APU and K9 unit, as well as aerial surveillance. Amakhala Game Reserve also actively engages in substantial anti-poaching funding, supplemented by a Conservation Levy, and collaborates closely with esteemed partners in the conservation realm including Chipembere Rhino Foundation, African Rhino Conservation Collaborative, Global Conservation Force, Council of Contributors and Wildlife Protection Solutions. 

Photo Credit: Eric Barnard 

International Cheetah Day, observed annually on December 4, serves as a global tribute to these remarkable big cats, and raises awareness of their pressing conservation needs. Due to the tragic loss of 90% of the world’s cheetahs, only an estimated 6000 – 7000 adult cheetah are still alive in the wild today, with fewer than 2000 in South Africa. 

Cheetahs are one of the key conservation priorities for Amakhala Game Reserve, and in celebrating International Cheetah Day, Amakhala Game Reserve highlights the importance of preserving and protecting these magnificent creatures, contributing to broader international efforts in ensuring the survival and well-being of cheetah populations worldwide. 

The Amakhala Game Reserve team is proud to be involved in the Cheetah Metapopulation Project spearheaded by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), to relocate wild cheetahs together to safer havens while keeping genetic integrity.

Amakhala Game Reserve also proudly shares the success of our own four cheetah cubs - three females and one male – who are now approximately 8 months old, and thriving! These spirited cubs are not only growing in size but are also gaining confidence daily, displaying an increasing curiosity about hunting. 

For more information on International Cheetah Day, visit internationalcheetahday.com. 

Photo Credit: Amakhala Game Reserve

After eight years of extreme drought in the Eastern Cape, 2023 brought heavy rains that have finally seen some dam water levels in the area reach 100%!

The much-needed rain that has fallen on Amakhala Game Reserve over the past few months have left in its wake a sea of green veld and small dams filled to the brim, which we are immensely grateful for. However, with so much rain falling in such a short time comes the formation of potholes, furrows and ruts in our roads, which intensifies the ongoing challenge of maintaining the roads in the African wild.

Fortunately, Amakhala Game Reserve has a hard-working maintenance team that is assisted by a tractor and a back-end loader (TLB). This team is working diligently to repair the network of roads that criss-cross the veld to ensure our guests on board our game drives have the best up-close sightseeing opportunities. All access roads are also being maintained, all of which ensure a smoother ride and a better experience for all our guests.

The road maintenance also reduces vehicle maintenance costs, so more funds can be ploughed back into Amakhala Game Reserve itself and the conservation of our amazing natural environment. 

Photo Credit: Amakhala Foundation

The Amakhala Foundation's commitment to education and community development shines through its recent initiatives. 

The newly constructed Amakhala Learning Centre, is gearing up to provide online learning support for young learners as well as skills development programs for adults living and working on Amakhala Game Reserve. 

The Foundation also welcomed school groups, including children from the Lebone Centre's Aftercare & Enrichment Programme in Grahamstown, offering them their first-ever encounter with wildlife at a game reserve. 

To empower local children, Amakhala Foundation granted bursaries to 19 learners to attend the local Sidbury Primary School, where a new toilet block has also been constructed. 

The Foundation also offers continuous learning support for the Grade R learners with Budding Q and TIME materials, and for the Grade 1-3 learners with Library Hour and Additional English. The library with new tables and chairs is a perfect environment for extra lessons.

The Foundation's impact also extends to sports, including sponsoring new kit for the Amakhala soccer team and facilitating junior teams' participation in district events. 

These initiatives are part of Amakhala Foundation’s holistic approach to community upliftment, with education, skills development and sports engagement contributing to a brighter future. 

Photo Credit: Amakhala Foundation

Bukela Game Lodge

Over the last few weeks, our guests at Bukela Game Lodge have been enjoying the best cheetah sightings ever! Our cheetah cubs are growing up so quickly, and they're thriving in their natural habitat. 

For the cheetahs, the reserve is the ultimate playground, and exploring is on their daily agenda, which is a pure delight to witness. Our guests are absolutely loving every moment of their time with us, experiencing the magic of the African wilderness firsthand. At Bukela, we're dedicated to providing a truly remarkable safari experience, and it's moments like these that make it all worthwhile.

Photo Credit: Eric Barnard 

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Bush Lodge

Meet Godfrey and Amanda, celebrating 15 years of service at Bush Lodge! Their unwavering professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication have been part of the backbone of Bush Lodge's success over these many years. 

From day one, Godfrey and Amanda seamlessly integrated into the Weeks' family, making every guest at Bush Lodge feel at home. Their work ethic is unmatched, and they are known for meeting every guest need with precision and care. 

Here's to 15 years of incredible service, shared laughter, and countless memories. Thank you, Godfrey and Amanda, for making Bush Lodge shine bright! 

Photo Credit:  Bush Lodge 

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Hillsnek Safari Camp

At Hillsnek this summer, we are all about pairing the freshest, most delectable summer cuisine with the finest wildlife sightings. From vibrant salads to grilled delights, every bite complements the thrill of spotting wildlife, often right at the poolside. 

Our elephants come to play in their purpose built “Elephant Pool” at the lodge multiple times each day, while leaving the main pool sparkling and clean for our guests to enjoy. 

And to finish off the perfect day in the bush, nothing beats a South African gin bar to wash away the safari dust. Cheers to good eats and great safaris this summer!
 

Photo credit: Larissa Mutz

Photos credit: HillsNek (gin photo)

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Hlosi Game Lodge

Here at Hlosi Game Lodge, we're thrilled to witness the reserve's stunning transformation after welcoming over 200 millimeters of rain in the past three months. The entire landscape has come alive with lush, vibrant greenery, and we couldn't be more excited about the season that lies ahead. 

The reserve is a true natural wonder, and we're fortunate to be part of this incredible experience. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Hlosi Game Lodge is the place to be. Mother Nature has truly outdone herself, and we're here to share it with you. 

Photo Credit: Eric Barnard 

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Leeuwenbosch Country House

 Leeuwenbosch has already had a great start to the festive season. Following the plentiful rains, the veld is green and the garden is lovely and inviting, while the natural beauty and amazing wildlife of the surrounding reserve is an experience we are proud to share with our visitors, many of whom are great fans and return again and again. We receive many referrals from guests and the SAGA group who stayed with us in 2017 recently enjoyed another amazing 7-day stay.

Day safari trippers are keeping us quite busy, and we have also begun hosting year-end functions that everyone thoroughly enjoys. The day safari trips are hosted at Bush Braai, offering an authentic bush catering experience.   

Photo Credit: Leeuwenbosch

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Quartermain’s 1920’s Safari Campaign

We are delighted to announce the addition of woodfired hot tubs here at Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp, which our guests have been absolutely loving! Whether celebrating a romantic occasion, or just relaxing and enjoying the nature’s splendour under a star-studded Eastern Cape sky, these luxurious hot tubs are the perfect way to unwind after a day of thrilling wildlife encounters. 

Quatermain's offers an unparalleled, utterly unique and completely authentic tented camp experience, combining rustic bush charm with modern amenities to retain the timeless charm of a bygone era, where our guests can truly connect with nature without sacrificing on comfort.

Photo Credit: Ian Fairley

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Safari Lodge

The suites at Safari Lodge have recently undergone stunning refurbishments that further elevate the truly unique and unforgettable wildlife experience our visitors enjoy. 

The beauty of the African tribal designs, patterns and textures that grace the suites, complemented by stylish decor and furnishings, creates a peaceful interior where every detail speaks of indulgence and a connection to nature.

Each suite has a separate lounge area as well as a private plunge pool with a captivating view of Amakhala Game Reserve’s magnificent wildlife drinking at the nearby waterhole – a unique wildlife experience in complete luxury. 

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Woodbury Lodge & Woodbury Tented Camp

We have been thrilled to welcome guests back to Woodbury Lodge and Woodbury Tented Camp in numbers rivalling pre-COVID levels. Amakhala Game Reserve is looking magnificent after all the good rains this year and our guests have been enjoying some exceptional safari sightings. 

On the Tented Camp front, a new extension to the roofing of the breakfast deck now provides all-weather cover, while still allowing guests to enjoy the experience of an outdoor dining. A recent guest on TripAdvisor had this to say: “The best holiday experience I’ve ever had. Excellent friendly service from the staff. Great food prepared with love. Comfortable safari tents with private viewing decks.”
 

Over at Woodbury Lodge, the bathrooms have been upgraded to add to the comfort and style of the sleeping lodges. Free-standing baths positioned next to large windows allow for a truly intimate experience with nature. 

Located on a hillside between Woodbury Lodge and Tented Camp is the Woodbury Museum, converted from an old butter churning parlour and now showcasing the history of the people and wildlife of this remarkable area. The museum recently received some curious visitors, who surely wanted to read up about the history of lions at Woodbury! 
 

Video Credit: Gregor Bell 

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In an exciting new initiative, we will be sharing some of the amazing wildlife images captured by both our Amakhala Rangers and guests who visit the Amakhala Game Reserve. To have your images considered for inclusion, please email your photograph taken on the Reserve, with your name and surname to sandra@amakhala.co.za. 

Image credit: Jayden Schoultz

Image credit: Jayden Schoultz

Image credit: Jayden Schoultz

Image credit: Jayden Schoultz