Photo Credit: Rouxcel

World Wildlife Day on 3 March focused on the theme "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation" and at Amakhala Game Reserve, we proudly partner with Rouxcel Technology to safeguard our rhino populations. This innovative collaboration significantly enhances our ability to protect these endangered species. Rouxcel specialises in rhino collar design and deployment, enabling real-time detection and transmission of abnormal rhino behaviour. Introduced a year ago, these collars offer customisable GPS tracking locations of rhinos at chosen intervals (30 minutes, 4 hourly, daily etc). It also incorporates artificial intelligence to learn individual rhino behaviours. If there is abnormal behaviour for that rhino, an alert is sent via EarthRanger as well as SMS to authorised phones, providing precise GPS locations and identifying the rhino triggering the alert. Response teams and thermal drones are swiftly deployed to investigate and mitigate potential threats such as poaching, injuries, or natural mortalities. 

Photo Credit: Peter Chadwick

Following the successful introduction of a wild black rhino population to the Amakhala Game Reserve, this year’s World Rewilding Day in March - with the theme #HopeIntoAction - was an extra special celebration for our team, and also a significant milestone in safeguarding our natural heritage of the last remaining critically endangered black rhinos - of which there are just 5,500 left. 

Collaborating with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through the Black Rhino Range Expansion Program (BRREP) and ECPTA, Amakhala Game Reserve is immensely proud to be stewards of this endangered species. Witnessing their settlement within the reserve at the end of last year has been exhilarating, offering remarkable sightings and fostering hope for their conservation. As these majestic creatures acclimate to their new home, their presence underscores our commitment to preserving biodiversity and rewilding efforts. 

Immerse yourself in Amakhala Game Reserve's unforgettable live wildlife experiences - without leaving home - thanks to our proud partnership with WildEarth. This season is known for amazing cat sightings, with live streams giving you a front-row seat to predator action. Highlights include cheetah families, plentiful lion and cheetah cub appearances, vast herds of game, diverse birdlife, and majestic elephants, making Amakhala a top broadcast location for WildEarth.

For over a decade, WildEarth has brought live, interactive virtual safaris from Africa’s premier wildlife areas to a devoted worldwide audience. WildEarth transforms viewing into a vivid experience with broadcasts that leave you feeling as though you're on an African safari adventure.
Immerse yourself into the wild world any time by simply tuning in live and enjoy stunning landscapes, rare flora, and thrilling live predator sightings! Access Amakhala’s diverse wildlife anytime, anywhere - available on TV or via the WildEarth app, free across all app stores: https://wildearth.tv/app/.  

And just like that, we’re nearly at the end of the first quarter of 2024. Life on Amakhala continues to thrive after good rains at the end of last year, although a scorching February reminded us just how hot the Eastern Cape can get! Temperatures rose well above 40℃ on several occasions. The wildlife generally took it in their stride, and one of our resident Secretary bird pairs perseveres in raising two chicks despite the heatwave. The cheetah mom on Carnarvon Dale continues to make us proud by looking after her 4 cubs who are now learning to hunt for themselves, providing wonderful sightings for our guests. The black rhinos that arrived last year have also settled in well, with Amakhala vet William Fowlds treating one for a minor injury to his hindquarter. General manager Andy Hughes continues to drive an extensive road maintenance project after the rainy season, boosted by the acquisition of a new tractor, grader and TLB (digger-loader). On the Foundation front, Amakhala welcomed Nondumiso “Ndumie” Myataza as the new Environmental Educator and Development Facilitator. If you would like to support any of our conservation efforts, please click HERE to donate.

As the swallows on the reserve begin to gather for their trip north, we hope our readers in the southern hemisphere will enjoy these late summer days, while those in the northern hemisphere are surely looking forward to their first taste of spring!

The annual - and highly anticipated - ABC Reading Camp was held on 2 and 3 December last year for the Grade 3 learners of Sidbury Primary School - the closest school to Amakhala Game Reserve, accommodating around 40 learners from Grade R to Grade 3.  Activities took place at the Amakhala Conservation Centre, while the learners stayed overnight at Camp Gurney. On the morning of 2 December, the kids went on a guided walk with camp assistant and field guide, Melumzi Matiwane, who introduced them to the plants, insects and animals. After that, master storyteller, author and literacy activist, Madoda Ndlakuse, enthralled the learners with stories, books and writing exercises. The camp ended off on a high note with a game drive and a Nal’ibali Story Collection for each learner to take home, achieving the dual aims of Amakhala Books and Conservation (ABC) in a fun and exciting way.  

At the end of February, Nondumiso (Ndumie) Myataza joined us as the new Environmental Educator and Development Facilitator for the Amakhala Foundation. Ndumie trained at the Saasveld campus of the Nelson Mandela University, where she obtained a Diploma in Nature Conservation, and most recently worked as an Intern for the South African Biodiversity Institute in East London (South Africa). Ndumie will be hosting local schools for Environmental Awareness Days, as well as running our Coaching for Conservation programme and facilitating the activities at our new Computer Centre. 

In celebration of Water Day, which this year falls on 22 March and within the school holidays, some Grade 4 and 5 learners from the Nanaga Primary School attended a session of educational water-related activities at the Amakhala Conservation Centre. The theme was ‘wetlands’ and the learners were taught about the wetland food web. Representing different wetlands in their groups, the learners played a relay game sorting out recyclable items and also had an opportunity to create their own wetlands.

Bukela Game Lodge

At Bukela Game Lodge, guests looking for unforgettable experiences are in for a real treat! As the only unfenced camp in Amakhala Game Reserve, every wildlife encounter, big or small, is a special and immersive experience for guests – and the excitement is palpable, whether it's elephants trumpeting at the waterhole, the quiet but powerful presence of stately buffaloes, or stealthy visits from big cats. 

Each of the 14 rooms at the Lodge boast their own private viewing decks, with stunning views of the Reserve. The suspense of not knowing what may appear fuels the excitement, turning every moment into an adventure.

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Bush Lodge

We are delighted to welcome Chef Clybert to the Bush Lodge team! Alongside Chef Edson, sous Chef Cinga and sous Chef Xolelwa, Chef Clybert will form part of a talented team dedicated to enhancing our guests’ dining experience. At the same time, we bid Chef Godfrey farewell with gratitude, as he embarks on new adventures. 

We eagerly anticipate Chef Clybert's fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Here's to delicious adventures ahead at Bush Lodge!

Picture: Edson (left), Cinga (middle), Clybert (right) 
*Not in photo: Xolelwa (on leave)

Photo Credit:  Bush Lodge 

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Hlosi Game Lodge

During an epic bush battle that recently took place at Hlosi Game Lodge's waterhole, it was Hippos vs. Elephants! Thanks to the hot weather of the late summer, the waterhole at Hlosi Game Lodge is a hotspot for wildlife! But not everyone plays nice… Guests recently witnessed a grand showdown between hippos and elephants, each group vying for dominance over the cool waters. 

With trumpets echoing and waves crashing, tensions ran high, creating unforgettable moments in the heart of the bush. At Hlosi Game Lodge, every day brings thrilling encounters, proving that in nature, excitement is always just around the corner.

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Leeuwenbosch Country House

Leeuwenbosch has been fantastically busy, upgrading the dining area, kitchen and WIFI system, while welcoming guests from different countries and cultures. It was a privilege to host the UK and South African cricketers during their tour in Port Elizabeth – wonderful, humble sportsmen they are! Our popular Day Safaris also brought many cruise ship visitors from Port Elizabeth, and each Day Safari has worked perfectly, including lunch out in the bush - something most people have never experienced! Our guests also love the incredible sightings on the Reserve, especially the lions and elephants are enjoying the waterhole just outside our Lodge fence!  

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Safari Lodge

If you want to have the rare experience of encountering a cheetah in the wild, Safari Lodge is the place to be! Cheetahs are Africa’s most endangered big cats and classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. 

Most recently, Safari Lodge guests awaiting their morning game drive were captivated by a visit from a majestic cheetah. Eager to reunite with its brothers, the majestic feline wandered through the lodge with graceful strides, creating an unforgettable experience. This coalition of cheetahs has been frequent visitors and has brought much excitement to the lodge.

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Woodbury Lodge & Woodbury Tented Camp

The recent spell of hot weather in the Eastern Cape has brought plenty of four-legged visitors to the waterholes in front of Woodbury Lodge and Woodbury Tented Camp. This is usually a procession of warthogs, zebra and other plains game, but often a herd of elephants will pass by to quench their thirst with great gusto, all within sight of Woodbury’s viewing decks. On one particularly memorable morning, senior guide Nico Nel and his guests were heading out on game drive and discovered a pride of lions “lounging by the pool”. Needless to say they had the place to themselves!

Image Credit: Nico Nel

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Coming Soon

We are very excited to announce that a new, sole-use accommodation option will be joining the Woodbury portfolio later this year. The new addition will be situated on a secluded ridge on a brand new section of Amakhala Game Reserve, with truly breath-taking views of the Woodbury basin. The construction of intimate and stylish sleeping units is currently underway, utilizing the skills of tried-and-trusted local suppliers. We cannot wait to welcome guests to this family-oriented and uniquely tailored safari experience later in the year. Watch this space!  

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. 

Photographs supplied by Roberta Geraci, a guest visiting Amakhala Game Reserve. 

Image credits: Roberta Geraci