Bukela means to "admire or a place of great admiration" in the Xhosa language.
This area has been created to offer visitors a malaria free and intimate encounter with the African Bushveld.
THE EXPERIENCE
Bukela Lodge is situated in the malaria free, 6000 hectare Amakhala Game reserve just 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The Owners, Deon & Elsa Truter, have for many years dreamed and envisioned such a place, where one could relax and partake of the splendor of the African bush whilst still enjoying quality service and comfort. Having both explored most of the South African reserves extensively, they chose “this place of great admiration” in order to realize their dream, not only for its magnificence but also because it would offer their guests an opportunity of discovering the Eastern Cape which is of significant cultural and historical importance. In addition, the proximity of the coast to Bukela Lodge offers guests the opportunity of enjoying the bush and discovering the pristine beaches of the Eastern Cape.
In creating the Lodge, Elsa Truter has drawn on Africa itself for her inspiration in designing and decorating the lodge where ever possible. This theme extends as well to the cuisine offered which is both traditional and contemporary African cuisine.. The lodge therefore offers the guest a true African experience encompassing all of ones senses, and not tempered by Western or European influences except where comfort and service are concerned. In this regard, guests can expect every service they would expect of an exclusive 5 star international establishment.
ACCOMMODATION
Bukela Lodge is luxurious and of an International standard. The main lodge comprises of a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always welcome in winter, a media and library area with Internet, television, dvd player, games and books and a large wooden pool deck overlooking a small dam frequented by buffalo. A separate area known as a “boma” adjoins the main lodge where bush braais and special festivities may be enjoyed.
The four suites Uthando Suite | Ingwe Suite | Inyathi Suite | Umkhombe Suite are each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury, sleeps 2 guests and are privately located separate to the main lodge. Each suite is well appointed for a guests’ optimal comfort with every amenity including large, en suite bathrooms each with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, a central fireplace for romantic evenings, a private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities. Beds are King size or 2 singles depending on guest requirement. All suites are air conditioned while bar fridges and automatic kettles are an added convenience. All our suites are luxurious but the “honeymoon suite” with a hug e four poster mahogany bed can be reserved for that special occasion.
GAME
White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Serval, Giraffe, Black Wildebeest, Zebra and more than 12 species of Antelope. Smaller game include Bat Eared Fox, Vervet Monkey, Bush Pig, Warthog, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Spring Hair, Porcupine and Tortoise. Approximately 250 bird species may be viewed in the area including the rare African Finfoot and include many raptors such as the Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle and Jackal buzzard. A variety of snake and insect species may also be discovered.
FLORA AND FAUNA
It is typically African valley bushveld punctuated by colorful wild flowers specific to the area. The word “Amakhala” is a Xhosa name given to the regal Aloes which proliferate here. With their striking orange flowers, this well known medicinal plant grows in abundance in the reserve. Flat savannahs and riverine forests offer a variety of habitat for game and the area has 20 small dams and 17 kilometers of the Bushmans river winding through it.
WILD IDEAS
Shark Diving Unlimited offer once in a lifetime Great white shark encounters!
Shark Diving Unlimited run daily shark trips from Kleinbaai, Gansbaai – The Great White Shark Capital of the World! Clients can choose to watch the action from the boat or plunge into the cage for a face to face meeting with the Great White (Carcharodon carcharias). Divers do not even need to be SCUBA qualified to get into the cage and all dive gear is provided.
SDU are a PADI Dive Resort and as such work to PADI’s strict international standards. We also run PADI Distinctive Specialty: White Shark Awareness courses!
|
