DESTINATION

Amakhosi Resort

It was on a wonderful August morning when my wife and I travelled from Durban to Amakhosi Safari Lodge for a three-night uninterrupted stay in the honeymoon suite. What a delight this trip turned out to be.

This gem of a game safari lodge is situated approximately 30 kilometres from Pongola in Northern Kwazulu Natal, and a mere four hours’ drive from Durban, and is the epitome of absolute attention to detail, more specifically the exceptional warmth and hospitality from every staff member from the minute one arrives until it is time to head back home.

When it comes to selecting a game lodge and splurging on a little luxury, there are three key things important to us: the game viewing experience, the overall lodge ambience, and the dining experience.

Incredible ambience

Whilst not entirely new to the gamelodge scene, and although photos of the lodge do not always do it justice, we highly recommend this lodge and the overall experience, as its ambience is incredible.

The main lodge, spa area, pool areas (yes there are two pools), all look down on the river, where one can view a variety of game all day long. On the grounds of the lodge itself, nyala and warthog graze unperturbed beneath the tambotie and acacia trees, while birds such as kingfishers, woodpeckers, and paradise wydahs flit from branch to branch.

The spa is top-notch – with brilliant massages and treatment by very friendly and professional therapists, all in a beautifully decorated and tranquil setting. There is also a small gym, for those who wishes to work off the extra calories after the three generous meals a day! That is if you manage to concentrate on your exercises with the river and surrounding cliffs forming a stunning backdrop.

For culinary buffs, the meals presented by chefs Thuba and Sebenzile are remarkable – the breakfasts were delicious, totally nonstandard and creative, the high teas were a feast for the eyes, and the four-course dinners were exquisitely prepared.

There was nothing run of the mill about this dining experience! We genuinely could not have asked for more, and any dietary requirement was met with finesse. The wine selection was also very good, with something for everyone’s palette.

Incredible sightings

Apart from the lodge itself, one would like to think most guests visiting a game

lodge are there for the game experience. On this score Amakhosi is very impressive. On our first afternoon, we were treated with the sight of a female giraffe in the process of giving birth. Sadly, nightfall prevented us seeing the full birth but the next morning we were greeted with the new-born giraffe close to its mom.

During the following days we had excellent sightings of cheetah cubs, curled sleepily under an acacia tree in the middle of a field of golden Winter grasses, a lion pride on a fresh kill, with all the savagery involved, and an incredible thirty-minute elephant experience around a waterhole.

The remarkable display by the elephants culminated in the herd surrounding our vehicle, fascinated with us. Every one of these encounters was incredibly special – life changing in some ways, and a privilege to experience. Our ranger, Rowan, was professional and exceptionally knowledgeable, which made every one of our drives unique.

Rowan made certain he looked after us during each of our game drives, not only from a game viewing perspective but also when it came to drinks and snacks. The morning drives were interluded by a fantastic coffee-stop in a scenic part of the reserve, while evening drives saw us take in the African sunsets, with a beverage in hand …

We spent our afternoons at the pool, or back at the chalet, soaking in the sheer tranquillity of mother nature. All this makes Amakhosi Safari Lodge a real hidden gem in Kwazulu Natal, one very definitely worth a visit, and the lodge receives a well-deserved 4.5/5 rating from us. Thank you, Sonja and team, for a highly memorable three-day stay!

Destination: Amakhosi Safari Lodge Farm Vergelegen, R69, Magudu, 3160

Telephone: +27 034 414 1157

Cell: 073 375 9743

Email: info@amakhosi.com www.amakhosi.com