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 freshly baked muffins in the main lodge half an hour before a game drive commences. The duration of a game drive is usually 3-4 hours long 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, yoghurt or cereal as well as sweet pastries, toast and jams. Bukela’s talented chef will cook eggs to preference which are served with bacon or sausage from the buffet.

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 look forward to accommodating 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 Drives
Summer/Spring Months (October - March)
Afternoon Game Drives commence at 4:30pm

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 an informal bush braai/barbeque in the “boma” consisting of a selection of salads and/or hot vegetables, barbequed meat (chicken, beef, ostrich, venison ,or even fish) or a selection of dishes may be offered to suit your palette. Bush breakfasts, picnics or dinners are enjoyed to the sound of rhythmic African drums or guests may prefer the tranquility of an enjoying an excellent meal under the stars in the “boma” or “lapa”. 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!

• Dunefields Experience

Church service - We can advise times and locations of religious services in the area. A small chapel is available in the Amakhala Reserve for weddings and other religious ceremonies. This should be booked in advance.

Computer/Email - A computer can be made available for guest use should you require it.

Conference facilities are available in the Amakhala Reserve. Please contact us for more information.

Clothing - Dress code and clothing is informal. 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. Neutral colored garments are advisable in the bush. Sun hats, sunglasses and swimming costume are required in summer.

Fleeced sweatshirts, golf shirts, robes and caps are available for purchase from the lodge should guests require any of these items.

Equipment - A good pair of binoculars is a recommendation especially for bird watching. Good photographs can be taken on game drives when the vehicle is stationary, but rarely when in transit as terrain is rough. Guests should bear this in mind when purchasing suitable camera equipment. The recommended film is 100-200 A.S.A. and a zoom lens is not always a necessity but recommended.

Food - Please inform management at Bukela of any specific dietary preferences you may have before arrival.

Coffee, tea, fresh juice and pastries are served before each game drive in addition to any snacks provided on the drive itself. Beverages and snacks over and above that mentioned can be requested throughout a guests stay, accounts for which may be settled on departure.

Housekeeping - Suites are cleaned unobtrusively thrice daily while guests enjoy a game drive or meal. At no other time will guests be disturbed unless they request assistance. Our staff is always available to assist guests wherever necessary. Incoming calls may be received on the lodge cellular phone.

Information services - Guests will find directories of tourist information in each suite. Should guests require assistance with flights, transfers or accommodation reservations, or require that Bukela assist with reputable tour operators, please let us know.

Laundry - Guests personal items can be washed and ironed at a nominal fee. Laundry bags are provided in suite cupboards. Dry cleaning is unfortunately not offered.

First aid and Medical - A well stocked supply of over the counter medication is available to guests should they experience any physical discomfort during their stay at Bukela. Medical practitioners are also available 20 minutes drive away.

Telephone - There are telephones installed in each guest suite. Should guests require a cellphone, the lodge can make one available to them at standard cost. South African network providers MTN and Vodacom coverage is reasonable in most areas of the reserve.

Water -The water is derived from a borehole and not for human consumption. Complementary bottled water is provided.

Wines - Bukela Lodge offers a versatile and well appointed selection of South African and International wines, sparkling wines and French champagne to suit your palate.

Weather - The region is temperate with summer conditions (October – March) reaching temperatures of 36C. Winter (April-September) brings many sunny days but evenings can be chilly. Rain falls mainly in the summer months and umbrellas are available in the main lodge for your use when traversing to your suite in these conditions.

The African climate can change dramatically whatever the season. Rangers will check weather reports before embarking on a game drive, but guests should please ensure that they are suitably attired in “layered” clothing for hot or cold conditions.