Bukela Game Lodge

Jon Lindsay

We had an amazing 2 nights here back in January. Food and service are fantastic, youre in nature but real luxury feel, and get properly looked after. Game drives were also fab - our driver was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It isnt a huge reserve with only 3 lions so if youre a real nature lover then may prefer a true national park but its really well run and you get the impression its highly ehtical with an anti poaching program and the rangers look out for the animals. For a 2 or 3 night trip, id highly highly recommend.

Janina Caron

This is a wonderful place for a safari. The people are nice, the service is great, the food is good and the location is so much better than other similar areas. With tons of land to explore, but close enough to see every animal you dream of up close and personal without the huge crowds! Only a certain number of vehicles from the lodges are allowed, so it keeps the numbers down. The canvas rooms leave a bit to be desired, being very hard to get the temperature to stay consistent and with the hot water needing to be fixed often, but they are quick to fix it. The non-canvas rooms are better. Abi, the safari guide can not be beat! She is knowledgeable, friendly, and truly loves what she does! She made our trip a wonderful experience! Welcome drinks and introduction to the lodges, rooms, amenities, etc. Pre-drive snacks (coffee, breads, and yogurt), breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. Fleece lined ponchos provided for warmth on the drives. Warm drinks on arrival back at the lodge after drives. Snacks and drinks on the safari drives. Heat blankets on the beds. Horseback riding, archery, special drives and walks, etc, are available for a fee. They handled my husband's gluten-free needs wonderfully, and we're very careful with it every meal! He never got sick once! I would highly recommend Bukela to anyone not expecting perfection and who wants to see the animals up close. My suggested amount of time there is 5-8 days to be able to see the animals and enjoy the amenities.

Jessica Smith

I could not rate Bukela higher- if you are debating staying at this lodge- do! Four of us booked two luxury tents, and we found the food delicious with great variety, the staff was incredibly accommodating, kind, welcoming, and quite fun! We had a braai during our stay which was a special surprise, and our downtime between meals and game drives was relaxing. Elephants visited the watering hole (and wandered up near the tents!) multiple times throughout our stay as well as other animals, and rangers always walked us to our tents when the sun was down. I had a very relaxing massage, and we opted to try out archery which was a lot of fun. Now - the game drives! Our ranger Wonga was the absolute best. These drives are 2x a day, for 3 hours each so they really are make or break for your overall experience. Wonga delivered over and over again! His instincts are astounding and he is immensely knowledgeable. He was also very funny and personable throughout our 8 drives with him! This was such a memorable trip- I hope to visit Bukela again one day.

Shubhom Bhattacharya

Just got back from a beautiful stay at Bukhela! Shoutout to Lucky our incredible safari ranger and Vij, Jeanne, Blessing, and many others who were incredibly hospitable and accommodating during our visit. Also, the food rocks by the way.

Zane R

We left a piece of our hearts at Bukela Game Lodge! Where do I begin to describe this once in a lifetime experience. Our "luxury" tents lived up to the hype. The interior was spacious, beautifully decorated, and met all our needs. The food was in abundance and exceeded our expectations. Our palette was well satiated and we were pleasantly surprised at the variety offered at each meal. But what amazed us was the level of service provided by the staff. I hope my attempt to name everyone is not lost by management. It starts at the top: Jeanie - lodge manager Olwethu - assistant manager Vuyani, Zusiphe, and Sihle - guest relations Luvuyo, Onwabe, Uzile - bar men Yolanda, Geshia, Buyie, Lorna - waitresses Vuvu - our beloved housekeeper Emile, Anna, Mihle, Louis, Lindo - chefs Aya, Nomonde - spa Sandy - reception Hats off to each and everyone of you for making us feel like royalty. And last but not least, Wonga, the most amazing ranger. Request him!! And our other ranger Corelia, you were so welcoming and knowledgeable. Thank you to all!! 🩷 - Pia and Zane