Site logo
    • Destinations
      • South Africa >
        • Limpopo
        • Mpumalanga
        • KwaZulu-Natal
        • Western Cape
        • Eastern Cape
        • North West
        • Northern Cape
        • Gauteng
      • Botswana >
        • Okavango Delta
        • Chobe National Park
      • Victoria Falls
      • Mozambique
      • Namibia
      • Zambia
      • Zimbabwe >
        • Zambezi National Park
      • Rwanda
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
    • Game Lodges
      • – View All Lodges
      • – View All Reserves
      • Greater Kruger National Park
      • Sabi Sand Game Reserve
      • Madikwe Game Reserve
      • Pilanesberg National Park
      • Welgevonden Game Reserve
      • Phinda Game Reserve
      • Nambiti Game Reserve
      • Timbavati Nature Reserve
      • Kapama Game Reserve
      • Thornybush Game Reserve
      • Kruger National Park
    • Experiences
      • Packages
      • Close to Gauteng
      • Family Friendly Safaris
      • Romantic Bush Escapes
      • Luxury Tented Camps
      • Malaria-Free Safaris
      • Beach Holidays
      • Walking Safaris
      • Kosher Safaris
      • Golfing holidays
      • Luxury Rail Journeys
      • Giving Back
    • Private Villas
    • Hotels
    • About Us
      • Our Story
      • Meet the Team
      • Blog
      • Gift Vouchers
      • Our Responsibility
      • Competitions
    • Latest Specials
    • Last Minute Deals
    Enquire Now
    Sign in
    Enquire Now

    Amakhala HillsNek Safari Camp

    Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

    • From:
      R 4,171
    • Savings:
      Save 43%
    • Quick Enquiry
    • Overview
    • Additional Info
    • Rates
    • Location
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Enquire Online
    • prev
    • next
    • Specials
    • Bookmark
    • Share
    • Send an email
    • prev
    • next
    Overview

    Nestling on the banks of the Bushman’s River with breath-taking vistas of rolling plains of the Amakhala Reserve lies perhaps the most charming and stylish little lodge in the entire Eastern Cape – the 4 gorgeous tents that make up HillsNek Safari Camp! Located on the far eastern border of the Amakhala Game Reserve (conveniently located just 70 Km outside Port Elizabeth - bordering Shamwari Game Reserve and Addo), HillsNek Safari Camp is an intimate family-run lodge. As you can imagine, with just 4 rooms, this is a lodge where privacy, warm hospitality and personalized attention is the hallmark of every stay. As you can imagine, it’s ideal for a small group of family or friends and can be rented out on an exclusive-use basis on request.

    The main lodge and 4 luxury tented chalets (1 of which is a Family Tent) of HillsNek are elevated on expansive wooden decks that command panoramic views of the open plains below. This tented camp has undergone a recent and very sophisticated refurbishment, creating an inspiring and fresh new look – in fact, they have to rate as some of the nicest tented rooms of any lodge in South Africa! The redesign and redecoration of the lodge was handled by owners Brent and Chantelle Cook, and they have done a fantastic job! The safari tents have been completely reimagined whilst still retaining the essential integrity and special ambience of the camp. A fresher African safari feel has been introduced using a clever fusion of natural colours from tranquil off-whites through to dark chocolates, with contrasts of bright African shades such as lime and burnt orange – your jaw can’t help but drop when you walk into these tented suites!

    The tents are all very discreetly positioned to ensure privacy and tranquillity and are linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways. Inside they are spacious, well equipped and wonderfully airy, with large roll-up canvas blinds that succeed in opening up the tent to the stunning views of the surrounding bush which you can even enjoy from the comfort of your oversized king bed! Whilst the tents inevitably hark back to the nostalgia and romance of the safaris of yester year, they’re also bang-up to date feeling courtesy of stylish oversized black and white wildlife prints as well as use of colourful throws and cushions. A highlight for us has to be the en-suite bathroom complete with deep tub and romantic ‘wash in the wild' rustic outside shower - here you can soap up whilst simultaneously soaking up the uninterrupted sprawling vistas under the heat of the African sun. Whilst the warm water cascades down on you, sun birds’ flit about the surrounding foliage and lizards bask on the sunny deck!

    It is not just the tented rooms that impress though. The main lodge area has undergone the same stylish transformation whilst retaining the open design that engages the senses with its outside-in feel and gives the impression of a tangible connection to its spectacular surroundings. It’s all very natural and organic in feel, with stone, canvas and thatch utilised to make up the stylish open plan lounge, bar and dining-room with decks overlooking the surrounding vegetation. But what we perhaps love most is that the entire canvas front of the lodge can be opened up to best enjoy the surrounding landscape and to let the cool air flow in on those hot summer days!

    The solar heated stone swimming pool sits front and centre on the main deck offering you another place to relax and watch the wildlife casually traversing the nearby plains whilst taking refuge from the heat of the day! The lodge sets a spectacular stage for viewing unforgettable African sunsets followed by pleasant evenings sitting around a copper bowl fireplace under the stars with the Milky Way seemingly almost at your fingertips – not to mention the perfect setting to tuck into some delicious bush cuisine whilst chatting with fellow guests.

    But in some ways what excites us most is actually the prospect of just chilling at this characterful and charming little lodge – it really is the perfect place to simply let the bush work its special magic on you in a romantic, tranquil and soulful atmosphere. A perfect escape from the reality of modern life!

    About Amakhala Game Reserve

    The Amakhala Game Reserve is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so contributing to the conservation of our natural heritage. It is located about 50 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth and approximately 9-hours from Cape Town or 748km via the N2 (National Road).

    Amakhala Game Reserve is named after the Xhosa word meaning Aloes, the prolific indigenous plant found in the uniquely diverse Eastern Cape province. Steeped in history and beauty, this 7000- hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for an unforgettable safari and an intimate experience of the varied landscape, including breath-taking views of the Bushman's River.

    The Amakhala Game Reserve offers a range of morning and evening safaris and other activities to enable visitors to experience the fascinating flora, fauna and birdlife of the Eastern Cape. This is your opportunity to return to nature.

    Go on game drives in an open Land Rover in search of wildlife including lion, black and white rhino, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra, tortoise and over 16 antelope species, or take a night drive with cheese and wine sundowners before searching for the elusive nocturnal animals such as lynx, porcupine and spring hare.

    Relax on a slow river cruise down the Bushman’s River. The riverine bushveld offers excellent bird watching with a good chance of seeing the majestic African Fish Eagle and all three species of Kingfisher. Amongst the game drinking at the river’s edge, the rare Cape Clawless Otter might also be sighted.

    Surrounding attractions include the Shamwari Game Reserve (5 min), Addo Elephant Park (30 min), Grahamstown (40 min), the Sunshine Coast with its stunning beaches (45 min), and historical Settler villages such as Sidbury and Salem.

    Read More >>
    Reserve
    • Name
      Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
    • Size
      8,500 hectares
    Children

    9+ welcome

    Fast Facts
    • Child Friendly
    • Big 5
    • Malaria-free
    • Wi-Fi
    • Fans
    • Outside Shower
    • Pool
    • Cellphone Signal
    • No Off Road
    • Bush Walks
    • Childminders
    • Kiddies Activities
    • Camp Fenced
    View others in these regions
    • Eastern Cape
    Why We Love It
    • With just 4 rooms in total, this family owned, and managed lodge is the epitome of personal service, attention to detail and warm hospitality - larger lodges will always struggle to match this type of intimate experience
    • Gorgeous open lounge area and pool deck is a wonderful place to while away the hours with a good book whilst keeping an eye out for game wandering the plains below the lodge
    • We are not sure which aspect we like more about the stylish tents: the way that they are so open and airy courtesy of the roll-up blinds; or is it the romantic and rustic outdoor showers!
    • Amakhala is an easy one-hour (70 Km) drive from Port Elizabeth and its perfect for self-drive guests from the Eastern Cape or road transfers from the airport are available for up-country visitors
    Gallery
    prev
    next
    prev
    next
    Details
    • 3 Safari Tents

      1 Family Safari Tent

       

    • Setting: Overlooking a The Bushman’s River
    Activities
    • Personalized game drives in an open game-viewing vehicle
    • Birding
    • Stargazing
    • River Cruise by boat
    • Guided Bush Walks outside the Big 5 area
    • Optional visit to the Amakhala Art & Craft Centre
    • Optional visit to Shamwari’s Born Free Foundation
    • Pure uninterrupted relaxation in the privacy of the lodge
    Children

    9+ welcome

    Guests per Safari Vehicle

    8 Guests

    Gallery
    prev
    next
    prev
    next
    Rates
    • Per person per night sharing
    • From
      R 4,171
    • Normal selling rate
      R 7,300
    • Save up to
      Save 43%
    • Validity Date
      Valid from 23 May 2025 until 31 August 2025
    • Prices are indicative. Please contact us for a comprehensive quotation.
    Rates Include
    • Luxury accommodation in a Safari Tent
    • All meals
    • Two game drives per day
    Closest Airport

    Port Elizabeth International Airport

    Drive Time

    45 minutes from Port Elizabeth Airport

    40 minutes from Grahamstown

    2 hours from East London

    Reserve
    • Name
      Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
    • Size
      8,500 hectares
    Location
    • HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve, Buyskloof, South Africa

      Get Directions
    View others in these regions
    • Eastern Cape
    Terms and Conditions
    • All rates quoted are per person per night sharing, unless otherwise stated
    • Please chat to one of our Game Lodge experts for the single accommodation & child rates
    • Our 'From' rate reflected is only an indication of the property's pricing. Once we have your exact dates, we will send through a detailed quotation
    • A number of our rates quoted are based on specials for SADC Residents
    • All accommodation will be subject to availability
    • All rates quoted are based on a minimum stay of two nights
    • Any applicable Conservation Levies & Park Fees will be quoted as an additional amount
    • When we specify ‘Off Road’, this applies to Big 5 sightings only
    • Bush Walks will often need to be pre-booked
    • Childminding is generally at an additional cost
    • For our comprehensive T's & C's, please see the link in our main 'navigation bar'
    Children

    9+ welcome

    Important Notes
    • A Conservation Levy of R 210 per adult & R 105 per child (3 - 11 years) per night, is applicable to all reservations.
    • All fees quoted are subject to change & will either be pre-paid or settled directly to the Lodge on departure.

      Please complete this Form:

      * Fields marked with an asterisk are required


      Facebook-f


      Instagram


      Whatsapp

      You May Also Be Interested In

      prev
      next

      Kariega River Lodge

      Kariega Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
      From R 3,800
      Save 55%
      Specials
      • 10 Luxury Thatched Suites
      • Bookmark
      prev
      next

      Shamwari Bayethe Tented Lodge

      Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
      From R 6,800
      Save 55%
      Specials, Last Minute Deals
      • 12 Luxury Superior Tents
      • Bookmark
      prev
      next

      Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge

      Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
      From R 32,000
      Save 42%
      Specials, Last Minute Deals
      • 9 Luxury Suites
      • Bookmark

      Quick Enquiry


      Your Perfect Africa, a division of the Africa Tailormade Group, offers the best rates, long stay special offers, and last minute bush break deals for those looking to explore our beautiful Africa ❤  

      ✉︎ contactus@yourperfectafrica.com
      ✆ +2710 476 0330

      Read Our Client Reviews
      Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Whatsapp

      Subscribe

      Subscribe and be the first to receive our Latest Accommodation Specials Deals!

      loader

      Proud member of

      SATSA
      ATTA

      Accommodation

      • Game Lodges
      • Exclusive-Use Private Villas
      • Hotels - Best Available Rates

      Locations

      • Destinations
      • Game Reserves

      Specials

      • Last Minute Deals
      • Latest Specials
      • Safari Packages
      • Romantic Bush Escapes
      • Sabi Sands Specials Offers
      • Greater Kruger Lodge Specials
      • andBeyond Special Offers
      • MORE Special Offers
      • Natural Selection SADC Specials
      • Okavango Delta Travel Specials
      View All Last Minute Deals!
      lastminutelodgespecials.com

      Need some Help?

      • Contact Us
      • Booking Enquiries
      • Custom Packages
      • Gift Vouchers
      • Competitions

      Partner with Us

      • Get Listed
      • Contact Us

      General

      • Home
      • About Us
      • Our Responsibility
      • Our Blog
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms and Conditions

      Your Perfect Africa © 2025 All rights reserved​

      Designed and Maintained by JHNet

      Basket

        • Facebook
        • X
        • WhatsApp
        • Telegram
        • LinkedIn
        • Tumblr
        • Reddit
        • VKontakte
        • Mail
        • Copy link
        • Share via...