For anyone thinking of finalising their safari plans this weekend, why not consider a 3 nights stay at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge - because if you book before the 15th August for a safari here between now and the end of September, the 3rd night will be completely free !

Boasting 12,000 hectares, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem. This diversity includes savanna, mountains and wetlands which makes it the ideal home to the Big 5 as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also no less than 400 bird species.

Early morning and late afternoon guided walks and game drives lead you into the African bush to observe the animals and their fascinating behaviour. Qualified game rangers introduce the unique role each animal plays on the massive stage within the African Kingdom.

For those who prefer to relax at camp, there is a library, swimming pool, game viewing deck and an outdoor lounge overlooking the flowing Mkuze River. Each suite boasts a separate air-conditioned bedroom and lounge with fully stocked mini bar and tea / coffee making facilities.

Contact us now to check availability and book this wonderful safari !

For anyone considering a family holiday AFTER the World Cup this summer, we have some great news for you.

AmaKhosi Lodge not only welcomes children of any age, BUT from the 14th July 2010 until the end of August, children STAY FOR FREE !

The lodge has 2 family suites, which both have a separate lounge area with fold out beds for the children. They are also introducing a Childrens Programme, starting 1st April 2010, which will include activities such as fabric painting, movie watching (with popcorn!), and an exciting Goody Bag.

The 12,000 hectare reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also no less than 400 bird species.

Guests at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge, about 3 hours from Durban, are used to their rangers taking them off road during exciting game drives in search of Africa’s Big 5 … but recently some guests got a slightly closer encounter than maybe they had bargained for !

An everso slightly curious elephant decided to investigate the Land Rover that the guests were sitting in. He came so close, it would have been possible to actually reach out and touch this gentle giant of the bush.

Ranger Philip Khumalo, however, showed why it is important for all rangers to be fully qualified and comfortable in their surroundings. He instructed his tracker to get into the vehicle, and then told all guests to remain extremely quiet and very still, and eventually the elephant, having satisfied his curiousity about this ‘strange metal thing’, wandered away.

Generally, when out on game drives, although the rangers will approach wildlife so that guests can enjoy an unbelievably close encounter, they do like to keep a respectful distance from the animals, in order not to spook or scare them – but if these animals decide to come closer on their own accord, then the ranger has to be prepared for all eventualities. A good and experienced ranger will always ensure that he has parked his vehicle at a sighting with an ‘easy exit route’ – so that he can move away if he feels that it is safe to do so without scaring or frightening the animal greatly. Guests safety always comes first.

I think it is fair to say that these guests probably didn’t need the zoom feature on their camera in this sighting !!

Spring has begun early at AmaKhosi, and temperatures are climbing each day, leaving behind the chilly days of Winter.

The bush is waking up again, with Red Ivory trees now sprouting new shoots with bright green leaves, following on the early rains that the reserve was grateful to see !

The migrant birds are now beginning to return, including yellow billed kites and Walhberg’s eagles, and it is hoped that soon the brightly coloured European Rollers will soon reappear.

One of the pride of lions on the reserve had 4 cubs last year, and all 4 have now grown to be young and healthy ‘teenagers’ – still playful and mischevious, but now learning how to hunt by copying mum’s every move. And because they were born on the reserve, they are not afraid of the Land Rovers, so the rangers can get very close to the pride for some unbelievable wildlife photography opportunities for the lucky guests !

Also, one of the breeding herds of elephants has a new member, always being protected by mum, aunts and cousins ! Elephant herds are renowned for being overly protective of their young until these ‘little’ bundles (well, small compared to mum anyway) are able to fend for themselves.

AmaKhosi is looking forward to welcoming guests so that they too can enjoy the beauty of the African bush !

You can book a safari here through Travel Butlers – until the end of September 2009, our rates start from R2,135 per person per night, including brunch, high tea (late lunch), dinner, all local beverages and 2 game activities per day with qualified guides are included, as well as bush walks.

From the 1st October, which is the start of the safari High Season, rates go up to R3,200 per person.

We were excited to hear about 4 new lion cubs near the Amakhosi and Mkuze Falls Lodges, alothough unfortunately we did not see them ourselves during our recent visit as mum was still hiding them.  

They have come out of hiding now, and as you can see they are undeniably adorable!

These cubs can be seen on game drives from Amakhosi Safari Lodge, Mkuze Falls Tented Lodge, and Mkuze Falls Game Lodge, and with the Rand currently close to 10 year lows rates have never been more affordable for visitors from the UK, US, and Europe.

We have just been passed details of a very good deal at Amakhosi Safari Lodge which runs to the end of August.

Guests booking now to stay between now and the end of next month will get to enjoy this lovely reserve for three nights for the price of two. All game drives, bush walks, meals and local beverages are included, and you can read more about this offer here.