Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve is a privately owned game reserve located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Established in 2011, for the purpose of re-introducing animals to the area where they once roamed freely and contributing to the conservation of South African heritage.^[1] The land mass is approximately 7,500 ha,^[1] and consists of eleven individual lodges.

History

In 1999, the reserve began as a joint conservation venture between the owners of six lodges who were direct descendants of the original Frontier settlers about five generations ago.^[1] They arrived in South Africa with the British settlers of 1820.^[1] The families originally settled to farm sheep and cattle.^[1] Due to unfavourable conditions, the use of the land for agricultural purposes was reconsidered. In 2011, the original members of the Amakhala and Lion Roars Group decided to convert their land into a game reserve.^[1] The members created a joint marketing agreement and brand rejuvenation for the Amakhala Game Reserve.^[1] The joint marketing agreement now, consists of eleven properties within the reserve that all fall under a unified marketing umbrella and brand of ‘Amakhala Game Reserve’.^[1]

Location

The reserve is situated in the Greater Addo and Frontier Country area of the Eastern Cape Province. About 90 km north east of the city Port Elizabeth.^[2]

Environment

Area is semi-arid, with an annual rainfall range of 380-570mm.^[2]

The mean summer minimum and maximum temperatures range from 16-30 °C respectively.^[2]

The mean winter minimum and maximum temperatures range from 5-22 °C respectively.^[2]

Amakhala's previous history of goat farming on degraded land, has transformed the area to open grasslands with patches of thicket and Pteronia incana invasion. This, coupled with the destructive feeding habits of game animals, such as elephants and rhinoceros, has significantly reduced thicket biomass and C reserves, possibly leading to a reduced soil respiration potential.^[2]

Flora and Fauna

Inhabited by lion, elephant, white rhinoceros, cape buffalo, giraffe, burchell zebra, wildebeest and antelope species.^[2] As well as, cheetah, buffalo, rhinoceros, and over 16 species of antelope.^[3]

It is composed of savanna, Albany thicket, grassland and karoo vegetation.^[2]

The long history of livestock farming has transformed the area to open grasslands, with patches of ticket and blue bush (Pteronia incana) invasion on most of its degraded land.^[2]

Intact thickets consist of woody trees Euclea undulata and Schotia afra, multi-stemmed woody shrubs Rhus longispina, Sideroxylon inerme, Gymnosporia species, Carissa haematocarpa, Azima tetracantha and the succulent shrub Portulacaria afra.^[2]

Understory contained various succulent herbs and forbs.^[2]

The degraded thicket had no Portulacaria afra remaining, but had been invaded by alien species Pteronia incana, the grasses Themeda triandra and Pancium maximum, and the herbs Chrysocoma ciliate, Crassula mesembryanthoides, Senecio linifolius and Cyphia sylvatica.^[2]

Grasslands had a predominance of Cynodon dactylon grasses, some Pancium maximum and most of the herbs found in the degraded thicket.^[2]

The reserve is renowned for its truly spectacular topography and boasts five of South Africa's seven biomes.^[4] It is particularly diverse and picturesque reserve and has the Bushman's river running throughout it.^[4] The reserve has an abundant variety of wildlife including the big 5 (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard and the rhinoceros) and over 250 species of birdlife, thereby offering dynamic and abundant wildlife experiences on game drives, night drives, walking safari's and boat cruises.^[4]

The Amakhala Conservation Centre

Largely funded through bed levies from the commercial lodges and donations.^[5] The centre is driven on three main objectives: the first being the promotion of environmental awareness and imparting knowledge of the environment, economic and cultural importance of wildlife, wild areas and the functioning of natural ecosystems.^[5] The second objective is aiming to identify and support research projects that provide ecological and social information relevant to the management of the reserve and to wildlife conservation in general.^[5] Lastly, to encourage and advise on various conservation projects which will ensure the conservation of biodiversity and functioning of ecological systems.^[5]

Following the successful re-introduction of different species onto the game reserve, the conservation centre continues to investigate the reintroduction of other species such as the cape vulture.^[5] One of the reserves largest challenges in re-introducing the original flora and fauna species to the area.^[5]

The Amakhala Conservation Centre offers vocational training to improve wildlife management and tourism skills.^[6] Since August 2003 students from local schools have been able to discover the wonders of nature on day outings. The centre also offers international students with the opportunity to assist with the development of the centre and to participate in its various projects.^[6]

The centre is currently directed by Dr. Jennifer Gush (resident zoologist) who oversees conservation centre activities^[6].

Example of current projects include: elephant impact studies, grass management, elephant and hyena monitoring, and a base-line study of the Bushman's river.^[6]

The centre also offers a programme suitable for persons of all ages, looking for something different as part of a gap year or following a life change. This opportunity allows people to contribute to the conservation, make a difference, and to return to nature^[6].

Amakhala Game Reserve is specifically involved in rhinoceros and cheetah conservation, the provision of a safe environment for all animals whether endangered or not, and their ability to live and breed.^[7] This is how they shape their contribution to wildlife contribution.^[7]

Sustainable Tourism

Amakhala Game reserve creates a sustainable tourism environment. They focus on providing the general public with a lifetime experience, while at the same time attempting to make as low an impact on the environment and local culture as possible.^[1] The aim of this is to provide a positive experience for local people, tourism companies and tourists themselves, and to educate the young about conservation.^[1] Sustainable tourism is an adopted practice in successful ecotourism.^[1]

Ecotourism

Ecotourism, as defined by the World Conservation Union is "Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (an accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples".^[8] This is something Amakhala Game Reserve believes in, and works hard to maintain.

The Amakhala Foundation

The Amakhala Foundation was launched in 2009.^[9] The foundation is committed to the building of strong communities, families and individuals within the rural and conservation context where Amakhala Game Reserve is located.^[9]

The focus is education and training, HIV/Aids awareness and support, Amakhala craft centre and income generation, and Amakhala conservation centre.^[9]

A few of their initiatives include, a preschool that was established as one of Amakhala's successful properties.^[9] HIV/Aids awareness days regularly held on the reserve. A beaded bracelet bursary program where young women get together weekly and hold a craft workshop to make beaded bracelets. The workshop's generated income helps to alleviate the poverty in their lives.^[9]

Lodges, Camps and Tented Camps

Amakhala Game Reserve is composed of 11 individually run lodges/camps that all work together under the same umbrella known as "Amakhala Game Reserve".^[1]

Bukela Game Lodge

"Romantic and secluded in a hidden valley".^[1]

This lodge was one of the first introduced lodges to Amakhala Game Reserve.^[10] The owners love for wildlife and desire to undo some of the damage from man's heavy handed influence on the natural South African surroundings, led to the acquisition of a large portion of the Amakhala Game Reserve.^[10]

The intimate four-suite and two-tent lodge offers an exclusive game viewing experience, which combined with luxurious and secluded accommodation, creates a remarkable, private retreat in which to regenerate mind and body.^[11]

Facilities include: airport shuttle, laundry, indoor fireplace, satellite TV, braii/barbecue area and swimming pool.^[11]

It is rated five stars, by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[12]

Leeuwenbosch Country House

"Where wildlife and history mingle".^[1]

Leeuwenbosch enables the restoration of South African pride, and assists all members of the community to realize their potential by opening more doors of opportunity.^[13]

Gracious, colonial country house set amidst beautiful indigenous gardens, offering a family safari experience steeped in settler history.^[13]

The country house was built in 1908 and offers five spacious en-suite bedrooms, which are layered with a collection of historical images, documents, and furniture dating back to the 1800s^[14]

Facilities include: laundry, swimming pool and credit card facilities.^[15]

Carnarvon Dale Lodge

"Settler hospitality perfect for quiet relaxation and super game viewing".^[1]

Situated in the Frontier country, Carnarvon Dale is an 1857 family farm on the banks of the Bushman's River.^[16] The lodge was once a historic settler farmhouse that provided lodging for travelers, whose journeys were halted by the flooded river, until it was safe again for them to cross.^[16] Now-a-days, the lodge consists of the settler farmhouse (bottom house), and an elegantly restored early Edwardian cottage (top house) with en-suite serviced bedrooms and private lounge meeting areas. Family suites are available upon request.^[17]

Facilities include: airport shuttle, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, credit card facilities and parking on premises.^[17]

Rated 3 stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[18]

Bush Lodge

"Rustic luxury tented bush camp".^[1]

Positioned at the top end of an open valley at the Amakhala Game Reserve.^[4] Offers en-suite, tented and thatched suited overlooking a wildlife watering point with big sky views.^[4] Each suite is equipped with private viewing decks and intimate plunge pools.^[4]

The main lodge provides splendid lounge areas, and an expansive viewing deck with magnificent views of game-filled plains.^[4]

The lodge offers twice-daily game viewing trips by open 4X4 safari vehicles, from professionally trained guides.^[4]

Facilities include: laundry, indoor fireplace, braii/barbecue area, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, credit card facilities and parking on premises.^[19]

Rated 5 stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[18]

Reed Valley Inn

"Steeped in history".^[1]

This is a member of the heritage collection of Amakhala Game Reserve.^[5] The building is said to have been built in 1806.^[20] Throughout time, many farming enterprises such as cattle, sheep, ostriches, crocodiles, pineapples and dairy have had success and failure in this area.^[20] It is situated in the farmyard and consists of historic en-suite country rooms, each with separate entrances onto private patios^[1]_. These rooms once provided rest and safe haven for the ‘mail wagon travellers’.^[1]

Facilities include: indoor fireplace and a swimming pool^[20].

It is rated four stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[20]

Safari Lodge

"With signature stone-capped roof tops".^[1]

Intimate, thatched lodge with unique, air conditioned safari huts and signature stone capped roof tops.^[6] The lodge offers all the comforts of a luxury safari lodge and is an undisturbed retreat where one can regenerate their soul and tune into the sounds of nature.^[6] Safari huts and lounge areas open up to views of the waterhole where monkeys come to play and antelope and zebra to quench their thirst^[6].

Facilities include a swimming pool.^[21]

It is ranked five stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[21]

HillsNek Safari Camp

Situated on the banks of the Bushman's river and boasts breathtaking views of the African plains and beautiful natural surroundings.^[22] The camp consists of a main lodge and four tens; the tents are elevated and are linked to the lodge by wooden walkways.^[22] They include en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers.^[22] The camp offers morning game drives which stretch over 18,000 acres of biomes.^[22]

Facilities include: swimming pool, restaurant and parking on premises.^[22]

It is ranked five stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[22]

Woodbury Lodge

"Set above the Bushman's River valley".^[1]

Spectacularly set against a cliff above the Bushman's river valley.^[23] It offers an intimate and tranquil experience of the Eastern Cape riverine bushveld at its best. All rooms have private decks with a view over the plains.^[23] A range of game viewing and other activities such as the river cruise and bush walks are on offer, or one can just recline around the communal swimming pool and enjoy the sun while the birds keep them company.^[23]

Facilities include: airport shuffle, laundry, indoor fireplace, a swimming pool and credit card facilities.^[23]

It is rated four stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[23]

Woodbury Tented Camp

"Hear the bush breathe".^[1]

The camp first began in 2002 as a small, rather unusual lodge concept using 19th century covered wagons as bedrooms.^[24] But by 2004 the camp had been revamped and reborn. The original six tents had grown to ten tents and a pool was added for a more luxurious experience.^[24] Ten, large, comfortable en-suite tents on raised bases with private patios provide the seclusion, tranquility and intimacy with the bush that you would expect on a visit to Amakhala Game Reserve.^[25]

Facilities include: laundry, gift shop, and a swimming pool.^[25]

It is rated three stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[25]

Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp

Modelled on the heyday of exploration, that golden era when adventure lay around every corner.^[26] The intimate six bed tented camp offers the opportunity to experience Africa under the canvas, with three 1900's style tents fitted out with military campaign style furnishings.^[26] "At Quatermains Camp we will do our very best to make sure that you are enveloped by the natural world and that you will return home refreshed and with a new sense of wonder and understanding of the wildlife around us".^[26]

Facilities include: airport shuttle, indoor fireplace, braii/barbeque area, and credit card facilities.^[27]

Hlosi Game Lodge

"Family friendly Safari in Eastern Cape Game Reserve".^[1]

One of the first lodges to join the Amakhala portfolio.^[3] Offering warm hospitality, luxurious accommodations and a Big 5 game experience.^[3] The lodge is set in a wide grassland valley, with expansive views and great game viewing opportunities form the comfort of one's own sweet.^[9] The lodge consists of four luxury double suites, two superbly finished family suites, four luxury safari tents as well as four luxury family safari tents.^[3] Each suite features a sitting area, and private veranda.^[3]

Facilities include: airport shuffle, laundry, indoor fireplace, braii/barbecue area, and a swimming pool.^[3]

It is ranked four stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.^[3]

Volunteering

Programs provided for individuals who are looking for something different as part of their gap year, or are looking for something new. Volunteers help contribute to Amakhala's conservation initiative, and experience once-in-a-lifetime experiences.^[1]

Programs can include: game captures, counts and monitoring, animal tracking using telemetry, wildlife identification, territorial ranges and feeding ranges, lion health and breeding monitoring, erosion control/road maintenance, wetland rehabilitation, fence patrol and maintenance, and lots more.^[28]

References