If variety is the spice of life, as they say, then when it comes to offering different kinds of places to stay, Amakhala has to be one of the hottest locations in South Africa.

Here you can take your pick from a country house, tented camps or safari lodges, all located in the same 9,000 hectare game reserve in the north of the Garden Route near Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape.

Hospitality is provided by descendants of the original settlers in the area, which is a part of the world where the Big 5 roam free and are regularly spotted. Speaking of spotted, cheetah and giraffe are also known to frequent the area, so too those stripey zebras. You’re also likely to see wildebeest and different antelope species, so it’s fair to say that the wildlife is as varied as the accommodation.

The Country House

Leeuwenbosch Country House

Feel history in every room of this colonial manor house with swimming pool that’s ideal for a large family or group of friends. Each of the 4 ensuite bedrooms is not only a beautifully relaxing place to rest and refresh. They are also a treasure trove of antiques and artwork that strengthen the area’s links with the past while providing contemporary comforts such as Wi-Fi, a TV and tea and coffee making facilities.

The Safari Lodges

Bukela Lodge

Situated at the peak of a valley, this lodge has 4 suites connected by a walkway. Expect your views of the wildlife to be pretty spectacular and know that the lodge accepts exclusive bookings for company events, conferences and weddings (one of the suites is a honeymoon suite).

Bush Lodge

Each of the tented and thatched suites has a private viewing deck that overlooks a waterhole – which is always popular with wildlife. You’re assured of cosy times thanks to your fireplace and air conditioning, and keeping clean, fresh and relaxed isn’t as problem as there’s a plunge pool, large oval-shaped bath and a double outdoor shower. And it’s all a short walk from the main lodge with its shared lounge, dining area, pub, and deck.

The Hlosi Game Lodge

Six luxury suites await in this fenced-in, family friendly game lodge. Each suite affords you views of the river plain and gives you access to a main lodge with a lounge, bar, dining area and swimming pool. The team will keep any younger guests you’re bringing entertained with a range of activities that are part of an organised children’s programme. And grown-ups are sure to appreciate the child-minding and babysitting services.

The Safari Lodge

11 more high quality lodges overlooking the watering hole to choose from here, each with a plunge pool, separate lounge area, and mini bar.

Shearer’s Lodge

This is part of the country house and features a honeymoon suite plus 3 ensuite rooms.

The Woodbury Lodge

A super seven air conditioned lodges crafted from stone and thatch are to be found here, 2 of which are family size, with space to sleep 4 guests. The lodge is located on a cliffside in the Bushman’s River Valley, a place that a herd of elephants regularly passes through, a truly amazing sight you can enjoy from your private viewing deck. The shared main lodge is the place to go if you need Wi-Fi, want to watch TV or take a dip in the swimming pool.

Tented Camps

Bukela

10 luxury safari tents, each with an ensuite bathroom, viewing deck, and air conditioning are available here. All have access to shared dining facilities, including a boma.

Hillsnek

On the banks of the Bushmans River is where you’ll find this family-run camp featuring a quartet of raised tents with ensuite bathrooms. It’s just a short walk to the main lodge for splashing times in the swimming pool, quality time together in the family room and delicious meals in dining areas both indoors and outside.

Hlosi

There are 8 luxury family safari tents here, half of which are ideal for families.

Quatermains 1920s Safari Camp

Step back in time to experience how people went on safari a century ago in a traditional camp that’s inspired by the adventurers of old. There are 3 tents, each with an ensuite bathroom, private deck and relaxing hot tub. You can dine and relax with other guests in the thatched lapa, with the option to enjoy romantic lantern-lit meals cooked over the camp fire.

Woodbury

You’ll soon see why they chose to build this camp on a secluded hillside overlooking the Bushman’s River floodplain. It’s a beautiful location in which the accommodation comes in the form of 10 ensuite tents each on a raised platform, and each boasting a private deck that gives you a great chance to get up close with the nature all around you.

All tents are connected to hot running water supplies, while two of the tents are designated family tents and connected via a balcony. Wherever you stay, there’s flexibility in the sleeping arrangements as you can choose for your bed to be a kingside or twins. Shared camp facilities include a swimming pool, family room and wi-fi.