Amakhala Game Reserve
Carnarvon Dale is an 1857 family farm on the banks of the Bushmans River. This historic Settler farmhouse once provided lodgings for travellers, whose journeys had been halted by the flooded river, until it was safe for them to cross.
It is part of the the 8,500 hectare malaria-free Big 5 Amakhala Game Reserve, just 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. Guests can go on morning and evening game drives in an open Land Rover in search of wildlife including lion, rhino, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra, and over 16 antelope species.
For a change of pace guests can also enjoy a spot of bird watching and game spotting walks along the lazy Bushmans River.
Carnarvon Dale consists of the 1820 Settler farmhouse, the Bottom House, where breakfasts and dinners are served. There are 2 comfortable en-suite bedrooms in the 1907 Edwardian cottage, the Top House. Lunches are served here for your convenience. The private lounge leads on to a cool, covered verandah overlooking the swimming pool.
In the evenings there are new friends to be made over cool sundowners and stories of bygone days to entertain you around a 'braaivleis' fire under South African stars.
Gallery
Guest Rating: 4.6 / 5.0 based on 7 ratings
From the moment we arrived at Carnarvon Dale we were very well looked after, our hosts Roger and Mariann made us feel almost like VIPs. The accomodation was homely and comfortable, exactly what we wanted, and we very much appreciated the informality and friendliness and good company of our hosts especially at mealtimes when we were all together and enjoying the lovely home cooking. Roger and the game reserve rangers were very knowledgable and experienced and it was very interesting listening to them and their stories.
We all got on very well together and we greatly appreciated all of the knowledge and advice which they shared with us. And the game drives into the game reserves were wonderful, our rangers ensuring that we had ample opportunities to observe and photograph the animals. All in all a truly wonderful and memorable experience that was the highlight of our visit to South Africa.
A NICHOLSON
Carnarvon Dale was great and no complaints there.
V BRADLEY
Carnarvon Dale - a lovely homely set-up; living with the hosts rather than a hotel concept.
Marvellous game drives in a very well stocked reserve. Guide (Mirko) was excellent and managed to find 4 out of 5 big five!! Just need to come back for another trip to see leopard.
R MILLER
Carnarvon Dale - wonderful hosts, extremely knowledgable ranger, great food, beautiful lodge, a fantastic safari- could not have been better!!
C YATES
Our visit to Carnarvon Dale and Amakhala was first class. Apart from some unseasonably cold weather this part of our overall holiday was definitely the highlight. We saw all the game that we could expect and more. I would recommend it to anyone.
R NEWMAN