HillsNek Safaris is an intimate family run, luxury tented camp positioned on the banks of the Bushmans River. Situated in a tucked away corner of the Amakhala Big 5 Game Reserve, the reserve is just 70 km from Port Elizabeth in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.
The Amakhala Game Reserve is renowned for its truly spectacular topography. It is a particularly diverse and picturesque reserve, and also boasts an abundant variety of wildlife including the Big 5, and over 250 species of birdlife, thereby offering dynamic and abundant wildlife experiences on game drives, night drives, walking safaris and boat cruises.
HillsNek Safaris is perfect for guests wanting privacy and personalised attention. The ability to tailor-make each day as it suits guests, is what sets this lodge apart. With no set schedules or routine in place, guests get to enjoy their safari and admire the beauty of the African bush at their own pace.
The stone, canvas and thatch main lodge consists of an open plan lounge, bar with sitting area and dining-room with decks overlooking the surrounding vegetation. The entire canvas front of the lodge can be opened up to best enjoy the surrounding landscape. The solar heated stone swimming pool sits front and centre on the main deck allowing one to relax and enjoy the African sunshine and it's parading wildlife on the not to distant sprawling plains.
HillsNek Safaris consists of just 4 individual luxury canvas safari tents set on expansive wrap around wooden decks with panoramic views. The tents are discreetly positioned, ensuring maximum privacy and tranquility. All 4 tents are linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways. The tents are complete with an en-suite bathroom and romantic outside shower. With all the canvas windows rolled up one may appreciate the beauty of nature from the comfort of your bed or whilst soaking in a deep bubble bath.
One of the tents is a 2 bedroomed Family Tent - the main bedroom has a kingsize bed and the 2nd bedroom has a double fold-out bed.
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.
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Rates Include
All meals; all local beverages (excluding premium drinks); the Amakhala Conservation/Community Levy; guided nature walk (on request and subject to the availability of a guide); and 2 shared game drives per day.
Children Policy
Children aged 6 years and older are welcome in the High and Peak Season. Children aged 3 years and older are welcome in the Low Season. Rates available on request.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on Big 5 Walking Safaris. The final decision on whether a guest can join a Big 5 Walking Safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.
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HillsNek Safaris Location.
Directions For Drivers
Note that Port Elizabeth has been renamed Gqeberha, and Grahamstown has been renamed Makhanda - both names for each place can appear on roadsigns and maps and can be used interchangeably.
From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)/Knysna: About 75 km from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) on the N2 to Grahamstown you will cross the Bushman’s River. Just after the bridge you will see a big sign for 'Woodbury Lodge'. Take the right exit here under a thatched roof to Woodbury Gate. You will approach a large gate - press the white button to enter.
Continue on an unpaved road until you come to a split - continue right, following the signage for HillsNek and Conservation Centre. As you approach the Conservation Centre you will see a sign that reads 'HillsNek Parking'. Here you will be met by a ranger from HillsNek and transferred to the lodge. Vehicles will remain at the Conservation Centre.
Should you have any problems en-route please do not hesitate to contact Chantelle on +27 (0) 82 324 3484 or Brent on +27 (0) 82 779 9575.
**Please note there are NO signs on the N2 for HillsNek Safaris - follow Woodbury signage**
General Information For Guests
Each tented chalet has a private deck, a fan, en-suite bathroom with free-standing bath and outdoor shower, a complimentary mini bar fridge, a hair dryer, Wi-Fi, fan, safe, mosquito nets, and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Family Tent has a main bedroom with a kingsize bed and a smaller 2nd bedroom with a double fold-out bed. There is an interleading door and a shared bathroom.
All rooms are non-smoking.
All chalets are joined by wooden decks.
The lodge has a main swimming pool.
Activities available include early morning/afternoon game drives, and river cruises on Bushmans River (subject to river levels).
A laundry service and babysitting services are available (additional cost).
There is secure parking.
Your rate includes a Conservation/Community Levy which will primarily fund the anti-poaching units and a dedicated rhino monitoring programme to preserve and protect the rhinos of Amakhala Game Reserve. In addition, a percentage of the Levy will also go to support their award-winning Conservation Education Programme, which enables local children to visit the Amakhala Conservation Centre to learn about wildlife conservation.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on Big 5 Walking Safaris. The final decision on whether a guest can join a Big 5 Walking Safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.
Popular Alternatives to HillsNek Safaris
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at HillsNek Safaris, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that HillsNek Safaris was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
