Woodbury Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve

Staff and guides were all excellent and thoroughly enjoyed the drives. Lodge and food also excellent and we met some fantastic people, however we very very disappointed with our accommodation. We had expected an individual lodge in a private and peaceful setting however we were situated in a lodge attached to another lodge just above the main lodge and kitchen block. So we could constantly hear noise of the kitchen preparations,plates and bins being emptied and staff singing and talking rather than the serenity I had expected from the safari experience. We discovered ours was the only lodge that was not individual and the others seems to have much more secluded private settings.

The highlight of our holiday to South Africa! A beautiful lodge with comfortable air con and tranquility (and yes a few necessary spiders) but providing the most incredible authentic experience of the wildlife, animals, birds, flora and fauna of this game reserve. Food and wine were excellent and plentiful, the service was superb, including gin and tonics during our afternoon game drive! We had an excellent guide, Greg, with such a knowledge and passion for his work as a guide, and he led us to observe over 60 species over the course of 2 days and 4 game drives, starting with a wake up call at 5.30am for the pre-dawn game drive til 9.30am, then a second at 4pm lasting til nearly 8pm. He drove us through a fantastic storm, thunder and lightning and an impressive downpour which had us soaked but we saw so much! Listening to him explaining the habits of turtles, giraffes, buffalo and rhinos was an education, and will stay with us for life.The memories of elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, ostriches fighting a jackal, a spotted eagle owl capturing a frog at night, secretary birds stalking their prey, a brown hyena and a family of bat-eared foxes… and the white rhinos and hippo, it was all simply wonderful! Many many thanks for the best experience ever. We hope very much to return one day.

The Woodberry was in a tranquil location in the reservation. The safari drives were good with knowledgeable trackers and the apres safari drinks around the fire was a nice touch. The lodges were spacious and comfortable and the staff were friendly. It's a shame wifi is not available in the lodges. The only disappointment for us was the food. Breakfast was fine though you need to order it the night before. Lunch was a buffet and dinner needed to be ordered too but with a very limited choice and no choice of starter, it was just put in front of you and my wife hates asparagus. The dining area was one large table where all guests sat at set times for all meals. This was quite a nice idea as it was a social event too. We met some lovely people so all in all a satisfactory experience.

Our stay at Woodbury Lodge was nothing short of spectacular. The lodge offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that truly immerses you in the beauty of the Eastern Cape. From the moment we arrived, the staff’s warm hospitality made us feel right at home. You can tell the staff take great pride in ensuring every guest has a memorable experience. Our stone-and-thatch suite was incredibly comfortable, with private deck where we could enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife. The game drives were the highlight of our trip... JP, our guide, was so knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife and entire environment, making each drive an exciting adventure. We were fortunate enough to see four of the Big Five, plus a ton of other amazing animals. The all-inclusive meals were delicious, with a variety of options that catered to all tastes. Dining on the expansive deck overlooking the plains was a delightful experience, especially during sunrise and sunset. We can’t wait to return!