Amukela Game Lodge is a private game lodge located in the 40.000 hectare Balule Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park area, and is close to Hoedspruit in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Accommodating just 8 guests at a time, Amukela provides the unique ability to get up close to the Big 5 of the African animal kingdom, and enjoy spectacular bird watching, while still enjoying the tranquility of the bush, accordable accomodation and the best in personalised service.

Amukela Game Lodge has 4 cosy rondawels, each with their own theme.

The rondawels all have a kingsize bed with mosquito net and air-conditioning. The en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and a basin. In 2 of our rondawels the bed has 2 single mattresses. On request we can put in an extra mattress for a child.

Other communal facilities that Amukela guests are invited to enjoy include:

• A swimming pool.
• A shaded terrace overlooking the bush and waterhole, which in the evenings is lit by a floodlight.
• A star deck for the breathtaking views of the southern sky.
• A lounge and breakfast area by the main reception area.
• The lounge contains several magazines, books and maps as well as satellite TV.

Breakfast is served in the breakfast-area, where you also find the lounge.

In the evening, weather permitting, enjoy the dinner in the Amukela boma, under the breathtaking stars. Enjoy typical African meals, lovingly prepared, such as braai, bobotie and potjiekos. Afterwards, just sit around the campfire and listen to the natural voices of Africa.

Seasons: The seasons in South Africa are opposite to those in Europe. Summer starts in October and lasts until March. From May till September it's Winter. It can rain in the summer, winters are dry. April/ May and September/ October are according to most people the best months.

Climate: The climate in the Lowveld is very pleasant. From September to April is the rain season with average temperatures between 23 and 34 Celcius. The rainfall is spread over 5 or more months. The most rain falls usually in December and January. Annual averages are between 350-400 mm.

The humidity is usually low and at night it cools down untill about 20. December and January are the hottest months, making you appreciate the aircon in the rondawels, and the swimming pool. In Winter the average temperature during the day is between 18 - 27, but the nights can be cold. There is no frost here in the Lowveld but in June and July it can be cold at night, and Amukela has even recorded 2 degrees Celcius once!.

Amukela Game Lodge is situted inside the the Balule Nature Reserve, which has become one of the jewels in the Greater Kruger Park crown. Lion, cheetah, leopard and many other rarer species are now flourishing and large numbers of elephant, buffalo and even rhino move freely between Balule and the eastern border of the Kruger Park. There are also over 250 bird species to watch out for.

Amukela is ideal located to explore the diverse attractions in this region. Owners Miriam and Corne will happily advise you about the best routes and nicest things to visit. All daytrips can be undertaken in your own car; guided tours are available on request.

Activities on offer include:

• Game-drive, conducted by a qualified guide.
• Early morning bushwalk with a trained, armed guide
• Visit to Kruger Park, one of the world's greatest game reserves
• Walk with a lioncub
• Elephant-back safari
• Visit to wildlife rehabilitation centers
• Explore Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the world
• Hikes, abseiling, river-rafting and hot air ballooning in canyon area
• Boat trips on Blyde dam
• Horseback safari
• Visit the Hoedspruit reptile park
• Star watching
• Or just relax at Amukela Lodge, catching up on your reading and chill out.

INTERNATIONALS SPECIAL: * Stay 5 nights or more, and pay only Eur 52,50 per person per night. * Stay 10 nights or more, and pay only Eur 50 per person per night.

LOCALS SPECIAL: * Stay 5 nights or more, and pay only ZAR 495= per person per night.

PLEASE NOTE:

• All rates include dinner and breakfast and exclude a once off conservation fee of R60 per vehicle (payable at the entrance of Balule).
• Children under two stay for free.