Big 5 Day Safaris & River Experiences at Amakhala Game Reserve
From the Big 5 to the Bushman’s River – make a day of it.
Looking for an unforgettable day in the wild? Just a 50-minute drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Amakhala Game Reserve offers a range of exciting day experiences, from Big 5 safaris and scenic boat cruises to peaceful canoe adventures on the Bushman’s River.
Explore the reserve on an expertly guided game drive, searching for the Big 5 and an incredible variety of wildlife, or swap the safari vehicle for the water and experience Amakhala from a completely different perspective.
Flowing through the reserve, the Bushman’s River is where the pace slows, the landscape opens up and the sounds of nature take centre stage. From the comfort of our river boat to the adventure of exploring by canoe, the river offers a unique way to discover the wilderness.
Look out for birdlife along the riverbanks, take in the surrounding scenery and enjoy a peaceful escape into nature.
Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a new way to experience the Eastern Cape, Amakhala’s day experiences offer the perfect opportunity to make a day of the wild.
DAY SAFARIS
Option 1: Half Day Guided Big 5 Safari – Lunch Included
Includes a 3-hour guided Big 5 game drive, a 2-course lunch and 2 soft drinks (cash bar available).
| DATES |
RATE PER PERSON |
| 01 Sept 2026 – 31 Aug 2027 |
R 2,270 per person |
Book a Half Day Guided Big 5 Safari
Option 2: Full Day Guided Big 5 Safari – Lunch Included
Includes a 3-hour guided Big 5 game drive, a 2-course lunch with 2 soft beverages (cash bar available), followed by an additional 1.5-hour game drive in the afternoon.
| DATES |
RATE PER PERSON |
| 01 Oct 2026 – 30 April 2027 |
R 2,985 per person |
Book a Full Day Guided Big 5 Safari
RIVER EXPERIENCES
Option 1: Big 5 Safari & Big 5 Boat Cruise – 2 x Drinks Included
Includes a 30-minute guided game-drive transfer to the Bushman’s River boat site, a 1-hour scenic boat cruise along the river, 2 soft drinks to enjoy, and a 30-minute guided game-drive transfer back to the main gate, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Important: Please arrive 1 hour before your booked time slot. Transfers to the boat site depart on time and cannot wait for late arrivals.
| DATES |
RATE PER PERSON |
| 08 Sept 2026 – 31 Aug 2027 |
R 1,050 per person |
Book a Big 5 Safari & Big 5 Boat Cruise
Option 2: Full Day Big 5 Safari & Big 5 Boat Cruise – Lunch Included
This full-day experience includes a 3-hour guided Big 5 game drive, a 2-course lunch with 2 soft drinks, a game-drive transfer to the Bushman’s River, a 1-hour scenic boat cruise along the river, and a return game-drive transfer to the entrance gate.
| DATES |
RATE PER PERSON |
| 08 Sept 2026 – 31 Aug 2027 |
R 2,985 per person |
Book a Full Day Big 5 Safari & Big 5 Boat Cruise
COMING SOON
CANOE EXPERIENCES
Launching October 2027
Need Help Booking?
We’re here to help you plan your perfect day in the wild.
Where to Arrive
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All activities depart from the Day Safari Welcome Centre at Leeuwenbosch Country House, except for Big 5 Safari & Big 5 Boat Cruise – 2 x Drinks Included, which departs from the Amakhala Game Reserve gate on the R342.
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The gate is located on the R342 towards Alexandria (Karel Landman Monument). Please leave your vehicle in the designated parking area, where your driver will meet you for the transfer to the Bushman’s River boat site.
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Please note: Transfers depart promptly at the scheduled time and cannot wait for late arrivals.
T's & C's Apply
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Bookings are essential and must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
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Minimum requirement of 2 adults per confirmation.
DIRECTIONS
Convenient Location: Easily reached from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Grahamstown (Makhanda), and Addo.
Directions to the Day Safari Welcome Centre at Leeuwenbosch
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Follow the N2 from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) towards Grahamstown (Makhanda) for approximately 60 km.
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Pass the R342 turn-off to Paterson and continue for approximately 2 km.
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About 1 km before the R342 Karel Landman turn-off, enter through the gate at Leeuwenbosch Country House.
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Park on the grass to the left. Staff will meet you and guide you to the Day Safari Welcome Centre (ARCC).
Directions to the Amakhala Game Reserve Gate on the R342
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Follow the N2 from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) towards Grahamstown (Makhanda) for approximately 70 km.
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DO NOT take the first R342 turn-off to Paterson.
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Continue for approximately 3 km, then turn RIGHT onto the R342 towards Alexandria (Karel Landman Monument).
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Enter through the gate, where you can leave your vehicle in the designated parking area.
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Your guide will meet you at the gate.
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