Overview
Why Go
- Wonderful game viewing experience
- Wide array of lodges to choose from
- Malaria-free Zone
- Open-vehicle expeditions for night and morning game drives
- Very accessible and easily combined with the popular Garden Route
Wildlife
The small game reserve Amakhala is packed with all the prerequisites of a good safari experience, including an excellent array of wildlife including zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, giraffes, vervet monkeys and, of course, the Big Five. More About the Wildlife
Scenery
You will love the sightseeing in the region because it is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It features vegetation such as grassland, savannah woodland and beachside sand dunes.
Best Time to Visit
During the winter season fewer visitors and tourists are seen at Amakhala, however, this is the best time for game viewing. Amakhala region dries up in this weather and animals gather at the remaining water bodies. The summer season sees a boost in the number of visitors at Amakhala. More About the Best Time to Visit
Weather & Climate
Amakhala has a semi-arid climate, rainfall is experienced throughout the year; mostly in the summer (October to April) especially in the months of October and March, during which the temperature hardly crosses 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters (May to September) has clear weather. However, the nights might be cold with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). More About the Weather and Climate
Reviews
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Wildlife & Animals
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Elephant
Common -
Giraffe
Common -
Hippo
Common -
Buffalo
Common -
Zebra
Common -
Wildebeest
Common -
White Rhino
Common -
Black Rhino
Occasional -
Lion
Common -
Leopard
Occasional -
Cheetah
Occasional -
Hyena
Common -
Wild Dog
None
Wildlife highlights
Best time for wildlife viewing
Best Time to Visit
Amakhala is an iconic destination for adventurous game viewing around the year due to the semi-arid climate of the region. Since animals are drawn towards water bodies in the region, it makes a great spot for viewing multiple species together. This is especially true during the dry season i.e. between June and September. However, it can get very cold at night, which makes it necessary to pack warm clothing for open vehicle game drives.
May to September
Dry Season – Winter
- Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot
October to April
Wet Season – Summer
- The park won’t be very busy (except school holidays)
Weather & Climate
Amakhala’s climate ranges from semi-arid to arid, and it receives only 450mm/17.7 in of rain on average, annually. The area experiences summers when Europe and North America are having their winters, and experiences winters when Europe and North America are having their summers. Rainfall patterns fluctuate with higher precipitation levels, during October-November and February-March. Winter season here, is severe as the temperatures go below freezing point in the winter season.
Climate Chart
- 180-403m / 591-1,322ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry season
- May to September – WinterNights and early mornings are very cold in the winter months.
Game drives in open vehicles make winter clothing a necessity.
Clear skies are typical for the winter season, and there is less rainfall than in the summer.
Wet season
- October to April – SummerA typical summer means more comfortable temperatures, but slightly more rainfall.
Although primarily sunny, cloud cover is possible and light rain could persist throughout the day.
Getting There
The majority of tourists visiting Amakhala Game Reserve come from Johannesburg, arriving at the O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) Tourists can also use the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) located in Cape Town. Amakhala Game Reserve is easily accessible from both of these locations. However the more popular route is the Garden Route which comes from Cape Town
Airlines and Tickets
To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.
Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.
Getting to Amakhala Game Reserve by road
Driving from Port Elizabeth:
Take the N2 towards Grahamstown. Approximately 50km (31 miles) from Port Elizabeth is an intersection. Keep left on the N2 towards Grahamstown.
From the intersection, travel for a further 13km (8 miles) towards Amakhala Game Reserve (see road signs and various lodges along the way).
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