AMAKHALA BIG 5 GUIDED WALKS
AMAKHALA HORSE BACK SAFARIS
BIRDING SAFARIS
BORN FREE FOUNDATION
AMAKHALA BIG 5 GUIDED WALKS
AMAKHALA HORSE BACK SAFARIS
BIRDING SAFARIS
BORN FREE FOUNDATION
SAFARI ACTIVITIES
We are passionate about sharing our knowledge of the bush and its incredible wildlife with our guests.
At HillsNek, guests can enjoy a diverse and flexible safari experience led by a team of highly qualified and knowledgeable rangers. They share a fascinating wealth of information about the diverse wildlife that inhabit the reserve.
Every morning brings a fresh encounter orchestrated by nature’s magic. Departing from HillsNek Safari Camp in an open game-viewing vehicle, you’ll traverse across 18,000 acres, venturing through five of the country’s seven distinct biomes.
The rich wilderness of Amakhala Game Reserve nurtures a complex and diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for over 60 different mammal species. The meandering course of the Bushman’s River provides vital water sources for the myriad of wildlife and birdlife.
The ever-changing topography of Amakhala Game Reserve, with its captivating sights and sounds, keeps one eagerly anticipating what might be discovered around the next bend in the game drive track.
From the majestic lion, elephant, buffalo, and giraffe to the endangered cheetah and white rhino, the reserve is home to an impressive array of high-profile species. Additionally, Amakhala hosts substantial herds of plains game species, including zebra, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, oryx, and eland, among others.
With a recorded bird list boasting over 250 species, the reserve provides excellent opportunities for land based birding.
As the day winds down and you reflect on the day’s sightings under a setting sun, the nocturnal creatures begin their foraging, from the elusive aardvark to the elusive brown hyena. The rangers, scanning with spotlights in the gathering darkness, might illuminate these lesser seen yet highly intriguing mammals as you journey back to the lodge.
So ends a day at HillsNek Safari Camp…and tomorrow’s safari dawns with new sights and encounters.
INCLUDED IN DAILY RATE:
Twice daily game drives, exploring the natural splendour of Amakhala early morning and late afternoon in an open 4×4 safari vehicle.
Guided by our knowledgeable rangers, you’ll delve into the bush, tracking the Big Five and an array of other wildlife. The morning drives kick off as the first light of dawn breaks, offering a glimpse into the world of predators concluding their nocturnal pursuits and settling in for the day. During these cooler morning hours, many animals take the opportunity to graze before the day’s heat sets in. In the late afternoon, it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife making their way down to the river for a drink. Night drives often produce some unique sightings, including the elusive aardvark, aardwolf, bushpig, and porcupine.
Additional Activities Include:
• Guided Nature Walks outside the Big 5 area • Guided Big Five Bush Walks on Amakhala Game Reserve • Horseback Safaris • Birding Safaris
• Stargazing • Optional visit to Shamwari’s Born Free Foundation
Amakhala Big 5 Guided Walks
Immerse Yourself in the African bush – On Foot!
Embarking on a walking safari provides a distinctive and enriching encounter with the African wilderness. For those wanting an active wildlife tracking experience on foot, there’s no better way than to partake in a Big 5 Bushwalk. These walks are led by qualified trail guides who are equipped with all necessary safety measures. These guides will impart their extensive knowledge of the bush, covering animal identification, tree and plant species, insects, birds, as well as the medicinal properties of plants, local traditions, and rudimentary tracking and survival skills. The walk typically spans 2 to 3 hours and is not suitable for children under 16 years of age.
Kindly inquire for pricing details.
Amakhala HorseBack Safaris
For an unforgettable riding adventure, saddle up with Amakhala Horse Trails on Amakhala Game Reserve.
This unique experience offers riders an elevated perspective of the bush, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding terrain while traversing areas often inaccessible by vehicle. The unobtrusive nature of horseback safaris also allows for remarkable wildlife encounters. On horseback, riders have the chance to closely observe eland, wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest, and giraffe. The trails encompass 4200 acres of African bush, offering opportunities to canter across open plains, leisurely trot along wildlife tracks, or quietly explore secluded river courses.
All horse trails are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, equipped with first aid kits and communication devices. The horses, well-trained and sure-footed, roam freely on the open plains with access to natural shelters. Each day, they come to the stables for natural grain and daily grooming.
Amakhala Horse Trails caters to small groups of up to six riders with intermediate to experienced skills. Experienced riders aged between 10 and 15 years old may also participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Typically lasting between two to three hours, horseback safaris adjust their pace to the riders’ level of experience, ensuring ample time for wildlife observation and finding the perfect spot to rest the horses while enjoying refreshments and snacks.
Skill Level: Intermediate to experienced riders welcome.
Please wear appropriate clothing, including long pants and suitable shoes with a low heel. A riding helmet will be provided.
Kindly inquire for pricing details.
BIRDING SAFARIS
Add to your knowledge of South Africa’s birdlife with a birding safari. A specialist birding guide will spend time with you on the reserve exploring the rich and fascinating birdlife it offers.
Born Free Foundation
In collaboration with actress, author, and wildlife advocate Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Private Game Reserve has conceived the Animal Rescue and Education Centres, seamlessly integrating a sanctuary with an educational facility.
Their mission is to raise awareness about the distressing exploitation of wildlife held in captivity worldwide. The centers seek to shed light on the dire situation of large wild cats confined in substandard, captive environments across the globe.
Throughout the years, the Born Free Foundation has successfully liberated numerous big cats from deprived circumstances. Their primary focus is on advocating for species conservation and safeguarding habitats, all while upholding a compassionate and humane approach to animal welfare.
As a registered charity organization, the Born Free Foundation relies solely on donations. While there are no entry fees, a monetary contribution is greatly appreciated. These rescue and education centers provide a haven for rescued lions and leopards from various corners of the world, aiming to offer an enlightening experience for all visitors.
Please feel free to discuss arranging a visit during your stay with us.
