Name: Woodbury Lodge-Amakhala Game Reserve
Address: Situated In Amakhala Game Reserve Follow N2 75Km F, Sidbury, 6139, ZA

6/10

Pleasant

18 Mar 2026

Rachel

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2025

Judy

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.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2025

Gino

Great lodges and safari drives.

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.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2024

Graeme

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2023

Adele

Sensational and unforgettable experience

Recently stayed at Woodbury Lodge & honestly can’t recommend enough. The staff were exceptional - extremely accommodating & went above & beyond to make our trip memorable. Our expert rangers were fantastic (Nico & Donovan). Attentive, knowledgeable & personable which added to the overall experience.
The lodge was well presented & always clean. The food…delicious & filling (even for someone with special dietary requirements)
Let’s not forget the safari outings & bushwalk! Mind blowing! We saw all of the Big 5 animals & thanks to our rangers, more than I expected!
Thanks all for making our trip to SA so special!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Woodbury is a small lodge which made it easy to get to know wveryone. The staff were wonderful; nothing was too much trouble to ensure we had a great experience. The food was fantastic and everything was homemade and delicious. We had an amazing time and can highly recommend it

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

What can I say other than a wonderfully authentic game reserve with amazing staff and our guide Donovan was fabulous . Funny knowledgeable interesting safe and just so comfortable and attentive to all of us. He made our stay all the staff did. Just a beautiful place to feel at one with all what’s good about being on a game reserve. Not hoarders of tourists trying to see everything sometimes it seemed like just one vehicle in all that beautiful space. and not loads of trucks following each other like cattle . We had lovely story telling around the camp fire the Manager Tim joined us for dinner and shared his lifestyle of living and working in such a wonderful place. I would gladly have spent more time with them in that location truly a fab place to be. Hot chocolate at night was delicious and Poppy was a sweetheart, she could not do enough to make us feel at home. We didn’t have to wait for a barman we just helped ourselves and no one abused that privilege it felt like home. Great place

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Intimate safari

We travelled here after 2 days in Camps Bay for a 3 night safari. Overall we had 6 game drives which enabled us to see 4 of the big 5! We didn’t manage to see a leapord unfortunately. We enjoyed our stay here as it worked for our next destination and we got to see plenty of animals.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Wonderful lodge in a beautiful setting. We loved it and would definitely recommend it

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2018

ChrisandConny

We spent 2 nights at Woodbury Lodge shortly after a 4 night stay in Sabi Sands, and were really glad that we did! The lodge is nicely located on a hill, very comfortable and with great views and throughout our short visit we were continually impressed by the service and friendliness of the staff. Our first drive shortly after we arrived was super! We really wanted to see a Cheetah (didn’t find one in Sabi Sands) and with Brad our guide we managed to see one. Brad has a great knowledge about wildlife, birds and plants and we saw a lot on the 4 drives, some of which we hadn‘t seen in Sabi Sands because of the different type of vegetation. On the last drive we saw 4 lions with a kill; just super! Also, they restricted the number of cars at a game sighting to 2, and kept a respectful distance from the animals while ensuring really good viewing.

Food was good and plenty (they were happy to meet special requests), and the open bar made life easy not always having to wait for a bartender. We will definitely recommend Woodbury Lodge to our friends.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2018

Michael

An excellently organised offering. Safari drives well thought out, accommodation, food and service all without fault.
WiFi available in the main areas but not lodges no doubt with their attention to detail this will be resolved in due course.
Highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2018

Stuart

Visit Woodbury Lodge

Our first Safari Experience. A lovely lodge in beautiful surroundings overlooking the Bushman's River and a large plain. Very comfortable room with all facilities provided as expected and advertised. Very welcoming staff who were always cheerful and obliging. Our Guide for our four drives was Seamus who went out of his way to ensure that they were enjoyable and very informative. We saw a terrific selection of wildlife including Lions, Rhinos, Giraffes and a multitude of others. Most of the food was very good although some was average. Overall very enjoyable and highly recommended.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2018

Alwyn

Great hotel but staff make the place special

Rooms very comfortable and spacious. Main reason to stay is for access to the safari park which runs all around the lodge. All inclusive basis, with unlimited access to the self service bar - wine, beer , premium spirits etc. 2 game drives per day are included and the guides are first class - really get you up close to thje animals. there are plans for an extended sun deck and bigger pool, which will enhance the overall experience. Animals can be seen from the bedroom windows

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2018

jeanette

Excellent safari

Stayed 2 nights and went on four safari drives with Guide Ryan. Excellent experience especially seeing the elephants at the watering hall.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2017

Tatyana

Amazing stay at Woodbury Lodge

We had a wonderful two night stay at Woodbury Lodge. Tim was very responsive to emails I had sent months in advance of our stay. The lodge is conveniently located about an hour east of Port Elizabeth off of the N2; however, seems a world away from any city. Parking was available at the lodge. Upon arrival, we were promptly greeted, given a welcome drink, and shown to our room. The room is very spacious, clean, and comfortable and the entire lodge is set in a very peaceful and beautiful area. We loved having our breakfast and lunch outside and enjoyed the nightly fire. The food and drinks were excellent and included alcohol in the rate. The staff were all very helpful and friendly and it was great to have meals with the other guests staying at the lodge. We enjoyed our game drives and were able to see lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, a water buffalo, and many different types of antelopes. Would definitely recommend Woodbury Lodge for a great safari in the Eastern Cape!

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

Solid option for Amakhala Reserve

Very good option for Amakhala Reserve, friendly staffs and good dining options!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2017

Steve

A great Safari experience

Woodbury Lodge is a fantastic experience. The main attraction is the game drives, led by knowledgable guides in radio contact with each other. This means you've got a good chance of seeing lots of animals. We had some close views of elephant, rhino and giraffe, and saw cheetah as well. What isn't obvious when making a booking is that the rate is all inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and two game drives a day).

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2016

Terry and Gill

Excellent Safari Lodge

Our three day stay at Woodbury was wonderful from start to finish.
Tim, the front desk manager greeted us and took our luggage up to our \"room with a view\". Jason, our driver and Safari guide, was knowledgable and very proficient. Thankfully he knew the dirt roads very well and also where the animals were likely to be spotted. We saw everything except the elusive leopard.
The food was delicious, well prepared and presented. The bread is exceptional. (thanks for the recipe, Katrin)
Thank you to all for a memorable experience. Gill and Terry, Canada.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Tout était parfait ! Lieu magnifique, personnel très agréable, nourriture excellente
Je recommande !

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2019

karine

Inoubliable!

Magnifique Lodge avec vue imprenable sur la réserve.
Très bon accueil et staff aux petits soins.
Chambre et salle de bain spacieuses et confortables (lit chauffant!!!)
Séjour tout compris avec repas variés, locaux et très bons
2 safaris par jour (matin et fin d'après-midi) permettant de découvrir la réserve et ses magnifiques animaux sauvages (éléphants, zèbres, girafes, rhinos, springbox, lion, etc...)
Ambiance chaleureuse et conviviale, notamment le soir autour du feu.
Très bon chocolat chaud au retour du safari du soir et très bons vins.

Partner