Guests are greeted on arrival at Bukela with refreshing hand towels and served drinks on the pool deck overlooking a dam frequented regularly by a group of buffalo. While baggage is delivered to their room and their vehicles valeted (parked and washed - we do not clean the inside unless requested) guests are advised of their itinerary as follows:

Morning Game Drive

Summer / Spring Months (October - March)

Morning Game Drives commence at 6:30am

Autumn / Winter Months (April - September)

Morning Game Drives commence at 7:00am.

Guests are served coffee, tea and cereals, fruits, yoghurt, rusks in the main lodge half an hour before a game drive commences. The duration of a game drive is usually 3-4 hours depending on the amount of time spent stationary while viewing game. Game rangers will halt whenever requested and share their expertise with guests. Game rangers will also stop and allow guests to alight from the vehicle for a steaming cup of coffee which is traditionally enjoyed with rusks.

Brunch

On returning from the morning game drive, guests have 30 minutes at their disposal to freshen up before brunch is served. Breakfast/brunch is usually buffet style with a choice of fresh fruit as well as sweet pastries, toast and jams. Bukela’s talented chef will cook eggs to preference which are served with bacon or sausage from the buffet.

After brunch guests relax at the refreshing pool or enjoy a nap after the excitement of the game drive, depending on their preference. We ensure that guests have enough time to relax and we strive to accommodating every need. Books of an African theme, cards, boardgames such as chess as well as massage treatments can be organised in the comfort of their own room

A tranquil cruise down the winding Bushman’s river can be organized on request. Enjoy a sundowner with snacks where you may catch a glimpse of a timid bush buck in the riverine forest. The river cruise affords the best opportunity of viewing the rare African Finfoot as well as the less rare but more majestic Fish Eagle.

Afternoon/Evening Game Drives

Summer/Spring Months (October - March)

Afternoon Game Drives commence at 4:30pm

Autumn/Winter Months (April - September)

Afternoon Game Drives commence at 3:30pm

Light snacks in the form of delectable sweet and savoury pastries are provided half an hour before the game drive is to commence at the main lodge. Bottled water, beverages and light snacks such as biltong are provided en route and the vehicle will stop in order for guests to alight and enjoy a sundowner at sunset. This is the highlight of an evening game drive, as an African sunset is something one feels privileged to witness.

Dinner

Dinner may consist of either an informal bush braai/barbeque in the “boma” consisting of a selection of salads and/or hot vegetables, barbequed meat (chicken, beef, ostrich, venison or even fish) or a selection of dishes may be offered to suit your palate. Bush breakfasts, picnics or dinners are enjoyed to the sound of rhythmic African drums or guests may prefer the tranquility of enjoying an excellent meal under the stars in the “boma” or “lapa”.

After enjoying dinner guests are invited to socialize until the small hours of the morning or to retire to the comfort and luxury of their suite. Whatever the preference, they will awaken to the chorus of an African dawn and ready for another day of adventure!