AmaKhosi Lodge

AmaKhosi Lodge Review

In the heart of northern KwaZulu-Natal, amid countryside that South African author Alan Paton would have described as beautiful beyond any singing of it, this spectacular lodge overlooks the Mkhuze River, which carves its way through mountains, rolling hills, open plains, thick thornveld, and riverine bush. Birdlife is abundant, the Big Five are all here, and rangers work hard to find game, instead of relying on animals habituated to vehicles, as at some of the older camps. Superb air-conditioned suites (big enough to swing a pride of lions) have huge decks from which you can survey the river below. The staff excels, from management right down to the friendly gardeners, and the food would put many a posh restaurant to shame. Dine under the stars on a sprawling deck overlooking the river, in a gracious dining room if the weather is inclement, or in the staff-built branch-enclosed boma, entertained by local schoolchildren who practice their singing and dancing hard to help pay their school fees. For something very different, try a frog or insect safari: after a bush braai, you'll be supplied with gum boots and miners' lamps, and led on a hunt for more than 30 species of these fascinating and little-known creatures with the resident frog or insect expert.