Woodbury Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve

We stayed for two nights which included 4 Game drives and we stayed in Giraffe which was comfortable with a separate private viewing platform. The food was good - the staff very friendly - the Game drives excellent with Nico as our guide who was very knowledgable - we saw so many amazing animals. It isn't often that you are dissatisfied with an experience that is advertised as lasting 3 hours but in fact lasts 4 to 41/2 hours but a morning Game drive leaving the Lodge at around 7am after a small biscuit and hot drink and having nothing else available until returning to the Lodge for Breakfast well after 10am was extremely uncomfortable. It was a similar experience for the afternoon Game drive although of course this time we had the benefit of lunch before leaving the Lodge. Arriving well after everyone else had returned meant a very quick change but still arriving last for Dinner. There was basically no down time - something that other guests travelling with Nico commented on. Nico seemed to be focussed on being the last driver back to the Lodge every time - perhaps he thought this offered good value for money - it was just very uncomfortable and we only took advantage of 2 of the 4 Game drives because of the very long durations

Woodbury Lodge was just great! We were so thankful that there was air conditioning in our rooms, because the temperature was over 100 degrees one of the days we were there....but our room was comfortable, and the pool was cool. But - what really made our visit there so wonderful was the staff and the many animals. Our driver, Lenny, was SO knowledgeable and so good at knowing where to look for the animals - and at maneuvering the crater-filled roads. We were exceptionally fortunate that the lion pride had decided to come to the Woodbury section of Amakhala, that the entire rhino group showed up at the water hole by the camp, and that we found the 3 cheetahs before and after their kill. Amazing sunsets & sunrises. The trail up to our room was a little dicey for my husband, who uses a cane - but he managed. We definitely recommend Woodbury Lodge.

Funny reviewing this place randomly popped into my email. I stayed here on a trip to South Africa in November of 2019. Staff was great and the food they served was unique and delicious. Had a wonderful stay here and hopefully in the future we can come again. View from lodge overlooking the Amakhala Game Reserve was wonderful, air was fresh and you could here the elephants trumpet randomly during the day. The daily safari's were well guided and you truly see some wonderful things (and creatures). As someone who suffered a stroke the year before and has a hard time dealing with stress I found my stay here welcome and stress free and left many memories I enjoy sharing with others!

Incredible place, awesome staff and awesome Game reserve. The food was incredible and the staff so friendly, we really felt spoilt. The accommodation was amazing and could not have asked for a better place to break away and relax. Definitely on my list to go back.

This was a great experience. The rooms were so beautiful and private. Great showers and bathrooms. But most of all the Safari experience was fabulous. Seeing the animals close up was so memorable. The guide was so knowledgeable and fun to be with. The group meals were enjoyable and such a nice touch as we met people from all over the world. We also liked that the lodge was small and intimate and we felt we got great personal service. Great lifelong memory.

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! Thsnkyou all for making our trip to SA so special!

We stayed here for three nights and did 6 safari trips. Unfortunately the weather was not great for most of the time - light rain and quite cold - which made a couple of morning trips not so great. However, we did still see lots of animals during these trips. On the better days, we saw almost everything except lions and cheetahs, though others did see them that day. The guide was excellent - safe, informative and knowledgeable. The staff were all wonderful and our room was certainly in the luxury category given the circumstances. The food selection was limited but excellent quality and the kitchen did manage a few off-menu meals for us. The drinks were freely available and top quality. The group seating for meals made for a very sociable occasion. Really enjoyed our time here, but be prepared for early starts.

A fantastic holiday. We stayed at Woodbury lodge with our three kids (9, 12, 14) and my parents who are both 70. We were hugely impressed by the friendly and attentive staff, excellent food and luxurious facilities. We did 6 game drives and we would have happily done more! Here’s what the kids said… I loved my stay. It was very welcoming and the staff were very helpful. I especially loved our guide, Nico. He knew a lot about everything and taught me a lot of new things (Hope, 12) Amakhala was very good because the service was great and the close up encounters with animals and birds (Rex, 9) The staff were very welcoming. It was very organised and luxurious. The game drives were very informative and eye opening (Isaiah, 14) Highly, highly recommended.

Our family of grandparents, parents and 3 children, 14, 12 & 9, have just spent 3 nights, 4 days at Woodbury Lodge. From the warmest welcome to the final goodbye it was a truly unforgettable time. Getting up at 5:30am may seem like hard work at the time but it was richly rewarded by being in the landscape and being surrounded by antelope and animals. We were treated to up close and personal sightings of lion, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and not forgetting the warthogs! The birds are truly wonderful. The food was plentiful and so beautifully served by the staff. The lodges were luxury and so very comfortable. All the staff at Woodbury Lodge deserve the highest praise. Tim has served front of house for 10 years and gave us a wonderful welcome. The owners Richard and Cathy Gush have embraced their staff like family and serve their whole community with very large hearts. Well done to the whole team. And a special thanks to our safari guide Nico who served us brilliantly. It was very sad to say goodbye. Many, many thanks. Doreen Mellor