HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve

We had the most amazing 3 day safari experience at HillsNek Lodge. You come on safari for the game drives and all our hopes and expectations of seeing animals were met and exceeded - including a close encounter with a pride of lions on our way to check in! A special mention must go to our guide Murray, who made the whole experience entertaining, informative and fun. He was a fountain of knowledge of the flora and fauna and all-round great guide! When not on a game drive, our family of 4 (2 girls, 9 and 12) were so well cared for during the entire stay by camp hosts Renzo and Jaison, but the entire team deserves credit for the 5 star experience. Somehow they conjure up the most amazing food at every meal, but were just as able to accommodate the tastes of fussy eaters. This was the highlight of our South African vacation, and we made memories to last a lifetime. I would not hesitate to recommend HillsNek to anyone looking for a relaxed, unfussy but effortlessly luxurious safari experience.

Hillsnek Safari camp is a VERY special place that offers the highest level of service while being in the wilds of a game reserve. Accommodations are superb, meals delicious, beautifully presented and served, the staff is exceptional without exception (thank you Nadine, Jaison, Renzo, Hanri and all ). There are not enough adjectives to describe the game drives and the wonderous animals we had the chance to watch. We were lucky enough to stay 4 nights, 8 drives and were always amazed and awed with each moment, so appreciating Hanri's wealth of expertise and experience. The views are outstanding from all points, but from the tents, the vista is one I will recall often. The lodge is fenced and felt very safe. With only 4 tents, the lodge is comfortable and not crowded. When (not if) we come back, we will stay at Hillsnek for sure.

We couldn’t have dreamt of a better start to our first-ever South Africa trip (and safari)! The lodge, the view, the atmosphere, the game drives… it was just a dream come true! My only remark is on the allergy topic, where there is room for improvement. I have severe food allergies, and although they did take that very seriously and prepared delicious food for me, I did have a few ”close-calls” during the 4 days that we stayed there. We avoided an accident once because I questioned the ingredients of an ice cream and another time saw the nuts that were very visibly sprinkled over my dish... That said, I had no accidents in the end and ate VERY well during my stay. I definitely do not want to discourage other allergic people from coming here, because Hillsnek can definitely cater for it, I just want to encourage communication and double-checking on both ends. Suffering from severe food allergies should not stop you from going on an adventure and I am very happy that I went. They even prepared allergy-safe snacks for me to have on the game drives. I have nothing but praise for the lovely staff at Hillsnek (especially our guide/ranger Hanri, who generously shared lots of stories from his life in the bush). Pack your epipens and go 😉

There is not enough space to rave on about this piece of paradise on Earth ! Our first 'bush' experience, and we are 'hooked'.......it was a dream come true. The entire team are warm, super friendly and highly professional. Besides the superb accommodation, delightful food, top notch game safari's, we just LOVED the attention to detail, on all levels. We were 'looked after' continually by a great group of peaple, and would especialy like to congratulate Nadine and 'our man' Murray (guide), who made us feel like family. We are already planning our next visit.

Our first safari experience! Can’t recommend Hillsnek enough! Welcomed with open arms by Renzo and his team and shown to our fabulous tent which was gorgeous! Set off on our first game drive with Murray! Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and great fun! We had the best 3 days exploring with him! Nothing was too much! Food, wine, service was all exemplary! Thank you Hillsnek! Love Jane and John xxx

HillsNek Safari Camp at Amakhala Game Reserve, what a beautiful place to be at. We have enjoyed 3 days of great services and gorgeous game drives. Harni our driver, was a well experienced safari guide over 30 years in business, he knew what to do and how to it, to show you the best of all, very professional and has a great wildlife knowledge. If you are around the Garden Route being near Port Elisabeth, spent a few days at Amakhala it’s worth it, the lodge accommodating maximum 8 people, very personal and private. Nadine and her team was outstanding, very friendly and great service.

This was our first Safari and we couldn't have picked a better venue. Hillsnek is a really special camp and the accommodation, food and overall experience was first class. Special mentions to Nadine, Jaisin and Ebin our guide who really looked after us.

Just spent three wonderful days at Hillsnek. From the moment we arrived at the camp to the moment we left we were made to feel very special. Renzo and Jaison were the perfect hosts and Murray was our magnificent game ranger, with seemingly endless knowledge, great passion and a fabulous sense of humour. He could answer all of our questions, even the stupid ones, all with an infectious smile on his face. The tents are simply incredible, the setting superb. Oh, and the food was brilliant. If you can do three days it is worth it, to maximise your chances of seeing the widest variety of animals. We were so lucky to see the lions hunting and killing, which is apparently quite rare. All in all, a brilliant three days and we hope we are able to return.

We stayed at Hillsnek with friends and had the best time. Beautiful place to stay, on arrival we were welcomed with an elephant drinking at the pool which was amazing! The tent was fabulous, very comfortable bed and a bath with a view! Used the outdoor shower too which was wonderful! Would have loved a day just to enjoy our surroundings but we were here for safari and it didn’t disappoint, 6 game drives over our 3 nights and they all exceeded any expectations we had. Hanri our guide was lovely, very knowledgeable and great fun! Enjoyed the sundowners and hot chocolate in the morning when it is noticeably cooler! The food was delicious and beautifully presented with a choice for evening meal and breakfast. This fantastic experience wouldn’t have been possible without all the wonderful staff who want to make sure you have a brilliant time. They were so warm and welcoming, so many names I couldn’t keep track but must mention Renzo, Jaison, Nadine who were front of house looking after us but not forgetting the lovely ladies with the hot cloths, cooks and cleaners who all contributed to our unforgettable trip. Thankyou everyone x