Amakhosi Safari Lodge

Views from Amakhosi Lodge deck

Please Note

Amakhosi Lodge is Closed

The lodge closed to the public on the 31 December 2025!
Please contact us if you require similar options or browse our KZN game Lodge Specials Page

  • Amakhosi Game Reserve, Pongola
  • 4 hours from Durban
  • 4 star
  • All children Welcome
  • Full Spa
  • Main Lodge Pool & Spa Infinity Pool
  • Yes
  • Lodge area is fenced
  • 8 Rooms, 1 House
  • Thatched Suites
  • Morning and Afternoon
  • Big 5. Malaria Low Risk

About Amakhosi Game Lodge

AmaKhosi translated from Zulu means “The Place of the Kings” and is situated on the banks of Zululand's Mkuze River in the 10 000 hectare AmaZulu private game reserve. A 5 ½ hour drive from Johannesburg and 4 hours from Durban, it is ideally located in a blend of savannah, wetlands and mountains. AmaKhosi is home to quality Big Five game viewing, 15 species of antelope and over 400 bird species.

The Amakhosi Safari Lodge

At the Heart of AmaKhosi Lodge is the most luxurious blend of river frontage. Riverbanks are home to the main lodge and six magnificent regal River Suites offering special views of the flowing Mkuze River. Each boasts separate air-conditioned bedroom and lounge with fully stocked mini bar and tea/coffee facilities as well as en-suite bathroom with a unique bath made for two. This, dressed with an array of candles and bath salts allows decadence to take on a whole new meaning bringing tranquility and serenity to the lodge, fit for a king.

If you are planning a honeymoon, a romantic get away or just want to spoil yourself our Umntwana river suites are a great compliment to our lodge.

River Lodge

Six luxurious river suites capture nature through ceiling-high windows and private viewing decks across the river. Built in a shape of a Zulu shield and decorated in a typical Zulu style with a colourful modern touch, all suites are easily accessible from the main lodge.
Each suite accommodates two adults with an air conditioned lounge, bedroom, bathroom with a bath for two, separate shower and toilet, safe, bath robes, fully stocked mini-bar and a tea and coffee tray.

Honeymoon Suite

Umntwana, means "a child of Royalty" in Zulu. Slip into a nirvana in this 'private kingdom' with high thatched ceilings and glass walls. An open-plan design with spacious deck, a private bubble pool and hammock overlooking the river, truly spell 'royal dwellings', whilst an air-conditioned bedroom and lounge, fully stocked mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and en-suite bathroom made for two, transports lovers into a fantasy world of their own where nothing else matters.

IsiGodlo Private House

The "IsiGodlo" meaning a Chief residence, is our private house which overlooks the meandering Mkuze River and is perfectly positioned to capture every African sunset which adorns the rolling hills in this pristine Zululand wilderness. Exclusive, private and located a leopard's leap away from the main lodge, this hidden gem accommodating four deserving guests offers a share of paradise. The spacious lounge entices with large leather sofa's, a centered fireplace and bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms all opening up onto a large wooden viewing deck, giving sweeping views of the valleys and wildlife below. The splash pool provides cool relief on warm days.

Facilities at Amakhosi Safari Lodge

Executive meetings blend in well with the philosophies and tranquil surroundings of AmaKhosi. Accommodating a maximum of 30 pax in a private function room, a fully inclusive package includes meals and two safaris daily, sundowner cocktails in the bush, as well as all local alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.

Recently completed is the added feature of a traditional Zulu Kraal, proudly built by AmaKhosi staff along with the help from the local Zulu community. Guests at the lodge are now able to enjoy a cosy evening away from the main lodge around an African bonfire, followed by traditional South African braai under the stars.

AmaKhosi Lodge offers a high level of service and luxury, which accompanies the dramatic surroundings bearing testimony to its name. A special place where royal treatment is a part of each day and no two days are the same, making every visit more special than the last! Guests can expect luxurious accommodation, outstanding cuisine, and magnificent game viewing, culminating in a mesmerizing splendour of African charm in their own “private kingdom”.

Game Viewing at Amakhosi Safari Lodge

AmaKhosi is home to quality Big Five game viewing, 15 species of antelope and over 400 bird species.
At Amakhosi our guides are well qualified and extremely committed to the environment. The experiences and memories of a safari by Land Rover will be as diverse as they are many.

Amakhosi Amenities:

  • Swimming pool area
  • Relaxing lounge area
  • Dining room
  • Bar Area
  • Satellite television
  • Conference facilities for 16 people
  • Library and reading area
  • Basic Business area
  • Curio shop

River Suites

  • Ceiling-high windows
  • Private viewing deck
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Separate Shower
  • Air-conditioned
  • Safe
  • Mini Bar
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Honeymoon Suites

  • Ceiling-high windows
  • Private viewing deck
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Separate Shower
  • Air-conditioned
  • Safe
  • Mini Bar
  • Tea and coffee facilities

2 Bedroom Private Bush House

  • Open Plan design with private viewing deck
  • Dedicated private Game Ranger
  • High Thatched ceilings
  • Private bubble pool and hammock
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Separate Shower
  • Lounge
  • Lockable safe
  • Air-conditioned
  • Braai/ Barbecue area
  • Tea and coffee making facilities

Room Types

Hammock outside Amakhosi River Suite

River Suites

Max Guests:
2 persons

The six luxurious river suites bring nature right to you through ceiling-high windows. There are private viewing decks with views across the river. Each suite accommodates two adults with an air conditioned lounge, bedroom, bathroom with a separate shower and toilet.

Honeymoon Suites

Max Guests:
2 persons

Your own private kingdom awaits with high thatched ceilings and glass walls letting nature in from all angles. The suites have an open-plan design with spacious deck, a private bubble pool and a hammock that overlooks the river. The rooms are air-conditioned and there is a fully stocked mini-bar. Tea/coffee making facilities are available and there is an en-suite bathroom.

Deck of the private house at Amakhosi

IsiGodlo Private House

Max Guests:
4 persons

Overlooking the meandering Mkuze River, this exclusive use, private house accommodates 4 guests. The spacious lounge entices with large sofa's and a centered fireplace. All the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and open up onto a large wooden viewing deck. The splash pool provides cool relief on warm days.

Directions to get to Amakhosi lodge

Directions from Durban to Amakhosi Safari Lodge

    From Durban to Amakhosi Lodge (4 hours)

  • Exit from Durban to Stanger on the N2 North
  • Staying on the N2 North, continue past Empangeni, past Mkuze to Pongola
  • DO NOT Take the R69 Candover turnoff from the N2, continue all the way to Pongola
  • Once you get to Pongola
  • In Pongola take the R66 towards Nongoma, continue for approx 20kms
  • Turn right onto the R69 to Vryheid/Louwersburg, continue for 2 kms, turn left onto a dirt road at the brown sign-board "Amakhosi Safari Lodge".
  • Go through a security gate, follow the road straight down to the lodge.
  • You will go through a second automated gate before arriving at the lodge. ( About 14 km on the dirt road

Directions from Johannesburg to Amakhosi Safari Lodge

    From Johannesburg to Amakhosi Lodge (5 1/2 hours)

  • Exit from Johannesburg on the Witbank N4
  • Take the Middelburg exit to Hendrina
  • Continue towards Ermelo on the N11
  • Continue towards Piet Retief on the N2
  • Stay on the N2 North until you reach Pongola

    From Johannesburg to Amakhosi Lodge (6 - 7 hours)

  • From Johannesburg take the N4 towards Witbank
  • Take the Middelburg exit to Hendrina, continue towards Ermelo on the N11
  • Continue through Piet Retief on the N2 to Pongola

.... From Pongola to Amakhosi Lodge

  • In Pongola take the R66 towards Nongoma, continue for approx 20kms
  • Turn right onto the R69 to Vryheid/Louwersburg, continue for 2 kms,
  • Turn left onto a dirt road at the brown sign-board "Amakhosi Safari Lodge".
  • Go through a security gate, follow the road straight down to the lodge.
  • You will go through a second automated gate before arriving at the lodge.
  • Its about a 14km drive on the dirt road