Deciding when to go on safari in South Africa can be a tricky decision. We've got some really great weather here in the Eastern Cape and the reserve has some spectacular changes over the course of a year.

The Warmer Months: November - April

Spring and Summer in the Amakhala bring longer days, over 8 hours of sunlight in mid-summer - bringing more daylight to utilise in the reserve than during the cooler season. The reserve is usually greener and more lush after some seasonal rain, and the weather perfect for that relaxing cocktail by the pool. Nothing beats a warm summer's evening spent on your private deck with a chilled glass of wine and the sounds of the Amakhala around you.

The warmer months tend to bring some small suprises with them as well. Towards the end of 2016 we were delighted with an array of baby animals in the reserve, including a very sweet baby elephant, four adorable cheetah cubs, inquisitive meerkat pups, zebra, warthog and various buck.

The Cooler Months: May - October

While these months bring cooler weather and shorter days, they bring some of the best in the reserve! The Eastern Cape is lucky enough to have some incredibly beautiful days even in mid-winter itself. The cooler weather means game drives are generally more comfortable in the mild Eastern Cape climate and animals are less likely to be hiding in the thick shrubs from the midday heat such as they do in summer. These drives can get very chilly before sunrise and after sunset (so bring your layers!), however they come kitted with blankets, hot water bottles and include a stop for a hot drink along the way. The golden landscape mixed with local flora makes for some incredibly beautiful contrasts, while a roaring fire in the main lodge or your own private lodge definitely adds to a wonderfully cosy stay at Bukela.