Fuel prices may be rising, but your next escape doesn’t have to.
With incredible winter promotions, Lion Roars invites local travellers to experience a more considered kind of safari — where the pace slows, and every moment feels personal.
WHY THE EASTERN CAPE — AND WHY NOW`
There’s a growing shift toward closer-to-home, high-value travel — experiences that don’t require long-haul planning, yet still deliver depth and distinction.
The Eastern Cape is increasingly emerging as that answer. Malaria-free, easily accessible, and less congested than traditional safari regions, it offers something many travellers are now prioritising: space, pace, and consistency of experience.
Winter (May to July) only sharpens this appeal — clear, golden days, active wildlife, and a quieter, more intimate safari rhythm.
THE LODGES
Set within the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, just 40 minutes from Gqeberha, Hlosi Game Lodge and Bukela Game Lodge offer two distinct safari experiences — each defined by what guests remember most.
Part of the family-owned Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges group, these properties reflect what the brand has become known for: a sense of genuine connection, where guests arrive as strangers and leave feeling part of the pride.
As Chief Revenue Officer Vincent Bouwer explains, “Guest enjoyment and the relationships we build are at the heart of everything we do. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this reflected not only in the consistent five-star reviews, but in the personal, often handwritten notes we receive from guests after their stay.”
Both lodges maintain exceptionally high guest approval ratings, backed by a consistent flow of five-star reviews. Beyond the numbers, it’s the depth of feedback that defines them, experiences that stay with guests long after they’ve returned home.
At family-friendly Hlosi, the experience is striking: “We watched 20 elephants at the pool… you’re completely in the middle of nature,” recalls one guest – while a major drawcard is also the focus on immersive safari experiences for all ages.
Open views across the Bushman’s River valley, wildlife moving freely past the lodge, and guides who are repeatedly described as “knowledgeable,” “intuitive,” and “fun to be with” create a safari that feels both effortless and engaging. It’s a lodge that consistently delivers – particularly for favoured by families and first-time safari travellers.
Bukela deepens the experience with a refined sense of luxury and privacy:
“One of the most magical experiences of my life… I felt like I was living in a dream,” shares a recent guest.
Here, secluded suites sit deep within the bushveld, and the experience leans into stillness. Guests speak of “real luxury in nature,” exceptional service, and the sense of being “properly looked after” – a quieter, personalised safari shaped by space and attention to detail.
GETTING THERE
Access is refreshingly simple.
• 40 minutes from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport
• Direct flights from Lanseria with FlySafair
• Scenic Garden Route drive from Cape Town
For those extending the journey, coastal stops like Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges’ Plett Quarter Hotel and Robberg Beach Lodge offer a natural contrast – reinforcing the sense of a well-paced, considered itinerary.
BOOK NOW WITH SPECIAL CODE FOR LIFE READERS
Take back winter with incredible winter promotions. Lion Roars Hotels and Lodges invites local travellers to enjoy up to 60% off for an all-inclusive safari at their Hlosi and Bukela Game – places where the pace slows, and every moment feels personal.
In a landscape of choice, it’s often the guest voice that cuts through. And here, it’s consistent: immersive wildlife, exceptional guiding, and a level of care that turns a stay into something memorable.
Discover a safari that lingers long after you’ve returned home. Unlock incredible deals now by visiting www.lionroars.com or book on +27 (0)21 424 1530 | res4@lionroars.com. Quote Rate Code: LIFESADC to unlock extra value.
A SAFARI THAT STAYS WITH YOU
In a landscape of choice, it’s often the guest voice that cuts through. And here, it’s consistent: immersive wildlife, exceptional guiding, and a level of care that turns a stay into something memorable.