About Hideaways Amava River Lodge
CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD DAMAGE> Hideaways Amava River Lodge must boast one of the most "WOW" positions of any lodge in South Africa, it's 5 Meru-style tented suites lying tucked away under the riverine forest boasting breathtaking views over the mighty Olifants river!
At Bushscapes we’re absolute suckers for lodges with spectacular locations – and Hideaways Amava River Lodge (previously known as Bundox River Lodge) must boast one of the most “WOW” positions of any lodge in South Africa! This intimate camp opened in late 2023 and consisting of just 5 gorgeous tented suites, is tucked away under the tree canopy of the magnificent riverine forest that lines the banks of the mighty Olifants River in the far northern reaches of the Balule Reserve. With its breathtaking river views and Meru style tents, each built on raised wooden platforms overlooking the bend in the river below, Hideaways Amava River Lodge is probably the closest you’re ever going to get in South Africa to recreating the look and feel of the iconic Okavango Delta safari camp experience! (when the river level is high anyway)
Whether you’re in your tent, enjoying a refreshing dip in the lodge’s swimming pool, or just relaxing with an ice-cold beverage in hand whilst seated in a comfy sofa in the lounge area, what dominates your entire experience here are the superb views out over the river! In fact, this is undoubtedly one of those lodges where you’re hugely tempted not to even bother going out on game drives, but rather to just spend your entire stay in and around the lodge itself, enjoying the sublime views and an ultra-relaxing “sofa safari” experience, where the game comes to you! The river is wide here and studded with sand banks, whilst an ancient game trail passes right by the camp, resulting in a steady stream of animals coming down to drink, with especially large numbers of ellies on view, not to mention pods of hippo, crocs basking in the sun on the sandbars and herds of buffalo coming down to slake their thirst and graze along the river banks, especially during the dry season. The reed beds and magnificent riverine trees also attract rich bird life, whilst herons and other waders as well as colourful kingfishers may be spotted hunting at the river’s edge!
As you would expect, Hideaways Amava River Lodge also offers the usual 2 daily game drives where you’ll be guided by knowledgeable rangers and trackers – that’s if you can be tempted to leave the delights of the lodge itself of course! The lodge enjoys an exclusive 5 000 hectare traversing area in the northern reaches of the Big 5 Balule reserve – and this includes 8 kilometres of stunning river frontage along the Olifants, so superbly scenic drinks stops are also something to be savoured here! The bush here is pretty thick which can make game viewing more challenging than in more open areas further south which attract greater numbers of plains game to their grassy plains – on the other hand, the bushier environs of the traversing area is home to a very healthy leopard population well worth keeping an eye out for! Another great activity (at extra cost) that you can arrange is a scenic boat cruise on the Olifants river, where you can observe the animals and birdlife around the river whilst also soaking up the stunning views - the operator of the cruises is located a few kilometres downstream from the lodge, so easily accessible.
Back at the camp itself, winding stone pathways connect the main lodge to the 5 Meru-style tented suites that line the river bank – the tents are simple yet very attractive, marrying light wood and leather with classic canvas, the finest linen and textiles to create an appealingly rustic yet sophisticated lodge that feels in perfect harmony with its environment. The 5 tented suites are spacious and designed perfectly to let in streams of natural light, boasting en-suite bathrooms with a shower with a view over the river, private viewing decks, King size beds and standing fans (which together with the shade from the tree canopy overhead keeps the tents comfortable even during the heat of summer)
The lodge’s intimate public areas are similarly attractive and offer a tranquil hideaway beneath the canopy of trees. A sprawling relaxation area elevated above the flowing waters of the Olifants offers a comfy lounge area with oversized couches, a lovely open and airy dining and bar area, as well as the always welcome swimming pool with deck – with all of these areas boasting superb views out over the river. The boma area and small viewing decks are similarly simple yet attractive and the overall impression is that of a lodge with a wonderful sense of flow, with one space effortlessly flowing into the next. Definitely one to add to your short-list!
