Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on the western boundary of Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve - the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The only private lodge in the reserve, guests staying here can enjoy an exceptional safari experience within the heart of Big 5 territory. Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, now numbering over 1,000, the Park is a triumph of conservation efforts. As well as rhino, the Park is home to cheetah, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and many species of antelope and other plains game including giraffe and zebra. There have also been over 300 bird species recorded.

Twice daily game drives are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Nothing is predictable in the bush, therefore each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Your guide will share their wealth of bush experience which involves the identifications of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5. Bush walks can also be arranged (additional cost).

The lodge offers luxury safari accommodation with a choice of 4 room types: two Honeymoon Villas nestled in the indigenous bush with private plunge pools overlooking the reserve; eight glamorous Luxury Bush Villas with deep baths separated from the bedrooms by open fireplaces; four Safari Rooms with showers opening out onto the bushveld; and two Safari Family Suites ideal for families travelling with children. All rooms are positioned to take advantage of the spectacular views and offer guests the utmost privacy and comfort. The modern, high-end decor is softened by four-poster beds dressed in crisp white linen.

Guests wanting to indulge themselves can make use of the beautiful spa facilities, and a full range of spa and beauty therapies are offered by a team of dedicated professionals. Other activities that can be enjoyed (also at an additional cost) include gorge walks, Zulu cultural visits, and even an overnight homestay at an authentic Zulu homestead.

Rates Include

All meals; tea/coffee; the Conservation and Park fees; one drink per person on the evening game drive (glass of wine, local spirits, local beer, cider or soft drink); and daily morning and afternoon safari game drives are included.

Children Policy

Children aged 4 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 6 years of age may only go on game drives if a private vehicle is booked at an additional cost. Children under 6 will otherwise be accommodated on a kiddies drive from 10:00 until 12:00 at no extra charge. They will be required to have a guardian adult at the parents choice within the group booked. There are no afternoon/evening game drives for children under 6 years. Babysitters are available and need to be booked 24 hours in advance.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 14 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve, and children of 14 and 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.  Guests over 65 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk.  A  guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge can be included in you own dream holiday.

Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

12 nights

4 Star Accommodation

Montusi Mountain Lodge

The Drakensberg

Fugitives' Drift

The Battlefields

Teremok

Durban

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Destination: South Africa.

12 night itinerary including Drakensberg, Battlefields, Durban and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

Price Per Person From GBP 2,597USD 3,376ZAR 58,558EUR 3,116

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

Directions For Drivers

If you have any problems en-route, please call the lodge on +27 (0) 71 331 8656 or their Emergency/After Hours Number is +27 (0) 60 972 4810. It is NOT advisable to use GPS, but please refer to these directions instead.

Due to ongoing roadworks on the R618 between the N2 and Nyalazi Gate, we recommend that guests use
Memorial Gate to enter the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

From King Shaka International Airport to Memorial Gate (due to roadworks on R618): Follow the exit signs out of the airport and head north on the N2 in the direction of eMhloti/KwaDukuza/Richards Bay. Follow the N2 for 229 kms to the Hluhluwe/Sodwana Bay offramp. Take the Hluhluwe/Sodwana Bay offramp to your left. At the stop sign turn left on the P453 towards Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Proceed for 12.9 km until you reach Memorial Gate. Please check in at the Park Office and present them with your Reservation Number. Please keep any paper work that they hand you as you will require this on exiting the Park.

It is 28.6 km from Memorial Gate to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. Follow the signs to Hilltop Camp (12.2 km). Pass route markers 17, 19 and 18.  At route marker 28 keep left and DO NOT take the road up to Hilltop Camp. At route marker 12 keep left. At route marker 7 turn right onto a gravel road. Continue on this road for 4.4 km past route  marker 6 where you will pass the road to Thiyeni hide. Shortly afterwards you will see a sign on the right saying Rhino Ridge. Turn right and follow the signs up to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge please drive down the cobbled driveway and park at the lodge entrance.

From Swaziland/N2 North: Follow the N2 to KwaZulu-Natal. Turn right onto P453/R22. Continue to follow P453 and then enter the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park at the Memorial Gate and follow the directions as above.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances. Please drive with care in the Park as not only are there wild animals but the road is in poor condition with several potholes.

From King Shaka International Airport to Nyalazi Gate (if roadworks have cleared): Follow the exit signs out of the airport and head north on the N2 Toll Road in the direction of Emhloti/KwaDakuza (formerly Stanger) towards Empangeni/Eshowe/Richards Bay. Please ensure you have cash for toll fees or a credit card.

After 184 km take exit 375 toward Mtubatuba/St Lucia/Nongoma.  Turn left onto the R618 and travel for 24 km. Turn left at the sign for Hlulhuwe-Imfolozi Park. Please check in at the Park Office and present them with your Reservation Number. Please keep any paper work that they hand you as you will require this on exiting the Park.

There are then 2 routes through the Park to the lodge – the first is the preferred route which is slightly longer (31 km).

At the T junction turn right at the sign which shows Rhino Ridge 31 km. Continue past signs 1 (14.8 km), 2 (0.9 km) and 3 (4.1 km) - continue to Junction 7 (1 km) and turn left (this is a dirt road). Continue on this road for 4.4 km past Junction 6 where you will pass the road to Thiyeni hide. Shortly after this junction you will see a sign for Rhino Ridge. Turn right and follow the signs up to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge please drive down the cobbled driveway and park at the entrance.

Alternative route through the Park (22 km) - At the T-junction turn right at the sign which shows Rhino Ridge 31 km. Drive 14.8 km to Junction 1 and turn left at the sign to Rhino Ridge. Continue for 3.2 km. At the next junction turn right at the sign to Rhino Ridge and continue for 3.6 km. At Junction 4 the road forks - keep left. Continue for 2.8 km to Junction 5 and turn left at the sign for Rhino Ridge. Go up the hill and after about 400 metres you will see a sign to the left for the lodge. Turn left at this sign and follow the signs to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge please drive down the cobbled driveway and park at the entrance.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have an outsideand inside shower, air conditioning, a fan, mini bar, room safe, hair dryer, tea/coffee making facilities, and mosquito nets.

There is an 11 metre infinity lap pool with a sundeck.

The lodge has a bar and restaurant, and a spa. Secure parking is available for self-drive guests.

Wi-Fi is available but it can be intermittent and slow due to satellite connection. There is mobile/cell phone coverage.

Twice daily game drives are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

Guests can also enjoy guided walks lasting 3-4 hours inside the Park in Big 5 territory. This is an additional cost, and payable directly to the lodge.

Guided gorge walks are also available. These walks are suitable for children 10 years and older at an additional cost. These walks take place outside the Park where there is no risk of the Big 5. 

Visits into the local Mpembeni Community can be arranged at an additional cost, as well as visits to the Sangoma.

Babysitting services can be arranged (additional cost).

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

Credit cards and cash are accepted at the lodge, but strictly NO debit cards.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 14 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve, and children of 14 and 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.  Guests over 65 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk.  A  guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.