frequently asked questions
To help you plan your ideal getaway, we've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below.
Where is Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge located?
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is located inside the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Find out more about our location by following this link: https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/contact-us/
Is Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park?
Yes. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, giving guests direct access to the reserve and its wildlife.
Which park gate should I use to access the lodge?
Gate choice may depend on your route, arrival time and current park access conditions. If travelling from Durban, the closest gate would be the Nyalazi gate.
Are park entrance fees or conservation levies included in the rate?
No, they are not included. Park entrance fees and conservation levies are payable in addition to the accommodation rate, unless specifically stated in your booking confirmation. These fees support the conservation and management of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Find out more about our rates under https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/rates/ .
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the lodge?
A 4x4 vehicle is not essential; however, a vehicle with high clearance is advised due to the condition of the roads in the park. Careful driving and adherence to park rules are essential.
Can I use GPS to navigate to the lodge?
No, please do not use your GPS. GPS apps may be unreliable in the area and may direct guests onto unsuitable roads. Rather make use of the lodge directions provided before travel. Mobile signal may be limited in and around the reserve, so it is best to download directions in advance.
Downloadable directions are available on our website at https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/contact-us/ .
Are there driving curfews within the park?
Yes. As Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is located within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, access is subject to the park's gate operating hours. Guests must plan their arrival and departure accordingly, as entry and exit outside these times is not permitted.
Park gate times are:
- March to October: 06:00 – 18:00
- November to February: 05:00 – 19:00
Please ensure you arrive before gate closing time. If you are unsure about your travel plans, our reservations team will be happy to assist you in planning your journey.
What is included in the accommodation rate?
The rate includes accommodation, all meals, 2 game drives per day and a Mpembeni Community Tour. There are a variety of additional activities available at extra cost.
Find out more about our rates here https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/rates/ .
What is not included in my stay?
Your stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge includes luxury accommodation, all meals, two guided safari activities daily and selected lodge experiences. The following items are not included:
- Flights
- Road transfers
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park conservation fees
- Isibindi Foundation levy
- All beverages
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- Spa treatments
- Curio shop purchases
If you have any questions about what is included in your booking, our reservations team will be happy to assist.
How many game drives are included per stay?
Scheduled game drives are included as part of the safari experience. Guests typically enjoy morning and afternoon/evening game drives, subject to the lodge programme, weather and operational conditions.
Find out more about our game drives here https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/experience/safari-drives/ .
What time do the game drives depart?
Game drive times vary seasonally according to sunrise and sunset. Morning drives generally depart at 6am in summer and 6:30am in winter. Afternoon drives generally depart 4pm in summer and 3:30pm in winter. However, the lodge team will confirm the exact departure times during your stay.
Can game drives be swapped for game walks?
Game drives may not be swapped for game walks.
Game walks are available; however, they are at an additional cost and subject to guide availability, guest fitness, safety conditions and operational requirements. Guests can enquire at the lodge during their stay. For more information about our game walks, visit https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/experience/bush-trails/ .
What animals can guests expect to see, and are the Big Five present?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but guests may often see giraffe, zebra, antelope, warthog, cheetah, hyena, the endangered African wild dog and a wide variety of birdlife.
Find out more about our wildlife on our website, https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/wildlife/ .
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out is at 11:00am. Guests should plan their arrival carefully, as access is through a game reserve and park gate times may apply.
Is Wi-Fi available at the lodge?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the lodge. However, as Rhino Ridge is located inside a wilderness area, connectivity may be slower or less consistent than in urban areas.
Which room categories have baths?
All ten luxury Bush Villas have a bath as well as a shower. Guests should check the room category details when booking to ensure the room type includes the facilities they require.
Find out more information about our room options here https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/rooms/ .
Are children allowed, and can children go on game drives?
Children of all ages are welcome to stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. Children 6 years and older are welcome on the game drives. We offer a separate Kids Game Drive for children between 3-6 years at no extra charge.
Is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park a malaria area?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is considered a low-risk malaria area.
Are there minimum age restrictions for activities?
Yes. Some activities have minimum age requirements to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Game Drives
- Children 6 years and older are welcome on scheduled game drives.
- For children aged 3-6 years, we offer a complimentary Kids' Game Drive
- Guided Bush Walks
- Available for children 14 years and over.
- Guests aged 14–15 years need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Do you offer air shuttle transfers?
Yes. We offer a daily air shuttle service, operated by Legend Aviation, providing a convenient and scenic way to travel between Durban, Richards Bay and Zululand.
The shuttle departs daily from Durban Virginia Airport and Richards Bay Airport, with authorised landings at the following airstrips:
- Hluhluwe Airstrip – for Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
- Mkuze Airstrip
- Manzengwenya Airstrip – for Thonga Beach Lodge
- Phinda Airstrip*
- Mkuze Falls Game Lodge Airstrip*
*Landings at Phinda and Mkuze Falls airstrips are subject to permission from the respective lodges.
Our reservations team will be happy to assist with flight schedules, seat availability, rates and onward transfers to your lodge.
Do you offer any long-stay discounts?
Yes. We offer long-stay discounts for guests staying at a single Isibindi Africa lodge or combining stays across multiple Isibindi Africa lodges.
|
Length of Stay  |
Discount |
|
5 nights |
5% |
|
6 nights |
7.5% |
|
7 nights |
10% |
|
8 nights plus |
12.5% |
Long-stay rates include: Accommodation, all meals and 2 game drives per day.
For more information visit: https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/package-special/long-stay/
How do your Pay Stay offers work?
Our current Safari Adventure Pay Stay Special is valid during May, June and September:
Book three consecutive nights at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge and receive your fourth night free.
Pay Stay offers are subject to availability and may not be used in conjunction with other promotions.
Please contact our reservations team for the latest offers, eligible travel dates and full terms and conditions. For more information visit https://www.rhinoridge.co.za/package-special/safari-adventures/ .
Do you offer SADC resident rates?
Yes. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers special SADC resident rates on selected room categories during selected travel periods. These rates are available to residents of Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries and are subject to availability.
View the SADC Rates here: https://www.isibindi.co.za/rates/sadc-rates/
