The Lodge

“Amazing”

Everything was fantastic - could not ask for more. Staff, rooms and good were amazing. The ranger for both the bush walk and drive were very knowledgeable. The bush walk is a must - incredible being able to get so close.

“Out of This World”

Early january 2020, we spent two nights at this lodges within the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi NP. The rooms and food were excellent, and the views from the lodge and infinity pool are top! What a view on the rolling hills of Zulu land. Having experienced the game drives in the private reserves of Kruger, the games drives here were somewhat less exiting as the cars cannot leave the roads in search of animals. This being said, the safari walk is a MUST DO. Highly recommended in the morning. We got up at 4:30am and were walking at 5:00am. The experience of the silence and the sun rising behind the hills is unforgettable. Sitting within 50 metres of rhino's is out of this world.

“My little heaven getaway”

Outstanding shower/bath. Complete privacy in the rooms. Everything you need in the room all carefully planned. Outstanding location and view. The lodge on the hill, I was blessed to view and see animals while having breakfast. And the sundowners were absolutely amazing. The courtesy of the staff and carefully planned meals were outstanding. Very pleasant place. I was pleased with our game drive and the gentleman was highly informative and professional. All the little things that they do mean a lot, even that warm towel they give you on arrival makes a difference.

“Exceptional experiences - bush drives, walks and accommodation”

Can’t praise highly enough the service, bush drives, bush walk and accommodation.

Guide Sviso’s knowledge of the park, wildlife and environment is exceptional. His interaction with the group was both entertaining, informative and engaging.

We did 9 bush drives over the five days we had at Rhino Lodge - lions; elephants; rhino; buffalo; zebras; Giraffes and many more.

Communication across radio ensured sightings were shared and followed up. Drink stops and sundowners add to the experience. Early starts are essential light snack before 6am drive; drink stop (tea; coffee; hot chocolate etc snacks); return to lodge for breakfast. High tea at 3pm is more a late lunch and more than sufficient in terms of time (since breakfast) and quality. 4pm bush drives stop for sundowner (beers; G&T; wine; tea; coffee; hot chocolate etc snacks).

Bush walk (additional cost) is escorted and effectively is a 5 mile walk (8km) amongst the animals large and small in their own environment.

Note - this is a public park and therefore subject to rules to enable the animals to be in their own environment - there are no off road chases in jeeps. Animals are treated with respect - it is their home - we are simply visitors.

Our accommodation was excellent- clean and luxurious in the villas. Food and service faultless. We were treated to feel very special.

We had a fabulous experience - thank you Rhino Ridge Lodge

“Spectacular Views”

We stayed in October for two nights but really could have done with an extra night in order to make best use of all the facilities. The lodge is in a fantastic location over looking the park and is easy to find but the last part of the drive is very steep. We were warmly greeted by Mary on our arrival and after a full briefing taken to our lodge, number 10. This was roomy and spacious with a large comfy bed, sofa, fireplace, bath, shower and large veranda. The room was equipped with everything you could need. The only negative was the shower had a glass door to the veranda so it felt like you had an outside bathroom. Lovely if you were in any other room, but it was disconcerting to find the staff taking a short cut back in front of our lodge whilst you were in the shower! Was particularly impressed with the provision of refillable metal drinks bottles for water instead of single use plastic ones.
Take your binoculars to breakfast as all the tables are positioned facing over the valley with spectacular views. We saw buffalos, giraffes and wart hogs. The food was excellent and the staff very attentive and friendly. High tea was taken just before the afternoon drive where you sit with your ranger and others from your safari vehicle, a great way to get to know people. Dinner is inside the main building with the quality and quantity of food excellent. We were also lucky enough to be entertained by a group of local women and children singing and dancing. Amazing!

We also booked the three hour bush walk at 10.30 which meant we still had all our game drives. Our ranger was fantastic and knowledgeable. He kept the walking pace suitable with frequent stops for water and to catch our breath whilst learning about the plants and animals in the bush. Saw lots of zebra, wildebeest, rhinos and spiders up close. Well worth the extra money. This did mean that we only had about an hour free before dinner. Another day meant we could have used the pool or spa.

The game drives were good and we were lucky enough to see quite a lot of wildlife. However, because the lodge is in the national park they are not allowed off road. The guides do keep in contact with one another should there be an unusual sighting.
This is a beautiful lodge in an amazing location with equally amazing staff.

“Everything was spot on”

It was all the little touches that made this Lodge and safari experience so special. Despite the early starts pre breakfast was taken at a leisurely pace with our guide, Halal, bringing the truck round to reception when we were all ready. We had plenty of space sharing our family experience with a fun couple. The G&T sundowners slipped down very easily as did the coffee during the morning game drives. Our rooms were beautifully decorated and the view from shower rooms with open doors made you feel you were very much part of the environment. All meals were of very high quality - the beef being a highlight for all of us.

“Awesome beauty of pristine savannah”

The lodge and the National Park is an absolute gem. Even though South Africa has a very high standard in Safari and lodge a accommodation this amazingly beautiful gem stands out. The view from the lodge, pool, rooms and is breathtaking. But location is surpassed by the gorgeous and delightful staff who let you experience the world famous South African hospitality. This lodge set some new standard for me. I am recommend to arrange this visit at the end of your trip so you want be disappointed by other Safari Lodges.

“The Perfect Stay”

We stayed at Rhino Ridge for 3 days and 3 nights and I wish we could have stayed longer. Everything about our stay was perfect. First, the staff from the waiters to the safari guides was truly exceptional. Everyone was so friendly and kind, we were sad to leave them. We had a dedicated safari guide, who we went out with twice a day for 3 hours (6-9 am and 4-7pm). One each safari ride we would stop for a snack and drink (in the morning coffee/tea) and in the afternoon a drink of choice (from wine to gin and tonic). We saw tons of animals on each drive. The only animal hard to track down was the lion and the leopard.