THE ULTIMATE IN AUTHENTIC AFRICAN LUXURY
What sets Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge apart is a breathtaking combination of its expansive natural views and visionary architecture which strategically makes the most of its prime position overlooking a watering hole below the lodge and undulating hills typical of Zululand.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on land belonging to the local Mpembeni Community which has been incorporated into the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. This is a unique joint venture between the community, the park and a private company creating much needed employment and generating revenue for conservation via park fees and levies.
The lodge features slick, contemporary design with natural finishes and boasts a deck that extends the entire length of the main lodge building, taking full advantage of the spectacular views.
Whether you are looking for a quick weekend in the bush to recharge your batteries, a romantic honeymoon destination or an ideal spot for a family holiday Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge caters for everyone. We are ideally situated for guests travelling from Durban, Johannesburg or Swaziland. Consider combining your trip with our sister lodge Thonga Beach Lodge for a superb bush and beach experience or team up with some friends and add on a few days at one of the superb golf resorts on the North Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
THE LODGE FACILITIES
The lodge facilities are designed to enhance your experience by complementing the exquisite surrounding wilderness. Rhino Ridge is designed to ‘bring the outdoors in' by incorporating open spaces and maximising the expansive views over the reserve.
DINING
The indoor dining area - this is where your buffet breakfast and luncheon is served, along with our delicious dinners in the evening.
The outdoor dining deck - opens from the indoor dining and lounge area and is the perfect spot for al fresco breakfast or lunch.
BAR
Our well-stocked bar serves all your usual favourites along with delicious cocktails and specialty coffees. Our cellar has a fantastic selection of prime South African wines.
OPEN PLAN LOUNGE
The comfortable lounge area has a fireplace, a small library and a selection of board games.
INFINITY SWIMMING POOL
Sun umbrellas and wooden loungers with comfortable cushions surround our unique infinity pool that overlooks the African bushveld below.
SPA
Unwind, de-stress and soak up the experience with a relaxing spa treatment in serene rooms overlooking the reserve.
CURIO SHOP
Our on-site curio shop is stocked with quality souvenirs, African beadwork, items of clothing and everyday essentials.
The 5 Reasons
You deserve to truly escape, appreciate the natural world, heal and relax. When you visit Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, you’ll experience the African bushveld at its best, while travelling with purpose as you support local conservation efforts. There are so many reasons to visit Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge; here are our five favourites:
EXCLUSIVE SETTING
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only 4-star private lodge in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, providing guests with exclusive luxury and outstanding service within one of South Africa’s flagship national parks. Since the lodge is situated within the park, there’s no need to waste precious time driving to the reserve; your game drive starts from the front door of the lodge and you get full use of the extensive network of roads throughout the park.
Exciting Experiences
Along with exciting game drives, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers a host of other activities so that guests can enjoy an authentic African experience - from wild bush walks to traditional Zulu homestays and rejuvenating spa treatments overlooking the watering hole.
THE VIEW
At Rhino Ridge you have a unique window on Africa’s wildlife. From each cleverly-designed open space, you are able to watch rhino, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and perhaps even the elusive painted wolves (wild dog) at the local drinking hole in the bushveld below, uninterrupted in their natural habitat, as they have been for decades in this protected natural area. With expansive views from every room, this setting is everything you could ask for - and more! - in a luxury safari lodge.
Abundance of wildlife
The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is home to 46% of the birdlife found in the entire Southern hemisphere, 86 different mammal species, all of the Big 5, and the world’s densest white rhino population. It’s also one of the best places to see the African wild dog, one of the continent’s most endangered large carnivores.
Community empowerment
All luxury, architecture and wildlife aside, one of the aspects that we are most proud of at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the shared community ownership of the lodge and our commitment to the empowerment of the local previously-disadvantaged community of Hlabisa. In keeping with the Isibindi ethos, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a joint venture between the National Empowerment Fund and the local Mphembeni community who own the land on which the lodge is built. People from the community have been trained to work in various departments and now constitute 97% of the lodge staff.
GUEST REVIEWS
“The perfect honeymoon”
After an exhausting rollercoaster of a year re-planning our wedding twice we eventually made it to our perfect honeymoon. Rhino Ridge and all the staff were absolutely fantastic and we could not stop raving about it to friends and family. The service 10/10. The accommodation (Villa 6) 10/10. The food 10/10. The feeling of relaxation and pure luxury was priceless. Thank you to everyone at the lodge who made it a magical experience.
Ashveers
(South Africa) Stayed May 2021
“A special thank you”
Dr K
Durban, South Africa
Stayed November 2020
“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.
tnw2020
Gold Coast, Australia
Stayed January 2020
“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.
Kristof_and_family
Beringen, Belgium
Stayed January 2020
“SA-Venues verified review”
Upon arrival, the atmosphere was relaxing and the scenery was breathtaking! The staff is friendly and will do anything to make the experience personal and amazing for you. Sifiso is an excellent game ranger and we had a few good laughs with him. Spha is an amazing host and makes sure you are comfortable. The food is Masterchef style and yummy! It is an experience that will never be forgotten!
Jacobus
Stayed November 2020
“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.
MATTNottinghamUK
Nottingham, UK
Stayed October 2019
“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.
Yaenkie
Somme, France
Stayed February 2019
“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.
