RHINO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE
The oldest game reserve in Africa
Mindful Luxury and Space in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Capturing the suspension between earth and sky, this glass-wrapped luxury safari lodge rests on a ridge overlooking Africa’s oldest game reserve. Down below a waterhole, frequented by a diversity of wildlife, pulls your eye away from the extraordinary views, as you slow down and connect with the earth.
home of the rhino Rooted in Rhino Conservation
A BIG 5 WILDERNESS RESERVE
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is proud to offer an unforgettable safari experience within the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, renowned for its remarkable rhino conservation efforts in Southern Africa. We are honoured to call this malaria-free sanctuary, often referred to as the “home of the rhino,” our own. As the first luxury retreat established within this iconic Big 5 game reserve, our lodge provides a unique opportunity to relish the beauty of nature, surrounded by thriving populations of African wild dogs, lions, elephants, and other fascinating mammals. Here, amidst the serenity of the plains, couples and guests alike can enjoy an intimate escape infused with elegance and the spirit of a true African safari.
“The wilderness is our original home that still lingers in every human”
- Nunu Jobe | Isibindi Africa Trails
LOCATION
Experience a luxury safari lodge in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, situated in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park has an interesting history as it is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and the former hunting grounds of the Zulu Royal family. The park is made up of two game reserves previously known as the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and uMfolozi Game Reserve.
The park has three entrances, making it easily accessible from Swaziland in the north, Richards Bay Airport 1.5 hours east and an easy 3.5 hour drive north from King Shaka International Airport situated near Durban.
Connecting to our eco-conscious community
Our purpose drives us all at Isibindi Africa Lodges, and so we are committed to incorporating eco-conscious systems and initiatives wherever possible, this includes:
Removing single use plastics which includes replacing plastic water bottles with a reusable bottle for each guest
Investing in large solar energy farms
Creating micro-economies in neighbouring communities to supply our lodges
Recycling unused lodge food into feeding schemes for neighbouring creches
Refusing to serve seafood that is not ethically harvested
GUEST REVIEWS
“One of the best places I have ever visited in my life”
Carsten
September 2022
“We felt like royalty”
Katelyn B
June 2022
“it was all perfect!”
There is nothing to improve - it was all perfect!! I loved the lodge - every detail was carefully thought out from the drinks on arrival, the lemon towelettes after each game drive, the AMAZING food, the beautiful rooms, and the friendly staff.
Amy B
Stayed June 2022
“If you are umming and aahing about going. Stop, and book”
This is the kind of stay that leaves you wanting everyone you know to go and experience! From the moment you arrive to fresh wet face cloths to the minute you leave with padkos in hand, every detail, every interaction, every meal leaves you feeling like you’re a favourite family member who has come to stay. Staff greeting you by name with smiles! But for me, the icing on the gluten-free cake was the meal planning around being gluten free. Not once did I look at anyone else’s food and feel I was missing something. Every meal was delicious. Malva pudding and carrot cake? What more could a girl ask for? Please extend my thanks again to the chefs! If you are umming and aahing about going. Stop, and book. Have i mentioned the fantastic accommodation, great game drives and the wonderful spa? Loved it!
Bridget H
November 2021
“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
“the best bush experience we have ever had”
Truly one of the best bush experiences we have ever had (and we have had many). Would not change a thing. Superb staff, incredible lodge and truly a memorable amazing experience in every respect. 10 / 10
Brett Yeatman
Stayed November 2021
“Very special and memorable”
We stayed at the lodge for 2 nights and experienced exceptional service from the moment we arrived. The family unit was very clean and convenient. The game drives are unforgettable (Thulani is a great guide!), the food was excellent and all staff are very helpful and friendly. It was my husband's birthday and to our surprise a delicious cake was baked and presented at our dinner table which was absolutely amazing! As a result of my exciting stories at work about the whole experience, one of the colleagues travelled to the same lodge a week later and was even more excited! Thank you to all staff for making our visit a very special and memorable!
ochollal
June 2022
“Gem on planet earth”
I’ve visited many game lodges in South Africa, without a doubt you stand out. your hospitality is on another level. the game drives with well equipped and knowledgeable ranger (Simo Buthelezi you taught me so much ). This is now my new home for every bush visit. well done on keeping your doors opened and having the lodge fully functional during these trying times. well done to this gem on planet earth ….wow
DSN
October 2021
“I loved their professionalism and warm spirit”
On arrival at Rhino Ridge, we received a very warm welcoming from Bryce, Precious and Zanele. I loved their professionalism and warm spirit. The Lodge is magnificent with the views to die for! We arrived just in time for a delicious high tea and again the staff at the restaurant were amazing, especially Themba. I felt at home to the point that I remember everyone by their names.
Fikile H
South Africa
Stayed August 2021
“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
“Absolute gem in Hluhluwe”
Wow wow wow. What an accommodation. From the super friendly staff to the views, to the food, to the interior and rooms. How is this not categorised as a 5-star Luxury Lodge yet? LOVED our stay, our game drives, the food and literally everything around it. THANK YOU for true 5-star service, we are so coming back one day.
Weltenbummlerin06
Hamburg, Germany
Stayed Aug 2024
“Stunningly beautiful resort with amazing staff”
Rhino Ridge is s stunning resort with beautiful views across Hluhluwe iMfolozi game reserve. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, led by the charismatic Dreis. The food was outstanding and plentiful and our game drive guide, Thulani, was excellent and very knowledgeable and friendly. The bush-walk led by Sbo is also worth doing. We loved our time at Rhino Ridge and would highly recommend. Thank you everybody for an amazing stay.
Nikkic652
Edgeworth, United Kingdom
Stayed July 2024
“Fantastic lodge for safaris and relaxing in a beautiful landscape”
We wish we could have stayed longer, and we will definitely come again. That says it all. Friendly, forthcoming and efficient staff, beautiful place, beautiful nature all around (including the animals...), beautiful rooms (the villas!!!), very good breakfast and dinner, I could go on and on...
TiredLuxurySeeker
Zurich, Switzerland
Stayed June 2024
“Luxurious and friendly outstanding Rhino Ridge”
An outstanding experience, warm friendly attentive staff ( baking a birthday cake and singing at a few hours’ notice despite a busy mealtime) immaculate clean and bespoke scented linens. Beds make up discreetly daily. Fabulous food, very expert guide. Totally safe exciting safari. Just a five-star stay, faultless. Can’t wait to return
Carmels906
Stayed May 2024
“Amazing Resort, Great location”
Wow!!. What an amazing 5-night stay we had at the Stunning resort. Cannot fault anything at all with this resort. Staff: very friendly. Food amazing and tasty. Rooms: Great decor and very comfy. Saw the big 5 in one afternoon trip and saw 8 cheetahs. And a pack of wild dogs. Thanks to our amazing guide Thulani. The walk into the game reserve was very interesting and a great workout. It was just a pity we could not have stayed longer. The holiday we will always remember.
