the lodge where the earth meets the sky
Gather your partner, family and friends and journey to the kingdom of spectacular sunsets and big blue skies. This dramatic setting begs a sophisticated interpretation of authentic luxury. Light, colours and textures play meaningfully between inside and out. Your time is your own, relax in our leisure areas, restore in the spa, warm yourself around the campfire at night or put your feet up in our plentiful chill spaces around the pool on a hot Zululand day. Your journey has begun...
Awe-inspiring views
Take a deep breath. Long after you’ve left you’ll remember this view of Africa. The lodge has an elevated sense of peace and tranquility which allows guests to fully decompress. Visionary open-plan architecture and a deck that runs the full length of the main lodge combine strategically with the natural vantage point to create views that take your breath away.
Connect with nature
A sense of calm, the ultimate luxury. Time in the bush and shared connections, the joy of seeing a newborn antelope, the thrill of a cheetah hunt. As we slowly unwind and deepen our connection with nature and ourselves, we remember she restores. A morning and evening game drive or walk unfolds the raw beauty of our continent and it’s most magnificent creatures. An early morning start as a honey golden sunrise seeps into the day, as you settle into the journey of layered knowledge led by your guides. And as the day closes down she opens a myriad opera of night calls, stars and dramatic encounters. Settle, listen and watch, it’s the best show on earth.
Cuisine
Sensibly led by our Group Executive Chef Carl Moller, for over a decade, our kitchens are constructed on his signature approach of responsible sourcing and fresh, fresh, fresh. Every meal needs to be a delight and respectful of our guest’s wanting to feel light and healthy and ready for the next culinary adventure in a few hour’s time.
FACILITIES AT THE LODGE
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.
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Dining
Indoor dining area - this is where your breakfast and luncheon is served, along with our delicious dinners in the evening. Outdoor dining deck - opens from the indoor dining and lounge area and is the perfect spot for al fresco breakfast or lunch.
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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.
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OPEN PLAN LOUNGE
The comfortable lounge area has a fireplace, a small library and a selection of board games.
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INFINITY SWIMMING POOL
Sun umbrellas and wooden loungers with comfortable cushions surround our unique infinity pool that overlooks the African bushveld below.
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Spa
Unwind, de-stress and soak up the experience with a relaxing spa treatment in serene rooms overlooking the reserve.
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OUTDOOR FIRE PIT
Sitting proud on an elevated corner of the lodge deck - the perfect place to raise a toast to another spectacular day in the African bush while soaking in the views.
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CURIO SHOP
Our on-site curio shop is stocked with quality souvenirs, African beadwork, items of clothing and everyday essentials.
Gallery
journey with purpose
Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on Mpembeni community land that they chose to incorporate into HIP to establish the first five star lodge inside the game reserve. This is a unique joint venture between the community, the park and a private company creating much needed employment and generating revenue for conservation through park fees and levies. One of the aspects that we are most proud of at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is this 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 Mpembeni 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.
journey with purpose
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 through park fees and levies. One of the aspects that we are most proud of at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is this 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 Mpembeni 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
“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.
