Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a private/community owned lodge in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park commands spectacular views over 96 000 hectares of Big 5 territory and an active waterhole. A sense of peace & relaxation is exuded by the chic eclectic design of the lodge. A maximum of 36 guests are accommodated in either Honeymoon Bush Villas with private plunge pools, Luxury Bush Villas with lounge area, fireplace & private decks or Safari Rooms (ideal for families with young children). Twice daily game drives are conducted in the park home of White Rhino Conservation. Guided Bush Walks are highly recommended.
In Room Facilities:
En-suite bathroom, separate toilet, luxurious shower, private wooden deck, mini-bar, fireplace (in Villa’s only), overhead fan, mosquito nets & air conditioning. Tea and Coffee making facilities.
Establishment Facilities:
Low risk Malaria territory. Air conditioning, fans and Mosquito nets in all rooms. Fireplace in each villa 20m infinity lap pool with sundeck Boma Curio Shop Spa Day Spa Wi-Fi / Internet access. 24hr Lighting and electricity.
Safari Drives:
There is nothing quite like setting out on the back of an open game viewing vehicle, watching the red sun rising as a tall giraffe crosses the road in front you. On the Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge safari packages it is our pleasure to bring you the best of unique wildlife encounters of this fascinating KwaZulu-Natal natural context. This is easily achieved in the spectacular Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, a vast nature reserve, a haven for protected species such as rhino, elephant, leopard and wild dog. You may be lucky enough to come across a local pride of lions which enjoys sleeping in a wide, comfortable tree in the South of the park.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers both morning and afternoon safari drives which are complimentary and included in your room rate. These exhilarating drives are conducted in specially adapted open, high game viewers, with professional guides. To preserve our concession and in keeping with park rules no off-roading is practiced. The drives are the highlight of every safari in South Africa. At Isibindi we are serious about enjoying outdoor treats, and tea, coffee, hot chocolate and snacks are offered on the mornings drives. We will pack your favourite sundowner drinks and bring out more snacks to munch as you watch the sun set in the evenings.
You may choose to book on a specialized walking safari which takes place in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve with a qualified and knowledgeable walking safari guide. This is one of the most unique ways of experiencing the African bushveld, and your will enjoy the mindful engagement with nature. Your guide will create four-dimensional reconstructions of the wildlife activity which has taken place along your trail, from past, to present to future, vertical and horizontal action. Appreciate the beautiful scenery, delicately balanced ecosystem and the myriad of little critters and plants from up close as you tread gently in this protected corner of Africa.
Wildlife in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park:
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
The park is home to Africas Big Five: elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard. Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve boasts 86 special species. It is one of the worlds top spots for viewing nyala.
The park is a prime birding destination and is home to 340 bird species. The Hluhluwe River Flood Plain is one of the only areas in the whole of South Africa where yellow-throated, pink-throated and orange-throated longclaw species can be seen together.
Today, the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is world renowned for its white rhino conservation and its Centenary Capture Centre is setting exceptional standards for animal capture and sustainable utilization in Africa. Operation Rhino the brainchild of the late Dr Ian Player initiated in the 1950s and 60s put the park on the map in terms of rhino conservation and game capture standards.
Children Policy:
All children welcome. No children under 6 years can go on game drives with other guests. Private vehicle can be booked by prior arrangement.
Arrival time at the Lodge:
Guests must arrive at gates at the latest 10 minutes before closing time. Guests arriving after this will not be allowed access to the park and will have to overnight outside the park.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge can be reached by normal 2 x 4 vehicles, however after heavy rains care must be taken when driving as wash aways may occur. Travelling time by vehicle from KSIA (Durban Airport) to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge via Nyalazi Gate is approximately three & half hours(270km). Travelling time from Richards Bay is 2 hrs (100km) also via Nyalazi Gate. Travelling time from Johannesburg via Pongola and Memorial Gate approximately 7 hrs (573km)
Travelling times:
- Nyalazi Gate to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge 19kms 40 mins
- Memorial Gate to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge 25kms 1hr
- Cengeni Gate to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge 60km 2hr 30mins
NB - speed limit in the Park is 50km
Established to protect the previously endangered White Rhino, Hluhluwe Imfolozi is a triumph of conservation efforts. It is the oldest proclaimed Game Reserve in Africa. Access to over 96 000 hectares of indigenous land, teeming with game and the centre of Rhino Conservation.
Part of the Isibindi group of Lodges Big 5 Game Viewing. Wide selection of wildlife and cultural activities. Guided Bush Walks. Centre of Rhino Conservation Proximity to Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Gourmet meals. Outdoor Boma.
Access by Road: DO NOT USE GPS. Please use directions you receive from our reservations office. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge can be reached by normal 2 x 4 vehicles. Travelling time by vehicle from Durban to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge via Nyalazi Gate is approximately three hours (270km). Travelling time from Richards Bay is 1hr 45mins (100km) also via Nyalazi Gate. Travelling time from Johannesburg via Pongola and Memorial Gate approximately 7 hrs (573km) By Air: Via Richard’s Bay Airport - SA Express There are daily flights from Johannesburg (ORT - 1hr 15mins flying time) to Richard’s Bay Airport. It is an easy 1hr 45min drive in 2x4 vehicle from the airport to the lodge. Speak to our reservations department to arrange a road transfer or hire a car at the airport. Via King Shaka International Durban Daily flights from all domestic & regional destinations land at King Shaka International Airport which is an easy 3hr drive to the lodge. Speak to our reservations department to arrange a road transfer or hire a car at the airport. LATE ARRIVALS: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - after Gate Closing (Self Drive Only): Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park has 3 entrance gates, Memorial Gate to the north, Nyalazi in the east and Cengeni to the south. Guests must arrive at gates at the latest 10 minutes before closing time. Guests arriving after this will not be allowed access to the park and will have to overnight outside the park.
