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Rhino Ridge Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- 4* 22 Bedroom Safari Lodge
- Within Hluhluwe National Park
- Big five
- Low malaria risk

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Overview

Rhino Ridge is a superb four star safari lodge sat atop a ridge overlooking the Hluhluwe game reserve. Stunning views in the heart of ‘big five’ territory makes this affordable option perfect for a real safari experience.

An easy three and a half hour drive from Durban and part of Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve Hluhluwe Imfolozi, this low-risk malaria site is ideal for families. Situated in a 96,000 hectare park dedicated to rhino conservation, the park is now home to over 1,000 white rhinos that can be spotted, along with the rest of the big five, on the day and night game drives offered by the experienced rangers. This area is a perfect alternative to Kruger national park for those preferring easy access to the beach as beautiful coastline is only an hour’s drive away.

The lodge is set within the National Park itself which has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side the park is huge and the safari experience offers a greater feeling of authenticity than in the nearby private game reserves. The drawback is the bush can be thick making wildlife sightings harder and some of the roads through the reserve are tarmac, which can detract from the sense of wilderness. Overall though, we find this one of the best safari options in the KwaZulu Natal area. The accommodation and lodge itself are very comfortable, food is excellent and service friendly. There are a number of activities available aside from the daily game drives including walking safaris, bird watching and uniquely, an opportunity to get an insight into local zulu culture.

The overall feel of the lodge is contemporary whilst the décor is in keeping with the surrounding natural bush. An 11 metre unheated infinity pool with a large sundeck offers exceptional views from a high vantage point providing unique sights of wildlife even when relaxing. The lodge also houses a day spa providing pampering surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. This is a real highlight for those who enjoy time to relax as well as explore.

22 en-suite rooms are divided into safari rooms and luxury bush villas. The luxury bush villas sleep 2 or 3 with a twin or double bed arrangement and feature a large outdoor viewing deck. The Safari Rooms are the lower priced units and although smaller are luxuriously appointed and feature small outdoor viewing decks. The Safari Rooms are clustered in twos, with the safari family rooms featuring two safari rooms joined by an enclosed small entrance lobby area and will sleep upto a family of 5. Every room has its own private deck providing sweeping sunset views of the entire reserve and giving a genuine safari feel. All expected amenities are available including air conditioning and wifi and a fireplace brings together each villa. Two luxurious honeymoon villas are also available each with their own private plunge pools.

We have had consistently excellent feedback from guests staying at Rhino Ridge, with praise in particular for the standard of guiding and food here. We have enjoyed our own stay here greatly with excellent wildlife sightings (rhino, large herds of elephant and even lion). We do feel the chances of seeing a big cat are probably greater in the nearby private reserves than in Hluhluwe National Park, simply because of the size of the National Park, but when you do see them in Hluhluwe it is so much more rewarding.

Rhino Ridge is superb for families. It has a number of family rooms with two en-suite bedrooms and a communal lobby area that links them and can be separately secured. Activity packs are provided for kids and a kid friendly menu is provided. Children are usually served dinner earlier than adults, but this arrangement works well, with children either able to stay at the table with parents whilst they eat or relax in the adjacent lounge area. Lodge staff often put on activities for kids between game drives to give parents an hour of privacy and rest. The camp is fenced lightly, but only to stop big elephants roaming through, and we frequently had zebra between rooms during our stay. As is typical on safari, parents will need to keep a close eye on children and not let them roam freely on their own in case of wildlife. There are no minimum ages, but children under 6 are only allowed on game drives if on an exclusive use vehicle and at the judgement of the guide and camp manager.

Suggested Itineraries for Rhino Ridge Lodge

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 517 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

  • Dear Lisa,
    We have just returned from South Africa and wanted to pass on our huge thanks for helping to organise such a fantastic holiday. The entire trip was amazing - accommodation was first class. The safari was incredible!
    We'll be sure to get in touch when we're next planning an adventure!
    Best wishes, Ed & Jane

    MissingRoy P reviewing Cape Town & Kruger Safari on 17 April 2023

  • Can't praise tour dust enough, they helped us to create a holiday of a lifetime that has given us family memories we will treasure forever. From start to finish the whole experience was exactly what we wanted and more. Due to covid we waited 2 and a half years for this trip but worth the wait.
    Carly

    MissingCarly R reviewing Value KwaZulu-Natal Safari and Mauritius on 07 November 2022

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