Experiences

• Game Drives

  At Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, they offer both morning (6am in summer and 6.30am in winter) and afternoon (4pm in summer and 3.30pm in winter) safari drives which are included in your room rate. These drives in open, high game viewers with professional guides are the highlight of every safari in South Africa. You just never know what’s around the next corner… Safari drives are not only about seeing the Big 5, but learning more about the amazing ecosystems and creatures great and small.

  Your knowledgeable guide will impart a wealth of fascinating information, bringing you closer to the natural environment. You’ll also get to enjoy the scenery when you park the vehicle to enjoy outdoor treats – warm drinks and nibbles in the morning, and sundowners and snacks as you watch the sunset on your evening game drive. Please note that due to the fact that they are operating within the confines of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park they are regulated by park rules which means that we do not do any off-road driving.

• Game Walks

  Nothing can quite prepare you for the experience of walking in the wilds of a game reserve in Africa. Reconnect with nature and with each other in a vast wilderness area with untamed lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, guided by highly experienced walking guides for this activity which is often a highlight. Nunu Jobe and his team will take you on a walk with the Big-5 and unknowingly a discovery of yourself.

• Birding

  The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is a prime birding destination, home to over 400 bird species, a number that represents close to half of the species found in the southern African sub-region – of which 16% are recognised as red data species. This number also includes some important populations and species of birds that have suffered outside of extensive protected areas like the park. The bird diversity within the park can be attributed to the variety of habitats in this area, from the flood plains to the riverine thickets, dams, woodlands, vleis and open savannah. Migratory birds arrive around September/October and depart around February/March.

• Homestays

  Your Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge guide (who remains with you for the entire stay) will take you to the Nkosi Family Home. The family will host you and invite you to join them in their daily tasks such as basket weaving, collecting thatching grass and wood and bringing the cattle home for the evening at sunset. You’ll also be able to visit local crafters or consult the sangoma (traditional healer).

  As the sun goes down, you’ll gather with the guide and family around the open fire to enjoy the magnificent view over the hills of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park while listening to stories of bygone times, asking questions, making friends and enjoying Zulu Beer, cold drinks and traditional snacks. A traditional Zulu meal observing all the rituals of the Zulu home is served in the dining hut. You’re then free to retire to your hut, listening to the soothing sounds of rural Zululand.

  Sunrise heralds the new day with roosters crowing and the happy singing of neighbours’ in the distance. It is time to take the cattle out to graze and go about daily chores after enjoying a hot bucket shower. A breakfast of fresh, locally-grown fruit, farm eggs and traditional maize meal porridge is served at 8am. When it’s time to bid farewell to the family, it will feel like saying goodbye to old friends.