DescriptionSet in the very heart of Zululand, South Africa against a backdrop of the lovely Lebombo Mountains, our small and exclusive lodge offers a unique bush experience and guarantees personal attention from our experienced staff. This private game reserve, just 30km north of Hluhluwe, hosts a wealth of wildlife including leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, blue wildebeest, warthog, bushpig and ostrich. Amongst our variety of antelope we are fortunate to have the red duiker, this shy creature is relatively rare and is only found in a small part of Zululand. Many fascinating smaller mammals such as jackal, porcupine, vervet monkey, tortoise, caracal, serval, and mongoose can also be seen. The reserve itself is part of 20 000 hectares which makes up the greater Zululand Rhino Reserve. We are privileged to be one of the few areas selected for the re-introduction of the rare and endangered black rhino. This project was a combined initiative of the World Wild Life Fund and KZN Ezemvelo. Twenty-one of these magnificent creatures have been released into the area and can once again be seen ranging their historical habitat. Most rewarding has been the birth of two youngsters in 2006 which have added enormously to our game viewing experience. Rhino River Lodge hosts attractive catered & self-catering log cabins under thatch. Each cabin accommodates 5 people and is constructed from locally sourced materials. With ironstone-tiled flooring, the well-appointed chalets offer comfortable respite from the heat of the day and a home-from-home base at the hub of the region’s tourist attractions. Accommodation We also have 4 en suite double/twin rooms. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities as well as a bar fridge and a private verandah overlooking the Umsunduze River where guests can enjoy an early morning coffee or an evening sundowner whilst contemplating their day. This block of 4 rooms is serviced by a fully equipped central kitchen/dining room and a private boma area. Being slightly set apart from the lodge and log cabins, these rooms are ideally suited to small parties of friends who would like some privacy. All accommodation is equipped with linen, towels, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils and is suitable for self-catered or catered guests.
FacilitiesFacilitiesThe Lodge itself is situated on the banks of the Umsunduze River in spacious grounds. The comfortable lounge, dining room and bar area has a raised deck looking out through majestic Fever trees to the river below which is lined with ancient Fig trees. The boma area attached to the lodge is a popular gathering place in the evening where guests can indulge themselves in fire gazing whilst sampling our selection of South African wines, and regale each other with tales of the African bushveld. Our well-equipped facilities are ideal for small conferences and workshops, or just for that secluded ”spoil yourself” holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sparkling swimming pool offers cool respite at the end of a hot and busy day in Zululand, whether it is game viewing or conferencing.
AttractionsActivitiesIn order to maximise our guest's changes of fulfilling their African safari wishes, we offer morning and afternoon drives, night drives and guided walks. All our activities are led by an experienced game ranger in an open 4x4 vehicle. Common sightings at Rhino River Lodge include white rhino, buffalo, giraffe and zebra as well as a myriad of plains game. For our more fortunate guests, black rhino, elephant and leopard can be found. The diversity of bird life in this part of Zululand is phenomenal, and patience will be greatly rewarded by magnificent sightings. Birds frequently seen include the pink throated twinspot, Bateleur eagle, and the Lappet faced vulture. Morning Game Drives Our morning drives leave soon after sunrise in order to try and catch the animals whilst they are still active before the heat of the day sets in. The drives are between 2 and 3 hours long and are interrupted only by the sounds of the bush and a cup of coffee and a rusk at a scenic point, before returning to camp for an English style cooked breakfast. Afternoon Game Drives The afternoon drive leaves once the day starts to cool down and the animals are active again. This is usually when the bigger animals are found close to water or mud wallows. As the sun begins to set a complimentary drink is served before making our way back to camp and pre-dinner drinks around the boma fire. Night drives Our night drives depart after an early supper and are about 2 hours long. This is when Africa’s more secretive creatures are about. Common sightings include porcupine, small spotted genet, aardvark, white tailed mongoose, bush babys, night jars and owls and on the rare occasion hyena, leopard or honey badger can be spotted. Morning and afternoon walks Our guided walks offer the more adventurous an opportunity to experience the wilds of Africa in the best possible way, on foot! A guided walk entails an interpretive bush experience as close to nature as possible. In the interests of safety the group size is limited to 6 people. Walks are undertaken either in the early morning or late afternoon and are between 2 and 3 hours long. Walking affords the unique opportunity of exploring paths that have been traversed by wild animals for centuries, and being exposed to all the smells and sounds of the bush which are not noticed when travelling by vehicle. The following tours can be arranged • Tiger Fishing trips • Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve Tours • Game Drive into Mkhuze Game Reserve • Canoeing in St Lucia Estuary • Boat Tours to view the hippos and crocs in St Lucia • Whale Watching Places of Interest • Ilala Weavers in Hluhluwe • Duma Zulu Cultural village • Emdoneni cheetah project
DirectionsFrom Durban When traveling north on the N2 from Durban, approximately 27ks past the Hluhluwe turnoff, turn left into the P450, opposite the Baobab Inn. At this point you will also see a brown sign pointing to “Rhino River”. Our main entrance gate will be on your right-hand side 4ks along this road. From Pongola When traveling south on the N2 from Pongola/Johannesburg, approximately 20ks past the turnoff to Mkuze, turn right into the P450, opposite the Baobab Inn. The gate will be unlocked. Please slide open using handles and be sure to close behing you. Follow the hard-core road to the lodge – about 4 ks. If you have any difficulties please contact us. Have a safe journey.
RatesRhino River Lodge has a variety of rates in an attempt to create an option that will best suit the different needs of our guestsSELF CATERING - From R400 per personOur Log Cabins are eminently suitable for this option as they sleep 5, have a lounge area, kitchen and verandah.DINNER BED AND BREAKFAST – From R550 per personCoffee and tea is provided in the rooms. This option is geared towards the tourist that wishes to explore the region using us as a base.ALL INCLUSIVE RATE – From R750 per personThis option includes all teas and coffees, a pre-activity continental breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, dinner plus 2 activities daily. This option is geared towards giving our tourists a complete and unique bush experience.Game Drives R100 per person Night Drives R150 per person Guided Walks R150 per person Coffee and rusks are served on the morning drive and a sundowner is served on the afternoon drive. ALL PRICES QUOTED ARE PER PERSON PER NIGHT. CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE HALF PRICE. NO CHARGE IS MADE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE. |