Rhino Sands Safari Lodge

Rhino Sands Safari Lodge is a luxury safari destination in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, right in the heart of Zululand. Going back to the basics of safari, Rhino Sands is the perfect place to go. Canvas, nature, romance and luxury are all combined into one safari experience!

The Manyoni Private Game Reserve is a world-class game viewing private reserve. In 2004, 17 private properties in the northern Zululand area dropped their fences. They formed what is today known as Manyoni Private Game Reserve (formerly Zululand Rhino Reserve). The joining of the properties created a 23,000-hectare private game reserve in one of the most animal-rich and species-diverse areas of South Africa.

The reserve is home to all of the big five. And it has seen the re-introduction of two endangered carnivore species: cheetahs and African wild dogs. A pangolin release program is also under way in the reserve. The Game Reserve has a variety of landscapes. From the acacia thornveld to open savannah to riverine forest.

At the Main Camp

Rhino Sands Safari Camp is set on a peninsula in the Msunduze River. It was designed to bring an authentic safari experience in traditional East African style to KwaZulu Natal. The entire camp is set under canvas upon wooden platforms within the riverine forest.

The main camp area features a reception office, casual bar lounge & formal lounge space. Here, guests can relax and watch the myriad of bird life. In the formal and casual dining areas, the chef will prepare a gourmet three-course dinner. Featuring some of the flavours and ingredients South Africa is famous for. There is also a large boma area with a bush oven for guests to enjoy fireside dining beneath the stars. Or, to share a night cap and stories before you retire to your tent.

The Luxury Tents

The 4 eco-friendly luxury tents are designed to offer guests an intimate way to reconnect with nature and one another. Each of the tented suites are situated in a private patch of riverine forest, with a stunning view of the river below where animals come to drink at permanent water holes throughout the year.

With their own private plunge pools, lounges and outdoor showers, the guest accommodation is the ultimate in safari-style luxury. Each tent opens completely on three sides so guests can immerse themselves in the wilderness experience. The camp has been designed and decorated with an emphasis on the romance of the classical safari experience, with a nod towards traditional safari styling but including all the modern luxuries.

A Green Safari is at the heart of Rhino Sands

Rhino Sands’ ethos is one of connection with nature and people. This is why they have chosen a tented camp rather than built structures and why they decided to keep it small and intimate. Rhino Sands is eco-friendly and has been constructed with minimal disruption to the natural forest, highlighting rather than dominating the surrounding environment.

Game drives on the reserve are regulated and coordinated by the ecotourism businesses to minimize the impact on the environment and the stress on the animals and to provide guests a better and more intimate game viewing experience.

Electricity runs entirely on a solar installation. Offering organic coffee and teas, wines produced using biodynamic methods, seasonal menus, and biodegradable and organic amenities, the environment and the impact upon it has been considered with every decision made in running Rhino Sands.