It’s the heart of winter in the South African bushveld. For the first time ever, we still have green grass in the lodge grounds as we head into August. I don’t think Rhino River Lodge has ever looked better! This has been a great year for the reserve, though the effects of the drought we are emerging from will still be felt for years to come. Sightings have been fantastic, with the elephant herd spending quite a lot of time recently on Rhino River Lodge. Dale and I are getting quite excited as construction is wrapping up at our new lodge, Rhino Sands Safari Camp (details below) set to open in October this year.
Lodge News
Family Chalets updated
We recently finished renovations to our family chalets, including a brand new, more use-friendly staircase and featuring paintings by our own Janet Airton. We think they are looking great.
Sizzles and Peanut find a new home
Bittersweet news about our resident orphaned warthogs, Sizzles and Peanut, as they have moved on from Rhino River Lodge. It was our priviledge to watch them grow and have them for a brief time as part of the Rhino River Lodge family. They have moved onto another, non-commercial, property in Manyoni Private Game Reserve and are being very well looked after in an enviroment where they are much less likely to get into trouble. They have a big place in the hearts of our staff and guests alike and will be very missed.
Clair and Kyle got married
In case you missed the big news, lodge manager Clair and head ranger Kyle tied the knot in the beginning of June. Their ceremony and reception were hosted here at Rhino River Lodge and it was a beautiful and memorable day. The entire staff was delighted to share in the special day’s celebration. We wish them a lifetime of happiness!
Introducing Rhino Sands – Opening October 2017
We would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to our new luxury safari lodge, Rhino Sands Safari Camp. Rhino Sands is still under construction so please excuse our imperfections but we wanted to share one of the first images of the camp with you to give you a taste of things to come. Construction is expected to be completed in August and our doors open officially on the 1st of October.
Designed to bring an authentic safari experience in traditional East African style to Kwa-Zulu Natal, Rhino Sands Safari Camp is an 8-bed luxury tented camp set on a peninsula in the Msunduze River in Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Rhino Sands Safari Camp is the vision of the owner-management team from Rhino River Lodge created to offer safari guests an intimate way to reconnect with nature and one another. The safari experience has been crafted with an eye towards classical elegance, with intimate hosted meals dining on fine local cuisine, romantic sundowner stops, and entertaining evenings with your ranger around a camp fire.
The entire camp is set under canvas upon wooden platforms within the riverine forest. The camp has been constructed with minimal disruption to the natural forest, highlighting rather than dominating the surrounding environment. The camp is eco-friendly and electricity runs on a solar installation. The main camp area features a reception office, casual bar lounge space, formal lounge, cozy fireplace, and both formal and casual dining areas. There is also a large boma area for guests to enjoy dining fireside beneath the stars.
Guests can stay in one of four luxurious custom-built private tented suites located amid beautiful riverine forest, each featuring a private living area, outdoor shower, and swimming pool. Each tent opens completely on three sides so guests can immerse themselves in the wilderness experience. All tents have stunning views of the river bed below. 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.
We promise to bring you more pictures and information as it becomes available.
Reservations are now open via Rhino River Lodge with a special opening rate of only R3000 per person per night available from October 1st-December 12th 2017 (thereafter R4500pppn). PLUS your 15% Rhino River Lodge return guest discount is applicable to your Rhino Sands booking!
