Community ownership
Rhino Ridge is a joint venture involving the Mpembeni community, the park and a private company. Local community members make up 97% of lodge staff.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Zululand, South Africa
Photo: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge · Source ↗
Full board (FB)
Accommodation, All meals and 3 more
4 room types
Luxury Bush Villa, Safari Room, Safari Family Room and 1 more · Sleeps up to 36 guests
All ages welcome
Family rooms available
By air or road
about 180 km from Durban King Shaka airport (DUR)
Wi-Fi in public areas
From about A$400
per person / night, sharing
Overview
About Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge looks across the hills of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in Zululand. Its open-plan lounge and long timber deck make the landscape part of the stay, while an infinity pool, spa and gym offer time out between drives. All meals and two daily game drives are included, along with a visit to the neighbouring Mpembeni community. Accommodation ranges from Safari Rooms to two-bedroom family units and bush villas, with private plunge pools in the honeymoon villas. Children of all ages can stay; scheduled game drives start at six and guided game walks at fourteen. The lodge shares ownership with the local community.
Best for
Families
Conservation
Your stay
What's included
Board: Full board (FB)
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Two game drives per day
- Mpembeni Community Walk/Drive
- Outdoor fire pit
- Game drives
Not included
- Flights
- Park fees
Optional extras (at a cost)
- Transfers
- Drinks
- Laundry
- Gratuities
Facilities
Comforts and facilities
At the property
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Gym
- Library
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Curio shop
- Suits guests with limited mobility
- Wi-Fi in public areas
In your room
- Air-conditioning
- Private deck
- Mini bar
- Tea/coffee station
- Safe
Rooms
Where you sleep
Sleeps up to 36 guests
- Luxury Bush VillaFrom R6 190 per person per night sharing.
- Safari RoomFrom R4 350 per person per night sharing.
- Safari Family RoomFrom R4 350 per person per night sharing. Minimum charge of 2 adults and 1 child age 12.
- Honeymoon Bush Villa2 at the property · Children 0-3 years: no charge; 4-12 years: 50% of adult rate; 13-18 years: 75% of adult rate (sharing with 2 adults). · Spacious open-plan bedroom and bathroom with bath, double vanity, separate shower and toilet, open fireplace, king-size four-poster bed with mosquito nets, private plunge pool on elevated deck. From R7 010 per person per night sharing.
Activities
Things to do
Included in your stay
At extra cost
Game drives
Two daily scheduled drives for ages 6+. Younger children need a paid private vehicle for standard drives; complimentary kids drives are for ages 3-6. Children need an adult guardian.
Walking safaris
Paid game walk, subject to guide availability; ages 14-15 need a parent or guardian. Guests aged 65+ need a medical fitness certificate. Minimum two participants.
Community and cultural visits
The Mpembeni Community Walk/Drive is included, with a minimum of two participants and guide availability required. Visits to a traditional Zulu family are a separate paid activity.
Getting there
How you'll arrive
- How you arrive
- By air or road · about 180 km from Durban King Shaka airport (DUR)
Park access
Follow the lodge directions rather than GPS. Park gates open from 06:00 to 18:00 in March to October, and 05:00 to 19:00 in November to February. There is no entry after gate closing.
Good to know
Before you book
- Check-in
- From 13:00
- Check-out
- By 11:00
- Children
- All ages welcome. Family rooms available
- Single travellers
- A single supplement applies
- Dietary needs
- Special diets catered for
- Malaria
- Low malaria risk
- Minimum stay
- 2 nights
When to go
Best time to visit
- January: Good
- February: Good
- March: Dry season, best game viewing
- April: Dry season, best game viewing
- May: Dry season, best game viewing
- June: Dry season, best game viewing
- July: Dry season, best game viewing
- August: Dry season, best game viewing
- September: Dry season, best game viewing
- October: Dry season, best game viewing
- November: Dry season, best game viewing
- December: Good
- Dry season, best game viewing
- Good
How we judge each month
- Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
- GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
- Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Details checked November 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.