Set at the top of a hill in South Africa’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge commands the most spectacular views over the rolling escarpment and valleys below.
The family-owned and operated luxury Isibindi Africa Collection of Southern African lodges, islands and beach wilderness lodges proudly incorporated Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge into its portfolio in 2015, having developed and built the lodge.
After a visit to the tranquil Tsowa Safari Island in 2025, I immediately accepted an invitation from Phoenix Collective for a glorious three-night stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. And the best part? I can bring a plus one! In dire need of a break, my husband accompanies me to this special part of KwaZulu-Natal’s most extraordinary landscapes, which is a melding of wilderness, Zulu heritage, and contemporary design.
Arriving in the late afternoon following a drive through the park, our encounter with four grumpy buffaloes has us locked in a ‘roadblock’ for at least an hour. Not wanting to risk pushing our way past them in the rental car, we end up missing the afternoon safari, which is not a bad thing, as we are able to still enjoy high tea, a selection of pastries, salad and bobotie, with cappuccinos made by barman Themba, and settle into our spacious accommodation, Villa 7.
With only ten standalone luxury bush villas, Villa 7 is almost right at the end of a cobblestoned walkway. Elevated above the terrain, the villa feels suspended amongst towering trees and aloes. Simplistic in its architecture and design, the accommodation doesn’t detract from the natural surroundings and instead blends into the scenery. The grey façade of the dwelling leads to a juxtaposition of whites, beiges, greys, and wooden finishes.
To the right of the room, an extra-large King-sized bed is dwarfed by a floor-to-ceiling wood-crafted headboard. A mosquito net is draped above the bed, adding an air of romance, and with it and the blinds left open for the night, the early morning light and warmth of the sun flood the room. The comfortable couch is a great spot for relaxation, and the bathroom is a haven of tranquility with double vanities, an egg-shaped bath, a rain shower and a flush loo.
The outside deck is the ideal place from which to take in the surroundings, and you can do that while reclining on one of the two sun loungers, or when taking a dip in your private plunge pool. There is birdlife aplenty, and frequent visitors are bulbuls, Cape sparrows, and as you fix your gaze upwards, a bateleur with his black and white plumage could very well be soaring in the bluest of skies. There might even be a sunbird flitting about, trying to get some nectar from the aloes.
Sitting in the wooden chair with its black leather seat and backrest adjacent to the bed, there is a great sense of quiet. Walking over to the coffee station, I switch the kettle on to brew a cup of coffee for my husband and make a hot chocolate for myself in the JAN stoneware. The lampshade made from Zulu beads forms a focal point in the room, and so do the three Zulu hats displayed on the wall.
In the entrance area, a rhino constructed from motor car parts is a stark reminder of how vulnerable these species have become due to poaching, but thanks to Operation Rhino, the white rhinos have been brought back from the brink of extinction in the mid-20th century. Encountering them while out on safari is a remarkable experience, especially seeing three white rhinos having a snooze, and a highlight is bearing witness to a young rhino calf sticking close to mom.
Head Chef Brian and his team have mastered the art of culinary offerings at Rhino Ridge, and the food is absolutely delicious. High Tea is served on the dining deck with vistas over the valley, and dinner is a gastronomical delight consisting of three courses presented on grey stoneware with lanterns illuminating the way. The first night’s dinner menu has a choice of two starters, three main courses (we choose the melt-in-your-mouth Shisanyama grilled beef fillet with grilled green beans on pea risotto), and dessert is vanilla crème brûlée. Every meal is made with care, consideration, and the best taste.
Twice daily safaris are conducted through the sizeable 371 sq. mile Hluhluwe-imFolozi Park, a combination of open acacia, hilly topography, and the Umfolozi and Hluhluwe river systems. As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, it provides guests with the possibility of seeing the Big Five, a bucket-list for many visitors to Southern Africa. Commencing our morning safari with guide Liberty, we are delighted to happen upon a number of noteworthy sightings, the most awe-inspiring being a brief glimpse of a leopard cub spotted by fellow guest Olivier from Belgium.
Our table has been set for breakfast, with all of them facing the breathtaking panorama. As the most important meal of the day, guests are given a choice of pastries, muesli, yoghurt, fruit, hot breakfast, and beverages to go with their food. It is clear that Rhino Ridge’s concept was to honor the astounding setting, as this is no ordinary safari camp. Void of tented structures or thatch roofs, the lodge’s design is a marvelous nod to the wilderness – clean lines, natural finishes, and bringing the outside in via framed sliding doors.
The structures sit perched low against the ridge and align with the undulated contours of the landscape. We alternate our time between our villa and the main area when not on safari, where guests can have a swim in the rimflow pool after they’ve had a reprieve from many of the excellent meals. For those who want to continue their fitness routine or just burn off some calories, there is a gym with a treadmill, bicycle and weights.
After High Tea, Liberty rounds us up for the afternoon safari. Safari companions from Belgium – the two Isabelles, Olivier and Luc are keen to complete their Big Five sightings, with only the elephant left unseen. Heading to the southeastern side of the reserve, we spot rhino out in the open, a breeding herd of buffalo taking in the last rays of sun, and giraffe feeding on some fresh leaves. At the top of a rocky outcrop, we take in the beautiful sunset while enjoying sundowners and snacks.
En route back to the lodge, a magnificent male lion is walking right in the middle of the road. His mane is dark, and he stops every so often to mark his territory, something male lions do to indicate to rivals they are not welcome in their vicinity. All of a sudden, he starts vocalizing, a reverberating sound that cuts through the silence. Veering to the side of the road to sniff the bush, he continues his patrol for a few miles, and after driving behind him for a while, we decide to leave him in peace.
On our morning safari, the elephants are definitely not wanting to be found, but they come into full view on the afternoon game drive, much to the joy of everyone on the safari vehicle. There are three male bulls, and two of them engage in a playful tussle, pushing each other around in a non-aggressive manner. One rubs his eye with the tip of his trunk and continues down the embankment to feed on the overwhelming greenery.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge has a storied history with the Zulu kingdom, a wonderful conservation success story, and the luxury of space between heaven and earth. If you want to journey with a purpose while staying in an amazing place with the most delicious food and having incredible wildlife encounters, book a stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge.
