We finally got to stay at Rhulani after originally booking in 2019 for a stay in 2020 that then got moved twice due to covid. What an amazing place! From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by such natural beauty in the heart of the African bush. A huge elephant was there to great us at Rhulani’s underground hide and waterhole and the wildlife spotting continued throughout our 6 night stay. It was very quiet during our time at Rhulani and we were incredibly lucky to have a vehicle and guide to ourselves through our whole stay. Ralf, our guide, was amazing! Such a larger than life personality that made our game drives so much fun. Our teenagers (and us) thoroughly enjoyed time spent on the drives with him and were so lucky to have seen pretty much every animal it was possible to see. His enthusiasm is catching!! All other staff at the lodge were so friendly and attentive without being over the top. Alastair, Kyla, Tom, Nosa, Cynthia …… all wonderful. Special mention to Michael who made sure we got up on time and walked us to and from our room morning and evening, always with a smile! A truly amazing place to stay.…
We visited Rhulani to kick-start our honeymoon - and we couldn't have chosen better!! It was the most action packed, yet relaxing break ever. Everyone at Rhulani goes above and beyond to make the stay memorable, nothing is too much trouble and all with a warm friendly smile! From the welcome, to the goodbyes and everything in between was fantastic. The highlight of our stay was of course the drives - our guides (Willem) passion and respect for the wildlife was obvious to see and he answered our endless questions with the same enthusiasm from the first to last day making our first safari experience unforgettable. We have been bitten by the safari bug, Rhulani and the people there captured our hearts and when we left were genuinely sad to drive through the gates and wave goodbye.
We stayed at Rhulani for four days to kick off our honeymoon in South Africa, and couldn't have been happier with our choice. All of the staff were fantastic (Hloni <3, Tom, Michael, Bakang, and many more) — they were kind, friendly, and super efficient. From the moment we walked in we just felt relaxed — a welcome drink and a seat on the veranda with a view of the watering hole, where lots of elephants (including babies!) were enjoying the water. The hide, where you go underground to get a fantastic, up-close view of the watering hole, was incredible. We saw a pack of wild dogs there on our very last day — absolutely thrilling. The rooms were cleaned impeccably every day, and we loved the scrolls that were left on turn-down — legends and stories about the animals around us. The plunge pool and private deck was a real luxury, and we were in Room 1, the furthest from the main lodge, where elephants and other animals wandered past throughout the late morning/afternoon while we were chilling on the deck. A special mention must go to our guide, Ralph, who was a star. Such a warm, lovely person, with 18 years of experience as a safari guide. He knows his stuff and could answer all of our questions, and his sense of humour is THE BEST. His enthusiasm is infectious (as is his laugh!) and every moment in the car with him was a privilege. We saw lots of beautiful animals (including all of the big 5 in our first drive!), but even on more quiet drives we had just the best time. He made our trip even more special. Thanks so much to everyone in the team — we couldn't have had a better start to our honeymoon! Anna and Rick (UK / Netherlands)…
By far the best safari lodge I’ve ever been to! If you’re looking for a place where the staff is going the extra mile then head to Rhulani! The friendly, professional staff, makes you feel at home from the first minute on you set foot there. Always great food, even freshly baked muffins at 6am before the safari starts! The lodges with heated privat pools are warmly decorated with lots of great taste! 3 days with Alistair on safari were packed with professional insight about African animal life… we learned so much and we were blown away of what we saw EVERY day!!! He‘s fun approach to animals and humans alike are gonna be memories we‘ll never forget. We laught so much, thanks Alistair… We‘ll def. be back soon… Warmly, Fam. Adcock
First ever safari and it didn’t disappoint. The individual lodges were gorgeous and totally private. When we visited the early morning Safari’s we’re cold as we’re the evenings, however shout out to to the night staff Michael who would have a roaring fire in the wood stove for us to return to. Food was lovely and all freshly cooked to order. All the staff made you feel at home and our safari guide Ralph was fabulous, he was so enthusiastic about seeking out all the the big 5 nothing got in his way!! you could tell he loved his job. Did get some sun in the afternoon and lying by our own private plunge pool was a perfect way to chill out in the afternoons. Highly recommend 😀
Recently we stayed at Rhulani Safari Lodge for 4 nights. We arrived by private charter plane to a small airstrip close by, and our game ranger, Ralf picked us up .Upon arrival to the lodge, We were greeted by Tom with a warm wet towel and a welcome drink. The staff was there to say hi. Our room was a chalet with walls (not a tent) which we preferred. Since the hot tub was cool for our liking, the staff raised the temperature for us. The room were elegantly decorated and had a very full complimentary minibar. The plan was to eat all meals in a different location, but it was too cold a few nights. Michael was excellent at waking us up every morning at 6am for game drive and walked us to and from the lodge for safety. He also started a fire in our room for cold nights. As it was a lot colder than we had packed for, Michael filled hot water bottles for us for game drive and blankets and ponchos. Our driver Ralf was excellent. He did his best to not only show us all the animals, he was fun and excited. Our bar tenders and the rest of staff were also very friendly. Finally, the lodge has a "hide" or underground bunker that allowed us to see the animals VERY CLOSE. I would highly recommend Rhulani and would return without hesitation. Christine Tampa, Fl USA May 2022…
Rhulani is simply the best place to stay if you want to do a safari in South Africa. The Hide is unique and you see all sorts of animals (we saw elephants, rhino, Gnu, buffalo) right there without even having to go to a game drive! You take photos just 3 metres away from the animals, right at Rhulani. Simply unique. The staff is outstanding: they make you feel welcome and special. Jacky, the manager is very capable and engaged. Daniel is always friendly and ready to help; we watched a Champions League match around a glass of whiskey. Kyla is competent and on the ball. The food is delicious and the several different dinner settings (Boma, old Boma, indoor, Marula Tree) make each meal special. Congratulations to Moses, who was the chef when we were there. All rooms (they are actually small houses) are free-standing and independent from each other. No room has visual access to any other room. THis ensures total privacy for the guests. Alasdair , the ranger we had, is excellent: professional, never tired, always energetic, well connected with the other rangers, he knows where to find the animals and he will take you wherever they are, no matter how far. He knows Madikwe inside out. Madikwe is renowned for offering the possibility to see the animals from very close up. We saw lions, 1 lioness, cheetahs and hienas walk past our car just 1 metre away. We saw 60 elephants with heards of Zebras, Gnus, Buffalos, Giraffes, all drinking from a large pond, just like the scene in the Lion King film. We then drove amongst them all. Unforgettable.…
I always love staying at Rhulani.. the experience is always incredible but the thing that really stands is the staff. They will go out of there way to make you feel special. The food is delicious and the game drives are wonderful. We saw the magnificent 7 all in one day! Remarkable
What a fabulous week we have all just had at Rhulani! From the moment we arrived until the moment we left it was wonderful. I have never met such a kind, caring and professional team of staff, and I have travelled extensively to many parts of the world. The whole experience was magical. Special mention and thanks to Tom and Keyla for looking after us so well.Star of the show, however, was our guide Ralf, with whom we spent many hours in the park, benefiting from his amazing knowledge and excellent game-spotting. Was a delight to be with him and indeed all the other staff who were always there to assist in any way they could. Big thank you to you all.
Our recent family trip to Rhulani Safari Lodge was nothing short of incredible. Mike and I visited before as a couple and had a wonderful time, but this time we had the boys with us. Firstly, Alasdair, our ranger, was an absolute champ with the boys, we loved having him as a guide. We also got married in the bush with a small, personal ceremony, and the staff made everything so beautiful and special, going the extra mile as they always do. We feel more and more like family each time we visit. Out sightings were next level, from a cheetah jumping up to the top of a dead tree perfectly lit by the most vivid sunrise, wild dogs racing towards the dam to have a drink of water, to that penetrating sound of a male lion vocalising right next to the vehicle, what an amazing adventure this trip was. The Hide is one of my favourites parts of the lodge, getting this close to the animals, especially elephants, allows you to take in their smell, sounds, every detail of their skin and feel the calmness of their demeanour without interrupting or disturbing nature. You are guaranteed to see elephants around the hide numerous times throughout the day. Our son spent most of his days here just watching and waiting to see which animal or creature would stroll up next. How fortunate are we to have these experiences right on our doorstep, and for our kids to learn about nature and wildlife. Thank you for yet again another beautiful adventure.…
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