Rhulani Safari Lodge
R49, Wonderboom Gate, Madikwe Game Reserve 2884 South Africa
Lowest prices for your stay
US$1 033
US$2 049
US$2 049
US$866
Expedia.comUS$1 033
Hotels.comUS$1 033
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Prices above are provided by partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and do not include all taxes and fees. Please see our partners for full details.
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Traveller (745)
Room & Suite (161)
Dining (56)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
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What you can expect during your stay
- Individually wrapped toiletries
Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#4 of 23 Specialty lodging in Madikwe Game Reserve
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Succumb to the peace and tranquility of this spectacular setting. Relax in the spaciousness of your private luxury chalet with its own deck and plunge pool.Each chalet includes a Morso fireplace, climate control air conditioner, mini bar fridge, tea & coffee making facilities and full en-suite bathroom and outside shower.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Airport transportation
Massage
Baggage storage
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Bar / lounge
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Concierge
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Desk
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Extra long beds
Bath / shower
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Sofa
Telephone
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Afrikaans and 3 more
Location
Full view
Contact
R49, Wonderboom Gate, Madikwe Game Reserve 2884 South Africa
Getting there
See all nearby hotels
464Reviews12Q+A100Room tips
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+1
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.…
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 2 days ago
Dear Martin family It is a great pleasure for us that the six-day stay in Rhulani was a compensation for the long and difficult waiting time. Many thanks to you for being patient for so long and finally visiting us, and for now also sending us such a wonderful comment. Your visit made our team very happy too, so we hope that you will visit us again sometime in the future. We wish you all the best and send kind regards Rolf & Marisa
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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.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 29 Jun 2022
Dear Ms Eldridge First of all we would like to thank you for your recent visit to Rhulani Safari Lodge and also for taking the time to share your experience with us with the Tripadvisor community. We are particularly pleased that you give our team a lot of praise and give us the highest mark. We are glad that your wedding journey got off to a good start. Hopefully the safari fever will linger for a while so that we will welcome you back to Rhulani Safari Lodge sometime in the future. We would be happy about that! We wish you all the best and kind regards Rolf & Marisa
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+1
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)…
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Date of stay: May 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 24 Jun 2022
Dear Anna & Rick We are delighted that Rhulani Safari Lodge was the right place to start your honeymoon and that we were able to pamper you during your time at the lodge. We are glad that you appreciated the service, the friendliness of our staff and the cleanliness of your room, as well as the fun and informative safaris on Ralf's vehicle. Thank you for visiting us and for giving us the highest rating on Tripadvisor. Wishing you all the best, and with kind regards Rolf & Marisa
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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
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 07 Jun 2022
Dear Fam. Adcock We would like to say a big thank you to all your family for your recent visit to Rhulani Safari Lodge and for your wonderful comment. We were very pleased to have you as a guest and offer you a fun and informative time on the safaris by ranger Alasdair. It's great to hear that you enjoyed every day and that the Underground Hide was a highlight for you. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Best regards Marisa & Rolf
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+1
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 😀
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Make sure you bring warm clothing, early morning Safari in May was cold.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 31 May 2022
Dear Guest We would like to thank you for your visit in the winter season that has just started in Madikwe. We are pleased that Rhulani was a successful travel option for your first safari experience and that, despite the cold temperatures in the evening, you were able to enjoy the sun on your private deck during the day and that you will keep fond memories of the safaris with Ralf and from the hospitality of our staff. Thank you very much for the feedback, and best regards Marisa & Rolf
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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…
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 31 May 2022
Dear Christine The Rhulani team would like to thank you for your recent visit and also for taking the time to share your impressions with other travellers. We are very pleased that we were able to make your stay a success and that you gave us the highest score. Above all, we are pleased that you were able to enjoy all aspects of your safari stay, given the lower than expected temperatures, and that our staff were helpful with bottled hot water and a warming fireplace in the room, to let you feel comfortable. We greet you warmly and remain with best thanks Rolf & Marisa
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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.…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: All rooms are free-standing and independent from each other. No room has visual access to any...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 03 May 2022
Dear Oscar Thank you very much for visiting us recently at Rhulani, and for taking the time to share your impressions with other readers on Tripadvisor. We are very pleased that you as a family had a great time in all respects and that you really enjoyed the relaxing moments within the lodge as well as the adventures out in the bush with Alasdair. We hope that your trip to South Africa has given you an appetite for more visits in the future and that we have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Rhulani. Best wishes Rolf & Marisa
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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
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 03 May 2022
Dear Guest Our team is always happy to welcome you and we are glad that you were enthusiastic about us once again and were even able to discover the Magnificent 7 during your time with us. Thank you for visiting Rhulani and for your feedback, and we hope to see you soon. Kind regards Marisa & Rolf
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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.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 26 Apr 2022
Dear Guest What a pleasure to read that Rhulani was the right destination for you and your partner and the special birthday occasion. Thank you for the kind words about our staff and the way we ensure hospitality at Rhulani. Thank you very much for your visit and the nice feedback, and we remain hopeful that you will return to Rhulani in the future. With best regards Marisa & Rolf
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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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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhulani Safari Lodge, Owner at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Responded 08 Apr 2022
Dear Caroline Thank you for returning to Rhulani, this time with your whole family. It is nice to read that we were able to fulfill all your wishes on this second visit, that the Rhulani experience with the children was also a complete success and that you can take home fond memories of the ceremony in the bush. Special thanks to you for the words of praise to Ranger Alasdair, and to our observation hide at the waterhole. Nice, these have become the highlights of your trip! We look forward to welcoming you again in the future, and sending you best regards Marisa & Rolf
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PRICE RANGE
US$627 - US$1 001 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaNorth-West ProvinceMadikwe Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Rhulani Safari Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Rhulani Safari Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Madikwe Nature Reserve (5.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Rhulani Safari Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Rhulani Safari Lodge?
Top room amenities include a desk, extra long beds, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Rhulani Safari Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Rhulani Safari Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Rhulani Safari Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Rhulani Safari Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Rhulani Safari Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Rhulani Safari Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Afrikaans.