Rhino River Lodge, Manyoni Private Game Reserve has been proclaimed a "protected area" making it the most significant private game reserve in this province of South Africa.

Furthermore, this region of South Africa has been selected for the re-introduction of the rare and endangered black rhino. The Rhino River Lodge is part of the greater Zululand Rhino Reserve and Hluhluwe Game Reserve.

This project was a combined initiative of the 'World Wild Life Fund' and KZN Ezemvelo. Twenty-one black rhinos were released into this game reserve and can once again be seen ranging from their historical habitat. Most rewarding has been the birth of six youngsters since introduction, which has added enormously to the lodge's wildlife viewing experience.

The lodge itself nestles on the banks of the Umsunduze River. The comfortable lounge, dining and bar area feature a raised deck looking out through majestic Fever trees to the river below which is lined with ancient Fig trees. The boma area here is a favourite gathering place in the evening where guests can indulge themselves in fire gazing while sampling the selection of fine South African wines.

The lodge's well-equipped facilities are ideal for secluded holidays as well as for small conferences and workshops. The swimming pool here offers a refreshing retreat at the end of a hot and busy day in Zululand, whether it is wildlife viewing, sightseeing or conferencing.

In the early morning and late afternoon, the lodge's resident family of warthog can often be seen grazing on the lawn, and if one sits, quietly one might also catch sight of the shy red duiker, which frequents the lodge. They offer both mornings, evening and night drives to maximise one's chances of seeing a variety of animals.

The reserve has a great diversity of bird and patience is richly rewarded with unusual sightings. Birds indigenous to the region and frequently sighted include the Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Pink-throated Twinspot, Paradise Wydah, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Rudd's Apalis and the Crested Guineafowl.

Early morning and late afternoon safari drives are available to guests staying here. They leave for the morning drive at a time agreed with the guests, stopping at a strategic point, either a waterhole or view site to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and a rusk. On the afternoon drive, they usually try to find a suitable spot to see the sunset while sipping a refreshing sundowner, before wending their way back to the Lodge and the welcoming boma fire.

The lodge also offers night safari drives which provide guests with the opportunity of spotting some of the more elusive nocturnal creatures of the bush, such as leopard, serval, genet, bush baby and hardware.

The lodge's guided walks offer the more adventurous visitors an opportunity to experience the wilds of Africa in the best possible way on foot. A walking trail entails an interpretative guided walk with an experienced game ranger and a small group of guests. In the interests of safety, the group is limited to six persons. Walks are undertaken in the early morning or late afternoon and run for 2 - 3 hours.

There is a great diversity of birdlife in this "birder friendly" game reserve. Birds indigenous to this region of South Africa and frequently sighted include the Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Pink-throated Twinspot, Paradise Wydah, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Rudd's Apalis and the Crested Guineafowl.

Room types:

4 Double en-suite luxury rooms which accommodate two adults per room

• Either one double or two single beds
• Sitting area
• Private veranda
• Tea & coffee making facilities
• Fully stocked mini-bar
• Ceiling fans.

2 Family cottages which accommodate two adults + 2 children per room

• Two double bedrooms (one is a second story loft-style room)
• Shared bathroom
• Living room/kitchen,
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Fully stocked mini-bar
• Private Boma

Sightseeing Tours / Attractions nearby

• Tiger Fishing Trips
• Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve Tours
• Safari Drive into Mkhuze Game Reserve
• Hippo & Croc tours in St Lucia
• Whale watching
• Elephant interaction
• Sightseeing Tours include:
• Ghost and Lebombo Mountain Range which overlooks the Greater St Lucia World Heritage Site.
• Mkhuze River Bird Walk
• Ghost Mountain Walk