Situated in the big five Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Rhino Sands Safari Camp is a five-star tented luxury safari destination designed to bring an authentic safari experience in traditional East African style to Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Book your stay Enquire NowEach of our tented suites are situated in a private patch of riverine forest, with a stunning view of the river below where animals come to drink at permanent water holes throughout the year. With their own private swimming pools, lounges and outdoor showers, the guest accommodation is the ultimate in safari-style luxury.
Our TentsAt Rhino Sands, we embrace the idea of a bespoke safari experience. While the daily rhythm revolves around game drives and meal times, each day is set to be a little bit different than the one before. With a maximum of only eight guests in camp at any time, your stay is guaranteed to be a personal and exclusive experience.
Read moreWell-known for its fantastic game viewing and birding, Manyoni Private Game Reserve is the perfect place to go on safari. This world-class wildlife viewing is within a private reserve, meaning that the number of vehicles traversing the reserve and present on any sighting is strictly regulated, allowing for intimate safari experiences and putting less pressure on the animals and the environment.
The ReserveSelect a date below to check live availability and book a tent.
We had such an amazing 5-night stay at Rhino Sands about a week ago. From the moment we walked in, we received 5-star treatment. The team really treats their guests like royalty. The food was to die for, I’ve literally enjoyed every single meal and overate in the price. Thanks to Chef Deon and Chef Roy for changing my perspective about venison - truly the most delicious dishes I’ve ever tasted!!!
We loved everything about the camp: the personalized game drives, thanks to Jonno; the luxurious tent, I even forgot I was in the bush; the unparalleled service from staff, big up to Obakeng, Thandeka, Spha, Chis and others. The cherry on top was the romantic dinner surprise under the stars at the deck of our tent. Our stay was really special! We’re already planning our second visit.
Nana & Bheki Madikane
August 2022, Facebook
Small but perfectly formed
The 4 of us are safari veterans and over the last 20 years have stayed in many private camps and lodges all over Africa. We just had a 6-night stay at Rhino Sands and it delivered on every front for us. The staff are fabulous and nothing was too much trouble for them. Anton and Roy, the chefs, created amazing dining experiences and we have all put on weight as we could not resist what was on offer!
We are photographers and Jono was our driver/guide. We had some very memorable moments in the reserve with rhino and lions in particular. If you have the time during your stay, try to walk with a rescued pangolin. The Zululand Conservation Trust conservation is rehabilitating pangolins that have been rescued from poachers. We also enjoyed maximising our time in the bush in the mornings by leaving before sunrise and taking a packed breakfast with us.
Yolc
August 2022, Tripadvisor
Words can't describe this experience. To start with, the Lodge and around world-class service, from the passion of the Chefs who would whip up whatever your heart desires in huge portions. To the knowledge and experience of our tour guide Anton who I must add will make a solid hot chocolate, and not to forget the rest of the admin staff who made our stay lovely, comfortable and warm.
Rhino Sands Camp has an amazing team and I would definitely be back again. To get to the reserve part of the review: an amazing natural experience, lions, zebras, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, impalas and much more. That with the beautiful scenery makes this place a perfect holiday destination.
PS: The Rhino Sands Team even went the extra mile to give us an anniversary surprise.
Mohammed Osman Arbee
July 2022, Google
A trip we will remember for a lifetime.
My two daughters and I had the most amazing experience at Rhino Sands. Having worked in the Safari hospitality industry for many years, Rhino Sands is by far one of the most unique and luxurious places I have ever stayed. The food was to die for, and our ranger Jonno had knowledge of the wildlife and bush that was outstanding.
The staff and management make you feel like you are their most important guests, everything is so personal to everyone who works there. You are greeted by smiling joyful staff wherever you go. The rooms are like nothing I have ever experienced. With colonial style decor in the rooms as well as the communal areas, this is definitely a place you never want to leave. The surroundings are breath-taking, and I would highly recommend a stay at Rhino Sands, it will leave you with memories you will never forget.
Karen V
July 2022, Tripadvisor
There aren't enough stars for this beautiful place
Words and pictures don't do this lodge justice. Everything was spectacular. The lodge is up there with the best. The tents are amazing. The scenery was breathtaking. The trees were beautiful. The sunsets were out of this world. Everyone was wonderful. Spa and Nick, for the warmest welcome and for taking care of everything. Chef Dion, for your exceptional food, and I'm still dreaming about your ice creams. Christopher, for fantastic service. Anton, for the best fun on game drives and for showing us the most incredibly special sightings. We can't wait to return.
Paula Lang Fitzhenry
October 2022, Tripadvisor
First of all, thank you so much for doing everything to give us the best experience we could imagine. All the staff did an extraordinary job, and everyone was super friendly and helpful. Shortly after arriving, we felt like we were part of the family. A big thank you goes to the chefs who did an excellent job adapting to our plant-based diet. Every meal was different and delicious…
Furthermore, we highly appreciate the many environmental efforts Rhino Sands take to keep its footprint as low as possible. Sustainable building materials, biodegradable soaps, and reusable water bottles for every guest are only a few examples. If you're looking for a Safari Lodge that is truly eco-friendly and treats every guest as a family member, then you definitely have to choose Rhino Sands.
Lea & Stefan (Sun Chasing Travelers)
October 2022, Google
The best experience you could ask for!
We visited Rhino Sands as part of our honeymoon trip to South Africa. This was our first ever safari experience and this absolutely did not disappoint.
The tents are expansive and very private, you really feel like you have your own little bubble of heaven in the middle of the bush! The outdoor bathroom was brilliant along with the pool & relaxation areas to relax in between game drives…
Again, as newbies to safari we didn’t know what to expect & how likely animal sightings were or weren’t. We were blown away! We have too many memories to share but the main highlights we’re seeing a herd of over 30 elephants emerge out of the bushes to the watering hole and also seeing 2 cheetah cubs and their mother having dinner & playing together...
The team stopped at nothing to make this experience extra special for us. If I could rate them higher than 5* then I absolutely would! The attention to detail does not go unnoticed and made this a trip we will never forget.
Sophie R
September 2022, Tripadvisor