In the early 2000s, Dale and Shannon Airton met while working on conservation projects in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in Zululand. Dale later joined the WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, and the couple became involved with Manyoni in 2004 when it became a site for black rhino reintroduction. Transitioning to hospitality, the Airton family invested in a property in Manyoni, including a safari lodge, aligning with their passion for conservation. In 2014, they seized the opportunity to purchase another property and built Rhino Sands, a camp reflecting their conservation values. Opened in October 2017, the camp aims to connect guests with the environment, and the Airtons have been managing it collaboratively ever since, driven by their commitment to hands-on conservation in Manyoni.
Shannon first moved to South Africa from the United States in 2002. With a degree in Conservation and Animal Behaviour she worked for various research projects in South Africa and now helps to run Rhino Sands. She splits her time between Manyoni and Ballito, where Wyatt is now enrolled in primary school.
Born in 2014, Wyatt is the youngest game ranger at Rhino Sands. When he is not busy at school in Ballito, he eagerly joins us on the reserve. He has a passion for praying mantises and chameleons, and generally enjoys participating in conservation and management activities on the reserve with his dad.
Dale knew he was destined to be a game ranger from a young age. As a child he developed a love for animals, wild spaces, and the game reserves of Zululand. He obtained a diploma in Conservation and began his career in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in 1999 and has lived and worked in Zululand ever since. Dale serves as the general manager of Rhino River Lodge and Rhino Sands Safari Camp.
Our team is an extension of our family. As the camp is small, our team is small, allowing guests the opportunity to get to know the talented and exceptional people that work with us. These are the individuals that create the Rhino Sands experience and create a bridge between our family and yours. We invite you to get to know them all.
Anton is our head ranger. His knowledge and intuitive understanding of the Zululand bush and animals is vast. He also has one of the best laughs in the business.
Chris is our lodge anchor/guest relations manager. Chris is always quick with a joke and a smile, has an energetic and dedicated approach to his job, and always provides our guests with impeccable customer service.
Gabi helps to keep the Airton family running smoothly, and she helps with housekeeping at Rhino Sands. She has been with the Airtons since Wyatt was born in 2014 and is a cherished part of our family. Her sweet nature and strong work ethic make her an asset to our team.
Jonno leads the Rhino Sands team as our Operations Manager. A familiar face in camp, Jonno started with Rhino Sands as a game ranger and returns to us after gaining a couple of years of management experience within Manyoni. Jonno is an enthusiastic and passionate leader, bringing a well-rounded hands on approach to management.
Andrea is our Administration Manager. She is sharp and organized but what really stands out in Andy's management style is her sweet and kind nature. She is both a staff and guest favorite.
Londeka is our Guest Relations Manager. Her gorgeous smile lights up the camp and she is always one to cheer on and lift up the team. Her calm professionalism ensures our guests are always well taken care of.
Andreas is one of our general assistants at the lodge. He has a gentle and genuine personality and always greets guests with a smile.
Sabelo is a true gentleman on our guiding team - calm, humble, and endlessly patient. With his deep knowledge of the bush and a special passion for birding, he shares his expertise with genuine respect and professionalism, making every guest feel valued and inspired.
Bheki is one of our butlers. He prides himself on his five star guest service and greets everyone with a warm, friendly smile. Bheki brings a genuine sense of hospitality and kindness to every interaction.
Johan is one of our general assistants at the lodge. He is a hard-working, dedicated team member with a warm and approachable manner.
Patrick is one of our general assistants. His duties include night watchman, and his large reassuring presence helps guests sleep soundly through the night.
Bryan is our newest and youngest member of the guiding team. While young, he is enthusiastic and passionate about the bush. He has a unique interest in all of the small creatures in the bush.
Nobuhle is one of our housekeepers. She has taken on the role of team mum and is always on top of things. She’s enthusiastic about creating an environment you feel comfortable and cared for in.
Nonhlahla is our Junior Sous Chef. She is always diligent and quietly sets about her work behind the scenes in the kitchen. She is a quick learner and we proudly watch as her talent grows every day.
Nqobile is one of our housekeepers. Her bubbling energy and warm gentle nature ensure the whole team makes it through the day with a happy positive attitude.
Ofentse is our head chef. With a wide range of experience, Ofentse has continued the Rhino Sands tradition of gourmet cuisine while bringing his own unique innovative style to the table. He leads the kitchen team with confidence and true passion. Don't miss his decadent desserts!
Zanele is our Senior Sous Chef. She is one of the most naturally gifted chefs we have come across in the industry. She may have a quiet demeanor, but her food speaks volumes.
Sanele is our head housekeeper. Her gentle, warm presence ensures the team prepares the camp for our guests with extra care.
Bonnie is known for her vibrant smile and boundless positivity. She began her journey in the kitchen as a sculler, and today we’re thrilled to have her as part of our housekeeping team. No matter where she is, Bonnie continues to shine, bringing joy and dedication to the job.
Thandeka is one of our butlers. She is a warm and welcoming presence in camp, and she works extremely hard to provide guests with five-star hospitality.
Thandi is one of our housekeepers. She always sets about her hard work with a smile that is infectious, and her positive attitude lifts up our whole team.
Sabatha is one of our butlers, always putting guests first with genuine care and exceptional effort. Friendly, highly attentive, and deeply committed to ensuring every guest feels truly valued and well looked after.
Mzwah is a rising star in our kitchen, bringing a perfect blend of hard work, infectious laughter, and playful goofiness to the team. Always eager to learn and grow, this innovative young chef loves experimenting with fresh ideas, trying new techniques, and creating exciting dishes that surprise and delight.
We would love to keep in touch. From time to time during low season we also offer specials to our subscribers.
Your Safari
Safari Camp | Experience | Reserve Activities
About Us
Our Family | Our Reserve | Our Purpose
Book Your Safari
Rates & Availability | Contact | Book Now
Plan Your Trip
