Why Rhino Sands Should Be Your 2025 Safari Destination
It’s never easy to capture in words why a place should be on your travel list, especially without sounding like a list of clichés. How do you truly convey the magic of a destination? The beauty, the serenity, and the soul of it all? The answer lies in the simple yet powerful phrase: Seeing is believing. Rhino Sands isn’t just a safari; it’s an experience that touches all your senses. From the moment you step out of your car, you’re transported to another world—a world where time slows down, where the rustling of leaves and the call of birds replace the hum of your everyday life. The greenery stretches endlessly, a lush canopy of life. The sounds are foreign yet comforting, drawing you closer to nature. But what truly elevates Rhino Sands is its people. The staff are the heart and soul of this five-star experience. Attentive yet unobtrusive, they anticipate your needs and add thoughtful touches that make your stay unforgettable. Whether it’s the warm welcome upon arrival, the perfectly curated meals, or the small, personal gestures that remind you this place was made with love—it’s the kind of hospitality that lingers long after you’ve left. Every detail at Rhino Sands tells a story. The beautifully designed interiors blend seamlessly with the wilderness outside, offering luxury without losing the essence of the wild. Even the smallest touches, like books left behind by previous guests, connect you to the travelers who came before—people who, like you, left a piece of themselves in this hidden gem. Rhino Sands is more than just a safari; it’s a place where lifelong memories are made. Here, mornings start with game drives led by expert guides who know the landscape as intimately as a storyteller knows their tale. They don’t just show you animals; they reveal the intricate web of life that binds this ecosystem together. Evenings are a different kind of magic—gathered around the fire, swapping stories under a starlit sky that seems impossibly vast. There’s a sense of connection that goes beyond words, to the land, to the people, to yourself. Rhino Sands is where luxury meets the wild. It’s an oasis in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, a destination that truly stands apart. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, reconnect with loved ones, or simply take time for yourself, this is the place to do it. Because at Rhino Sands, you don’t just visit. You live, you feel, you grow. Make 2025 the year you embrace the extraordinary. Make Rhino Sands your safari destination. Book Your Stay Today!
Summer special: Beach and bush safari holiday in KZN
A beach and bush safari holiday in KwaZulu-Natal is the classic combination getaway in South Africa. That’s why we are treating you to a summer special that gives you the best of both worlds for less and just a three-hour drive between them. We have partnered with our friends at Sala Beach House, a gorgeous new seaside escape in Thompson’s Bay, a three-hour drive south-east of Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Book a minimum of two nights at Sala and two nights with us at Rhino Sands, and enjoy a 10% discount on each property’s all-inclusive rates. This special is valid for travel from now until 28 February 2023; block out dates apply from 16 December 2022 to 8 January 2023. South Africans enjoy a double special as our resident rates still apply. (If you already know this is the holiday for you, then you can skip the details below and head over to complete our online enquiry form. Or contact Reservations on info@rhinosands.com or +27 (0) 87 004 4027.) Why we love Sala for a beach and bush safari holiday in KZN Sala Beach House welcomes guests to experience barefoot beachside luxury away from the crowds and noise of the city. The main house perches on the seafront, and features four guest rooms and three suites that each sleep two guests and a private beach villa for a group of six. Here are just some of the reasons to fall in love with Sala like we have: Relax in several elegant spaces, like the dining room, outdoor terrace, and two swimming pools. Watch the sun rise over the Indian Ocean and often spot pods of dolphins gracefully moving through the water. Head down via private access to to a protected tidal pool, swimming beach and secluded coves. Indulge in exquisite dining, sundowner canapés around the firepit and a cocktail of the day. Treat yourself to a healing message and therapeutic treatment at the on-site wellness spa. Enjoy other activities in the area as well, including deep sea fishing, golf, surfing and micro-lighting. What to expect on your luxury safari with us As a boutique hotel on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, Sala is the perfect complement to a bespoke tented safari experience with Rhino Sands. If you haven’t visited Rhino Sands yet, here are some of best parts that you can expect during your safari with us: Connect with nature from a private tented suite raised above a riverbed and surrounded by lush forest. Enjoy amazing Big 5 and wildlife sightings in Manyoni, one of Zululand’s premier game reserves. Experience the bush on guided morning and afternoon game drives, that include morning coffee stops and sundowners with a spectacular view. Dine beneath the stars around the boma fire on culinary delights that match each guest’s preferences. Stay in an eco-friendly safari camp that operates off-grid and with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Become part of the Rhino Sands family, as our camp staff and guides make you feel at home, always. For those flying into Durban for your beach and bush safari holiday in KZN, Sala is a 20-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport. If you decide to visit Rhino Sands first, your drive from the airport will be about three-hours. If you are driving from Johannesburg, Manyoni is about six hours away and Sala is about nine hours away. When you are ready to enquire or book your perfect summer getaway with Rhino Sands and Sala Beach House, you can complete our online form or contact Reservations on info@rhinosands.com or +27 (0) 87 004 4027.
A South African guest’s guide to birding in Manyoni
Brian Roberts recently got to add some real beauties to his ever-growing bird life-list during his second safari at Rhino Sands. We asked him six questions about his experience birding in Manyoni, tips and tricks for beginner birders and photographers, and of course what have been his favourite sightings while in Manyoni. Please give us a brief background about who you are. I am a born and bred KZN North Coaster. I attended Umhlali Primary School from 1973 to 1979, my wife is also a graduate of Umhlali Primary School but she finished MANY years after me! I work in the corporate property world and spent the 12 years prior to Covid commuting to Johannesburg for three days a week. If there is a positive to come out of the dreadful pandemic, it’s that it introduced the world to virtual meetings, and this has greatly reduced travelling for me and given me so much more time with my Luelle (my wife), Josh and Meg (kids). How did you get interested in birding? On the 23rd of March 2020 we were locked down as a country. I am a bit ADD so there is no way I could just sit around doing nothing. I decided then and there that we live in a fantastic eco-friendly estate, and I was going to make it my mission to see how many bird species I could see from our front veranda. I am colour blind and decided that it would make sense to take photographs of the birds that I saw so that I could identify them post the sighting without having to remember distinguishing features. I had always had a camera but had also always only shot on auto. I did a photography course in lockdown to help me take better photos of the birds I saw. Both my birding and photography hobbies are a direct result of being forced to sit on my veranda for those six months or so. Once we were allowed out, I just continued to add birds to my list but could now walk around the estate and as the rules were relaxed, I could continue adding to my list at wonderful places like Rhino Sands that catered for us locals in the midst of the pandemic. What do you think birding adds to the safari experience? Birding enhances your awareness of the surroundings. There are over 400 bird species in Manyoni; if you add the cheetah, the pangolin and a few of the other beautiful species to the famous Big 5, there are probably 15 to 20 animals that the average safari guest will be looking for. As fantastic as the rangers are, it is often completely out of their control as to whether you see the animals. Birds, on the other hand, are always there. Birding adds an entirely new dimension to the experience. There is ALWAYS something to see. I liken birding to fishing, I am a keen fisherman explain to people fishing is the experience of being outdoors, catching a fish whilst fishing is a bonus. It’s the anticipation of the catch that is so thrilling and appealing. Birding to me is walking around my estate or driving around the reserve, you are constantly aware of your surroundings; be it grassland, sand forest, watering holes, whatever the environment, there is always the possibility of seeing a bird. Birding is what I love, seeing a bird is the bonus. What are the most remarkable birds (or simply your favourite) you’ve seen while staying with us? There are so many remarkable birds at Manyoni so I will make it easier for myself and limit my answer to the remarkable birds we have seen at the Rhino Camp site itself. We have seen pink-throated twinspots; a female narina trogan who came to watch us eat lunch; I watched a grey-headed bushshrike pluck a chameleon off a tree in front of our room; we have seen an orange-breasted bushshrike as well. One of my favourites was a very good sighting of a female black buckooshrike – the black cuckooshrike is one of the few species where (IMHO) the female is so much more attractive than the male. There is an abundance of birdlife around the lodge, it is difficult to make a ‘short’ list of the great birds. What tips would you have for the beginning birder? Birding goes from “there is a bird”, to “there is a yellow bird”, to “there is a village weaver”, to “there is a juvenile male village weaver in non-breeding plumage”. Everyone starts at “there is a bird”. Persevere! Birding is all about practice. Do not be scared to ask silly questions, I am yet to meet a birder that knows everything. Birders crave new information and birders love to share knowledge. Try your hardest to ID a bird from the many books and many apps. It is the awareness of the distinguishing features that help you learn. If you’re always asking someone else for ID help you are not teaching yourself to pick up those small distinguishing features. Any gear or equipment recommendations for the first-time safari goer? Binoculars, a camera (it doesn’t have to be a fancy one), a bird book or app, and of course a place to record your bird list. They say that everyone likes to collect things, a bird list is a collection of birds you have seen. A life list (what birders call their list of birds) and a trip list add that little bit of competitiveness to the hobby, not necessarily to compete with others, simply to compete with yourself. I also find it increases the enthusiasm of the younger generation! Any photography tips for guests on safari? I am a birder first and a photographer second. There is nothing more satisfying than a great shot of a rare bird but the opportunities to get these shots are rare. I have tried to train myself to look first, take an ID shot second,
What we love about a South African safari in winter
A South African safari taken between May and July is a comfortable and enjoyable one, as long as you come prepared. Because these are the dry months of the year, the bush shakes off its greenery, making the reserve look quite different to the wet summer season. Without the rain to wash them away, dust particles hang in the air in the late afternoon and create intense colours across the sky at sunset. This then usually gives way to a cloudless night sky, perfect for stargazing back at camp. We don’t believe that any one time of the year is better than another for a safari, as each season offers a different experience from the one that came before it. For now, since the cooler months are here, we are sharing some of the reasons we love winter safaris: Game sightings can get extra wild The colder months of the year are also the driest, which is ideal for spotting wildlife. The scarce rainfall means the bush thins out so animals are easier to track and spot. The cooler temperatures also mean they can stay in the open longer into the day and congregate around the few water sources available. But taking a drink from a waterhole or river puts animals in an incredibly vulnerable position and leaves them open to attack. Crocodiles lurk in the water below and big cats wait in the surrounding bushes for the perfect moment to strike. Indulgent food enjoyed in snug places One of our favourite parts of every safari is the food. There is something though about winter that gives us all a good excuse to indulge. Chef Dion and his talented team in the kitchen will make you warm from the inside out with hearty stews, rich soups and homemade bread, and warm, seasonal desserts. After dinner, you’ll fall asleep in your tent with a full, happy stomach, and wake up with all the energy you need for your dawn game drive. These comforting meals are paired with the perfect cosy setting, like dinner around the boma campfire or breakfast from the warmth and privacy of your tent. Cosy up beside the campfire The first cup of coffee for the day tastes so much sweeter while getting cosy next to the crackling campfire. It’s what gives you all the warmth and energy to head out into the bush on your dawn game drive to find those sightings that make the early wake-up so worth it! Then, it’s rusks and coffee with a splash of Amarula when you stop in the bush, perhaps after watching young lions hunt a warthog or elephants drinking from a watering hole. The afternoon game drive ends watching a spectacular winter sunset with a spread of savoury treats and a glass of something delicious – you can’t go wrong with a glass of red wine in winter. Comfortable weather with warm days and cool nights It’s all about layers when you’re in the bush during winter. Early mornings and late afternoons can be chilly, so we recommend packing winter jackets, gloves, scarves and a beanie, which you can gradually peel off or cover up with during game drives. To make sure you are completely warm and comfortable, we provide you with blankets and hot water bottles on our vehicles. Bring fleece pajamas and warm slippers to stay cosy in your tent, and electric blankets on your bed will keep you snug throughout the night. Once the sun comes up, the bush becomes bathed in lovely warm sunshine, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography. By midday it warms up nicely and is the perfect time to relax with a good book on the sun lounger by your private pool. Our team of camp staff and rangers are looking forward to showing you the best of the reserve, no matter what time of the year you decide to make your South African safari. Please contact us or enquire and book using our easy to use online form.
