Rhulani Safari Lodge
Rhulani Safari Lodge Is A Very Comfortable And Traditional Lodge In Western Madikwe
Rhulani Safari Lodge is a great all round lodge that offers a comfortable and relaxed stay. The individual suites are private and perfect for couples, while the larger premium and family suites are ideal for families. The lodge is not large and it is not trying to be contemporary or five star, by today’s standards, so it is best suited to guests seeking a relaxed, intimate and friendly environment with four star accommodation, food and service.
Rooms
Accommodation is provided in eight air-conditioned thatched chalets, including a two bedroom suite. Each chalet has king or twin beds under a mosquito net, comfortable chairs, and wood burning stove and outdoor each has a private deck with plunge pool and sun loungers. En suite bathrooms include indoor and outdoor showers, bath, double vanity and flush toilet. One of the chalets is classed as a ‘Premium Luxury Chalet’ and this has the addition of a separate sitting room with TV (this can also be converted into a second bedroom for an additional adult or children). The two bedroom family suite comprises two en suite bedrooms sharing a lounge and central deck with a large plunge pool.
Central Areas
The central areas include a thatched lounge, library and dining room, as well as an outdoor dining deck, an outdoor viewing deck overlooking the waterhole, a swimming pool and gift shop. There is also an underground hide for close up encounters with wildlife at the waterhole. In room massages and spa treatments are available to book (at extra cost).
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
Madikwe Game Reserve is a malaria-free wildlife area covering 75.000 hectares of arid land in the north of South Africa, stretching up towards the border with Botswana. Madikwe was established in the early 1990s as a result of an economic analysis that explored two land-use options: Big 5 ecotourism and extensive cattle farming. The outcome was that the area was most suited to wildlife tourism and this would lead to more employment opportunities than the agriculture option. Madikwe’s primary objective therefore differs somewhat to other game reserves – rather than focusing primarily on wildlife and conservation, community upliftment and creating social and economic opportunity is given emphasis. Madikwe was perhaps ahead of its time, but this community-based wildlife conservation approach is increasingly viewed as the only successful sustainable approach to wildlife conservation in safari Africa.
The reserve is known for ‘Operation Phoenix’, the largest wildlife translocation project in the world. To establish a viable wildlife population, over a period of seven years Operation Phoenix reintroduced more than 8,000 animals of 28 species into the newly established reserve. Conservation ‘firsts’ were achieved including relocating entire herds of elephant alongside the reintroduction of African wild dog into a fenced reserve. The establishment of Madikwe’s wild dog continues to be one of the reserve’s conservation success stories.
Madikwe has a diverse topography, ranging from the rocky Tshwene Tshwene hills, to large savanna plains and dense bushveld-covered plateaus, and is home to the Big 5 as well as wild dog, cheetah, various antelope species including gemsbok (oryx), bushbuck, greater kudu and impala, alongside baboon, giraffe, warthog and zebra. There are also over 340 recorded bird species.
Activities
Activities focus on twice daily game drives. Guided bush walks and village visits can also be arranged at extra cost.
Seasons
Rhulani Safari Lodge is open all year round. Game viewing is superb year round, though you will experience more rainfall from November through to March.
Children of all ages are welcome at Rhulani Safari Lodge, and the Premium and Family Suites are ideal for families. Children under six years old are only permitted on private game drives, and at the discretion of the guide for safety reasons. For very young children, short ‘bumble drives’ are often more suitable, which can focus more on animal tracks, bug-finding and dung identification. The lodge has various child friendly initiatives, including kid’s packs (activity book and various suitable goodies) and a dedicated kid’s area with games, books and movies available, and babysitting services are offered.
In addition to creating employment opportunities for local community members, Rhulani Lodge supports local communities by procuring produce and services locally wherever possible. They also established special projects from time to time, especially for local schools where the need for repairs and access to educational material is significant, helping with action and finance.
Every guest staying in Madikwe Game Reserve pays a Guest Conservation Contribution which serves to support the reserve in its fight against rhino poaching and for the upkeep of the reserve, which includes road maintenance and bush clearing.
Rhulani Safari Lodge has also set a target of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions from energy, water and waste by 30% before the end of 2030. The main focus is on the optimal use of the solar system (to reduce diesel consumption from the generator) as well as monitoring the development of electric safari vehicles and a changeover as soon as the technology is sufficiently advanced.
