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Rhulani Safari Lodge

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Rhulani Safari Lodge is an authentic luxury retreat tucked away in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa.

Perched on a gentle rise, the lodge offers sweeping views over the bushveld and a waterhole, lending guests both privacy and panoramic vistas of the wilderness.

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Facilities & Activities

Rhulani Safari Lodge offers a wide range of facilities designed for relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy a central swimming pool with sun loungers, as well as private plunge pools.

Spa treatments are available either in-suite or on private decks, while the intimate lounge and library provide quiet spaces to unwind. The lodge also features the unique Tshembo Hide, an underground viewing lounge by a waterhole that brings guests eye-level with wildlife. Additional amenities include a curio shop and boma dining area.

Activities focus on immersing guests in the surrounding wilderness. Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles offer the chance to encounter the Big Five and a variety of other species, while guided bush walks provide a more intimate look at tracks, plants, and insects.

Birdwatching and stargazing are also popular, given Madikwe’s rich skies and diverse birdlife. To complete the experience, Rhulani offers atmospheric dining, from outdoor boma dinners to private meals on decks overlooking the bush.

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Abi

Founder & Director

Emily

Worldwide Travel Consultant

Amy

Africa Travel Manager

Dining

Rhulani offers dining across several atmospheric settings — guests can dine in the indoor dining room, on the courtyard, or outdoors in the Old Boma. One of the stand-out meals is the Boma Dinner, an outdoor barbecue (braai) around a campfire under the starry African sky, with lantern-lit tables and the sounds of the bush all around.

They also cater well for special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), so everyone can enjoy the full culinary offering. For more private or romantic occasions, they offer private dinners at your chalet — indoors or outdoors — overlooking the bush or waterholes.

Rooms

Rhulani has 6 standard Luxury Chalets, 1 Premium Luxury Chalet, and 1 Luxury Family Suite.

The décor is a blend of rustic safari style and modern comfort. Think earthy, natural tones and textures (thatched roofs, dark wood, natural thatch or rondavel-style architecture) contrasted with light interiors. Floor-to-ceiling/large sliding glass doors are used to let in light and give a sense of space.

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Family

The lodge offers a range of child-friendly accommodations, including the spacious Family Suite, which features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private deck overlooking a waterhole—ideal for families or small groups.

Children of all ages are welcome at Rhulani Safari Lodge. However, there are specific guidelines regarding participation in game drives:

Children under 6 years: Not permitted on regular game drives. They may join a private game drive if booked in advance, subject to the ranger’s discretion regarding safety.

Children aged 6 to 11 years: Permitted on regular game drives at the ranger’s discretion. A private game drive can be arranged for families preferring more flexibility.

Children aged 12 and above: Guaranteed participation in game drives.

For younger children not joining the game drives, Rhulani offers a “bumble drive”—a shorter, family-friendly safari experience designed for children under 6 years. The lodge also provides a range of family-oriented activities, including a dedicated children’s programme with a playroom, art supplies and DVDs.

Sustainability

In April 2025, Rhulani became only the second hotel in South Africa to receive Travelife Gold Sustainability Certification, affirming its compliance with international standards covering emissions, biodiversity protection, fair labour practices, and more.

Rhulani Safari Lodge is committed to sustainability, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. Initiatives include a solar power system that covers over 90% of energy needs, the installation of a Reverse Osmosis water purification system to eliminate bottled water, and the elimination of small plastic bottles in guest bathrooms. The lodge also supports local communities and conservation efforts, such as rhino protection and infrastructure improvements in nearby schools.

Location

Rhulani Safari Lodge is situated within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa. Approximately 400 km (about 4.5 hours) from Johannesburg.

Alternatively, guests can opt for scheduled flights (1 hour) from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport to Madikwe Game Reserve, with a 20-minute transfer to the lodge

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