Rhino Sands Safari Camp — Hotel in Jozini Local Municipality

To experience Manyoni through the Rhino Sands is the experience of a lifetime that we can’t wait to enjoy again. The experience we had can only be described as three world class resorts combined in one. The facilities and lodge are unlike anything you will find elsewhere, the culinary experience would be award-winning on any continent and worth the stay alone, and the reserve and safari experience is second to none in South Africa. The combination of all three make the Rhino Sands the most elegant, comfortable, well-managed, clean, private, delicious, enjoyable resort one could ever experience. I cannot recommend Rhino Sands any more highly. This place is a well-kept secret only because of how new it is. It will soon be impossible to book once word gets out. If you can afford it, book the entire lodge and have the trip of a lifetime.

There are no photographs or video which can capture the ambiance of Rhino Sands Safari Camp. It must be experienced to fully appreciate. The boma area and bush oven set in sand and surrounding the campfire is an inviting sight, and a powerful image that will remain with you forever. It is the epitome of a bush camp, strikingly designed with thought given to every detail. The lounge area is warm and inviting, and the attention to detail is evident here with skin rugs, books on Africa, animals, birds, and the decor is the essence of Africa. The stay is inclusive, and there is an open bar with a plethora of options to suite even the most refined tastes.

The first glimpse our tented accommodation took my breath away. From the three-sided deck you can view all the birds, wildlife, and picturesque scenery the seasonal river has to offer. The pool is located at the edge of the deck leaving your view to the river unimpeded, granting you the opportunity to relax and play while cooling off in the water while watching the wildlife do the same just a short distance away. The outside shower is strategically designed to be private enough to maintain comfort for the modest, while open enough to truly experience the feel of showering in the middle of the African bush.

Inside the tent, the loving attention to detail, form and function are on display everywhere you look. The lounge area has seating and a sofa table with books on the birds of Africa, wildlife, and a must read book on the history of Manyoni private game preserve and the protection of Rhinos. During your off time between safari drives, this is the perfect elements to enhance your stay, and the owners have truly thought of every detail. The tent has high speed Wi-Fi if you need that for uploading your sightings to Instagram, a programmable safe and cabinet and closet area for a comfortable stay. The bath area of the tent had a large walk-in shower and a tub for soaking after a long safari. The camp is as environmentally friendly as you will find, and they provide biodegradable shower gel, shampoo, and soap that smell magnificent. Leave yours in the bag and limit your footprint.

The culinary staff at Rhino Sands are second to none. In fact, I think this resort may well become known as foodie destination above the safari experience. As soon as you get a glimpse of the environmentally responsible chalkboard menu, you know you are in for a treat prepared by Chef Bongani. I felt as though I was on a fine dining safari with my favorite meal being grilled sea bass with Mediterranean vegetables and hollandaise sauce. The fish was grilled perfectly, flaked just right, and the sauce was delectable. I joked with Sepho that I would have the fish again for dessert and breakfast, but I truly would have. Cheesecake for dessert. Each meal was a remarkable experience. I cannot do justice to the food and service by Sipho and Zola. To experience a five-star meal in the middle of the bush at your tent, by a campfire, or in the dining tent while watching birds or impala is the experience of a lifetime. It is an experience for all five senses.

There's no space to describe the safari, you'll just have to experience that...

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.

They get very creative to make every day somehow unique and different. For example, once, as a surprise, dinner was prepared and served around a bonfire outside of the lodge. To mention one.

Our guide did a fantastic job. Every drive was somehow unique. With his lovely attitude, tremendous knowledge, and professionalism, we learned so much new stuff about all the animals and plants and also had fun all the time. As the lodge isn't that big and they have two vehicles, we were never more than four people in one car, which was great.

The luxury tents are furnished with love and were another highlight of our stay. Our favorites were the private pool, outdoor shower, vintage bathtub, and cozy seating area from which we could see the animals around the tent while having a drink. Besides, the bed was super comfortable.

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...

Initially hesitant about staying in a tented camp, I'm so happy that we took the leap with Rhinos Sands. This wasn't your typical tent—it was luxurious and beautiful. Everything about Rhinos Sands exceeded expectations. The managers Lauren and Chris treated us like royalty. They reminded me of the butlers from the movie "Mr. Deeds," constantly ensuring our comfort and anticipating our needs. With only five tents, the lodge offered an intimate and personalized experience unlike larger safari lodges. Every staff member knew my name and my nut allergy, which I truly appreciated. The intimate setting led to a more personal safari experience. The chef, Ofentse amazed us; as New Jersey/New York foodies, we were blown away. Each meal was delicious, and he attentively checked on us ensuring everything was good. Staying at Rhinos Sands on the Manyoni Reserve made wildlife easier to spot. The terrain was smaller than other safari lodges we visited which meant more sightings in less time! We saw 4 out of 5 of the “big five” in just wo days! The sunsets here were unparalleled compared to other safari regions we visited. Meeting the owners Dale, Shannon, and their son Wyatt was so nice—they're wonderful, kind-hearted people. I highly recommend Rhinos Sands for anyone seeking a safari adventure. It's an unforgettable experience that combines luxury, exceptional hospitality & food, and incredible...