Rhulani Safari Lodge

Rhulani Safari Lodge is situated within the magnificent 75,000-hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve - home to the Big 5 and a myriad of other animal and bird species. The adventure begins the moment you arrive at Rhulani. A wonderful welcome awaits you at the main lodge, Rhulani means "Relax" so sit back and enjoy! You are invited to experience the serenity and harmony of this special place with the friendly lodge staff.

At the Rhulani Safari Lodge main lodge area water cascades gently into the meandering rock pool around which you will find ample sun or shade provided by beautiful old Marula trees, an ideal spot for quiet contemplation. Indoors and outdoors merge effortlessly at Rhulani, ensuring you magnificent views of the bush. The main area is very spacious with an indoor and outdoor lounge area, library and dining room. The impressive Boma is set just beyond the main pool.

You can enjoy total privacy and your own plunge pool which is heated in winter, indoor and outdoor showers while you pamper yourself in the spacious luxury of your chalet. Sensational game viewing opportunities await you at Rhulani.

From a comfortably furnished, underground lounge right by the watering hole, you have the opportunity to observe and photograph the wild animals up close.

A cozy "Leisure Room" can be used, on request, for a formal board meeting, as well as for a cozy discussion with lounge atmosphere, for a private meal or even for an evening watching a soccer game, as there is a huge TV screen. The movable pieces of furniture give us many options to equip the space according to your wishes.

About Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe, a South African private game reserve created in 1991 from 75,000 ha of farmland, which had been extensively degraded by overgrazing, was chosen as the site of Operation Phoenix. The government-sponsored, biggest-ever game- relocation programme in Africa involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had long since disappeared from the region.

Ten thousand animals of 27 major species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant, have been re-introduced to the Madikwe Game Reserve over a six year period with animals coming from various reserves and breeding centres and game viewing is now at its prime.

Northwest Parks Board (formerly Bop Parks) has adhered to a strict policy of introducing only those species, which once occurred in the area). Madikwe is run as a three-way partnership between the State, the local communities and the private sector.

Madikwe, therefore, should not be looked at as solely a protected area or tourism destination, the reserve acts as a major social and economic core and engine around which the development of the region can be based.

The name of Operation Phoenix is appropriate: like the mythical bird that burnt itself to a crisp on the pyre and then rose from the ashes to live again with new vigour, nature has regained a stronghold on the land and the programme has been hugely successful.

Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the country's fourth largest game reserve. It is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, the Marico river to the east.

The diverse habitat in the reserve, from acacia, savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala. The birdlife is also spectacular, and this is one of the few South African private game reserves that are malaria free.