Rhulani Safari Lodge

 
Check-in time is 2.00 pm (gate closes at 6.00pm, no exceptions)
Check-out time is 11.00 am (gate opens at 6.00am, no exceptions)
We try as much as possible to adapt the day's program to your individual arrival and departure times.
However, at high occupancy we must adhere to our strict times in the interest of all guests. Check-out times are binding. For late arrivals to participate in the afternoon game drive is no longer possible.

Please try to get to us before 3pm. Participation in the game drive cannot be guaranteed for later arrivals in the afternoon. Arrivals must be before 6pm, as the main gate of the reserve will then be closed. For arrivals before 2pm we cannot guarantee that your room will be ready, but we invite you to enjoy your time in the main area and the view of the waterhole.

Children Policy

• Children of all ages are welcome at Rhulani Safari Lodge.
• Children under 12 are permitted on safari at the sole discretion of the field guide.
• Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on safari, except if on a private vehicle. Even on private vehicle safety needs to be considered and it remains the ranger’s decision whether certain sightings can be viewed whilst accompanied by small children.
• A bumble drive can be organized for smaller children not joining game drives.
• Rhulani offers a complimentary children’ s kit. There is a kiddie’s corner equipped with toys and DVD’s.
• We offer a children’s menu option.
• Babysitting service is available at an extra cost.

Deposit Policy

For all bookings made within 30 days of travel
Full payment is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
A 50% deposit is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

Cancellation Policy  

Only written cancellations are accepted

• If a booking is cancelled after confirmation, a 20% cancellation fee will apply.
• Cancellation between 29 and 15 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total amount will be due
• Cancellation between 14 and 0 days prior to arrival: 100% of the total amount will be due
• A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.

No Shows

• Guaranteed reservations that fail to arrive are subject to a 100% ‘no-show’ fee on the booked value.

General Information 

• No pets allowed
• All firearms need to be declared at the Main Gate
• Gates open at 6.00am and close at 6.00pm
• It is important to drive carefully and be aware of village pedestrians, domestic animals and children.
• Speed limit in the park is 40km per hour
• Bookings for one night on Fridays or Saturdays are only permitted no more than 5 days before the stay  

Safaris
Sensational game-viewing opportunities await you at Rhulani Safari Lodge, whether from an open back Land Cruiser or at the waterhole that is located directly in front of the lodge.

Bird paradise
Immerse yourself in a unique bird paradise and observe some of the over 400 bird species. You will see the most beautiful birds on the daily safaris, but also in the lodge. Rhulani has been awarded a special "Bird Accolade" by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Tshembo hide
During the quiet hours during the day, linger in the cozy lounge of the "Tshembo Hide", which is our underground observation hide at the waterhole. Look into the eyes of an elephant from a frog's perspective and observe the amazing wildlife up close.

Luxury safari cuisine
Try the exquisite dining experience under the magnificent African night sky, warmed by a roaring fire. In addition, a variety of indoor and outdoor dining locations are also available. For those special occasions, enjoy a romantic dinner on your own private deck.

Our traditional Southern African cuisine is complemented by a selection of world-class South African wines.

Star gazing
Learn during a star gazing session why mother Earth sent Scorpion to kill Orion.

According to World Travel Market Global Trends report 2010, 50% of the world's population can no longer see the stars so few places remain in the world where people can enjoy the skies pollution-free. So don’t miss this opportunity to experience the grandeur of the heavens under a South African sky, weather permitting.

Swimming pool & relaxation area
Enjoy a cocktail around the swimming pool that overlooks the Madikwe Game Reserve. Lie on loungers on our wooden sun-deck to enjoy the warmth of Africa.

Children's activities
Let your children have fun in the playroom equipped with toys, art supplies and DVDs. We also have babysitters who will keep an eye on them while they are in the playroom, or while they take time off to hunt for bugs together.

Curio shop
Treat yourself to some fine souvenirs from our well-stocked curio shop that offers a wide range of South African artistic creations as well as safari clothes and curios.

Five-Star Luxury
Enjoy your time in Rhulani between your daily safari adventures and let yourself be pampered by our 5-star infrastructure and service, whether relaxing by the pool, observing the animals up close from the Tshembo Hide, or enjoying a refreshing drink at the bar, and all this in complete peace and privacy, surrounded by the stunning nature with uninterrupted views of Madikwe Game Reserve. Rhulani means relax! 

Early-morning and late-afternoon game drives will give you the opportunity to view a wide variety of wildlife, including the legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo).

Our premises include the following:

• Luxury guest accommodation: seven private chalets, one family suiteOutdoor swimming pool, deck chairs, sunshades
• Tshembo Hide: an underground lounge for animal observation at the waterhole
• Outdoor deck overlooking the waterhole
• Intimate lounge, bar and library
• Dining room or outdoor dining at the pool deck or in a boma
  Rhulani Boutique for purchasing your holiday souvenirs
  Leisure room for your meeting of private event (for 10 persons)

Children of All Ages Are Welcome at Rhulani Safari Lodge

Africa loves children and so do we in Rhulani. We have put together a number of activities and offerings to keep young minds and bodies occupied.

Entry rules for children in South Africa
Important notice for all our international guests who arrive in South Africa with children: Please inform yourself about the current entry regulations for children and contact the South African consulate in your country.

Children on Game Drive

• Children under 12 are permitted on safari at the sole discretion of the field guide.
• Children under the age of six are not permitted on safari, except if on a private vehicle  

Even on private vehicles, safety needs to be considered, and it remains the ranger’s decision whether certain sightings can be viewed while accompanied by small children. A bumble drive can be organised for smaller children not joining the game drives.

Rhulani kids’ kit
The kids’ kit includes an activity book that accompanies our younger guests during their stay as well as a careful selection of goodies.

Bumble drives
In between the morning and afternoon safaris, our field guiding team is happy to provide a bumble drive (a mini-safari of approximately an hour’s length), free of charge, for those not joining the regular safaris. The whole family may join. Tracking, bug-finding and identifying animal dung are part of the programme.

Kiddies’ corner
Our kiddies’ corner is packed with things to do, including games, books, movies and animal toys. The kiddies’ corner is located on the mezzanine in the inside lounge and is allocated for unsupervised play.

Babysitting
Trained staff are available to watch babies and young children while you enjoy some alone time (charges apply).

Spa treatments - fun for kiddies
Our younger guests can also enjoy one of our exclusive spa offers, and you have to try our Mini leg massage – look for the children’s specials in our spa menu.

Rhulani Safari Lodge is located about 400km from Johannesburg and can be reached on good roads in about 4.5 hours. If you are travelling with your own car or a rental car, here are some useful tips.

Driving from Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport to Rhulani

• From Johannesburg (city): head north on the N1 (to Polokwane) towards the N4 / from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport): exit the airport and take the R21 on the left to Pretoria, merge with N1 (to Polokwane) towards the N4 – distance: 58km
• Take the N4 West (to Rustenburg) and pass Rustenburg and Swartruggens to Zeerust – distance 237km
• In Zeerust, at the "STOP 3" sign turn right at President Street and merge immediately with the R49
• Follow the R49 towards Gaborone; when arriving at Madikwe Game Reserve pass the first gate (Abjaterskop Gate) and turn right at the second gate (Wonderboom Gate), exactly 7km from the first gate – distance: 97km
• Drive inside the reserve and follow the sign "Lodges" – distance 7km
• Welcome to Rhulani Safari Lodge!

We are happy to organise transfers for you from Johannesburg, Pretoria or Gaborone in order to make your arrival and departure as comfortable as possible. We work with selected, reliable suppliers which will take you either by plane or by road to Rhulani and back again.

Please inform our front of house about your exact transfer requirements and we will gladly include the transfer of your choice in our offer to you.

All rates below include VAT and are subject to change without prior notice due to unpredictable price increases.

Private Road Transfer Rates
From / to Johannesburg or Pretoria
2026 per way: one to three passengers R8 450; four to seven passengers R9 950; eight to 13 passengers R12 025
2027 per way: one to three passengers R9 025; four to seven passengers R10 635; eight to 13 passengers R12 765
From / to Gaborone
2026 per way: one to three passengers R3 584; four to six passengers R5 385; seven to 13 passengers R8 265
2027 per way: one to three passengers R3 835; four to six passengers R5 715; seven to 13 passengers R8 890
From / to a different Location
We kindly ask you to contact our reservation office for possibilities and current rates.

Experience even more peace, privacy and luxury in the seclusion of Rhulani Safari Lodge by going on the daily safari drives on your own – just you and your companions – together with your ranger, without any other guests on the vehicle.

Plan the safaris according to your own wishes, together with your ranger, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the African wilderness. Benefit from the opportunity to book a private vehicle and private ranger for the entire stay.

Cost per day

R5 670 for six people or more
R9 660 for four to five people
R13 650 for three people or less

Terms and conditions:

A private vehicle must be booked for your entire stay
When determining the cost, all adults and children aged six and over are included
A private vehicle is not available at all times – please enquire when making your booking
We also allow children under six years of age on a private vehicle. However, the ranger reserves the right to keep a greater distance from potentially dangerous animals to ensure the safety of the guests

Three nights of African safari magic. One night on us.

Before the festive season begins, escape to the breathtaking wilderness of Madikwe Game Reserve and experience the magic of an African summer at Rhulani Safari Lodge
Imagine warm summer days, unforgettable wildlife encounters, spectacular sunsets and peaceful evenings beneath the African stars. All complemented by Rhulani's signature hospitality and the comfort of your private luxury chalet.

And this December, we have an extra reason for you to visit!

With our exclusive Pre-Christmas Special, enjoy three unforgettable nights at Rhulani while paying for only two. Your third night is our gift to you!

Your Exclusive Offer:

STAY 3 NIGHTS – PAY FOR ONLY 2

Travel dates: Check-in between 1 and 20 December 2026
Booking period: New reservations made from 1 November 2026
Your benefit: One complimentary night with every qualifying three-night stay

Terms & Conditions

• Valid across all room and rate categories.
• Cannot be combined with our permanent Stay 6 / Pay 5 Special.
• Applies exclusively to new bookings and not to existing confirmed reservations.
• Subject to availability.

Your African Summer Escape Awaits!

December is a wonderful time to experience Madikwe, as the African bush comes alive with the arrival of summer.

Whether you dream of thrilling Big Five encounters, relaxing moments beside your private plunge pool or simply reconnecting with nature, this is your invitation to stay a little longer and experience even more of what makes Rhulani so special.

Book your Pre-Christmas Safari Escape today!