SPACIOUS ROOMS WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED

The name “Rhulani” means “relax” and that pretty much sums up the atmosphere at this cosy little lodge of 9 rooms clustered around an active waterhole. Whichever room type you choose, they are all sumptuous and elegantly decorated, with whites contrasted against dark wood and thatch. Each room is spacious and uses sliding glass doors and light to grant the rooms an even larger feeling of space. You also have your own private deck (where you can even enjoy a private massage or romantic dinner) and private plunge pool, meaning you don’t you don’t have to trundle across to the main lodge pool if you fancy a quick dip (and at night the plunge pools are adorned with old-fashioned oil-burning lamps which make for a perfect romantic environment!)

PERFECT FOR SUMMER HEAT OR WINTER CHILL

Those plunge pools are perfect for escaping the summer heat and, of course, all rooms come with air-conditioning too. In winter meanwhile, you’ll return from game drive with the outside temperatures plunging to the warmth of the large Morso fireplace thoughtfully already lit by the staff! The en-suite bathrooms are similarly equipped for all seasons with their indoor and outdoor showers. Showering in the sunshine (perhaps with an onlooking audience of elephants or zebras) or under the stars of the African night sky is unforgettable - one of our favourite sensual experiences!

FIT FOR FAMILIES

Whilst the 7 Luxury Chalets (the lodge's standard option) are perfect for couples, if you’re looking for more space then the Premium Luxury Chalet with its separate lounge area (which can be converted into a second bedroom) will be perfect. If you're a family, then the two-bedroom Luxury Family Suite will no doubt tick all your boxes – the 2 double bedrooms (there are also stretcher beds and the sofas in the lounge also convert into beds for the kids) are separated by a comfy lounge area whilst all the aspects that make the standard rooms so attractive are also present and correct here – your own private viewing deck with plunge pool, outdoor showers and the gorgeous Morso fireplaces.

UNFENCED WILDERNESS

One thing to note is that Rhulani itself is unfenced, and the dining areas and rooms alike lead straight onto untamed bush, adding a feeling that you’re in the heart of the wilderness with animals often wandering in front of the lodge. The waterhole in front of the lodge’s public areas attract a steady stream of game with herds of elephant regular visitors. Watching these imposing animals or smaller game like zebra and impala roaming just a few dozen metres from where you’re enjoying a hearty full English breakfast is something you won’t forget in a hurry! However, that’s not to say that Rhulani is unsafe or isolated: the staff has your safety first and foremost on your minds. All chalets and the public area of the lodge have Wi-Fi internet access too, so you’re one click away from telling the folks back home about all your amazing experiences.

OUT ON GAME DRIVE

The 75 000 hectares of the Madikwe reserve have a well-earned reputation for delivering quality game viewing experiences and Rhulani is unlikely to disappoint in that regard. The rangers show an obvious high level of knowledge and love of their craft, making each dawn and dusk excursion a real treat and education. Wild dogs have become the reserve’s well-known speciality and all of the Big 5 can be spotted as well as cheetahs (Rhulani actually sponsored the release of a number of cheetah on the reserve) not to mention a host of general game.

TIME TO “RHULANI”

However, it’s really after the day’s game viewing that Rhulani’s name is earned. “Rhulani” as we mentioned earlier means “relax” – and you’ll be doing plenty of that once the excitement of your game drive has ended. Picture yourself reclining on loungers on the sundeck, ice-cold G&Ts in your hand as the sun sets on another perfect day in Africa; or perhaps huddled over a telescope peering into the deep and starry skies as Rhulani’s local experts give you a tour of the stars and tell you what each constellation means to the local people; or even sitting in a canvas chair in the gorgeously rustic wood-fenced boma, an enticing plate of delicious food in front of you as the boma choir serenades you with song and dance.

It’s not just for the adults, however. Rhulani is very child friendly (many lodges have age restrictions placed on their guests) – a large playroom will keep your tykes occupied for hours, with toys, art supplies and DVDs. Rhulani also offers babysitting services for when you’re out or want to catch some me-time or perhaps a relaxing massage on your deck. The staff will even take them on bug hunts and give them an activities bag.