In the heart of South Africa’s untamed northwest, Rhulani Safari Lodge delivers an extraordinary safari adventure. It blends five-star elegance with the raw beauty of the wild. Nestled in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, it is a boutique haven where luxury meets nature. In the latest episode of ‘Keep Traveling: Your African Vacation‘, host Rael Zieve sat down with Rolf Steiner, co-owner of Rhulani Safari Lodge, to uncover the magic of this luxury safari lodge in South Africa. The destination is celebrated for its intimate big five safari experience, eco-conscious ethos, and deep community ties.
Discovering Rhulani Safari Lodge
Tucked away in South Africa’s Northwest Province, near the Botswana border, Rhulani Safari Lodge sits within the Madikwe Game Reserve. It is the country’s third or fourth largest wildlife sanctuary. “It’s totally private, only for people visiting us,” Rolf Steiner shares. This exclusivity is what draws guests to the Lodge and defines a Madikwe Game Reserve Safari. This malaria-free reserve teems with the Big Five. It offers a safe yet thrilling Big Five safari experience for travelers of all ages.
Getting There
Accessing Rhulani Safari Lodge is seamless for international guests. Most arrive via Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport, where Federal Airlines operates two daily flights to Madikwe’s rustic airstrip. This marks a cinematic start to your Madikwe Game Reserve Safari. “It’s not just transportation; it’s part of the experience,” Rolf notes. Flights are timed for early afternoon check-ins. This ensures you don’t miss an evening game drive. Alternatively, a 400 km road transfer from Johannesburg or a shorter one-hour drive from Gaborone, Botswana (with a border crossing), offers flexibility. For those seeking extravagance, private charter flights can land directly at Madikwe, making travel to Rhulani Safari Lodge effortless.
A Luxurious Retreat in the Bush
As a premier Luxury Safari Lodge South Africa, Rhulani Safari Lodge redefines boutique hospitality. Its six private bungalows, each with a private deck, plunge pool, and outdoor shower, offer unmatched seclusion. “Nobody will see you except the animals,” Rolf quips. Families can opt for a premium chalet with a second room or a luxury family suite accommodating up to four adults and two children. With a maximum of 18 guests, the lodge feels like an intimate retreat. It immerses you in the bushveld’s serenity. The unfenced setting adds excitement, with wildlife roaming freely. At night, rangers or night guards escort guests, ensuring safety while deepening the Big Five Safari Experience. “It’s not just five-star luxury; we put our guests inside the bush experience,” Rolf emphasizes about Rhulani Safari Lodge.
Adventures in Madikwe
Twice-daily game drives in open Land Cruisers, led by expert rangers, bring the Big Five Safari Experience to life. From spotting predators to serene waterhole moments, each 3 to 3.5-hour drive is a journey into the wild heart of a Madikwe Game Reserve Safari offered at Rhulani Safari Lodge. Guided bush walks reveal the reserve’s smaller wonders, while in-chalet spa treatments and private pool relaxation offer tranquility. Cultural village tours connect guests with local communities and schools, enriching the experience. Families will love kid-friendly activities like air rifle shooting, track casting, and cultural crafts. These activities allow parents to unwind. Conservation enthusiasts can visit Rhulani’s anti-rhino poaching operation center. It showcases the lodge’s commitment to protecting Madikwe’s wildlife.
Sustainability at Its Core
As an Eco-Friendly Safari Lodge, Rhulani Safari Lodge operates 100% off-grid with solar power and battery storage, ensuring independence from load shedding while earning Travelife Gold Certification—a rare honor for meeting 144 eco-conscious criteria, from cutting CO2 emissions to eliminating plastics. “We’re not shy of sunlight,” Rolf Steiner laughs, highlighting the eco-friendly approach at Rhulani Safari Lodge, noting how this mindset shift engages both staff and guests in sustainable practices during their Madikwe Game Reserve Safari. Over 50% of Rhulani’s passionate team, trained through programs like the South African Butler Academy, hail from local villages, benefiting from education and incentives that foster community upliftment and earn glowing TripAdvisor reviews for their Big Five Safari Experience.
Win a Rhulani Escape!
Rhulani Safari Lodge offers a 2-night, all-inclusive stay for two in a luxury private chalet. This includes game drives, meals, and beverages (excluding park fees and conservation contributions). Enter at https://www.wildsunsets.travel/prize-draw/.
Plan Your Rhulani Adventure
Rhulani Safari Lodge is a destination where luxury meets the wild and delivers an intimate, sustainable, and unforgettable Big Five Safari Experience. Whether tracking rhinos, relaxing in your private plunge pool, or engaging with local communities, this Eco-Friendly Safari Lodge promises memories that linger long after the African sunset fades.
Book your Luxury Safari Lodge South Africa adventure at www.wildsunsets.travel or email rael@wildsunsets.travel for exclusive deals.