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Reviews of Rhulani Safari Lodge 5 stars

R49, Wonderboom Gate, 2884 Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

#3 of 10 hotels in Madikwe Game Reserve

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 46 hotel reviews

9.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.2

  • Comfort

    9.4

  • Location

    9.4

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    8.8

  • Free WiFi

    10.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 21 April 2025

    10
    Incredible stay, highly recommended!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only very minor feedback is that it would be great to have some sort of gym equipment, even just an area with free weights would have been great.

    The lodge is beautiful and so peaceful. So many lovely touches in the room and it was very clean and well equipped. Very special watching elephants from our decking and the hide each day! The staff were absolutely lovely, nothing too much trouble and so friendly and welcoming. The food was good and lovely pool area. The game drives were amazing, we love safari but Rhulani really is special as James was an exceptional guide. He was so knowledgeable, personable and had such a lovely nature that he made the trip for us - thank you! We had the most amazing 5 days and can't wait to return.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 March 2025

    10
    Magical....
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Nothing

    The breakfast offered a variety of choices, such as fruits, bread, cheeses, juices, and coffee. Custom order eggs of your liking.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 March 2025

    10
    The staff was nothing short of exceptional! A special shout out to Hloni, Tom, and Thato!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not a thing!

    The property is beautiful!! The Hidden viewing spot near the water hole is amazing! Staff is amazing and our guide, Thato, went above and behind to ensure we had a memorable trip!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 February 2025

    9.0
    Great place to go for Safari
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Night guy could be more active .

    Super game drive , super Ranger . We saw big 5 allready firtst drive . Lots of Rhino and even wild dog . Good food , decent service , all we asked extra they did . Nixe rooms .

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 November 2024

    8.0
    A very memorable experience in a lovely part of South Africa
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing to not like about the property, I would go back again.

    Very attentive and polite staff who quite obviously wanted to make our stay special.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 November 2024

    10
    Wonderful stay, great staff and guide! Sooo much food, it should come with a warning about how much food they feed you!!
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beautiful villas and shared areas, the staff were all lovely and attentive and our guide was fantastic.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 July 2024

    10
    5 stars!! From the customer service, to the styling & decor, to the food & drink - Rhulani is everything you cou
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Loved everything about this place from the minute we arrived and were greeted by the manager himself, Tom-Hendrik. The styling & decor is stunning, the food is great quality and plentiful, the staff are efficient and so kind. We had Villem as our guide and he had such a good energy, knowledgable and easy to get along with. We stayed 3 nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. Arriving back to a roaring fireplace in our room after our evening game drive was magic. The boma night was also an absolute highlight, where everyone (guests & staff) came together under the night sky and enjoyed an abundance of delicious African dishes - incredible.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 March 2024

    10
    Overall, our weekend stay at Rhulani was nothing short of extraordinary.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was perfect.

    This is to express our utmost satisfaction and appreciation for the wonderful stay we had at Rhulani. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm and friendly smiles from the staff, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. The staff's welcome was truly exceptional. Their genuine hospitality and attentiveness made us feel like valued guests throughout our stay. Their knowledge and passion for the lodge and its surroundings were evident, and they went above and beyond to ensure that we had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The facility itself was nothing short of remarkable. Every aspect of the lodge was meticulously designed and maintained, creating a luxurious and tranquil atmosphere. The room we stayed in was simply stunning. The spaciousness, elegant furnishings, and attention to detail made it a cozy and inviting sanctuary. The private pool added a touch of exclusivity and allowed us to relax and unwind in privacy, surrounded by the beauty of the natural surroundings. The game drives were an absolute highlight of our stay. The knowledgeable and passionate game ranger (Willem) provided a wealth of information about the wildlife and their habitats, making each drive an educational and thrilling experience. The encounters with the magnificent animals in their natural habitat were truly awe-inspiring and left us with memories that will last a lifetime. The Boma evening was a truly memorable experience. The traditional setting, the crackling fire, and the delicious food made for an authentic and enjoyable evening. It offered a unique opportunity to connect with other guests and share stories while immersing ourselves in the rich African culture. The food and beverage offerings at Rhulani were exceptional. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Rhulani for their dedication to providing an exceptional guest experience.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 March 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights

    We loved everything about our stay at Rhulani. The staff were incredible and took such wonderful care of us. We've never felt more special in our whole lives. The experience is truly amazing. The safaris and guides were so knowledgeable, informative and made our game drives unforgettable. The hotel chalets were spacious, clean and unbelievably comfortable. If you're reading this. I would really, really recommend staying at Rhulani!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 February 2024

    10
    Trip of a lifetime!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing!

    Incredible trip thanks to the staff at Rhulani! I have never experienced such amazing hospitality. The lodge itself is in a fantastic location, with authentic decor and perfect facilities.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 October 2023

    10
    best experience we have ever had
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    nothing

    loccation . staff ,exceptional food ,very comfortable beautiful accomadation . great safaris saw all big 5

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 October 2023

    10
    Wonderful safari lodge with caring attentive staff comfortable rooms and excellent food.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing. It is perfect as it is.

    Beatiful location. Fantastic staff. Excellent food.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 August 2023

    10
    Such a welcoming, family feel. All staff from the chefs, game drivers, night watchers, general staff were so friendly an
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Such a welcoming, family feel. All staff from the chefs, game drivers, night watchers, general staff were so friendly and fantastic. This has been 10/10 for us, sad to leave.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 May 2023

    8.0
    Great safary experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We expected the food to be better.

    Amazing facility, beautiful rooms with small pool, great safary drives and staff!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2023

    10
    The ultimate safari experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Bungalow
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was perfect. I would recommend Rhulani to everyone and would go back for our next stay in Madikwe without hesitation. The double family bungalows are huge with very comfortable beds. The staff are so helpful and welcoming and informative. Our guide-ranger Willem was the best ! We saw more in one morning than we could ever have expected to see and learned so much. An unforgettable experience for the whole family.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2023

    10
    Luxury in the wilderness #feelthebush
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Leaving

    Welcoming and wonderful from the minute the staff greeted us as we arrived to the inevitable sad time of departure. Food, service, room comfort and safari trips were all excellent, and the staff acted as one big, happy family. A lovely touch to come back from the morning drive on Easter Sunday to a room with some Easter treats laid out on the bed. For us it wasn't an option, but I would suggest three nights, and four if they have a stay three get the fourth night free offer on.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 April 2023

    10
    Superb.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was excellent.

    The staff were so friendly and bent over backwards to accommodate requests.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 March 2023

    10
    Magical place; it was far beyond our expectations. Best staff in the world. Wonderful food. Alistair is an incredible ra
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing. It was perfect.

    Beautiful lodge; spacious, modern, luxurious bungalows. Nothing was missing, super clean. Delicious food; service is beyond, everybody is friendly and makes you feel like royalty. You can watch the water hole from the lobby; there are always animals visiting. We saw baboons, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, impalas, zebras while having a drink. It’s a magical place. Our ranger was unbelievable, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun. We saw so many animals, learned so much.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2023

    10
    lifelong memories
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    there was nothing I didn’t like

    Beautiful setting, our room was very private, quiet and really felt like home by the end of our stay. Great guides for the Safari and fantastic food.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 February 2023

    10
    Fabulous lodge in the best game reserve in South Africa
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 4 nights

    As a recommendation to the lodge I would say that we were getting slightly overfed. There were snacks when you got up at 5 for your drive, snacks on the way, then a big breakfast, massive lunch at 1, then a high tea before the second game drive, then snacks on the road and then dinner. Great food but perhaps a bit much.

    Rhulani is an amazing lodge in an amazing game reserve. We were taken on twice daily game drives with a very kind interesting and knowledgeable ranger named Willem. We saw all the animals we dreamed of seeing and more, but also learned about plants and insects. The lodge is very beautifully designed, and the private cabins are nice and very comfortable, with a private pool. The beds are super comfortable and have a nice big mosquito net around them (which doesn't touch the bed so doesn't make you feel claustrophobic the way they sometimes do. The food is excellent and the staff is wonderful. Good spaces for hanging out during the day. The lodge has a watering hole where you can see animals throughout the day, which is a wonderful experience.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 January 2023

    10
    Relaxed spoiling friendly - would highly recommend
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    pricey

    super friendly and laid back - couldn’t do enough for guests without being OTT gear food - easy to access -well organized safari

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 January 2023

    10
    A life changing experience to get in touch with nature and enjoy all it has to offer in luxury
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing to add, everything was perfect.

    We took a small plane to Madikwe, arranged by Rhulani. We got picked up by our fieldguide, Dean, and brought to our lodge. The drive to our lodge was already a great experience, Dean has extensive knowledge about all the things we saw; from animals - the big ones and the smallest ones - to the plants, minerals and history. All staff was waiting for us to arrive and gave us the warmest welcome we have ever had anywhere. The lodge itself is beautiful, very luxurious and exclusive. Everyday started with small bites, and drinks. The gamedrives, two everyday, were an amazing experience. Dean told us many great stories about interaction between animals, the history of the land and many additional stories about all things in nature. We were very lucky to have him as a guide, not only because of his knowledge but also because he is a very kind, passionate and funny guy. During the gamedrives we made a stop for sundowners or coffee just after sunrise, a very nice additional experience as we got to hear even more stories and have every single question we had answered thoroughly. In the lodge we got taken care of very well, from fantastic food from the lands (different types of game), to luxurious drinks and cocktails. Between the gamedrives you get spoiled with the best food and drinks we could wish for, from lunch to small bites. There is a hide out where animals have access to a watersource, from elephants, giraffes to antilopes. You get to see them in close up from a safe place. The rooms are fantastic and have everything and more you would expect in such a beautiful place. Our room even had a small pool, with a view on the bush where all kinds of animals pass through on their way to the water source. The staff is amazing, from the manager Tom, the owner who was there between the other guests as well, to every single staff member we encountered; very kind, helpful and fun to talk to.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2023

    10
    WOW
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 3 nights

    It was amazing!! We had such a great and wonderful time in here!! The room was perfect, well organized and stylish! The plunge pool was something else!! THe facilities are really good too! Worth an especial comment for all the staffs, guides, chef... everyone! They were great, which made the whole experience better! If you looking to a place to relax, drink and eat well - this is the one! The game - the reserve is well sized with plenty of animals!! We saw the big fives in one morning (not so common but it happened). Lots of entertainment and the guides had a huge knowledge of the area, which made or game drive way more entertaining!

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: 4 January 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Private Chalet with Private Plunge Pool
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    None.....however advisable to prompt visitors to use a 4x4 type vehicle....just an advise

    Everything was superb

    Stayed in December 2022

Showing 1 – 25

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