It’s so cool to have that special place you like going to. The place that doesn’t disappoint.
You look
forward to going there, being there and it’s always sad to leave.
Rhino RiverLodge in Manyoni Private Game Reserve is that place for me. We have been a couple of
times as it’s conveniently just down the road (from Pongola) and also a quick
and easy three hours on the N2 north from Durban.
We stay in
the Homestead, which is separate from the main lodge, but still close enough to
enjoy the frills of the lodge. We decided to feed ourselves during the day and dine
in style in the evenings.
On our first
night we were treated to a candle-light dinner in the riverbed. A boma style
fire kept us warm and we ate well. Bush braais can be tricky but the chef
cooked to perfection.
Hala was
our ranger and he ticked all the boxes for great game sightings.
We captured
four out of the big five – the elusive leopard slipped through our fingers.
In the
spotlight we found two male lions - an adult male escorted by an older gent who
is teaching him a few tricks. We were pleased to see that they hunted well the
next day, with wildebeest on the menu. We encountered a lioness and her three
cubs who were clearly on the hunt and listened to the zebra frantically barking
as they got closer. We didn’t see if they were successful. Not sure I have the
stomach for that.
And on the
way back for brekkie, almost close to touch, was a male cheetah.
The rhino
were on show – without horns but with babies. A herd of elephant also put on a
grand display.
Covid has turned
tourism on its head, but it has given local tourists the opportunity to enjoy
destinations that have budget challenges. So have a look around for good deals.
Zululand winters are fabulous.
