MY MANYONI

 

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.

Game was abundant – loads of impala, nyala, kudu, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. The bird life was plentiful and we came across a crowned eagle who had bagged a young monkey.

Manyoni's Conservation Initiatives have several active projects which are well worth supporting. They are especially vigilant in protecting rhino.

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.