Rhino Sands Safari Camp
D464 Zululand, Manyoni Private Game Reserve 3966 South Africa
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#1 of 8 Specialty lodging in Manyoni Private Game Reserve
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Travellers' Choice
Rhino Sands is a luxury tented safari camp, set in the riverine forest on a peninsula of the Msunduze River in the big five Manyoni Private Game Reserve. The camp is an intimate and exclusive safari experience, with a maximum of eight guests in camp at any one time. Each guest tent has its own private living space, verandah and pool, and outdoor shower.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Board games / puzzles
24-hour security
Concierge
Private check-in / check-out
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Butler service
First aid kit
Umbrella
Laundry service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Electric blanket
Walk-in shower
Bath / shower
Seating area
Sofa
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Non-smoking rooms
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HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Location
Contact
D464 Zululand, Manyoni Private Game Reserve 3966 South Africa
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We were already staying in the reserve trying out the different lodges that we had not visited in the past and were very lucky to get a last-minute booking at Rhino Sands as it was one of the lodges, we had been desperate to visit. And how glad we were that we did! The bush is our haven, and so believing we are fairly seasoned and quite fussy guests, as we appreciated and notice every tiny attention to detail, we are delighted to rate Rhino Sands as our most favorite Safari experience yet, not only in KZN but in S.A. Being in the interior business, the style and choice of finishes and amenities is world class. The food was out of this world and was prepped minutes before serving so everything was fresh and delicious. Nothing was too much trouble, and our guide Josh was just delightful. As we were his only guests, and were not chasing to see the big five, we were happy to sit for hours tracking a hunting cheetah and so had very special and unusual sightings on all four drives. His knowledge of both Flora and Fauna is incredible and we learned so much more than we had ever been told on all the many game drives we have been on. We are already planning our return visit during the year, and can highly recommend this camp, which would be lovely to book out with a group as it accommodates 4 couples in four designer tents. I would highly recommend Tent 2, with its own pool under the shady trees looking at the riverbed, but all 4 are identical and beautifully appointed with swimming pools.…
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Date of stay: January 2023
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Room Tip: All 4 luxury tents are identical and very private. Tent 2 was our favorite, but all are...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 1 week ago
I think this must be one of the biggest compliments ever for a safari lodge. Our well-travelled South African guests are often the most intimidating for us as they have generally experienced many, many game reserves and safari lodges and have a huge knowledge base against which to compare us. And when we come out on top it feels like true success. There really is no better compliment. As a company we have never sought to win any awards or accolades, the feedback that we care about most is that which comes directly from our guests, and feedback like this is better than any award in the world. Thank you for the wonderful compliment. We are very excited to have you back later in the year.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It was a privilege to spend time in the care of the staff at Rhino Sands. You know you are about to embark on an extraordinary experience from the moment you arrive. The thoughtful amenities, the considerate staff, exquisitely prepared meals and tented accommodations were exceptional. We felt very well taken care of during our stay. Our ranger Josh was knowledgeable, and his enthusiasm for wildlife conservation was infectious. We were always eager to head out on our game ride to see what he might help us discover--not only the big five but small creatures too, which added so much to the context and understanding of the Reserve biodiversity. He delivered the most amazing wildlife memories, including our foray around the park to ensure we could have our highly prized hippo sighting. (Thank you!) We are dreaming of the day when we can return.…
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Date of stay: December 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 2 weeks ago
How wonderful...thank you so much for this lovely review. The team has already seen your feedback and are extremely grateful. I am so glad to hear how well they took care of all aspects of your stay. Josh is a fantastic ranger and his feedback always reflects the passion and enthusiasm he has for all aspects of the bush. As you mention, a ranger who delights in both the big and the small can really add an extra dimension of interest and excitement to a safari. We absolutely look forward to welcoming you back in camp again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There truly are not enough stars. Rhino sands is the perfect combination beauty, luxury and simplicity. Thank you to Nico and his team for our unforgettable experience. The friendliness, kindness and professional nature of the team was exceptional and is a true reflection of Nico’s leadership. From the second we arrived until our departure Obi, Thandeka, Spa and Jean were incredibly warm and attentive and made us feel very special. They went the extra mile everyday to make our experience unique. The head chefs Zanele and Deon kept our bellies full with the most exquisite African style cuisines. The food was simply incredible. As for our ranger Josh, what can I say he is gentleman and a scholar and was like a magnet to all the beauty of the African wild. It was clear from the start that is passion for the bush has no boundaries. Every drive with him was informative, entertaining and exciting, to the extend that we were awake before his 5 am wake up call every morning. The team of rangers on the reserve communicated exceptionally well with each other to give all guests the best possible experience. And who can forget Patric, our ever watchful, ever vigilant night watchman. Who kept our minds at ease by patrolling the camp at night, keeping the perils of the bush off the walkways and out of our tents so that we could all sleep in peace. Once again, thank you to each and everyone at Rhino Sands. We are looking forward to seeing you all again.…
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 4 weeks ago
Reviews like this like this always floor me with gratitude, though I am not surprised knowing what a wonderful team we have. Thank you so very much for your complimentary and detailed review. We are fortunate as a company to have created a beautiful camp in such an incredible game reserve but as a business, what I think truly separates us from our competition is exactly what you mention here...our team, and the fact that our camp is small and intimate enough to facilitate our teams ability to connect with our guests and provide them with one-on-one guest experience in a relaxed and comfortable manner. We always wanted to create a luxury lodge, but with Rhino Sands we really wanted our guests to feel like family, and reviews like this let me know that we have succeeded and that our team truly is as great as we think they are. Thank you for this review. I know each and every team member will be grateful as well. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
The Rhino Sands team have made our first visit to the South African bush a very special experience; it was a magical adventure from start to finish. It is hard to write the words that will do it justice and describe just what a unique place it is. We stayed for three nights and from the moment we were greeted at the entry of the lodge, we knew we would have a lovely stay. The hospitality from the entire team was warm, welcoming, kind, personalized and attentive but more importantly it was genuinely caring. They took extra care of us and went out of their way to make things very special. The team really puts in all the extra effort possible to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The food was phenomenal; from the treats on game drives to the fine dining meals in the restaurant – all to die for. The Head Chefs were charming and they always made extra effort to always say hi and introduce themselves. Every day, before the afternoon game drive, they personally presented the dinner menu and took our orders. As a vegetarian, they made sure there we more than enough option for me to choose from. The lodge is beautifully appointed, and the rooms are out of this world. We stayed in the last tent and the view over the bush was spectacular! There is something intoxicating and enchanting about listening to the bush “wake”. I will dream of it and long for it, until I return again. Now to the game drives, we had the most brilliant time and we saw so much! We had some very amazing sightings; spectacular elephant sightings and witnessed some quite intimate animal behavior involving monkeys. Jonathan was our ranger and his hospitality was courteous, caring and diligent; he had a very engaging nature and a great sense of humor. We were pretty much laughing the whole time during our drives because of Jonno. He went out of his way to show us things that would interest us most and pick the spots for sunsets and morning coffee that he knew we would love. We felt in the safest and best of hands with him. He was brilliant. I hope that we will be fortunate enough to return to Rhino Sands, until then we will hold the memories very dear. Thank you to the entire team for the most wonderful time; it was truly magical in every way. Ela…
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Date of stay: December 2022
Rooms
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 26 Dec 2022
Ela, thank you for taking such care to describe in such detail your experience at Rhino Sands. We are very grateful and it means so much to us as it is such an important aspect of helping potential future guests understand the Rhino Sands experience. I am so happy to hear how much you enjoyed all aspects of the camp, but especially to hear how much you connected with all the different members of our team. I think that is one of the things that stands out most about staying in a small owner-run safari camp as opposed to a larger camp run by a corporation. And it is something we absolutely pride ourselves in. And waking up in the bush really is one of the most special parts of safari and part of why we chose the location we did for our camp in the riverine forest...the morning chorus of birds, animals and insects is truly magical. I know the team will be thrilled to read your feedback and sincerely hope you can come back and visit us again some day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Words and pictures don't do this lodge justice. Everything was spectacular. The lodge is up there with the best. The tents are amazing. The scenery was breathtaking. The trees were beautiful. The sunsets were out of this world. Everyone was wonderful. Spa and Nick, for the warmest welcome and for taking care of everything. Chef Dion, for your exceptional food, and I'm still dreaming about your ice creams. Christopher, for fantastic service. Anton, for the best fun on game drives and for showing us the most incredibly special sightings. We can't wait to return.
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Date of stay: October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 14 Nov 2022
What a lovely compliment! Thank you so much for sharing your experience here. I am so happy to hear how much you loved your stay and the team watches Trip Advisor closely so I know they will be sincerely flattered with your personal feedback. Thank you for choosing Rhino Sands, and thank you again for taking the time to share that experience here.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
First of all, thank you so much for doing everything to give us the best experience we could imagine. All the staff did an extraordinary job, and everyone was super friendly and helpful. Shortly after arriving, we felt like we were part of the family. A big thank you goes to the chefs who did an excellent job adapting to our plant-based diet. Every meal was different and delicious. They get very creative to make every day somehow unique and different. For example, once, as a surprise, dinner was prepared and served around a bonfire outside of the lodge. To mention one. Our guide did a fantastic job. Every drive was somehow unique. With his lovely attitude, tremendous knowledge, and professionalism, we learned so much new stuff about all the animals and plants and also had fun all the time. As the lodge isn't that big and they have two vehicles, we were never more than four people in one car, which was great. The luxury tents are furnished with love and were another highlight of our stay. Our favorites were the private pool, outdoor shower, vintage bathtub, and cozy seating area from which we could see the animals around the tent while having a drink. Besides, the bed was super comfortable. Furthermore, we highly appreciate the many environmental efforts Rhino Sands take to keep its footprint as low as possible. Sustainable building materials, biodegradable soaps, and reusable water bottles for every guest are only a few examples. If you're looking for a Safari Lodge that is truly eco-friendly and treats every guest as a family member, then you definitely have to choose Rhino Sands.…
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 26 Oct 2022
Thank you so much for sharing your experience here. I am glad to hear the kitchen was able to cater so well for your plant-based diet, as many guests are switching to different diets for health and earth-friendly reasons, we pride ourselves on celebrating that diversity and enjoy catering for many different dietary requests. And thank you for highlighting our environmentally-friendly aspects of the camp. The camp was built to be eco-friendly and we try to infuse that in all of our operations and decision making in the camp. We aren't perfect but we are working to reduce our environmental impact as much as we can. Thank you again for sharing your experience here, I think you did a wonderful job describing the camp and I know it will be very helpful for future guests. It was a pleasure hosting you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We visited Rhino Sands as part of our honeymoon trip to South Africa. This was our first ever Safari experience and this absolutely did not disappoint. Lodge - The lodges are expansive and very private, you really feel like you have your own little bubble of heaven in the middle of the bush! The outdoor bathroom was brilliant along with the pool & relaxation areas to relax in between game drives. Food & Drink - the team surprised us with their attentiveness and the variety of food and drink on offer. They took an interest in getting to know what we wanted to experience & try and tailored the menu accordingly. The team took every opportunity to do something different to make our trip even more special, whether this was the beautiful sunset drinks set up in the bush, private candle lit dinners, camp fire drinks… the list is endless! Game Drive - Anton is the best!! His knowledge and experience was second to none. He went above and beyond to give us the best Safari experience we could ask for. Again, as newbies to Safari we didn’t know what to expect & how likely animal spottings were or weren’t. We were blown away! We have too many memories to share but the main highlights we’re seeing a herd of over 30 elephants emerge out of the bushes to the watering hole and also seeing 2 cheetah cubs and their mother having dinner & playing together. Service - As mentioned, the team stopped at nothing to make this experience extra special for us. We felt like nothing was too much for them and they were happy to help us in anyway. Even helping us with recommendations for our onwards travel around South Africa. If I could rate them higher than 5* then I absolutely would! Everyone was so kind and the collaborative working approach made for a wonderful environment for us to be in. The attention to detail does not go unnoticed and made this a trip we will never forget.…
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 26 Oct 2022
My apologies for my delayed response, this review seemed to slip through without a notification. Thank you for choosing Rhino Sands for you honeymoon and for your very first safari experience ever. It really is such a priveledge to be able to make special occasions like this memorable for our guests. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience here and I am so happy to hear that the team took such wonderful care of you. I think you have really reflected on what we hope sets Rhino Sands apart from our competition, the individually tailored experience and one on one service designed to make each trip memorable and enjoyable. Anton is a wonderful experienced guide and it sounds like he was able to guide you through some exceptional experiences. Thank you again for sharing this here. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together and I do hope we see you for an anniversary trip in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Wow - just wow! This was our first time ever on safari and experiencing the African bush. Everything about our stay was absolutely magical and exceeded all expectations. The CAMP itself was luxury without pretense which is exactly what we were looking for in our 5-night stay. The shared spaces were well appointed and every inch of the camp is decorated with great attention to detail. The tent created a secluded, luxurious space to get a restful night's sleep or haven to relax between game drive. The outdoor shower was my husband's favorite with mine being the claw-footed bathtub. We were there in early spring but did take a few quick plunges in the pool to cool off in the late afternoon before lounging on the deck listening to the sound of the bush and watch the wart hogs and nyala only a few feet away. The SERVICE was first class! Shout out to the amazing hospitality staff - Obi and Spah couldn't have been more pleasant and accommodating. We were greeted in the parking lot when we arrived by a friendly smiling face and sent off 5 days later with smiles and well wished. The FOOD...oh my goodness, the FOOD! I read reviews on how exceptional the meals were but honestly, Chef Dion surprised and delighted each and every meal! There was a wide variety of menu options and the chefs took time to learn our preferences and catered to that. 5 star all the way. Chris is such a perfect compliment to the kitchen staff making sure that we received excelling service at the table. We were so very fortunate to have had the camp all to ourselves for my birthday. What an unexpected treat. I have never felt so spoiled! We were treated to a 5-course meal, catered to my preferences, served fireside by the boma. Both the food and the service were impeccable and a memory that I will treasure for a lifetime. The GAME DRIVES - the highlight of our trip and the reason we came to Rhino Sands - were incredible. Anton was our guide for our entire stay and was phenomenal. I loved everything about our game drives from the first cup of morning coffee by the fire before we headed out, to the mid-morning coffee/tea/hot chocolate break in the bush (hot chocolate with Amarula is a must try) to the sun downers at the end of our afternoon drives. Anton ensured we had fantastic experiences watching so many beautiful animals. We were thrilled to see so many lions, white and black rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, hippos, antelope, wart hogs (so many cute Pumbas), baboons, monkeys, gnu and stunning birds. The highlight for me was spending an hour watching a momma cheetah with her two young cubs. Thank you Anton for making our first trip to the African bush so very memorable. We leave with memories that will last a lifetime but I am already dreaming of our return!…
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Date of stay: September 2022
Location
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Room Tip: You can't make a bad choice with any of the tents!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 25 Sep 2022
What an honour it is to host someone for their first safari. Thank you for choosing Rhino Sands, and I am just absolutely thrilled to read your feedback on your stay. We have a wonderful team, many of which you mention by name, and they really take pride in providing an exceptional safari experience for our guests. And also thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback here. This really is such a wonderful tool for future guests to know what to expect during their stay. I am so happy the team treated you to a special birthday dinner, and I am so glad you had such wonderful game viewing during your drives with Anton. We certainly do hope you will return to see us again one day...especially now that you are safari veterans! Thanks you again from all of us at Rhino Sands.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rhino Sands is a luxury haven in the bush that merges seamlessly with its surroundings. Open to the elements everywhere when the weather is good, but completely private, this is an amazing place. We saw a large herd of elephants walk within 30 meters of our balcony, had warthogs underneath our tent platform, and on our drives saw everything we had hoped to see. The food was amazing and the staff and guides were first class all the way.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 25 Sep 2022
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. One of my favorite things about the camp are all the animals we get to see in the riverbed in front of the camp, and sometimes even in the camp itself. It really is magical getting to watch the elephant herd walking past the camp from the safety of your tent. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and once again, our sincere gratitude for taking the time to share your feedback here.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
The 4 of us are Safari veterans and over the last 20 years have stayed in many private camps and lodges all over Africa. We just had a 6 night stay at Rhino Sands and it delivered on every front for us. The staff are fabulous and nothing was too much trouble for them. Anton and Roy the chefs created amazing dining experiences and we have all put on weight as we could not resist what was on offer! We are photographers and Jono was our driver/guide. We had some very memorable moments in the reserve with Rhino and lions in particular. If you have the time during your stay try to walk with a rescued Pangolin. The Zululands conservation trust are rehabilitating Pangolins that have been rescued from poachers. We also enjoyed maximising our time in the bush in the mornings by leaving before sunrise and taking a packed breakfast with us.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shannon Airton, Owner at Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Responded 8 Aug 2022
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback here. Hosting well-travelled safari veterans like yourselves can always be an intimidating prospect for a small camp. That being said, the praise then becomes all the sweeter. I am thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your stay with us, and I know the team has already expressed their joy at your feedback. Thank you for mentioning the Zululand Conservation Trust's Pangolin Experience. When it is available, it is such a special way to get up close and personal with one of the most unique endangered species in the world. Rhino Sands is extremely proud to be a part of Manyoni's conservation effforts on behalf of pangolins. Thank you again for choosing Rhino Sands and for sharing your kind words with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$822 - $964 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalManyoni Private Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Rhino Sands Safari Camp?
Nearby attractions include Bayete Zulu Lodges (4.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Rhino Sands Safari Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Rhino Sands Safari Camp?
Top room amenities include a mosquito net, a seating area, and a sofa.
What food & drink options are available at Rhino Sands Safari Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Rhino Sands Safari Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Rhino Sands Safari Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Rhino Sands Safari Camp?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.