Rhulani Safari Lodge

Location and Accessibility

Rhulani Safari Lodge lies in the western section of Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free conservation area along the Botswana border. The reserve covers a vast landscape of plains, rocky kopjes and riverine woodland, offering a safari experience that combines high wildlife density with striking scenery.

Reaching Rhulani feels easy and comfortable. Many travellers fly directly into the reserve through scheduled charter flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town. These flights land at one of Madikwe’s private airstrips and reduce travel time significantly. Guests who prefer the road take a four-to-five-hour drive from Johannesburg. The journey leads through farms, small towns and beautiful rural countryside until the land opens into Madikwe’s memorable red soils and broad savannah.

The final stretch to the lodge often delivers early wildlife encounters. Giraffes, kudu and elephants frequently appear along the route, giving guests a taste of the safari before they even check in.

Rooms and Suites

The chalets at Rhulani Safari Lodge offer privacy, comfort and a strong sense of place. Each one faces the open wilderness, giving guests unobstructed views of Madikwe’s landscapes. The décor blends earthy tones, handcrafted African pieces, smooth timber finishes and elegant textiles that create a warm and modern atmosphere.

Every suite includes a king-size bed, deep soaking tub, indoor and outdoor showers and a private deck. A private plunge pool on each deck allows guests to cool off under the afternoon sun or relax while animals wander nearby. Large sliding glass doors pull back to let in the soft breeze, bird calls and the natural light that defines the Madikwe plains.

At night, lanterns cast a soft glow over the room as the distant calls of lions, owls and jackals flow through the air. For guests who want enhanced luxury, the lodge offers upgraded suites with more generous living spaces and expanded bush views.

Service and Hospitality

Rhulani takes pride in its warm, attentive and personal service. Staff members welcome guests with genuine friendliness and create a relaxed environment where every preference matters. Over the course of a stay, guests often feel like they’ve joined a family rather than a typical lodge.

Meals feature fresh ingredients and thoughtful presentation. Breakfasts overlook the waterhole, lunches feel relaxed and unhurried, and dinners take place in the boma under bright stars. The guiding team brings strong experience to each safari activity. Rangers and trackers read the bush with confidence, explain animal behaviour in detail and share stories that give each sighting context and meaning.

This combination of professional guiding and heartfelt hospitality makes Rhulani one of Madikwe’s most memorable lodges.

Activities Offered

On-Site Activities

Game Drives

Morning and evening game drives showcase the rich diversity of Madikwe. Wild dogs often take the spotlight as they move with speed across the plains in coordinated hunts. Lions, elephants, black rhinos, cheetahs, buffalo and many species of plains game complete the wildlife scenes. Each drive reveals new landscapes, from open savannah to dense thicket, which gives every outing a strong sense of adventure and discovery.

Wildlife Viewing at the Waterhole
The lodge overlooks a permanent waterhole that attracts wildlife throughout the day. Guests relax on their private decks or sit in the lounge as elephants, antelopes, zebras and predators approach the water. This creates a continuous safari experience that feels effortless and deeply immersive.

Stargazing

Madikwe’s clear skies reveal the brilliance of southern hemisphere constellations. Guides identify stars, planets and nebulae while sharing stories rooted in African folklore. These evenings offer a quiet and magical way to end the day.

Boma Evenings

Evenings around the boma fire feel warm and atmospheric. Guests gather under the stars for dinner, storytelling and peaceful conversations. The crackling fire, the distant roar of lions and the soft night air create a classic safari setting.

Off-Site Activities

Guided Bush Walks

Professional guides lead immersive bush walks that explore the finer details of the ecosystem. Guests learn about animal tracks, traditional plant uses, insects, birds and the subtle signs that reveal the hidden life of the reserve. Walking deepens the connection to Madikwe and offers a perspective that feels slower, more personal and more educational.

Children’s Safari Activities

Families enjoy a welcoming atmosphere at Rhulani. The lodge offers junior ranger programs, wildlife lessons and child-friendly nature walks that introduce young travellers to the bush in a fun and safe way. These experiences spark curiosity and encourage a lifelong interest in wildlife.

Local Cultural Encounters

Travellers can visit nearby communities outside the reserve to learn about Tswana traditions, music, food and daily life. These encounters offer cultural insight and help guests understand the people who live around Madikwe.

Why Travellers Book Rhulani Safari Lodge

Travellers choose Rhulani for its warm hospitality, strong wildlife presence and intimate lodge setting. The combination of private chalets, personalised service and a waterhole that remains active throughout the day creates a safari experience that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to nature.

Madikwe’s malaria-free status adds convenience for families, honeymooners and first-time safari travellers. Guests appreciate the privacy, the comfort, the excellent guiding and the proximity to wild dogs, which makes sightings dynamic and memorable.

Rhulani delivers a safari that feels authentic, peaceful and full of character — a lodge where wildlife, comfort and personal connection come together in perfect balance.