In January of this year, my now husband and I enjoyed an incredible stay at Rhino Sands Safari Camp for a two-night mini honeymoon. To say that it was extraordinary would be an understatement! We were particularly blown away by the exceptional service provided by our safari guide, Josh, and the warm and incredibly attentive attention of every staff member at the camp. From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed! The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel instantly at home. 

Our accommodation surpassed all expectations. Our tented suite (one of just four at the camp) blew us away. You truly feel like you are sleeping out in the open bush but with the comforts of a luxury five-star safari lodge. Each tented suite offers a lounge, a bathroom with a beautiful bathtub, a very private deck with a plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and three of the canvas tented walls roll up to ensure a completely seamless experience with the surrounding bush.

With sustainability being a key feature of the property, we were very impressed to hear how the camp is run. The General Manager explained that from the outset, the vision for Rhino Sands Safari Camp was for it to be an eco-camp. And they truly have achieved this. Entirely off the grid, all heating elements (which require the most electricity) are also run on natural gas. Other small elements cement their commitment to conservation and sustainability, with even their towels made from locally grown cotton, woven in a design that minimizes the amount of water and electricity it takes to wash them. The water comes from the ground and when we arrived, they gave us refillable water bottles to cut down on plastic waste. Each tented suite was carefully designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding forest. The camp layout was largely influenced by the natural contours of the forest itself, and throughout the camp, we noticed areas where trees had been preserved, with the camp structures and decking built around them.

One of the highlights of our stay was undoubtedly the culinary experience at Rhino Sands Safari Camp. Each meal was an absolute masterpiece, expertly prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The evening bushfires and morning coffee (made on a FIRE) were magical, and a private dinner at our tent on our second evening was a wonderful, special touch.

Our safari experiences with Josh were the highlight of our trip. His passion for wildlife and deep knowledge of the bushveld made each game drive unforgettable. Manyoni Private Game Reserve is a 57,000-acre privately owned Big Five game reserve. Our sightings were incredible and watching Josh expertly navigate around every dung beetle in our path, was delightful! We were joined by a very well-travelled Dutch couple, booked for a 21-night stay at Rhino Sands, and they commented that the Manyoni Reserve experience was, by far, one of their best!

Our stay at Rhino Sands Safari Camp was truly a dream come true. Every aspect of our experience exceeded our expectations. We could not have asked for a more beautiful mini honeymoon. 

Thank you, Rhino Sands Safari Camp, for an unforgettable experience!

My colleague Serina (Sales & Contracting: North America and Australasia) and her husband were also recently at Rhino Sands Safari Camp, and Serina had this to say. ‘Rhino Sands Safari Camp is an absolutely amazing experience! I can’t think of a more perfect place to escape to. From the intimacy of the lodge, the warmth of the team, the delectable food, the stunning landscapes and the thrilling safaris, Rhino Sands Safari Camp truly is magical!’

TO NOTE:

• Guests can easily do a three or even four-night stay at Rhino Sands Safari Camp. The Reserve offers incredible, diverse experiences, from wide-open savannas to thick forest vegetation.
• Getting to Rhino Sands Safari Camp is an easy 3-hour drive from King Shaka International Airport. Either self-drive or book a transfer.
• Rhino Sands Safari Camp is a TRUE eco-lodge and guests are encouraged to charge devices during the daylight, however, at no time are guests inconvenienced as the property is supported by an emergency generator should it be needed.
• This is a Big Five experience.
• Rhino Sands Safari Camp is a featured property in our Thompsons Africa 2024 brochure. To read more and see rates click here.

Viki Zeiss (Marketing Manager – Thompsons Africa)