Isibindi Africa’s Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in KwaZulu Natal’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, has recently completed a sweeping revamp of the main area and luxury villas.

Isibindi’s décor team, led by Kelly Coates and Penni Korb, worked a brief of ‘fresh guavas and cinnamon’ into the contemporary style of the glass-wrapped lodge. Kipikee Studios, who builds all Isibindi’s custom design furniture, matched the brief with their organic, contemporary designs.

The villas at Rhino Ridge – which was the first private lodge to be built in the park – include spacious bedroom and lounge areas, with impressive views of a waterhole to be enjoyed from the bathroom, outdoor shower and private deck. Several of the villas also offer private plunge pools.

The main lodge’s large outdoor deck has been reworked into an elegant area offering a variety of seating options, and a new firepit provides the perfect opportunity for sundowners and after-dinner treats. Both lounges, set on either side of an indoor fireplace, have been redone, along with the bar area and dining room, which feature a collection of Zululand artisanal ceramics.

Extending further along the wooden pathway, a rim-flow swimming pool overlooks the north-eastern corner of the park: an ideal place to read or take time out between game drives, guided bush walks, or a treatment in the twin-room spa. 

In keeping with the Isibindi ethos, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a joint venture between Isibindi Africa Lodges and the local Mphembheni community. The community originally owned the land on which the lodge is built and donated it to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, thereby expanding the reserve. Close to 97% of the lodge staff are sourced from the Mphembheni community.