ISIBINDI AT ITS BEST

The dawn chorus of hundreds of birds who live in the sand forest awaken you. You will join the Kosi team at the lodge for a hearty breakfast before leaving on your activity.

The highlight for many at Kosi Forest Lodge is the canoeing trip on the Kosi Lakes. The best time for this activity is in the early morning and lasts for approximately 2 hours. Guides escort you by canoe along the Sihadla channel where the bird life is very rewarding and the scenery peaceful and breathtaking.

You will return for a delicious lunch and a siesta before embarking on your afternoon activity. In the afternoon you can enjoy a walk through magnificent Raphia Palms – the tallest in the world! Home to the Palm Nut Vulture and Pel’s Fishing Owl, the area can be explored by birders at their leisure.

The best way to see the Kosi Lakes system is by boat. This full day excursion leaves shortly after breakfast and travels through the lake system and estuarine waterways. The guides stop along the way and explain the traditional fishing traps and the traditions of the Tsonga community, who live in balance with the lake system. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the scenic lakeside. After your meal you will continue on to Bhanga Nek beach where you can enjoy one last swim before heading back to the lodge.

When you return from your afternoon or full day activity you will have time to freshen up before coming through to enjoy a delicious meal on either the main deck or in the Boma. The lodge is charming as the pathways and dining areas are lit by lanterns and create a warm atmosphere to enjoy the sounds of the night.

After breakfast you will check out of Thonga Beach Lodge and either self-drive in your own 4×4 or be transferred in a 4×4 vehicle (1hr transfer) back to the 4×4 pickup point. From here you will continue south to Durban for your overnight stay before flying to Victoria Falls from King Shaka International airport.

You will be transferred in a closed vehicle from Victoria Falls (at own cost) to our private entrance to the Zambezi National Park where you will be transferred into an open game viewing vehicle for a short game drive through the park to the water’s edge, where the boat will be waiting to transfer you across the mighty Zambezi river to Tsowa Safari Island. This transfer time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes in total.

Tsowa Safari Island is situated in the Zambezi National Park, a 56 000 ha game reserve which is a renowned birding hot spot with over 400 different bird species and is also home to lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, sable and numerous antelope. The Zambezi National Park stretches approximately 50 km upstream from the Victoria Falls.

Tsowa Safari Island which is 1.5 km long and 400m wide is bisected by a small river where a pair of Pel’s Fishing Owls reside. The island, which has never been inhabited, is fringed by lush forests while the mainland is riverine woodland with natural spring lines which are hidden gems used by wildlife.

On arrival you will be shown to your tent and given time to unpack and relax before joining your guides on the main lodge deck for a delicious high tea.

After high tea the boat sets off for a fabulous sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Imagine stopping along the way either on the boat or on the shore for a refreshing sundowner drink and some snacks whilst watching an iconic African sunset with wild animals coming down to drink. Perhaps on your way back you will spot elephants crossing over to the island as well as crocodiles on the banks and hippos coming out to graze.

You will have time to refresh before enjoying a delicious dinner on the dining deck overlooking the river, followed by a nightcap around the fire gazing at the magnificent array of stars above.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the first private lodge in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, providing guests with exclusive luxury and outstanding service within South Africa’s oldest national park. Each luxury room or villa is stylishly decorated and includes a spacious bedroom with impressive views from the bathroom, outdoor shower and patio deck. From each cleverly-designed space, you can watch the wildlife below, uninterrupted in their natural habitat as they have been for decades in this protected area.

Along with game viewing at the lodge and on morning and evening game drives, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers a host of authentic African experiences – from wild game walks to traditional Zulu homestays and rejuvenating spa treatments. In keeping with the Isibindi ethos, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a joint venture with the local Mphembeni community. People from the community have been trained to work in various departments and now constitute 97% of the lodge staff. Please visit our website for more information: www.rhinoridge.co.za.