Isibindi Lodges in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Visitors to South Africa have a great choice in lodge options! Dulcie Pascoe, from Isibindi Africa Lodges, shares a roster of lodges offered while on a KwaZulu-Natal tour.

Isibindi Africa Lodges has 4 lodges in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. All the lodges are small, Eco tourist in nature, and share a sustainable utilization of resources with their neighbouring communities in these protected areas. The lodges are in the process of becoming Fair Trade certified, giving guests peace of mind knowing their holiday benefits impoverished communities and that the lodges are operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on the western boundary of Africa’s oldest proclaimed Game Reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. This is the only private lodge within the park. With its four-star accommodation, guests are offered spectacular scenery, locally trained spa staff, and excellent cuisine within the heart of Big 5 territory.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is incredibly privileged to be able to offer guests the opportunity to go on walks in the wilds with legendary rhino whisperer, Nunu Jobe, who can get guests within meters of white rhino with safety and respect that the animals deserve. The centre of white rhino preservation, this park boasts the highest concentration of rhino with an estimated 1,600 Southern white rhino and 400 black rhino.

Isibindi Africa Lodges - Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge Interior, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa — Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge room interior

Kosi Forest Lodge

Situated in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, this wilderness lodge offers guests the unique opportunity of exploring a pristine wetland environment in guided canoes and vehicles. Activities include boat cruises through the 18km lake system and estuarine waterways, swimming at the nearby, isolated Bhanga Nek beach, birding walks through the ancient Raffia Forest, cultural visits to Tsonga communities, and taking a short trip to the Kosi Mouth for an excellent snorkeling experience. Home to the palm nut vulture and Pel’s fishing owl, the area can be explored by keen birders at their leisure.

The highlight for many at Kosi Forest Lodge is the canoe 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.

Isibindi Africa Lodges - Kosi Forest Lodge Bathroom, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa — Kosi Forest Lodge bathroom

Thonga Beach Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the secluded Mabibi Bay, in the heart of the iSimangaliso (formerly Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park, an internationally recognized World Heritage Site. With direct access onto the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast, this luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the last unspoilt and undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African continent.

Activities at Thonga Beach Lodge include SCUBA diving, Open Ocean experiences, kayaking, sundowners at Lake Sibaya, guided snorkeling, seasonal turtle drives/walks, Tsonga Cultural tours, and forest walks.

Isibindi Africa Lodges - Thonga Beach Lodge Snorkeling, KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa — Thonga Beach Lodge snorkeling

Isibindi Zulu Lodge

Isibindi Zulu Lodge is situated within the 2000 hectare Isibindi Eco-Reserve, which covers diverse habitats ranging from montane grassland and valley thornveld to riverine forests. The reserve is home to plains game, and on a drive into the reserve, you will have a chance to see abundant birdlife, with our current species list at 234. The lodge is a stone’s throw away from the historically momentous Anglo-Zulu Battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Half day and full day battlefield tours start at Isandlwana, where the greatest defeat in British colonial history took place.

Panoramic tours into the heart of Zululand are also offered, giving the guests the opportunity to visit Zulu homesteads, a Sangoma (traditional healer), and various other places of beauty and historical significance. The lodge also has a traditional village and guests are offered the opportunity of traditional Zulu food and drink whilst enjoying an evening of energetic Zulu dancing around the fire.