Manyoni Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of Zululand, an area that is world reknowned for its spectacular game viewing, rich cultural traditions, and conservation history. Initially formed as part of the WWF black rhino range expansion project, Manyoni has become one of the premier big five safari destinations in Kwa-Zulu Natal with a strong focus on endangered species conservation, including the reintroduction of cheetah and wild dogs. Conveniently located only 3 hours from Durban and 6 hours from Johannesburg, Manyoni is home to a range of luxury safari lodges, and boasts 23,000 hectares of magnificent Zululand scenery.
The 23,000 hectare Manyoni Private Game Reserve was previously called the Zululand Rhino Reserve, and is located in the northern Zululand area in the far east of South Africa, next to the Thanda Safari Reserve. The land was originally split into 17 private land areas, however they all dropped their fences in 2004 to open up the reserve and provide a home to a large population of black rhinos as part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. It is now home to a diverse amount of wildlife, including the Big 5 (rhinos, elephants, buffalo, lions and the elusive leopard) as well as cheetahs, African wild dogs and a huge number of antelope and bird species.
This game reserve is such a wonderfully large space, we’re delighted to have a number of top lodges which we recommend visiting. Here at Tailormade Africa, we make all of our trips bespoke to you and your loved ones, so you’re in the best of hands as we are able to book you into the best accommodation for you on this beautifully wildlife rich reserve. Just let us know your preferences, as there truly is something for everyone including little legged families, madly-in-love newly-weds and groups of friends or family just looking for a bit of an escape. We got you covered!
The closest airport is Richard’s Bay airport which is just under a 2-hour drive away. There are plenty of flights arriving into Richard’s Bay from Johannesburg or alternatively you could fly into Durban airport (aka King Shaka) which has regular flights from all over the country. Durban airport is approximately 300km away which means that Manyoni Private Game Reserve can be reached in around 3 and a half hours from there. Remember, we can organise a private transfer, or indeed if we included this reserve as part of a wider self-drive itinerary we can include a very comfortably vehicle for you to drive yourself. Simples!
There great news is that this reserve is really well-known for the fantastic game viewing and birding no matter what time of year. Each month brings something different, from lush green in the summer and rainy season to open dry bush and easier game spotting in the winter and dry season. As a Private Game Reserve, the number of vehicles traversing the reserve and present at any given sighting is strictly regulated which allows for a really exclusive and intimate safari experience. The best thing to do is give us a call and we’d be delighted to talk you through what you can expect during the month you want to travel and advice you best depending on what you want to get from your holiday of a lifetime. Leave it to us to design the trip of your dreams!
Situated in the big five Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Rhino Sands Safari Camp is a five-star tented luxury safari destination designed to bring an authentic safari experience in traditional East African style to Kwa-Zulu Natal. Well-known for its fantastic game viewing and birding, Manyoni Private Game Reserve is the perfect place to go on safari... Learn more
Why us? What makes us different and specialists in our field? Simple. Our safari consultants have lived, worked and still travel extensively throughout Africa, bringing you the best of each safari destination.
Meet the team Get in touch