Updated: April 2011
RHINO WALKING SAFARIS, Kruger National Park
GENERAL INFORMATION
Specialising in luxury walking safaris, Rhino Walking Safaris offer exclusive traversing in 12 000 hectares of pristine bushveld in the only official wilderness concession awarded in the Kruger National Park. Approximately 10km North East (as the hornbill flies) of Skukuza Rest Camp, the concession shares a 15km unfenced boundary with Mala Mala in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, with game moving freely between the two reserves. The concession comprises of environmentally sensitive areas previously unexplored, with huge diversity of both fauna and flora – an ideal setting for wilderness walking safaris in an internationally renowned big five area.
The Concession has 3 Lodges / Camps
· Rhino Post Safari Lodge – Organic luxury wilderness lodge - primarily game drives
· Plains Camp – Luxury tented camp – primarily walking
· Sleep Outs - Elevated wooden platforms. By prior arrangement only
- Rhino Post – see rate sheet for terms, conditions & costs
- Plains Camp – if the first guests to reserve their trail request the Sleep Out, then all subsequent
reservations will be required to participate
PLEASE NOTE that Sleep Outs are by prior arrangement only – therefore please confirm with the reservation team. The Sleep Out’s are highly dependant on weather conditions so should the weather be unfavourable on the day of the Sleep Out (heavy rain) or if there has been heavy rain in the days preceding their Sleep Out, they may have to remain in camp (due to the platforms being inaccessible).
LOCATION
Rhino Post: Set on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed on the Southern end of our concession, within the Kruger National Park is our luxurious trails “base” lodge
Plains Camp: Is situated in the heart of the wilderness concession overlooking the spectacular Timbitene Plain & waterhole. A 30 minute drive or approximately 3 hours walk from Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Sleep Outs: The elevated wooden Sleep Out platforms are located within the concession, approximately 90mins walk from Plains Camp
GPS CO-ORDINATES
Rhino Post Safari Lodge: S 24º 55.241’ E 31º 39.347’ Skukuza Airstrip: S 24º 57.41’ E 031º 35.20’
ACCOMMODATION
Rhino Post Safari Lodge:
Stilts raise the 8 spaciously appointed suites from the riverbank allowing guests to view the Mutlumuvi riverbed with ease from the bedroom, bathroom and private wooden deck. The suites are set out in an open plan style with wooden floors, thatched roofs, canvas walls and an overhead fan. Each en suite bathroom includes a deep, freestanding bath, ‘his and hers’ basins, a separate toilet and an outdoor shower protected by thick reed poles. The bathroom floor is attractively decorated with delicate mosaic designs complimenting the contemporary floor. All the suites have mini-bars and telephones linked to all areas. Air-conditioning in dining area only.
Built using natural materials of stone, wood, thatch & canvas, the utmost care was taken to minimise the environmental impact of the lodge, and to that end, no concrete was used in the building’s foundations. Careful consideration was taken in the layout of the camp, battery power is used for lighting, special indigenous Reed bed System processes the bathroom waste, and other waste is sorted and recycled wherever possible.
Rhino Walking Safaris: Plains Camp offers 4 comfortably furnished African explorer style tents, en suite with hot running water and all the comforts of home with the African Wilderness on your doorstep. Built in authentic pioneer tradition, it has the serenity of a 19th century naturalists rest, nestled in an Acacia Knobthorn thicket. A generator and a back-up battery system power overhead fans and 24 hour lighting. The generator system can be used to re-charge camera batteries at specific times. Communal Lounge & Dining Area with outside fireplace. Active waterhole. Overhead fans in all tents. 8 guests per walking trail. 2 armed rangers per walking trail.
Sleep Outs Guests arrive on foot at the platforms in the early evening carrying a light weight rucksack containing a change of clothes and refreshments. After arriving and choosing their platform, sundowners are enjoyed overlooking a waterhole. The guide starts preparing a traditional braai for the evening meal. There are 2 bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. 8 guests per Sleep Out and 2 armed guards.
TYPE OF ROOMS
Rhino Post (2 doubles / 6 twins)
Plains Camp (4 twins)
Sleep Outs (4 platforms / 8 bedded)
SWIMMING POOL
Rhino Post Over looking water hole in dry river bed
Plains Camp Plunge pool over looking plain & water hole
OTHER FACILITIES
Rhino Post Overhead fans, electricity, safe in room, hairdryer, limited internet, no cell phone coverage. Fireplace overlooking the waterhole. Extensive wine cellar and bar
Plains Camp Overhead fans, electricity, safe at Rhino Post, no internet or cell phone coverage
MALARIA
The concession is located in a malaria area and we recommend you consult your doctor/pharmacist for the recommended anti-malaria precautions. Please remember that the best insurance is the preventative kind: avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
TRIPLE POLICY
Rhino Post No more than one extra person per room, 18 years or under. The extra person is accommodated on a fold out “stretcher” type bed in the room. Open plan rooms.
Plains Camp No triples possible
CHILD POLICY
We regret that it is not possible for us to accommodate children under the age of 12 years old at Plains Camp, Sleep Outs or on walking safaris as the Kruger National Park regulations do not allow children under 12 on trail. Children under the age of 12 can be accommodated at Rhino Post. Children under 6 cannot go on game drives unless there is a spare vehicle available or a private vehicle booked by prior arrangement.
CHECK IN
Rhino Post 13h00. Please advise ETA and if lunch is required on arrival.
Plains Camp 13h00-14h00. Please note that guests are transferred to Plains Camp for walking trails at 14h00. If later than 2pm, please see section LATE ARRIVALS.
CHECK OUT TIME
Guests are required to check out at 11h00 on the date of departure.
SCHEDULED ARRIVALS – Plains Camp ONLY
Schedule arrivals at Plains Camp ensure a sense of togetherness and companionship amongst the group whilst enabling the guests to relax without having any interruptions in the form of new arrivals. The trail packages incorporate the scheduled arrivals for Plains Camp.
Scheduled arrivals – Plains Camp ONLY
The arrival schedule for Plains Camp is as follows:
* Arrive Tuesday, Friday or a Sunday
Guests may however arrive at Rhino Walking Safaris on any day of the week, as the trails can begin or end at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, which will accommodate the scheduled arrivals at Plains Camp.
CLOTHING
Clothing should be comfortable & durable. Cool cottons are ideal. Neutral colours such as khaki and green are preferable. An all weather outdoor or bush jacket should be taken along. Sturdy comfortable ankle length thick soled walking boots or track shoes are recommended. In winter ensure your jacket is very warm, such as an insulated parka or bush jacket, and also consider a scarf for the night safaris.
We do encourage our guests to adhere to smart casual at dinner times. Please bring sun block and mosquito repellent.
WEATHER
Summer months
October to April ± 15ºC to 38ºC. This is a summer rainfall area. Rain is usually in the form of afternoon thundershowers that cool the hot days.
Winter months
May to September ± 1ºC to 25ºC. Although the days are usually sunny, the evenings and early mornings can be particularly chilly if out on an open vehicle.
Other suggested items: Camera, binoculars, video camera and spare batteries, lip cream, contact lens solution and spare glasses, personal medications, torch and reference books.
CLINIC
The nearest doctors are at Skukuza, approximately 25kms from the lodge.
ACCESS BY ROAD
Rhino Post Safari Lodge can be reached by normal 2 x 4 vehicles. The lodge will transfer guests from Rhino Post to Plains Camp by open 4 x 4 game drive vehicles.
Travelling times by vehicle:
Johannesburg to Rhino Walking Safaris: 6 hrs (500km)
BY AIR
Charters: Federal Air offers daily, direct charter flights from OR Tambo to Skukuza Airport. Charter flight bookings must be made through Rhino Walking Safaris reservations office.
DEP ORT 09h30 / ARR SKZ 10h40DEP ORT 11h00 / ARR SKZ 12h30
DEP ORT 13h00 / ARR SKZ 14h10 / DEP SKZ 11h00 / ARR ORT 12h10
DEP SKZ 13h00 / ARR ORT 14h30
DEP SKZ 14h30 / ARR ORT 15h40
Baggage is restricted to 20kg per person in a soft bag.
Transfers to and from Skukuza Airport and Rhino Walking Safaris are included in the rate and take approximately 25 minutes.
Private Charters
Skukuza Airport – 25 minutes road transfer (no charge). Co-ordinates: S24º 57.41’ E031º 35.20’ Length: 1.55km tarred runway.
Scheduled Flights: SA Express, Kulula & SA Airlink have daily flights from OR Tambo International Airport (ORT) to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI). Direct flights are available from Durban and Cape Town. Approximate flying time from ORT to KMI is 55 minutes. If utilising the scheduled flights, you would need to make use of one of the following:
1. Chauffeured land transfers: KMI Airport to Rhino Post Safari Lodge See rate sheet for prices
2. Car Hire: KMI Airport has 7 car hire companies, enabling you to self-drive directly to Rhino Post
3. Charter Hop: KMI Airport is a 20 minutes hop to Skukuza. Rates for this flight are available from RWS reservations. Please note that the Skukuza Airstrip closes at 15h00 so no arrivals after this time will be accepted
In addition to the above, Isibindi Africa Lodges can organise inter lodge transfers between our properties.
LATE ARRIVALS
Rhino Post After Gate Closing (Self Drive Only): The Kruger National Park has several entrance gates, although Rhino Walking Safari guests are only allowed to enter through Paul Kruger Gate, as it is the closest to the lodge. Guests must enter the Kruger Gate 45 minutes before closing time to allow sufficient time to drive to Rhino Post. Guests who know in advance that they will be unable to make the gate 45-minutes before closing time can arrive as late as 7pm. There will, however, be a surcharge per vehicle (see rates sheet) for an escort to accompany guests to the lodge. Prior arrangements must be made to ensure there is an escort available.
Plains Camp Guests must try and arrive at Rhino Post in time for the 14h00 transfer. Arrivals after 14h00 will be transferred through to Plains Camp at the next convenient opportunity. Very late arrivals will only be transferred to Plains Camp after the evening drive at about 8pm.
Kruger National Park
Gate Opening / Closing Times
JANFEB / MAR
APR / MAY - JULY / AUG
SEPT / OCT / NOV
DEC
Gate Opening / 05h30 / 06h00 / 06h00 / 06h00 / 05h30 / 05h30
Gate Closing / 18h30 / 18h00 / 17h30 / 18h00 / 18h00 / 18h30
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Please inform us of any special dietary requirements and we will do our utmost to oblige.
INDEMNITY
On arrival, all guests have to complete an indemnity form before embarking on a trail. Minors must be in possession of a form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
ACTIVITIES
Rhino Post Safari Lodge
· Game Drives
In addition to our wilderness concession, we have exclusive use of some of the Kruger Park public roads at night. The Kruger Park has strict gate closing times (before sunset) for their rest camps & access gates. We are allowed to utilise certain public roads for night/evening drives well after gate closing times. In terms of our ‘tread gently’ policy, we do not allow any off road driving.
Game drives are available from Rhino Post Safari Lodge with an alternative option being a full or ½ day game drive on the Kruger public roads with a picnic lunch en-route. The full or ½ day option is by prior arrangement.
· Golf At Skukuza- The Kruger National Park has a unique 9-hole golf course (18 tees) near Skukuza rest camp. The course is unfenced & open to the reserve. Prior arrangements are necessary and only available for guests staying at Rhino Post Safari Lodge.
Rhino Walking Safaris
The morning activity at Plains Camp will always be a safari walk, and the afternoon activity will be either a safari walk or game drive (if all the guests request it). Only one afternoon activity will be carried out at any one time as activities are planned ahead of guests’ arrival to ensure there is no confusion. PLEASE advise your clients that they will not be able to request an alternative afternoon activity from the group.
· The Trails
To ensure a varying and complete concession experience we suggest that guests participate in a trail that encompasses all three experiences, Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Plains Camp (primarily walking) and Sleep Outs, as each is unique. There are several trails available, all of which cater for every possibility; be it one camp, two camps or all three.
Suggested trails are:
3 night trail
- 1 night Rhino Post
- 2 nights Plains Camp
4 night trail
- 2 nights Rhino Post
- 2 nights Plains Camp
5 night trail
- 2 nights Rhino Post
- 3 nights Plains Camp (with 1 night Sleep Out)
CONFERENCING AT RHINO WALKING SAFARIS
Rhino Post Safari Lodge & Plains Camp (Kruger National Park) can accommodate a maximum of 24 delegates. Plains Camp is approximately a 20min drive from Rhino Post Safari Lodge. Combined meals, activities and conferencing are feasible at Rhino Post Safari Lodge. Meals can be organised to include everything from River Bed Dinners or breakfasts, Braais, Formal Gala Evenings, casual Cook-outs at the Sleep Outs, Bush Picnics and Bush Cocktails.
Conference Facilities
At Rhino Post Safari Lodge, the dining area is ideal for mini-casual conferences, with tables that can either be joined up or separated into breakaway groups. The conference can be held on the decks under the trees, or in the dining room itself. There are a variety of areas within Rhino Post suitable for small breakaway groups; the Swimming Pool Deck, Lounge, Reception and the Bush itself.