One
question people often ask before they book a safari is “What can we expect to
see during our stay?” This is especially pertinent when people are on their
first safari or their first visit to a new game reserve. It’s always good to
know what animals are living in the reserve you want to visit and what the
likelihood is that you will get to see those animals. The Zululand Rhino Reserve is fast becoming one of the best wildlife viewing reserves in Kwa
Zulu Natal. We thought we would let wildlife photographer Heidi Watson’s
pictures from her recent four night safari serve as an example of what guests
might expect to see while staying at Rhino River Lodge.
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A male lion struts down the road |
Our lodge
is located in the southern portion of the Zululand Rhino Reserve, along the
banks of the Msunduze River. The river is dry for a large portion of the
year and comes down in flood during the heavy rains. However, the water which runs just under
the surface and riverine vegetation combine for a habitat that supports large
numbers of antelope species. Where the antelope go, the predators are sure to
follow!
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Two hyaena sighted near a suspected den site |
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These two brothers are a known cheetah "coalition" in the reserve. |
The
Zululand Rhino Reserve is a privately owned game
reserve and what that means for guests is that there are no long queues at
wildlife sightings. Guests are guided by professional game rangers on open-air
game drive vehicles. While none of our animals are tracked for viewing
purposes, our rangers stay in contact with each other and with the rangers from
other lodges on the reserve to share information on sightings and to ensure
that no more than two vehicles are ever on any sighting at the same time. This
ensures a great game-viewing experience for our guests and also a low stress
environment for our animals.
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A tender moment as a baby giraffe nurses from its mother |
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A magnificent male waterbuck |
The Zululand Rhino Reserve is home to the big
five-elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo-but just as importantly we
also protect a number of endangered species like cheetah, wild dog, and black
rhino.
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Close up and personal with a gentle giant |
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A special sighting of a rare black rhino |
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Endgangered and highly underrated, the social African wild dog is one of the most interesting carnivores to see |
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Comical ostriches run across the bushveld |
If you are keen on birds you are in for a treat. The birding
in the ZRR is world class. Even for those people not specifically interested in
birds, the beautiful colours of many of our regularly viewed bird species are
absolutely breath-taking and may just convert you into a “twitcher".
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It's hard to believe a bird can be as beautiful as the little bee-eater |
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Oxpeckers feast on ticks off a zebra's back |
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Magic moments at Rhino River Lodge |
Each guest’s experience is unique and there is a bit of luck
involved, but that’s all part of the magic of safari.
If you would like to book your safari at Rhino River Lodge
please contact
Reservations.
3 comments:
It's an absolute honour and pleasure to be working with you. Super blog!
Beautiful photos!!!!
It is a stunning lodge to visit where staff are very attentive to their guests. Definitely a bucket list place to visit - actually more than once!!!
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