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World Rhino Day: The Miracle of Massingita
Every year, on International Rhino Day, we reflect on the plight of rhinos and the remarkable stories of survival that remind us why conservation matters. At Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor, this day carries a special weight, for our history is deeply connected to the work...
THE STORY OF BUCKET – World Lion Day Tribute
On World Lion Day, we celebrate not only the species as a collective but also the remarkable individuals who leave their mark on our hearts. At Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor, one such lion is Bucket, the oldest pride member of the Rietspruit Reserve.Bucket’s story began...
Capturing the Extraordinary: Wildlife Photography Adventures at Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor
Crocodile Tears Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor stands as a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture a special memory in a photograph that is frozen in time forever. A heart-wrenching moment unfolded at Khaya Ndlovu’s famous Hippo Dam, during a...
Combining the thrill of the wild with the allure of a bygone era
A private Big-5 safari drive is always a thrilling experience but imagine taking that journey in a classic 1964 Land Rover. Apart from the experienced guide and tracker, there is only enough space for a couple in this short wheelbase beauty that adds a touch of...
2023 in Review: Celebrating Wildlife, Rugby, and Conservation
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible moments that have defined 2023 at our special safari lodge. Whilst many in the tourism industry are still clawing their way out of the damaging consequences of the dreaded...
Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor finally has its Big-five!
Introducing buffaloes to Rietspruit Reserve: A significant milestone In the realm of wildlife conservation, the introduction of a small disease-free buffalo herd to the Rietspruit Reserve stands as a significant milestone. While the process has been far from...
Where there is hope, there is life – even NO HOPE!
The plight of Africa’s rhino has been extensively documented worldwide, and unfortunately, the battle against poaching shows no signs of waning. In response, anti-poaching and rhino monitoring methods are continually updated and reviewed across the various reserves...
Africa’s Towering Icons
Giraffes, the enchanting giants of the animal kingdom, possess not only elegance but also a charmingly quirky side. Beyond their graceful appearance and towering heights, these fascinating creatures have an array of fun facts that are sure to bring a smile to your...
A victory for conservation
In the vast wilderness of our special reserve, where nature's wonders are both awe-inspiring and fragile, another remarkable event has recently unfolded - an extraordinary birth that symbolizes hope, resilience, and the triumph of conservation efforts. This is the...
Rudolph, the red-nosed racehorse
Christmas is a magical time around the world; typically associated with brightly lit streets, extravagantly wrapped gifts, Christmas trees draped in tinsel, festive feasts of stuffed turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and decadent plum pudding. However, in the South...
There is nothing permanent in life except change
Throughout October, our social media pages came alive with cryptic clues and rhymes for any of our followers wishing to enter our name change competition. Although most of our readers guessed the new name correctly, we did have a few giggles at some of the...
“Safari Dreams” – starring myself,a crash of rhino, thirsty elephants and a sleepless night!
“Come and look here,” motions Sam, the Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor guide, “these tracks are heading in an easterly direction” he says in his accented English, pointing out the large three-toed club-shaped imprint in the sandy road. “I think these rhinos may be going to...
DESTINATION HOEDSPRUIT
Easily accessible by visitors from around the world, Hoedspruit has a diverse activity playground with a varied range of excursions to suit every pocket, every age, and every person! From adventurous expeditions to the more relaxing events, there is quite literally a...
CHILLING OUT IN THE WINTER BUSH
Love it or hate it. There’s a lot to be said about a winter break in the bush. As an inherent shiverer, my first reaction when I was asked to write a blog about winter in the bush was one of trepidation. Who in their right mind wants to dwell on winter, let alone...
The miracle of Masingita
The unmistakable thudding of the helicopter rotor blades was heard minutes before the bright yellow machine appeared. The story of Masingita, an orphaned rhino. The Rhino Revolution team had been alerted of the impending arrival and watched anxiously, eyes focused...
Five leopards; two cubs & two ghosts.
Xivati, the dominant male leopard that currently resides over the Khaya Ndlovu property first made himself known to us as a young male in 2018. It is believed that he was pushed out in a territorial battle by the more dominant males in the conglomeration of game...
The wildlife playground of Khaya Ndlovu.
One of the highlights of a stay at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House is a safari, venturing into the sweeping wilderness of the 5500-hectare Rietspruit Game Reserve where all the iconic animal families have their own fascinating stories to tell. Because we live here, we are...
My heart shall beat, because of you, my eyes see because of you, and I shall love, because of you!
Have you found the one that makes your heart skip a beat? There is something perfectly magical about a wedding in the bush. Imagine being serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld playground as your sacred vows are made under a wide African sky. With abundant wildlife,...
Earning My Stripes on International Zebra Day
When I happened to innocently mention that today, 31 January is International Zebra Day, I did not expect the barrage of questions that tore into me! Why would anyone celebrate a day in honour of the common stripy equids? After all, they are not endangered, or even...
An anthology of collectives!
Who would have believed an innocent ‘herd’ of shiny coated zebras drinking from the waterhole in front of the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House could have sparked such a heated debate? ‘It’s not a herd, it’s a zeal!’ growled a usually placid Gabriel, our front of house...
THE REAL MEANING OF BLOOD, SWEAT, DREAMS AND TEARS!
The common phrase ‘eyes in the back of your head’ does not appropriately describe Sam, our field guide. I'd say eyes in the back, front and sides of his head plus some supernatural powers would be a more accurate description! After hearing about his childhood,...
Lockdown, Lions and a Life Lost
What a year 2020 has been—and it is not even over yet! There has been enough written about the pandemic to keep us pondering and debating for decades to come and I am sure it is safe to say that everyone has been affected in some way or another. When I happened upon...
Every Picture Tells a Story
The walls of Khaya Ndlovu Manor House come to life through an eclectic mix of art. Without doubt, the embellished Giclée that hangs opposite the guest bathroom creates the most discussion. This appealing work of art by Italian born painter, Antonio Tamburro captivates...
Our Horses…
Their ears point with pride, apart from the occasional flicker detecting a foraging warthog scratching amongst the crispy offerings of the dry African bushveld. These past warriors of the turf who won 28 races between them move silently along the game paths and the...
News of Bucket, Nyaleti & Nursery Nightmares!
It has been almost a year since Sam, the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House tracker innocently walked into the queen of our lion pride, Hahani giving birth to her first litter of cubs. They were to become known as Bucket and her brother BB. Bucket and her brother BB, (short...
Lions, Leopards & a Layover!
A FEW WEEKS ago, we shared the story of Bucket the lion cub that ventured off and spent ten days without milk, whilst hanging with the boys We are happy to report that since being reunited with her mother; Bucket and brother BB, have been spotted on our recent game...
Bucket, Brent and the Boys!
Bucket!... the newest buzzword on the Rietspruit Game Reserve! It would be fair to say that every single member of the Reserve, as well as all the recent guests at the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House have held their collective breaths, for the best part of two weeks now,...