Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Manyoni Private Game Reserve: Zululand's Rhino Story
Manyoni Private Game Reserve at a glance:
Location: Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Access: Approximately 3 hours by good tar roads from Durban |
Size: 23,000 hectares | Formerly known as: Zululand Rhino Reserve |
Reserve type: Big Five private game reserve | Wildlife: Big Five, cheetah, African wild dog |
Why visit Manyoni Private Game Reserve?
Manyoni Private Game Reserve covers 23,000 hectares in the heart of Zululand, a region known for spectacular wildlife viewing, rich cultural traditions, and a strong conservation history. Formed in 2004 when seventeen landowners dropped their boundary fences to create one contiguous protected area, Manyoni is one of the largest privately owned reserves in KwaZulu-Natal and has grown into one of the region's premier Big Five destinations.
The reserve's story is closely tied to rhino conservation. Its selection as a release site for the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project was a major factor behind Manyoni's establishment, and in 2005 a founder population of black rhino was released here. The site was formally proclaimed a Nature Reserve under the Protected Areas Act in 2009. Since then, lions have been reintroduced, completing the Big Five alongside leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, while endangered cheetah and African wild dog (painted wolf) have also returned.
Beyond the Big Five, Manyoni supports giraffe, zebra and a host of other species, and serves as a release site for pangolins rehabilitated after being rescued from poachers. Located just three hours from Durban by good tar roads and close to the Indian Ocean, Manyoni pairs immersive bush experiences with easy access to the coast.
5 Reasons We Love Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Big Five in one wilderness: Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo roam freely across 23,000 hectares of protected Zululand landscape.
A living rhino conservation story: Manyoni's founder black rhino population anchors its role in the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project.
Rare pangolin release site: Manyoni offers sanctuary to pangolins rehabilitated after being rescued from poachers, a rare privilege among reserves
Cheetah and wild dog sightings: Reintroduced endangered predators add exceptional depth to wildlife encounters beyond the Big Five species.
Bush and beach in one trip: Just three hours from Durban by tar road, Manyoni sits conveniently close to the Indian Ocean coastline.
Our favourite Manyoni Private Game Reserve safari ideas
All you need to know about Manyoni
Things to do in Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Guided game drives: Explore Manyoni's varied habitats in search of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo with experienced guides.
Wildlife tracking sessions: Join a monitoring session using telemetry to track collared elephant, lion, cheetah or wild dog on the reserve.
Rhino dehorning experience: Join a hands-on dehorning procedure, assisting with DNA sampling and measurements supporting anti-poaching efforts. This activity is subject to availability as determined by the reserve's veterinary team.
Zulu cultural tour: Visit Mandlakazi Tribal Land to experience Zulu culture, support local women and enjoy a traditional Zulu lunch.
Conservation education visits: Visit a supported school or crèche with the Zululand Conservation Trust to learn about local education projects.
Volunteer programme: Join the Zululand Conservation Trust's volunteer programme for hands-on involvement in conservation and community work.
What wildlife can I see in Manyoni Private Game Reserve?
The Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black and white rhino roam freely across Manyoni's 23,000 hectares of protected wilderness. Manyoni's founder black rhino population, released in 2005, forms part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project.
Cheetah: Reintroduced to the reserve, cheetah sightings add an exceptional predator encounter to Manyoni's diverse wildlife offering.
African wild dog: Endangered wild dog (painted wolf) packs have been reintroduced to Manyoni, making sightings of this rare predator a genuine possibility.
Giraffe and zebra: Manyoni supports healthy populations of giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, impala, kudu and other species.
Rescued pangolins: Manyoni serves as a release site for pangolins rehabilitated after being rescued from poachers, a rare conservation success.
Birds: Manyoni hosts over 450 bird species, including pink-throated twinspot, Neergaard’s sunbird, Rudd’s apalis, African broadbill, gorgeous bush-shrike, eastern nicator, southern banded snake-eagle, Pel’s fishing owl, narina trogon and black coucal.
Where to stay in Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge occupies a ridge with sweeping reserve views. Its nine luxury suites each have a private plunge pool and indoor-outdoor shower. This family-run, five-star lodge offers twice-daily drives, an Africology spa, and rhino horn trimming and pangolin tracking. Minimum age is 12.
Rhino Sands Safari Camp is an eco-friendly, off-grid tented camp on the Msunduze River, with four canvas suites opening on three sides to the forest. Solar-powered and intimate, it suits couples and small groups wanting classic tented luxury, twice-daily drives and guided bush walks.
Mavela Game Lodge is a tented lodge on an elevated hillside, accredited by BirdLife South Africa as a natural choice for dedicated birders.
Rhino River Lodge, on the Umsunduze River, is a family-owned, family-friendly lodge accommodating up to 24 guests across deluxe rooms, family loft chalets and two private safari houses, with twice-daily game drives.
Zebra Hills Safari Lodge offers a self-catering Main Lodge and separate Homestead, both air-conditioned, overlooking a floodlit waterhole.
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Why choose Africa Geographic to plan your safari?
"Africa Geographic Travel organised a great trip for three experienced photographers and safari-travellers in May...and then recommended Rhino River Lodge in Manyoni, a reserve we had not previously considered. Everything was very well-planned and...Our guides...were great and...Very happy to recommend AG..."
"The trip was excellent in any sense. The guide was a TOP guide. The staff at the camp was accurare , polite, efficient and professional. The cook was probably the best I had in many safaris. The place and game drive was full of wieving, both we were lucky or the guide was excellent...I really appreciated your organization and suggestions."
"My team at Africa Geographic was amazing. They took the time to listen to what I wanted to experience on my trip and designed the perfect itinerary for me. They were always available when I had a question and made sure I was well prepared...Thank you...for making my dream vacation an amazing and unforgettable experience."
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Manyoni Private Game Reserve was previously known as Zululand Rhino Reserve. The reserve now operates under the Manyoni name, though its long-standing connection to rhino conservation remains at the core of its identity.
Manyoni lies in the heart of Zululand, in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, an area renowned for its wildlife viewing, cultural heritage and conservation history.
Manyoni is conveniently located approximately three hours from Durban by good tar roads, making it accessible for travellers combining a safari with time on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Yes. Manyoni is a Big Five reserve, home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhino, following the reintroduction of lions after the reserve's establishment.
Manyoni was created in 2004 when seventeen landowners dropped their internal fences to form one contiguous 23,000-hectare protected area for wildlife in Zululand.
Manyoni was selected as a release site for the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, and in 2005 a founder population of black rhino was released into the reserve.
Manyoni was formally proclaimed a Nature Reserve under the Protected Areas Act in 2009, several years after its initial establishment in 2004.
Yes. Since its establishment, Manyoni has seen the reintroduction of endangered cheetah and African wild dog, adding to its Big Five wildlife offering.
Manyoni acts as a release site for pangolins that have been rehabilitated after being rescued from poachers, contributing to a rare and important conservation effort.
Guests can join wildlife tracking sessions, participate in hands-on rhino dehorning experiences, or take part in a cultural tour to the Mandlakazi Tribal Land.
Rhino dehorning is a proven anti-poaching measure. The procedure is not harmful, and is carried out by an experienced veterinary and wildlife management team.
Yes. A cultural tour to the Mandlakazi Tribal Land offers guests the chance to experience Zulu culture, support local women and enjoy a traditional Zulu lunch.
Yes. Manyoni partners with the Zululand Conservation Trust to offer a volunteer programme covering conservation, education and community development work.
Manyoni safaris typically cost from R2,500 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, and 24/7 support from our team.
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