LET AFRICA CAPTURE YOUR HEART
LET AFRICA CAPTURE YOUR HEART
AUTHENTIC AFRICAN SAFARI
Close your eyes… Open your soul… Let the smell of fresh earth light up your senses. Now open your eyes. Look. See trees pushing up into the sky. See grass dancing in the wind. Feel the sun kissing your skin gently. Listen. A sound that you have never heard before? Or one that makes you smile.
Because you know this is the sound of Africa!
Our beautiful safari lodge, situated in the heart of the Manyoni Private Game Reserve (previously known as the Zululand Rhino Reserve), provides guests with access to over 23,000 hectares of pristine African savannah and bush.
It is a great privilege to experience the wilderness the way it should be and not the way we imagine it to be. But it is also an enormous responsibility, for we all have to commit to protect the vulnerable and endangered. Therefore, we strive to create a meaningful experience that will shift our guests’ perspective towards protecting our precious planet. Witness the incredible diversity of the reserve and experience the magnificent beauty of the critically endangered,
like the pangolin and black rhino.
ACCOMMODATION
SENSIRI PLAINS SAFARI LODGE
Welcome to our charming Safari Lodge. It is pure comfort indoors, surrounded by untamed nature outdoors. This is truly a unique place to stay and soak up the bush atmosphere. Our self-catering lodges have a mix of rustic and luxurious elements to offer you a complete escape from ordinary life. For your comfort and relaxation all our bedrooms are air-conditioned. Watch wildlife grazing peacefully on rolling, soft grass plains, soak up the African sun by a refreshing swimming pool and enjoy evening meals around the firepit under star-studded skies.
Ferox
This lodge boasts two-spacious bedrooms, both en-suite and air-conditioned for extra comfort. The main bedroom has an inside bath and romantic outside shower for bathing under the stars. It boasts a modern kitchen, outside dining area with captivating views from the private viewing deck overlooking the watering hole, and a private firepit which includes a braai area and gas pizza oven.
Mananga
Nestled between the trees this charming two-bedroom lodge, each with an en-suite bathroom, has a trail of history still embedded in its floor, as this one being one of the most original of the buildings. A fully kitted out modern kitchen with an inside dining area was added on. Come and relax on the lovely private viewing deck and let the cool summer breeze delight you.
Senticosus
Next to a magnificent marula tree with splendid views of the reserve stands this comfortable two-bedroom lodge with it’s very spacious, open plan sitting room, dining room and modern kitchen. Absorb the wilderness from your own private viewing deck in sheer silence, total tranquillity and luxury.
Modjadji
This luxurious and comfortable communal area generates a sense of leisure, tranquility and serenity. Escape rush hour. Escape from life for a bit. The African bush invites you to soak up the sun, consume unfamiliar sounds, relax your soul and unwind a little. This is the perfect place to relax with close friends and family. Our lodge area is fenced off for peace of mind but do keep an eye on the watering hole for extraordinary visitors!
Availability and Rates
Rates are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR), inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) at 15%. Please request a quote on the booking page.
- Twice-daily Land Cruiser safaris guided by our excellent game ranger
- Lodge host and farm manager to look after the well-being of your group
- Kitchen assistants, housekeeping and cleaning staff to attend to your comfort and ease
- Fresh linen, fluffy bath towels, hand soap and pool towels
- Drinking water that was treated through a reverse osmosis filtering system
- Ice and firewood provided daily for your use
- Kitchens equipped with all the standard kitchen utilities for prep and braai
- WiFi
- Conservation/ tourism levy
- All food, drinks, alcohol and snacks – bar menu available
- Purchases from the mini bar
- Transport to and from the reserve
- Any other excursions, extras and breakages
Submission of a booking enquiry does not constitute a confirmed reservation, but is only an availability request.
Online enquiries are usually responded to within 48 hours. In order to create your perfect safari experience at our lodge, we will attempt to comply to all your requests.
Children 0-3 years sharing with adults stay free, children 3-11 years are charged at 50%.
Extra game drives, conservancy and park fees, air transfer costs and any other excursions or activities will be for your account.
It is recommended that guests have comprehensive medical and travel insurance cover for the duration of their stay. The lodge is located in a medium to low risk malaria zone.
Your Journey to Us
Maybe you want to get here as fast as you can, or maybe you love exploring and wish to discover a new destination on your way. Whatever it may be, there are countless travel options to suit your fancy. Make your travel an experience and enjoy the journey.
Sensiri Plains can be accessed directly to the lodge’s helipad or via private or chartered flights to the nearby airfields. Landing at the lodge is restricted to daylight hours – please arrange well in advance.
Helicopters
- Please arrange well beforehand to make use of our helipad
- Landing time slots to be allocated at the discretion of the lodge
- Avgas can be arranged when requested well in advance
- Private pilots land at their own risk and are advised to broadcast
on VHF frequency 124.800 - Compulsory documentation to be completed beforehand,
please contact us - Latitude: 27° 42” 48’ S
- Longitude: 32° 03” 55’ E
- Elevation: 794ft
- Surface: Brushed concrete
- Helipad diameter: 10m
Aeroplanes and light Aircraft
- The lodge is accessible via airstrips at either Mkuze Airfield,
10 km away, or Hluhluwe Airfield, 25km away - It is advisable to arrange for safeguarding of your aeroplane for the duration of your stay
- Landing and overnight fees apply – please consult airfield administration or ARP’s
- VHF frequency for broadcasting 124.800
- Airport transfers can be arranged for your own account
- From Durban approximately 2.5 hours, 280 km
- From Johannesburg approximately 5.5 hours, 480 km
- From Pretoria approximately 5.5 hours, 500 km
- From Nelspruit approximately 5 hours, 430 km
From Durban
- N2 Durban to Richards Bay 166 km
- N2 Richards Bay To Bayala 127 km
- N2 Bayala (Baobab Inn) to Sensiri gate 12.6 km, gate is on the left hand side
From Johannesburg/ Pretoria
- N4 Pretoria to Rockdale 138 km (Ermelo N11 Exit)
- N11 Rockdale to Ermelo 94 km
- N2 Ermelo to Piet Retief 116 km
- N2 Piet Retief to Pongola 106 km
- N2 Pongola to Mkuze 65 km
- N2 Mkuze to Sensiri gate 10 km, gate is on the right hand side
From Nelspruit
- N4 R38 Nelspruit to Barberton 46 km
- R38 Barberton to Badplaas 76 km
- R38 Badplaas to Carolina 49 km
- R33 Carolina to Warburton 44 km
- R33 Warburton to Amsterdam 61 km
- R33 Amsterdam to Piet Retief 57 km
- N2 Piet Retief to Pongola 106 km
- N2 Pongola to Mkuze 65 km
- N2 Mkuze to Sensiri gate 10 km, gate is on the right hand side
Amenities
A refreshing swimming pool is conveniently located within reach of all three lodges. The pool is used at own discretion, but children and inexperienced swimmers need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
A communal boma allows guests to socialise, enjoy a fire, or sit under the stars whilst having a braai. Let the warmth of the fire wrap you up after an exhilarating day.
Pizza in the bush? By all means! Here you can also have this experience! No matter how misshapen, over-sauced or slightly charred, everyone agrees homemade pizza is the ultimate.
Mobile phone signal is dependent upon conditions.
Complimentary wireless connection (WiFi).
In the interest of safety, children’s participation in game drives or activities is at the discretion of the ranger.
Check in / Checkout Times
Check in: 14:00
Check out: 10:00
Check in at Sensiri Plains Lodge
See map and location for more information.
083 284 1845 / 083 576 8792
Payment Options
We accept a wide variety of payment options.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express cards and also MasterPass, SnapScan and Zapper payments.
Book NowEmail EnquiryWEATHER & WHAT TO PACK
SELF-CATERING
The lodge is self-catered, and you are required to provide and cook your own meals. Trained kitchen assistants are available and more than happy to assist should you have the need. Remember condiments and seasoning. We suggest providing for breakfast and dinner per day and some snacks for in-between.
- At a small fee we can shop for you locally – send us a list of your requirements well in advanced. Please note that shops here have limited availability, rather bring speciality items yourself
From Durban
- Woolworths Foods, King Shaka Airport
- Pick n Pay, Mtubatuba
- Allens Butchery, Spar and Kentucky Fried Chicken, Hluhluwe
From Johannesburg/ Pretoria/ Nelspruit
- Wimpy at Engen, Pick n Pay and Spar, Pongola
- Spar, Mkuze
- Comfort is key. We recommend casual light clothing for during the day, and a jersey or jacket for evenings. In autumn and winter you will need to dress warmer, especially early mornings and late evenings. We always provide blankets and rain jackets on game drives
- Closed, protective footwear is advised for game drives
- Toiletries, hair dryer, medication and insect repellent
- Food, soft drinks and alcohol
- Snacks
- Swimming suits
- Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
- Binoculars, cameras, spare memory cards and charging equipment. Drones over the reserve are strictly forbidden
- Musical instruments
Weather
South Africa is truly blessed with some of the best weather in the world. For an accurate forecast for your stay, check this link prior to arrival.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FORECAST
South African seasons
Spring: September – November
Summer: December – February
Autumn/Fall: March – May
Winter: June – August
In the event of heavy rains some roads may be water-logged. Since some parts are protected bio-diversity areas, drives may be restricted. Many of our routes still provide for good accessibility in any event.
BUSH EXPERIENCES
The ultimate part of any authentic safari is to be fortunate enough to witness Africa’s magnificent wildlife roaming freely. Our reserve is famed as one of the most beautiful wildlife rich reserves in South Africa, and it certainly lives up to its reputation, never failing to capture your heart as you are confronted by all the romanticism and drama that Africa has to offer.
A variety of additional activities/ experiences can be enjoyed too, from specialist safaris such as birding, tracking or photographic safaris, to passionate and emotional moments of witnessing the dehorning of a magnificent Rhino, to soul-stirring interaction with a family of resident elephants.
For a truly exhilarating experience, join us for the annual Rhino Ride, and cycle for a good cause through dangerous big 5 territory.
Cycle the Rhino Ride
Conservation Victory
Manyoni - Place of Birds
Relax, Recharge and Reflect
A Journey to Remember
Perfect Time for a Sundowner
This adventure takes place in
ZULULAND, SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destinations are populated by big game and birds. That’s where encounters at Sensiri Plains and Sensiri Forest excel.
KwaZulu-Natal, Zululand offers a great diverse ecosystem of rivers, mountains, forest, savannah and bush, making this destination one of the finest birding destinations in the world with an abundance of different species all in the same vicinity.
SENSIRI PLAINS AT A GLANCE
GALLERY
