Rhulani Safari Lodge Achieves Outstanding 97% Score in Latest Five-Star Grading

A proud moment for Rhulani: Our five-star status is renewed, our assessment score rises to 97%, and our commitment to exceptional safari hospitality receives further independent recognition.

At Rhulani Safari Lodge, excellence is not simply a standard we aim to achieve. It is a commitment we renew every day, through the dedication of our team, the care we put into every detail, and our passion for creating unforgettable experiences in the African bush.

We are therefore delighted to announce that the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) has officially renewed Rhulani's prestigious Five-Star Grading in the Game & Nature Lodge Accommodation category, following its latest independent inspection on 22 October 2026.

And there is even more reason to celebrate: Rhulani achieved an outstanding overall assessment score of 97%, improving on our already exceptional result of 96% in 2025.

Our five-star grading is now confirmed until 31 December 2027, together with the renewal of our special Birding Accolade.

An Exceptional Result Across All Areas

The latest assessment provides impressive independent confirmation of the standards maintained throughout Rhulani.

Four of the seven assessed categories achieved a perfect score of 100%:

• Bedrooms: 100%
• Bathrooms: 100%
• Public Areas: 100%
• Housekeeping: 100%

General Services & Service achieved an equally impressive 98%, while both Dining Facilities and Exterior received 90%.

These results reflect the many elements that come together to make a stay at Rhulani special: the privacy and comfort of our accommodation, the elegance of our facilities, the beauty of our natural surroundings, and above all, the personal attention of our team.

A Safari Experience That Goes Beyond Accommodation

The TGCSA assessor, Laetitia van Rensburg, highlighted several distinctive qualities that set Rhulani apart.

Our location in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve, with panoramic views across the African bushveld, provides an extraordinary natural setting. The thoughtful positioning of our private chalets allows guests to enjoy a sense of seclusion while remaining connected to the heart of the lodge.

Special recognition was given to our beautifully appointed accommodation, where natural colours, carefully selected textures and elegant furnishings create a harmonious connection between indoor comfort and the surrounding wilderness.

Our spacious bathrooms, with their indoor and outdoor showers and bathtubs overlooking the bush, were particularly praised.

The assessor also singled out one of Rhulani's most distinctive features: our Tshembo Hide, where guests can observe wildlife visiting the waterhole at remarkably close range. Designed to blend into the natural environment, the hide creates unforgettable opportunities to experience the bush from a completely different perspective.

Together with our guided game drives, these experiences are at the heart of what makes a Rhulani safari so memorable.

Our People Make the Difference

Perhaps the most meaningful recognition in the report concerns our team.

The assessor praised the professionalism, friendliness and dedication of our staff, describing them as one of the property's greatest assets.

Particular recognition was given to our Lodge Manager, Tom-Hendrik Basson, whose attention to detail and personal interaction with guests were highlighted as important reasons for the exceptional guest experience.

Our safari guiding also received special praise, with Head Guide Alasdair recognised for his outstanding wildlife interpretation during a game drive.

From the warm welcome on arrival to the immaculate presentation of our chalets, from memorable dining experiences to the stories shared in the bush, it is our people who transform a beautiful destination into a truly personal experience.

Continuous Improvement, With Nature at Heart

The report also recognised Rhulani's commitment to continuously improving its guest offering.

Among the recent developments highlighted were our upgraded reverse-osmosis water treatment system and our own water-bottling facility, producing still and sparkling drinking water for our guests.

Another initiative receiving special mention was our vegetable-growing tunnel, supporting our ambition to incorporate fresh, locally grown produce into our culinary offering.

These projects reflect an important part of Rhulani's philosophy: combining high standards of luxury hospitality with a responsible and increasingly sustainable approach to operating in one of South Africa's most remarkable natural environments.

International Recognition and Independent Quality Assurance

Our latest five-star grading follows another extraordinary milestone in Rhulani's journey.
In October 2026, Rhulani was once again recognised at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, achieving international recognition for the 13th consecutive year.

The TGCSA assessor specifically acknowledged this remarkable achievement, alongside Rhulani's excellent service standards, continuous improvements and strong guest loyalty,

While international awards celebrate the experiences and reputation we have built over the years, the official TGCSA grading provides an independent assessment of the quality standards we maintain at our property.

Together, these recognitions reinforce our commitment to offering an exceptional luxury safari experience in South Africa.

A Heartfelt Thank You

For all of us at Rhulani, this achievement is much more than a number or a certificate.

It is recognition of the passion, hard work and personal commitment of every member of our team.

We extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to Tom-Hendrik and the entire Rhulani family, whose dedication makes achievements like this possible.

We are equally grateful to our guests, particularly those who return to Rhulani time and again, recommend us to friends and family, and share their experiences with others.

Five stars. An outstanding 97% assessment score. And an unwavering passion for the African bush.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rhulani and sharing the experience that makes our little corner of Madikwe so special.