Nestled on the North Coast just inland of Ballito is a hidden gem that is fast becoming a top tourist destination.
Rain Farm Game Lodge is a 300 hectare game reserve just fifteen minutes from Ballito. Despite its small size, the reserve and lodge offers an awesome taste of wildest Africa amidst a sea of sugar cane.
The Courier was lucky enough to be given a complimentary game drive through the reserve last month.
Upon arrival, visitors could be forgiven for feeling they had chanced upon Hluhluwe or one of the bigger game reserves in the province.
Stone buildings and thatch roofs give the lodge that rustic “Out of Africa” look.
The small reserve is still in its youth having been completely rehabilitated from sugar cane fields. The Umhlali river has helped indigenous grassland retake its place and herds of game graze freely.
The reserve’s size is a something of a blessing and having a guide like young Gary Cameron makes you truly appreciate the intimate experience that Rain Farm gives visitors. The ranger knows the animals like the back of his hand and has more than a few stories to tell about the different species of game in the reserve.
“What is great about this place is that it is small, we know the animals well and we can get up close to them because of the lack of natural predators. They are not really phased by us,” he said.
Among Blue Wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest and a few Springbok are a small family of giraffe.
Also roaming the plains are eland, plenty of impala and warthog, to name but a few.
Adding to the personal experience, a light snack is served during the game drive by a quarry overlooking the plains of the reserve. Much like Simba is shown the Savannah in The Lion King, guests have an awesome view of the whole reserve.
Driving through Rain Farm is made easy in the Land Cruiser game viewer. A few tourists might have their hearts in their throats when they cross the Umhlali River but the big 4×4 makes short work of it.
The reserve is also home to a number of different bird species, which nest in the reserve that acts like an oasis in the midst of fields of sugar cane. Cameron often stopped to give insight into the wide variety of birds that can be seen on a game drive.
“ A walk through the  reserve is the best way to experience this place. You see so many birds, get close to the game and can enjoy Rain Farm face to face,” he said.
Guests can also go on guided horse trails through the reserve, your feet might thank you later.
Avid fishermen have to stay the night to cast out in Rain Farm’s dams but the price is worth its weight in fish. Some bass weighing more than five kilograms have been caught.
Guests can also try their hand at archery. There really is plenty to do at the reserve. A game drive works up a big appetite and day visitors can grab some awesome food at the Rain Farm restaurant throughout the day.
Looking to the future, Rain Farm is set to be expanded by another 300 hectares. There is talk of bigger game being introduced but only time will tell.
If you are looking for an African getaway in the area, Rain Farm is a good choice for a weekend or afternoon in the bush.