It may feel a million miles from anywhere, sitting at the foot of an old volcanic crater and hidden among Tamboti trees, but this Pilanesberg National Park pad is actually just a few hours’ drive from Jo’burg and 33km from the fun of Sun City. Its location makes it the ideal lodge for families, first-time safari seekers, and those wanting to mix game drives with Sun City’s attractions. Its handy setting doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the safari experience though, with this malaria-free game reserve home to the famous Big Five and other photo album-favourites, and Black Rhino Game Lodge overlooking a popular wildlife-attracting waterhole.
Amenities
Safari
Bar
Laundry Service
Restaurant
Where is it
On the western side of the malaria-free, 'Big Five' Pilanesberg National Park of South Africa's North West Province.
Hotel information
23 suites. All with a private patio, air-conditioning, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, and an open plan bathroom with a closed toilet, separate bath and shower, as well as an outdoor shower in the majority of suites. Luxury Suites feature either 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children (under the age of 12 years).
Full Board includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Twice daily game-drives.
Please note: Transfers, beverages and conservation fees are payable directly at the lodge on departure.
Restaurant with open plan lounge and dining areas. Bar. Boma area.
Conservation fees (currently R 121.00 per person per night, and R 71.00 per child 4-11 years per night) are payable directly at the lodge on departure. Subject to increase in 2021/2022 without prior notification.
* Denotes local charge.
Based on 730 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (470)
Very good (183)
Average (39)
Poor (24)
Terrible (14)
Black Rhino Lodge weekend getaway
Nov 20, 2024hrensb507965Pretoria, South Africa
We visited Black Rhino Lodge over the weekend of 15-17 November 2024. In general a ten out of ten experience. We saw the Big 5 in the Pilanesberg National Park before 9H30 on Saturday morning the 16th of November which was definitely a highlight of our trip.
The food taste and quality served was absolutely fantastic. Also the amount of food served…
Read more
We visited Black Rhino Lodge over the weekend of 15-17 November 2024. In general a ten out of ten experience. We saw the Big 5 in the Pilanesberg National Park before 9H30 on Saturday morning the 16th of November which was definitely a highlight of our trip.
The food taste and quality served was absolutely fantastic. Also the amount of food served was more than sufficient. The room and bathroom are spacious and neat and even an outside shower is attached to the bathroom. We would go more often if a bit less pricey.
Read less
Best Safari Lodge we could imagine
Nov 13, 2024mmeyer409089
We loved everytjing about the trip. From the cozy rooms over the amazing meals to the perfect game drives with our guide Dolfie! Definitely recommend!!
A perfect place for a perfect stay
Nov 9, 2024cbrune117469Marseille, France
The location is perfect. The lodges are superb, the food perfect (bravo to the chef) and the twice-daily safaris are a source of wonder.
Rhinos and Rocky Roadss Galore
Nov 3, 2024gw20002016New York City, New York
It took long, very bumpy rides over a few days to see most animals, but not too much luck with lions. We had a delightful and intelligent guide, Cliff, a font of information, who dedicatedly drove us all over the area to see whatever game decided to appear: Elephant herds with babies, white rhinos with calves, a nonchalant cheetah alongside our…
Read more
It took long, very bumpy rides over a few days to see most animals, but not too much luck with lions. We had a delightful and intelligent guide, Cliff, a font of information, who dedicatedly drove us all over the area to see whatever game decided to appear: Elephant herds with babies, white rhinos with calves, a nonchalant cheetah alongside our land cruiser, a distant leopard and pair of lions, a glimpse of black rhinos, a couple of sightings of the elusive buffalo herds, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, and various other buck, including the abundant dainty impala, birds, a croc sunning on the banks of the river, and some grumpy hippos who submerged themselves in their pool when we stopped to gawk at them!
The comfortable thatched accommodations are lovely, with simple, tasteful decor, well-serviced and with comfy beds and a shared dipping pool, between our cottages. (We were traveling as a group of four.). The additional outdoor shower is always a treat. We were also relieved that it is not ‘motel style’ but individual, free-standing cottages arranged so that each grouping had privacy.
This lodge within the Pilanspesburg reserve involves a very long drive (4 hours round trip) along some very bumpy, rocky, boneshaking roads, more so than any other game park we’ve experienced in South Africa. The lodge, grounds, decor and staff are all very nice, the food was cafeteria/buffet style, with enough selections for all palates, although often a wait for replenishments of some items and of coffee. Our pet peeve is that one is expected to buy water, and pay for alcoholic drinks on the game drives, which seems rather petty. This is something we’ve never encountered at any other of the many game lodges we’ve visited over the years. We enjoyed hot thermos coffee instead!
There is nothing better than the smells of the veld and the fresh wind on your face BUT dress warmly for those early morning and evening drives! A warm hat, scarf, gloves and layers to peel on and off as the sun rises or sets, and even a small knee rug will enhance your drive. We were there in October so other times of year will be different. (Check local temperatures before you go and have wonderful, memorable time. (and give our love to our ranger Cliff!❤️)
Read less
Excellent all round experience.
Oct 29, 2024Daryl PLake Boga, Australia
My wife and I spent 2 nights at Black Rhino and we thoroughly enjoyed it. They arranged a private transfer from Jo'burg airport (at our expense), so once we stepped off the plane it was taken care of. As we arrived late on our first night, they even saved us a meal. The morning and evening game drives were very enjoyable and we have a lot of…
Read more
My wife and I spent 2 nights at Black Rhino and we thoroughly enjoyed it. They arranged a private transfer from Jo'burg airport (at our expense), so once we stepped off the plane it was taken care of. As we arrived late on our first night, they even saved us a meal. The morning and evening game drives were very enjoyable and we have a lot of photos to remember it by. Being able to relax during the day on the property was excellent. The food was plentiful and delicious. All of the staff cared for our experience and nothing was a problem. Our chalet was very spacious. We would be very happy to return.
Read less
Black Rhino Lodge weekend getaway
