5* Luxury Game Lodge in the Black Rhino Game Reserve
Buffalo Thorn Lodge lies in the heart of Black Rhino Game Reserve, world famous for its Big 5 game viewing and pristine bushveld. It’s important to note that Buffalo Thorn Lodge operates on a self-catering basis and is exclusively available for hire by one group of maximum ten guests at a time, making it the ideal destination for an intimate family or friends getaway. This upmarket Lodge has two family chalets and three double chalets. Each thatched chalet features a king-size bed (or alternatively two single beds, and in the case of the family chalets, a loft with two single beds for the kids), en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, lounge, and private deck complete with a jacuzzi where you can soak away your cares as you soak up the spectacular views. The generous use of wood and thatch lends this peaceful bushveld sanctuary a sophisticated charm; make yourself at home in the communal area which includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, TV lounge, reading lounge, games area, boma and refreshingly cool pool. Enjoy the ultimate African adventure under the guidance of your personal ranger. Explore the diversity of bird- wildlife on the daily game drives, including dedicated predator tours. Immerse yourself in the distinctive sights, sounds, and smells of the Pilanesberg. Or get your action fix with the quad biking, archery, and drumming on offer.
The Buffalo Thorn lodge is an Exclusive Self Catering Lodge and it is rented out as a whole lodge. This means that you get the entire lodge for yourself.
Included in the package is 2 x 2.5 hr Guided game drives per day on a Private Safari Vehicle. Maximum number of guests is 10 including children.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge takes its name from the Buffalo Thorn, aka., the “Blinkblaar Wag-’n-Bietjie” immortalised in the Jamie Uys film The Gods Must Be Crazy.
Black Rhino Game Reserve lies along the west border of the Pilanesberg National Park; it is just two hour’s drive from Johannesburg and a certified malaria-free game area.
Rooms | Rates
Accommodation
Facilities
Map & Direction
Terms
Activities
Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to availability
Description
1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024
Entire Lodge Midweek - out of school holidays (Sleeps 10)
R16 960
Entire Lodge Weekends, SA school holidays public holiday (Sleeps 10)
R21 200
The Buffalo Thorn lodge is an Exclusive Self Catering Lodge and it is rented out as a whole lodge.
This means that you get the entire lodge for yourself.
Included in the package is 2 x 2.5 hr Guided game drives per day on a Private Safari Vehicle.
Maximum number of guests is 10 including children.
*Please note a minimum of 2 nights is required at anytime.*
The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.
Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!
Self Catering Lodges
All bedrooms or chalets are stand alone units. The 70 square-metre bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms have their own lounge and private deck with sun chairs in which to relax whilst overlooking the African bush. The units boast a king size bed (or two singles should they be required), a Jacuzzi bath as well as an indoor and outdoor shower.
Units are made up as follows;
2 Family units: with a King size bed (or two singles) plus a loft with two single beds (for children).
3 Double units with one King size bed (or two singles).
Camping Cots are available on request
Each Suite Includes
King-sized bed
Minibar fridge in each room and filter coffee facilities
In-room, jet spa bath
Outside and Indoor shower with exclusive body products
White cotton bathrobes – full-length
Air-conditioning, personally adjustable
Hairdryers
Private in-room lounge area
Private viewing deck, with cushioned loungers and table
Buffalo Thorn Lodge has a wide variety of facilities and services available to make you feel comfortable and at home. OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
Child friendly swimming pool
Heated Jacuzzi with a view
Bar with fridge and Ice machine
Dining area
Open fire barbeque
Modern gas barbeque
Director-chair seating around the open fire
INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
Flat Screen LCD TV
Home Theatre System
DSTV (Digital Satellite Television)
Pool/Snooker Table
Wine fridge
Wi-Fi Hotspot
KITCHEN (FULLY EQUIPPED)
Fully Serviced
Large fridge and freezer
Dishwasher
Modern 5 burner gas stove with electric oven
Microwave/Convection Oven
All cutlery and glassware
Filter Coffee Machine
ROOMS
Complimentary coffee and tea
Bar fridge
All linen (bath and swimming towels)
Electronic Safe
Air conditioning and fan
Lounge area
Loungers on private deck
Hair dryers
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
POOL
Child-friendly swimming pool with view onto the waterhole.
GARDEN
Beautiful gardens with grass.
JACUZZI
A heating jacuzzi spa bath on the deck with a view.
FREE WIFI
Wifi hotspot available in the lounge and entertainment indoor area.
DAILY HOUSEKEEPING
Daily housekeeping service for all of your needs including laundry, turn-down service and daily cleaning.
FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN
This 5-star lodge is self-catering & includes a FULLY equipped kitchen for all of your catering needs.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING AREA
Choice of indoor & outdoor dining facilities.
VIEWING DECK
Wooden deck overlooking the local waterhole that is frequently visited by Lion, Elephant, Rhino and more.
BOMA & BONFIRE AREA
Outdoor entertainment at its best, wood & firelighters provided for an African bush fire experience.
FROM PRETORIA/JOHANNESBURG: Head towards Sun City. Stay on the R556 and pass the entrance to Sun City on the right. Continue for 5.11 km to the STOP sign, turn right at the intersection (onto the R565). Continue on this road for approximately 27 km through a village (beware of potholes) until you see the Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance on the right. Sign in at the gate and either request a pick up from the gate if you do not want to drive your car on the dirt roads and we will come and collect you or drive directly to the lodge. A normal sedan car should be able to reach Buffalo Thorn Lodge without a problem.
BLACK RHINO GAME RESERVE IS LOCATED AT (GOOGLE EARTH): 25°10’54.84″S 26°57’17.55″E
FROM THE BLACK RHINO GAME RESERVE GATE: Enter the gate (sign in – Buffalo Thorn Lodge is number 20) then drive for 2,9 km along the road until you meet an intersection, turn left. It is the first road at which you can turn left, after entering the Reserve. Then continue for 1.47 km until you reach another intersection – turn extreme right then continue for another 470 m, keeping right until you see our lodge. Turn left into our gate, Stand 20 – Buffalo Thorn Lodge.
BUFFALO THORN LODGE IS LOCATED AT (GOOGLE EARTH): 25° 9’48.73″S 26°58’19.97″E
The rate is for the rentofthe whole lodge exclusively per night sleeping 10 guests. **Rate is not per person** **a minimum of 2 nights stay is required at anytime.*
The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.- Thus some of the men will have to share. Prices include
The rent of your own exclusive, ***** 5 star- Self-Catering Game lodge, on Black Rhino Game Reserve in Pilanesberg National Park.
2 x 2 and a half hour game drives per night stay
Daily Fully Serviced by staff
Tea and coffee in the rooms
Daily gate fees included
Prices excludes
Food, drinks, snacks, condiments – The lodge is fully self-catering
Any additional activities such as hot air ballooning, BUSH WALKS and quad biking.
Staff Gratuities
There are a couple of new things:
Buffalo Thorn Lodge will no longer accept 1 night stays – minimum of 2 nights stays will be required
No over occupancy will be allowed- Meaning over and above 10 guest( including children)
Children under 3 will not account as part of the number of 10 but no more than 2 children over and above the group of 10 will be allowed and if this occurs only 10 guests will be allowed on game drive 10 heads = 10 guests
Any child under the age of 3 as per above will be required to provide birth certificates as proof that child is under 3
Over occupancy fines are R 4 000 per person per day- This is not governed by the lodge but by the reserve rules and regulations.
Check in and Check out policy:
Check in time is 14h30 and check out time is 10h30
The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge and on game drive
Breakage Deposit
On arrival a R 2 000 refundable breakage deposit will be required- by supplying cash
Important Notice
ANY over occupancy meaning over and above 10 guests (including children) will be liable for an over occupancy fine of R4 000 per person per day
NO Day visitors are allowed at the lodge
If you miss your scheduled game drives due to unforeseen circumstances/ late arrival or due to weather you unfortunately forfeit you game drive
Arrivals after 18:00 pm need to be arranged for and no arrivals permitted after 20:00 pm
ONLY 10 guests (including children of all ages) allowed on game drive
Early arrivals and late check-outs will be penalised R 1000.00 per hour
Fully self-catering lodge- No drinks/snacks or food is supplied
NO LOUD music is permitted as this is a National Park and nature reserve
Cancellation Policy All reservations, amendments or cancellations are valid only if advised and accepted in writing.
Cancellation of booking than 90 days or more prior to arrival - 20% of total booking amount retained
Cancellation of booking between 60 to 89 days prior to arrival - 30% of total booking amount retained
Cancellation of booking between 41 to 59 days prior to arrival - 50% of total booking amount retained
Cancellation of booking less than 40 days prior to arrival - 100% of total booking amount retained.
A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.
Deposit Policy
For all bookings made within 30 days of travel Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
Daily exclusive game drives (safari) are included in your package and can be arranged with your ranger.
Morning drives include a coffee & rusk stop (rusks provided by guests)
Afternoon drives include a sundowner stop (drinks & refreshments supplied by guests)
Two game drives per night stay (morning and afternoon)
Only 10 guests allowed on game drive/safari (including children of all ages).
SUN CITY ACTIVITIES
Additional activities at the nearby Sun City resort can be arranged at an additional cost by our reservation staff.
To find out more about these activities, please talk to reservations.