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Nkala Safari Lodge

 

5* Luxury Game Lodge in the Black Rhino Game Reserve next to the Pilanesberg National Park

This Family owned, Self Catering Safari Lodge is the perfect escape to relax in the African bush. We are a short 35 min drive from Sun City or 2 hr drive from Lanseria Airport. Nkala is situated in the Big 5, Malaria free, Black Rhino Game Reserve and forms part of the 55 000 hectare Pilanesberg National Park.
The lodge was named Nkala (Mongoose in the Xitsonga language) after the first animal the owner’s children saw on their game drive at our lodge.

View the Big 5 in their natural habitat as well as South Africa’s other rare species in the comfort of your own

The Nkala 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 adults is 12. Maximum number of children under 10 is 4.

The perfect family and friend’s getaway, Nkala lodge is child friendly and encompasses 5 free standing en-suite luxury suites and 1 standard room. 

The Accommodation comprises 3 x Luxury Suites, 1 x Luxury Family Suite (1 suite and 1 bedroom interleading), 1 x Honeymoon Suite all included in the Exclusive Use lodge rates.

Game drives are included in your stay and conducted with a professional guide in your private 4 x 4 Safari Vehicle on the exclusive Black Rhino Game Reserve.

Nkala Lodge is privileged to have traversing rights to the whole Pilanesberg National Park allowing the Big 5 and other endangered species such as African Wild Dog, Cheetah and Black Rhino to roam free.

  • icon Rates
  • icon Activities
  • icon Direction
  • icon Important Info
  • icon Luxury Suites
  • icon Terms
  • icon The Lodge
Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to availability
Description - Sleeps 12 Adults 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2025
Entire Lodge midweek rate per night Sundays-Thursdays ( LOW) R23 000
Entire Lodge weekend rate per night Fridays-Saturday’s (PEAK) R27 500
Entire Lodge Fridays,Saturday’s, SA Public Holidays,School Holidays & Long Weekends (PEAK) R27 500
Description -  Sleeps 12 adults + 4 children under 10yo. 16 Max Occupancy.
6 bedrooms (5 suites +1 interleading bedroom)
1 Jan to 31 Dec 2026
Entire Lodge midweek rate per night Sundays-Thursdays ( LOW) R23 000
Entire Lodge Fridays, Saturdays, public holidays, school holidays & long weekends (PEAK) R27 500

Exclusive use lodges, so you have to book the whole lodge for a minimum of two nights and no food & drink items are provided.
Our three lodges, Nkala, Ntamba and Kubu Metsi are in the same fenced “node” so you can walk between them. Nkala and Ntamba are connected with a pathway and Kubu Metsi is just across the road, so a great option for bigger groups to book all the lodges together.

  • Located in the private Black Rhino Game Reserve
  • Free roaming Big 5 game reserve
  • Malaria-free area

Children 10 years and older count as adults at our lodges.

We are governed by the Black Rhino Game Reserve and they limit the number of guests permitted. The maximum number of guests allowed at each lodge is therefore not negotiable.

Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

Available by prior arrangement with Nkala, at an additional charge.  Please enquire when booking

  • Guided morning bush walks
  • Golf at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses
  • Hot-air balloon flights over Pilanesberg
  • Mountain Biking
  • Sun City Day Trips
  • Outing to Predator world

GAME DRIVES

Indulge in the luxury of having the lodge to yourself and your guests as our professional game ranger guides you through one of the richest diversities of fauna and flora in Africa. Game drive starting times are flexible as you have use of a private safari vehicle.

​Game drives are conducted in a 4 x 4 Safari vehicle on the 2000 hectare Black Rhino Game Reserve, which is open to the 55 000 hectare Pilanesberg National Park allowing the Big 5 and other endangered species such as African Wild Dog, Cheetah and Black Rhino to roam free.

Note: Maximum capacity on the vehicle is 10 guests.

GPS Co-ordinates:

  • S25 deg. 10.54’
  • E26 deg. 57.21’ 

When using a GPS for directions, please use Sun City as a “via” point.

  • From Johannesburg take the R512 past Hartebeespoort Dam and exit onto the N4 toll road to Rustenburg.
  • From Pretoria take the N1 North and exit onto the N4 towards Rustenburg.
  • Travel along the N4, then take the R556 (Sun City/Pilanesberg National Park) exit.
  • Turn right at the stop onto the R556,and continue on towards Sun City.
  • Pass the Sun City gate and then Sun Village Shopping Centre(both on the right).
  • At the four way stop, turn right onto the R565 Derdepoot road.
  • Continue on for approx 27km-the Entrance of Black Rhino Game Reserve is on the right.

By Plane

  • Pilanesberg Airport : 35 min drive from the Lodge (currently not in operation, but pls check for update)
  • Lanseria Airport : 2-2.5 hrs drive from the Lodge
  • OR Tambo International Airport : 2.5-3 hrs drive from the Lodge

BIGGER GROUPS

Nkala has a Sister Lodge (Ntamba) situated right next door and connected by a footpath. For bigger groups these two lodges can be booked out together.

Important Info

  • Self Catering Lodge
  • Entire Lodge to be booked as one unit. (Exclusive use)
  • 3 x Luxury Suites, 1 x Luxury Family Suite (2 rooms), 1 x Honeymoon Suite
  • Located in the private Black Rhino Game Reserve
  • Free roaming Big 5 Game Reserve
  • Malaria Free Area
  • Maximum of 12 adults(Max 16 including chidren)
  • Children under 10 years are not counted toward the 12 guests maximum
  • Child Friendly Lodge: please enquire re cot & amenities
  • Outdoor Jungle Gym/Play Area for Children
  • Children allowed on Game Drives at the Game Ranger's discretion (no minimum age)
  • Minimum 2 nights stay
  • Supermarkets en route to the lodge are located at Waterfall Mall, Rustenburg or Village Mall, Hartebeespoort
  • Please note we are a Self3Catering Lodge and no food/meals are provided.
  • Groceries for your stay can be bought on the way at Hartebeespoort Dam or Rustenburg
  • Waterfall Mall (Checkers and Woolworths). Alternately, pop into Jasmyn, the large and very well3stocked farm store with the windmill, on the left as you enter Hartebeespoort.
  • The nearest small Supermarket is 35 min away
  • We do have a prep chef available to help you prepare your meals or do it for you with the groceries,menu or guidance you provide.This will be an additional R300 per meal service charge.
  • Instant coffee, tea & milk are complimentary in the suites
  • Nespresso & Dolce Gusto machines as well as plungers are available. Please bring your own pods and ground coffee.
  • Small tuck shop located at the main gate (10 min away) if you forget any essentials
  • Maximum of 10 guests allowed on Game Vehicle at any time. Each person including children to be on their own seat
  • Game drives conducted by a qualified Game Ranger
  • No self-driving allowed
  • Maximum of 2 x game drives per day (2.5 hours each)
  • Game Ranger lives on the premises and has first aid and emergency training
  • Situated in a node with non3intrusive electrified fencing to keep guests safe, however some animals cannot be kept out
  • Exercise or walking to be done on main roads and in daylight hours within the node
  • Limited cell coverage at the Lodge
  • Complimentary WIFI (Please note that due to our location, WIFI cannot be guaranteed as signal can be intermittent)
  • TV Lounge with 55' Flat screen and DSTV (Full Bouquet)

Self Catering Suites

LION HONEYMOON SUITE
Unit size: 70 sqm
 

 
MASTER BEDROOM
  • King Size Bed
  • Egyptian Cotton Sheets
  • Air Conditioning
  • Electric Blankets
  • Vanity Desk
  • International plugs & USB points
  • Dressing room
  • Safe
  • Outside deck
EN-SUITE BATHROOM
  • Freestanding bath
  • Double shower
  • Double basins
  • Outside shower
  • Bathroom amenities
  • Separate toilet
LOUNGE
  • Separate lounge
  • Air Conditioning
  • Separate guest toilet
  • Full kitchenette including Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster, microwave
  • Bar Fridge
  • TV with DSTV
  • Outside Deck
 
ELEPHANT SUITE
Unit size: 60 sqm
 

BEDROOM & LOUNGE
  • King Size Bed (or Twin Beds)
  • Egyptian Cotton Sheets
  • Sleeper Couch (3/4 size)
  • Electric Blankets
  • Air Conditioning
  • Desk
  • International plugs & USB points
  • Coffee & Tea Station
  • Nespresso Machine
  • Bar Fridge
  • Safe
  • Outside deck
EN-SUITE BATHROOM
  • Freestanding bath
  • Double shower
  • Double basins
  • Outside shower
  • Separate Toilet
  • Bathroom amenities
 
LEOPARD SUITE
Unit size: 60 sqm
The Leopard Suite has an interleading room attached (Cub Room) that makes up the Family Suite.
 

BEDROOM & LOUNGE
  • King Size Bed (or Twin Beds)
  • Egyptian Cotton Sheets
  • Sleeper Couch (3/4 size)
  • Electric Blankets
  • Air Conditioning
  • Desk
  • International plugs & USB points
  • Coffee & Tea Station
  • Nespresso Machine
  • Bar Fridge
  • Safe
  • Outside deck
EN-SUITE BATHROOM
  • Freestanding bath
  • Double shower
  • Double basins
  • Outside shower
  • Separate Toilet
  • Bathroom amenities
 
CUB ROOM
Unit size: 25 sqm
The Cub Room is interleading with the Leopard Suite, this makes up the Family Suite
 

BEDROOM
  • Twin Beds
  • Egyptian Cotton Sheets
  • Electric Blankets
  • Air Conditioning
  • Tea & Coffee Station
  • Bar Fridge
  • International plugs & USB points
  • Outside deck
  • Cot & compactum available
EN-SUITE BATHROOM
  • Shower
  • Basin
  • Toilet
  • Bathroom amenities
 
RHINO SUITE
Unit size: 60 sqm
 

 
BEDROOM & LOUNGE
  • King Size Bed (or Twin Beds)
  • Egyptian Cotton Sheets
  • Sleeper Couch (3/4 size)
  • Electric Blankets
  • Air Conditioning
  • Desk
  • International plugs & USB points
  • Coffee & Tea Station
  • Nespresso Machine
  • Bar Fridge
  • Safe
  • Outside deck
EN-SUITE BATHROOM
  • Freestanding bath
  • Double shower
  • Double basins
  • Outside shower
  • Separate Toilet
  • Bathroom amenities
 
BUFFALO SUITE
Unit size: 60 sqm
 

 
BEDROOM & LOUNGE
  • King Size Bed (or Twin Beds)
  • Egyptian Cotton Sheets
  • Sleeper Couch (3/4 size)
  • Electric Blankets
  • Air Conditioning
  • Desk
  • International plugs & USB points
  • Coffee & Tea Station
  • Nespresso Machine
  • Bar Fridge
  • Safe
  • Outside deck
EN-SUITE BATHROOM
  • Freestanding bath
  • Double shower
  • Double basins
  • Outside shower
  • Separate Toilet
  • Bathroom amenities
 

RATES INCLUDE

  • Self Catering Accommodation for 12 Adults in 5 suites (Entire Lodge)
  • A private game ranger and safari vehicle and two guided game drives per day (2.5hrs-3h each) in the Black Rhino Reserve & Pilanesberg Nature Reserve.
  • Firewood & Ice
  • Daily park and conservation fees
  • Tea & Coffee in rooms
  • Complimentary Wifi
  • Daily housekeeping
  • 3 x Bags of firewood per day (incl. firelighters)
  • Applicable VAT

RATES EXCLUDE

  • All food and drinks
  • Chef Service
  • Staff Tips

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Self-Catering Lodge
  • Please note as we are a Self Catering Lodge, no food/meals are provided
  • A Prep Chef is available on request. She can assist in making meals with the groceries that you provide. We charge an additional fee for this service. (subject to availability) Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book.
  • Entire Lodge to be booked as one unit. (Exclusive use)
  • Maximum occupancy including children is 16 guests. (max of 12 adults)
  • Children 10yrs and older count as an adult
  • Minimum 2 nights stay
  • Maximum of 10 guests allowed on Game Vehicle at any time. Each person including children to be on their own seat.
  • Game drives conducted by a qualified Game Ranger
  • No self driving allowed
  • Game Ranger stays on the premises and has first aid & emergency training
  • Child Friendly Lodge: please enquire re cot & amenities
  • Children allowed on Game Drives at the Game Ranger's discretion
  • Limited cell coverage at the lodge
  • Wifi signal cannot be guaranteed
  • Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance fees of R195 per person per day 

Game Drives:

  • Please note the game drive vehicle can only accommodate 10 guests at a time; even small children count towards the total of 10.
  • Our policy states that children of all ages are welcome on the game drive, but at the discretion of the ranger. When you are on game drive and go into an animal sighting it is imperative for everyone’s safety that all guests can remain still and quiet.
  • No self-driving is allowed in the Black Rhino Reserve.

Family Friendly: Each lodge has its own -

  • Small grass lawn area
  • Small swimming pool with cover (cocktail pool or plunge pool)
  • A small range of books, toys and board games for children & adults
  • Boules court
  • Cot, nappy-changing unit with mat, highchair (feeding) & baby bath seat (infant)
  • Nkala only: Small shaded play area including jungle gym (climbing frame)

BIGGER GROUPS

  • Ntamba has a Sister Lodge (Nkala) situated right next door and connected by a footpath. For bigger groups these two lodges can be booked out together.

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).

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancel up to 7 days before check in and get a 50% refund, minus service fees.
  • Cancel within 7 days of your trip and the reservation is non-refundable.
  • A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged

BIGGER GROUPS

Nkala has a Sister Lodge (Ntamba) situated right next door and connected by a footpath. For bigger groups these two lodges can be booked out together.

Check-in: 14:00 - 18:00 Check Out: 10:30

Smoking is permitted outside but not in the chalets or main building.

Accessibility:

Please note that the lodges are not considered accessible as they do not have key accessibility features.
The lodges may be suitable for guests with reduced walking ability as each lodge has at least one suite with a wheelchair-friendly entrance (wide door, ramp/single level).
Nkala: Suites 3 & 5
Ntamba: Suites 1 & 5
Kubu Metsi: Kubu House (the ‘extra’ fifth unit - not included in the standard Kubu lodge)
The living areas (kitchen, lounge, dining, outdoor dining) are single level and wheelchair friendly.
However, the suites are connected to the main living area lodge by pathways (wooden boardwalk or paved), some with steps. Most steps are low and wide.
The viewing decks are raised and there are a few steps; therefore not wheelchair accessible.
The game viewing vehicles are accessed by steps.
Nkala’s family suite is ideal for a guest needing a carer to sleep nearby. There is an interleading door between the main suite and a smaller room with two single beds, ensuite bathroom and exterior door.

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).

Cancellation Policy:

  • If cancelling 7 days OR less before arrival, you forfeit 100% of the booking total
  • If cancelling 14 days OR less before arrival , forfeit 50% of the booking total
  • If cancelling 21 days or less before arrival , forfeit 25% of total booking
  • If cancelling 30 days or less before arrival, forfeit 20% of total booking


Service fees are non-refundable.

MAIN LODGE AREA

  • A fully equipped Open Plan Kitchen & Scullery
  • Dining Area
  • TV lounge
  • Bar
  • Outdoor Boma with braai (bbq)
  • Outside undercover lounge and dining area with gas braai
  • Heated Swimming pool (with safety net)
  • Boule CourtF
  • Fully equipped Gym and Business centre available (a short 150m walk away) Please note these facilities are shared with our other 2 lodges (Kubu and Ntamba)

 

VIEWING DECK

  • Spend a lazy afternoon or self-indulgent morning relaxing on our Viewing Deck, whilst keeping an eye out for one of the elusive Big 5 coming to quench their thirst. The Viewing Deck is also a treat for avid birders, as we are often visited by a myriad of the 300 bird species found in the area.
  • The viewing deck is an easily accessible 70 meters from the Main Lodge.

 

Play Area

  • Situated in an enclosed Boma 30 meters away from the Main Lodge, the Jungle Gym provides the perfect space for the little ones to enjoy themselves in the comfort of their own special place.

 

Gym

Situated 150m from the main building, our fully equipped gym is the perfect place to keep up your workouts​ during your stay at Nkala. ​

ENQUIRE | BOOK NOW

Browse the tabs below to view more information about the lodge.

 

 

Need Assistance?

South Africa Flag image +27 14 004 0056 / 014 004 0056
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri (09:00 - 17:00)
Sat (09:00 - 13:00)
Time Zone: UTC/GMT +2 hours

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What sets us Apart !

  • MALARIA FREE
  • Ideal for family or group getaways
  • Rich biodiversity of game
  • Home to the “Big 5”
  • Over 350 bird species
  • Effortless road and air access