Buffalo Thorn Lodge
The Black Rhino Game Reserve, which is located within the Pilanesberg National Park, is home to the Buffalo Thorn Lodge. It sits in the middle of South Africa’s North West Province, which is a malaria-free area, and is just about 30 kilometres away from Sun City. From Johannesburg, it takes around three hours to get there.
Only 10 guests (including children), can be accommodated at a time at the luxurious, self-catering, thatched chalets at Buffalo Thorn Lodge, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The visitors get exclusive use of the lodge, which is rented out completely. That being said, the peace and beauty of the bush are yours to enjoy all to yourselves thanks to the fact that you are there alone.
The primary gathering space features a fully-furnished kitchen in addition to a dining room, TV lounge, reading lounge, and games area. You can take some time to unwind and relax in the boma by sitting around the African fire, taking in the sounds of the night, or listening to the tales that your knowledgeable game ranger has to tell. Alternately, you can go stargazing under a sky as black as ink, or you can simply relax over a nice meal at the dining table or bar while inhaling the strong odours of natural veld and wildlife.
Spend the morning and afternoon on safari in an open vehicle with a ranger who teaches you about the various large and little creatures that live in the African bushveld. Get a view of the game while relaxing on one of the lounge chairs that are situated around the pool. Or, if you like, you may unwind in the jacuzzi while watching a variety of bird and deer species, as well as some of the “big five,” like elephant, stroll through the electric fence that is just a few metres away from the pool deck.
Rangers are able to travel throughout the entire 57,000-hectare park in open game-drive vehicles from Buffalo Thorn Lodge, allowing for up-close views of the “big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) as well as numerous endangered species, such as cheetahs, African wild dogs, sable, and Tsessebe antelope.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge will provide you with an unforgettable experience throughout your self-catering safari.
Accommodation
Buffalo Thorn Lodge offers self-catering luxury at its best in 5 Units – sleeping 2 per unit. Only 10 guests are allowed at Buffalo Thorn Lodge (including children of all ages).
Each of the suites is a self-contained apartment and has a living space of 70 square metres, in addition to private bedrooms and baths. Each has its own lounge, as well as a private deck with sun seats, from where one can enjoy the view of the African wilderness while relaxing.
The accommodations come complete with a king-size bed (may be offered as two singles on request), a jacuzzi tub, as well as an indoor and an outdoor shower.
Units are made up as follows:
There are two family units, each with a king size bed (or two singles) plus a loft with two single beds for children; and a further three double units with one king size bed or two singles.
Camping cots are available on request
Each suite also includes a minibar fridge in each room and filter complimentary coffee or tea facilities, an in-room jet spa bath, outside and indoor shower with exclusive body products, full-length white cotton bathrobes, bath and swimming towels, personally adjustable air-conditioning and a fan, an electronic safe, and hairdryers.
Facilities
The visitors get exclusive use of the lodge and can enjoy a primary gathering space that features a fully-furnished kitchen in addition to a dining room, TV lounge, reading lounge, and games area.
This 5-star lodge is self-catering, and the kitchen is fully equipped for all of your catering needs. It is fully serviced and boasts amenities like a large fridge and freezer, dishwasher, modern 5 burner gas stove with electric oven, microwave/convection oven, all cutlery and glassware and a filter coffee machine.
Daily housekeeping service for all of your needs including laundry, turn-down service and daily cleaning, is provided.
Guests have a choice of indoor and outdoor dining facilities, as well as barbecue facilities with director-chair seating around the open fire that offers outdoor entertainment at its best. Wood and firelighters are provided for an authentic African bush fire experience. A modern gas barbecue is also available.
The swimming pool in the beautiful gardens with grass is child-friendly with a stunning view onto the waterhole.
The wooden deck overlooks the local waterhole that is frequently visited by Lion, Elephant, Rhino and more. There is a heated jacuzzi spa bath on the deck, also with a view.
Indoor entertainment is provided by a flat-screen LCD TV, DStv and home theatre system, pool/snooker table and wine fridge.
A Wi-Fi hotspot is available in the lounge and entertainment indoor area.
Activities
While the lodge is self-catering regarding to meals, two daily exclusive game drives (morning and afternoon safaris) per night stay are included in your package and should be arranged with your ranger and guide.
Morning drives include a coffee and rusk stop, with the rusks provided by guests themselves.
Afternoon drives include a sundowner stop, with the drinks and refreshments supplied by guests themselves.
Only 10 guests (including children of all ages) are allowed on each game drive.
The Black Rhino Reserve is a recent addition to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and is an exclusive-use zone, while Pilanesberg is a 57 000 hectares wildlife sanctuary that is home to almost all of Southern Africa’s big game including the Big 5. Game drives are done over both reserves.
Other activities that guests can participate in, include:
- Quad Biking is very popular, with guests taken for adventure and wildlife on four- wheelers, while negotiating natural obstacles en-route. These quad biking adventure are accompanied by experienced guides.
- Guests can also try their hand at the ancient sport of archery under guidance of competent instructors.
- Drumming
- Interactive gumboot dancing sessions
- Predator park tours
- Additional activities at the nearby Sun City resort can be arranged at an additional cost by our reservation staff.
- Lion and predator park tours
- Bush Walks
- Clay Pigeon Shooting
- Balloon safaris in the Pilanesberg National Park
- Team Building for corporates
Rates
Different rates are charged for midweek or weekend stays, as well as for SA school holidays or periods out of school holidays. The Rate is not per person.
The rate quoted applies for the rent of the whole lodge exclusively per night sleeping 10 guests.
Guests must also note that a booking requires a minimum of 2 nights at any time.
Check-in time is 14:30 and check out time is 10:00 to 10:30.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge only accommodates 10 guests (including children), and any over occupancy over and above 10 guests (including children) will be liable for an over-occupancy fine of R4000 per person per day.
All game drives, all daily conservation fees, tea and coffee in the rooms, and a daily fee for the fully serviced lodge by the staff are all included in the rates.
Rates exclude meals, refreshments, snacks, any other personal charges incurred (e.g. breakages deposit) etc., as well as any other activities offered in or around Black Rhino Game Reserve.
FAQ
Can you book a room at Buffalo Thorn Lodge as individual?
No, you cannot book a room at Buffalo Thorn Lodge as individual, the lodge is rented out as a unit and visitors has exclusive use of the whole lodge.
How many guests can Buffalo Thorn Lodge accommodate?
Buffalo Thorn Lodge can accommodate ten visitors at the time, who get exclusive use of the whole lodge.
What is included in the rate for a stay at Buffalo Thorn Lodge?
All game drives, all daily conservation fees, tea and coffee in the rooms, and a daily fee for the fully serviced lodge by the staff are all included in the rates.
Can you see the Big 5 during a visit to Buffalo Thorn Lodge
Yes, you can see the Big 5 during a visit to the lodge, since rangers are able to travel throughout the entire 57,000-hectare park in open game-drive vehicles from Buffalo Thorn Lodge, allowing for up-close views of the “big 5” as well as numerous endangered species, such as cheetahs, African wild dogs, sable, and Tsessebe antelope.
Is Black Rhino Lodge easily accessible?
Yes, Buffalo Thorn Lodge is located close enough to South Africa’s busiest airport – less than 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
What is the minimum stay policy at Buffalo Thorn Lodge
The minimum stay policy requires a two night stay.
Is Buffalo Thorn Lodge child-friendly
Yes, Buffalo Thorn Lodge is child-friendly, with special family rooms provided.
Is there other activities than game drives to keep guests entertained?
Yes, several other activities including walking safaris, game drives, quad riding, archery classes, drumming, interactive gumboot dancing sessions, predator park tours or additional activities at the nearby Sun City resort can be arranged at an additional cost.
