Nkala Safari Lodge
In the Black Rhino Game Reserve, part of the Pilanesberg National Park, is where you’ll find the five-star Nkala Safari Lodge.
Nkala Safari Lodge, which is run by a family and offers self-catering accommodations, is the ideal place to go away and unwind in the African bush. It is only a 35-minute drive away from Sun City, and the travel to Lanseria Airport will take you two hours. The Pilanesberg National Park, which covers a total area of 55 003 hectares and is home to the Big Five, is free of malaria.
Nkala means mongoose in the Xitsonga language. You may view South Africa’s other rare species as well as the “Big 5” in their natural habitat while staying in the comfort of this luxury game lodge.
Nkala is child-friendly and features 5 free standing en-suite luxury rooms in addition to 1 standard room. Being a lodge with self-service catering and for exclusive use, the lodge with its maximum occupancy of 12 guests, is the ideal vacation spot for families and groups of friends.
All of the accommodations, which include one Honeymoon Suite, three Luxury Suites, one Luxury Family Suite, and one Luxury Family Suite with an interconnecting suite and bedroom, are included in the pricing for exclusive use of the lodge.
During your stay at the Black Rhino Game Reserve, you will be treated to complimentary game drives, which will be led by an experienced guide in the safari vehicle that is exclusively yours to use. The Big Five and other endangered animals, such as the African wild dog, cheetah, and black rhino, are able to move freely and Nkala Lodge has the advantage of having traversing rights to the entire park.
Accommodation
The following self-catering suites are available:
The Lion Honeymoon Suite comprises a master bedroom with a king size bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, air conditioning, electric blankets, vanity desk, international plugs and USB points, dressing room, safe and outside deck.
Its en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet.
The suite’s lounge is separate, with air conditioning, TV with DSTV, a separate guest toilet and outside deck. The full kitchenette includes a Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster, microwave, bar fridge
The Elephant Suite comprises a bedroom and lounge with king size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, a sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, desk, international plugs and USB points, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, bar fridge, safe and outside deck.
Its en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet.
The Leopard Suite has an interleading room attached (cub room) that makes up the family suite.
The bedroom and lounge has a king size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, a sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, desk, international plugs and USB points, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, bar fridge, safe and outside deck.
The en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet.
The interleading Cub Room has twin beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, electric blankets, air conditioning, tea and coffee station, bar fridge, international plugs and USB points, outside deck and en-suite bathroom with shower, basin, toilet and bathroom amenities.
A cot and compactum are available.
The Rhino Suite’s bedroom and lounge have a king size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, desk, international plugs and USB points, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, bar fridge, safe and outside deck.
The en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet.
The Buffalo Suite has the same amenities as the Rhino Suite.
Nkala has a Sister Lodge (Ntamba) situated right next door and connected by a footpath. Bigger groups can book these two lodges out together.
Facilities
The main lodge area has a fully equipped open plan kitchen and scullery, dining area, TV lounge, bar, outdoor boma with braai, outside covered lounge and dining area with gas braai, and swimming pool with safety net.
Guests can spend leisure time lounging on the viewing deck about 70 metres away from the main lodge while keeping a look out for one of the elusive Big 5 coming to quench their thirst. Birdwatchers are in for a treat as the spot are frequently visited by a wide variety of the over 300 species of birds found in the region.
A jungle gym is located in an enclosed boma that is approximately 30 metres away from the main lodge and offers the ideal space for the younger guests to enjoy themselves.
Since Nkala is a self-catering lodge, it does not serve any food or meals, but there is a little supermarket about 35 minutes away and a chef is available on request and extra payment to lend a hand in the kitchen. There is a convenience store located at the main entrance.
In the suites, complementary beverages such as instant coffee, tea, and milk are provided but guests should bring their own coffee pods and ground coffee for the Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines.
Free WiFi is available although the connection may be spotty at times.
Activities
While indulging in the luxury of having the lodge all to yourself and your guests, you can also enjoy game drives with experienced game rangers through one of the most diverse ecosystems of flora and fauna in Africa. Since you will be using a private safari vehicle, the starting timings of your game drives are completely up to you.
There are several activities offered in the area that can be booked by prior arrangement at an additional charge, including:
- Guided morning bush walks
- Golf at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses
- Hot-air balloon flights over Pilanesberg
- Mountain Biking
- Outing to Predator world
- Sun City Day Trips
Sun City offers a wide range of entertainment options, including a number of restaurants, a health spa, a golf course, live shows, a casino, and a variety of sports, ranging from tennis to quad-biking. Sun City is also home to the Valley of the Waves water park.
There is a walk-in aviary at the Manyane complex, and there is another one at the Sun City complex.
Rates
Rates are quoted in South African Rand and inclusive of 15% VAT. The rate quoted is per night for the whole lodge and will differ between midweek rates per night Sundays-Thursdays or Fridays, Saturday’s, public holidays, School holidays and long weekends.
There is a requirement of a minimum 2 nights stay over weekends.
There are usually special offers for SA residents available under the special offers section!
Rates include self-catering accommodation for 12 adults in 5 suites (the entire lodge), as well as the following:
- 2 x 2.5 hr Guided game drives per day on a Private Safari Vehicle
- All daily park conservation fees
- Tea and Coffee in the rooms
- Complimentary Wifi
- Daily housekeeping
- 3 x Bags of firewood per day (incl. firelighters)
Rates exclude the following:
- All food and drinks
- Chef Service
- Staff Tips
Nkala Safari Lodge is a child friendly lodge with, amongst others, an outdoor jungle gym and play area for their enjoyment, but guests must enquire beforehand about the availability of cots and other amenities.
Children under 10 years of age are not counted toward the 12 guest maximum.
Children are allowed on game drives at the game ranger’s discretion, with no specific minimum age set.
Guests should remember that Nkala Safari Lodge is totally self-catered, and no food or meals are provided. The nearest small supermarket is 35 min away and there are more supermarkets en route to the lodge at Waterfall Mall, Rustenburg or Village Mall, Hartebeespoort.
FAQ
- Can individuals book a room at Nkala Safari Lodge?
No, the self-catering lodge is booked out as a unit and can accommodate only 12 guests.
- Do you need to supply your own food when staying at Nkala Safari Lodge?
Yes, Nkala Safari Lodge is totally self-catered, and no food or meals are provided, you have to bring it.
- Is the Game Drives included in the price for Nkala Safari Lodge?
Yes, two 2.5 hour guided game drives per day on a private safari vehicle are included in the price.
- Can you see the Big 5 during a visit to Nkala Safari Lodge?
Yes, you can see the Big 5 during a visit to the lodge, since your game drives are taken through the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
- Is Nkala Safari Lodge easily accessible?
Yes, Nkala Safari Lodge is located close enough to Johannesburg.
- What is the minimum stay policy at Nkala Safari Lodge?
The minimum stay policy requires a two night stay over weekends and one night in midweek.
- Is Nkala Safari Lodge child-friendly?
Yes, Nkala Safari Lodge is a child friendly lodge with, amongst others, an outdoor jungle gym and play area for their enjoyment, but guests must enquire beforehand about the availability of cots and other amenities.
- Are there other activities than game drives to keep guests entertained?
Yes, several other activities including guided morning bush walks, golf at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses, hot-air balloon flights over Pilanesberg, mountain Biking, an outing to Predator world and others, will keep everyone entertained.
