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Nkala Safari Lodge

The luxurious Nkala Safari Lodge can be found in Pilanesberg National Park’s Black Rhino Game Reserve, which is situated in the northern part of the larger Pilanesberg National Park.

The Nkala Safari Lodge is the perfect place in the African bush to get away from it all and relax because it is run by a family and provides accommodations with self-catering kitchens. 

It is only a 35-minute drive away from Sun City, and it will take you two hours to get to Lanseria Airport. Malaria does not exist in the Pilanesberg National Park, which has a total land area of 55 003 hectares and is home to all five of Africa’s Big Game animals.

Nkala means mongoose in the Xitsonga language. While you relax in the comfort of this luxurious game lodge, you will have the opportunity to observe South Africa’s other endangered species as well as the “Big 5” in their natural habitat.

In addition to its one standard room, Nkala has five free-standing luxury rooms with en suite bathrooms that can accommodate families with children. The lodge has a maximum occupancy of 12 guests, making it an ideal vacation spot for families and groups of friends due to its self-service catering and exclusive use status. 

The cost of renting out the lodge for exclusive use includes all of the available accommodations – the Honeymoon Suite, three Luxury Suites, one Luxury Family Suite, and one Luxury Family Suite with an interconnecting suite and bedroom.

During your time at the Black Rhino Game Reserve, you will be allowed to go on several complimentary game drives. These excursions will be led by a knowledgeable guide and will take place in a safari vehicle that is reserved solely for your use. 

The Big Five and other endangered animals, such as the African wild dog, cheetah, and black rhino, can move freely, and Nkala Lodge has the advantage of having traversing rights to the entire park. This gives the lodge a competitive advantage.

Accommodation

There are the following self-catering suites available:

The Lion Honeymoon Suite has a king-size bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, air conditioning, electric blankets, vanity desk, international plugs and USB points, dressing room, a safe, and an outside deck.

The freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet are all included in the en-suite bathroom.

The lounge is separate from the suite and has air conditioning, a TV with DSTV, a separate guest toilet, and an outside deck. The fully equipped kitchenette includes a Nespresso machine, a kettle, a toaster, a microwave, and a bar fridge.

The Elephant Suite has a king-size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, a sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, a desk, international plugs and USB points, a coffee and tea station, a Nespresso machine, a bar fridge, a safe, and an outside deck.

The freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet are all included in the en-suite bathroom.

The Leopard Suite is connected to a connecting room (cub room) that makes up the family suite.

The bedroom and lounge area includes a king-size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, a sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, a desk, international plugs and USB points, a coffee and tea station, a Nespresso machine, a bar fridge, a safe, and an outside deck.

The freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet are all included in the en-suite bathroom.

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 are available in the interleading Cub Room.

There is a cot and a compactum available.

The bedroom and lounge of the Rhino Suite feature a king-size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, a sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, a desk, international plugs and USB points, a coffee and tea station, a Nespresso machine, a bar fridge, a safe, and an outside deck.

The freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, and separate toilet are all included in the en-suite bathroom.

The Buffalo Suite is equipped with the same amenities as the Rhino Suite.

Nkala has a Sister Lodge (Ntamba) right next door, linked by a footpath. Larger groups can book both lodges at the same time.

Facilities

The main lodge area includes a fully equipped open-plan kitchen and scullery, a dining area, a TV lounge, a bar, an outdoor boma with braai, an outside covered lounge and dining area with a gas braai, and a swimming pool with a safety net.

Guests can spend their free time lounging on the viewing deck, which is about 70 metres away from the main lodge while keeping an eye out for one of the elusive Big 5 who may be passing through. Birdwatchers are in for a treat because the site is frequently visited by a wide variety of the region’s over 300 species of birds.

A jungle gym is located in an enclosed boma about 30 metres away from the main lodge and provides an ideal space for the younger guests to have fun.

Nkala is a self-catering lodge and does not serve food or meals, but there is a small supermarket about 35 minutes away and a chef is available on request and for an additional fee to assist in the kitchen. At the main entrance, there is a convenience store.

Complementary beverages such as instant coffee, tea, and milk are provided in the suites; however, guests must bring their own coffee pods and ground coffee for the Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines.

There is free WiFi available, though the connection can be spotty at times.

Activities

While enjoying the luxury of having the lodge to yourself and your guests, you can also enjoy game drives with experienced game rangers through one of Africa’s most diverse flora and fauna ecosystems. 

Because you will be using a private safari vehicle, you can start your game drives whenever you want.

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 has a variety of entertainment options, including restaurants, a health spa, a golf course, live shows, a casino, and sports ranging from tennis to quad-biking. The Valley of the Waves water park is also located in Sun City.

The Manyane complex has a walk-in aviary, and the Sun City complex has another. 

Rates

Rates are in South African Rand and include 15% VAT. 

The quoted rate is per night for the entire lodge and will differ between midweek rates and rates for stays including Saturdays, Sundays-Thursdays or Fridays, public holidays, school holidays, and long weekends.

Over the weekends, a minimum of two nights’ stay is required.

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 child-friendly with amenities such as an outdoor jungle gym and play area, but guests must inquire ahead of time about the availability of cots and other amenities.

Children under the age of ten are not counted toward the maximum of 12 guests.

Children are permitted on game drives at the discretion of the game ranger, with no set minimum age.

You might also like our Manyane Resort or Pilanesberg Private Lodge.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

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.