The Buffalo Thorn Lodge can be found in the Black Rhino Game Reserve inside the Pilanesberg National Park.
The park is located in the middle of South Africa’s North West Province, which is a malaria-free area and is only about 30 kilometres away from Sun City. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife. It is approximately a two-hour drive from Johannesburg to the destination.
At any given time, Buffalo Thorn Lodge is only able to accommodate a total of ten guests, including children, in its luxurious, self-catering, thatched chalets, which makes it the ideal location for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The lodge is rented out in its entirety, so the guests have unrestricted use of it during their stay. In light of this, given that you are the only people there, you are free to bask in the serenity and beauty of the forest without worrying about disturbing anyone else.
In addition to a dining room, a TV lounge, a reading lounge, and a games area, the primary gathering space includes a fully-furnished kitchen.
You are welcome to unwind and relax in the boma by taking some time to sit around the African fire, take in the sounds of the night, or listen to the stories that your experienced game ranger has to tell.
You also have the option of going stargazing under a sky that is as dark as ink, or you can simply relax over a nice meal at the dining table or bar while inhaling the potent smells of natural veld and wildlife.
Spend the morning and afternoon on a safari in an open vehicle with a ranger who enlightens you about the myriad of large and small animals that call the African bushveld their home.
While you are lounging around the pool in one of the lounge chairs that are scattered around the area, you can keep an eye on the game. Or, if you prefer, you can unwind in the jacuzzi while watching several different bird and deer species, in addition to some of the “big five,” such as elephants, stroll through the electric fence that is just a few metres away from the pool deck.
From Buffalo Thorn Lodge, rangers can travel in open game-drive vehicles throughout the entirety of the 57,000-hectare park. This allows 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.
During your stay at Buffalo Thorn Lodge, you will have an experience that you will never forget. The lodge offers guests the opportunity to prepare their own meals.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge provides self-catering luxury at its finest in 5 units, each sleeping two people. Buffalo Thorn Lodge only allows 10 guests (including children of all ages).
Each suite is a self-contained apartment with a living space of 70 square metres as well as private bedrooms and baths. Each has its own lounge as well as a private deck with sun seats from which to relax while admiring the African wilderness.
The accommodations include a king-size bed (which can be split into two singles upon request), a jacuzzi tub, and both an indoor and 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 has a minibar fridge in each room as well as complimentary filter coffee or tea facilities, an in-room jet spa bath, outside and indoor showers with exclusive body products, full-length white cotton bathrobes, bath and swimming towels, individually adjustable air conditioning and a fan, an electronic safe, and hairdryers.
Visitors have exclusive use of the lodge and can enjoy a primary gathering space that includes a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining room, a TV lounge, a reading lounge, and a games area.
This 5-star lodge is self-catering, with a fully equipped kitchen for all of your catering needs. It comes fully equipped with 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 is provided for all of your needs, including laundry, turn-down service, and daily cleaning.
Guests can choose between indoor and outdoor dining options, as well as barbecue facilities with director-chair seating around an open fire for the best in outdoor entertainment. For an authentic African bush fire experience, wood and firelighters are provided. There is also a modern gas grill available.
The swimming pool in the beautiful gardens with grass is suitable for children and has a beautiful view of the waterhole.
The wooden deck overlooks a local waterhole frequented by lions, elephants, rhinos, and other animals. On the deck, there is a heated jacuzzi spa bath with a view.
A flat-screen LCD TV, DStv, home theatre system, pool/snooker table, and wine fridge provide indoor entertainment.
The indoor lounge and entertainment area have a Wi-Fi hotspot.
While the lodge is self-catering in terms of meals, your package includes two daily exclusive game drives (morning and afternoon safaris) per night stay, which should be arranged with your ranger and guide.
Morning drives include a coffee and rusk stop, with rusks supplied by guests.
Afternoon drives include a sundowner stop, with guests supplying their own drinks and refreshments.
Each game drive is limited to 10 guests (including children of all ages).
The Black Rhino Reserve is a recently added exclusive-use zone to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, while Pilanesberg is a 57 000 hectare wildlife sanctuary that is home to almost all of Southern Africa’s big game, including the Big 5. Game drives are conducted on both reserves.
Other activities that guests can participate in include:
Midweek and weekend rates are different, as are SA school holidays and periods outside of school holidays. The rate does not apply to each individual.
The quoted rate is for the exclusive use of the entire lodge for one night, sleeping ten people.
Guests should also keep in mind that a booking requires a minimum of two 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 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.
You might also like our Bakubung Bush Lodge or Black Rhino Lodge.
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.
Are 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.
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MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).