Buffalo Thorn Lodge

Buffalo Thorn Lodge is nestled in the heart of the Black Rhino Game Reserve, within the Pilanesberg National Park, and is only 30 kilometres from Sun City. It lies in the heart of South Africa's North West Province, a malaria free zone. Buffalo Thorn Lodge provides the ultimate escape from busy schedules as guests are accommodated in a luxurious exclusive lodge consisting of only five rooms/units which sleep a total of only 10 guests. Buffalo Thorn Lodge is unique in that it rents out the whole lodge exclusively to you and your party for the duration of your stay.

The main entertainment area comprises a Dining room, TV Lounge, Reading Lounge, Games Area and a fully equipped Kitchen. Outside in the boma, you can relax around an African fire, listen to the sounds of the night (especially hyenas!) and stories told by your experienced game ranger, star-gaze or just sit under cover at the dining table and bar. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives as your ranger shows you the big and small species of the African bushveld. Game viewing can also be done from the comfort of loungers around the pool and Jacuzzi, as many species of birds, small animals and even some of the big five have been spotted from the deck. We pride ourselves on giving you a memorable wildlife experience.

Included as part of the rate: All game drives, fully serviced (daily), tea and coffee in the rooms. Extravagant luxury has never been this affordable and accessible...

Buffalo Thorn Lodge has a wide variety of facilities and services available making you feel comfortable and at home.

Outdoor entertainment: Child friendly; swimming pool; heated Jacuzzi with a view; bar with fridge and ice machine; dining area; open fire barbeque; modern gas barbeque; and director chair seating around the open fire.

Indoor entertainment: flat Screen LCD TV; Home Theatre System; DSTV (Digital Satellite Television); Pool/Snooker Table; wine fridge; small gym; Kids dvd's; games- 30 seconds, scrabble, cards, puzzles.

Kitchen (fully equipped): fully serviced; large fridge and freezer; dishwasher, modern 5 burner gas stove with electric oven; all cutlery and glassware; and a Filter Coffee Machine.

The Black Rhino Reserve is a new reserve which forms part of the 57 000 hectare Greater Pilanesberg National Park. The Black Rhino Reserve is just less than 2000 hectares in size and is the first extension that was incorporated into the Pilanesberg National Park. The final goal is to incorporate farms between Pilanesberg National Park and the Madikwe Game Reserve to form the 'Heritage Park' that will be as big as 300 000 hectares.

Your Ranger at Black Rhino Lodge, can take you traversing the entire park of 57 000 hectares in open game drive vehicles, for close-up viewing of the big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) and numerous endangered species such as Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Sable and Tsessebe Antelope.The Black Rhino Game Reserve's vegetation is predominantly sweetveld and it complements the sour and mixed veld of the Pilanesberg National Park. The reserve is characterized by huge numbers of Tambotie trees and therefore regular sightings of the bad tempered Black Rhino are frequent. The game viewing on Black Rhino Game Reserve is something to experience as regular sightings of lions, rhino and elephants occur.

All bedrooms (units) stand alone. The 70 square-metre, en-suite bedrooms have their own lounge and private deck with sun chairs in which to relax whilst overlooking the African bush. The units boast a king size bed (or singles should they be required), a Jacuzzi bathtub as well as indoor and outdoor showers.

Units are made up as follows: 2 Family units, one King size bed, loft with two single beds for kids; and 3 Double units, one King size bed.

Note that only 10 people will be accommodated (children included)

What to Bring with you to Buffalo Thorn Lodge

The summer months are from September to April with the hottest period from October to February. Thunder storms or drizzle can occur at any time during this period. The Lodge provides rainproof ponchos for use during game drives and there are plenty of umbrellas for you to use at Buffalo Thorn.

The winter is from May to August with the coldest period being in June and July. The Lodge provides warm fleece blankets on the vehicles during game drives.

During the winter months it can be very cold during in the early morning and during the evening game drives. The Lodge recommends that, during this period, you bring along with you a track suite, gloves, a warm fleece jacket, a fleece scarf and a warm hat.

During the summer months, it may be chilly in the early morning so it is advisable to bring a light warm jacket and a hat that will not blow off in the wind. The midday temperatures can be extremely warm during this period, so remember to pack some short sleeve shirts, short pants, and a costume, as you might want to spend the noonday period lazing around their swimming pool - towels are available for your use around the pool. It is also advisable to bring sun screen or a sun block lotion with a high protection factor, some lip balm and sunglasses. Insect repellent is also something that could come in handy but do remember that this is a malaria free area.

Other important points

Wear neutral colours, such as khaki, browns or greens, in order to blend in with the environment. No malaria prophylaxis medication needed as this is a malaria free area. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes for use during bush walks or when off the game drive vehicle and a pair of slip-slops or sandals to wear around the lodge or to meal. The Lodge's electricity works on a 220 volt alternating current system. Wall plug units take a round pin 15 Amp plug. It is advisable to bring the necessary converter or adapter from your country should you want to charge anything or use your own electrical appliances on our electrical supply systems - this applies anywhere in South Africa.

You should also bring a video or normal camera (with a good telephoto lens if you have one), a good pair of binoculars, enough memory cards for your camera (or film for those who still prefer to use film) and your plug and charger for the camera equipment. Wi-Fi NOT available available at the Lodge. Mobile phones work most places in the country and also in the game reserve. All the rooms are supplied with basic amenities such as soap, shampoo and body lotion, and a laundry service available if required. Books, Maps hats and beanies can be purchased at the lodge.