Black Rhino Game Lodge
A hidden treasure set among the trees of an old Tamboti forest at the foot of an ancient volcanic crater, Black Rhino Game Lodge offers full-board…
5-star · Exclusive-use self-catering lodge
Buffalo Thorn Lodge
An exclusive, private 5-star self-catering lodge that is booked out as a whole to groups of up to 10 guests – with two guided game drives a day on a private safari vehicle…
Private safaris · Child friendly swimming pool · Heated Jacuzzi with a view · Bar with fridge and Ice machine · Dining area · Open fire barbeque · Modern gas barbeque · Director-chair seating around the open fire · Flat Screen LCD TV · Big 5
Overview
About
Buffalo Thorn Lodge
Buffalo Thorn Lodge is an exclusive private, 5-star self-catering luxury lodge, that can be exclusively booked out to a group of as many as 2–10 people; a peaceful sanctuary nestled in the African bush yet one which holds all the excitement of big five game-viewing. By road, the Lodge is about 2 hours from Johannesburg, in the heart of Black Rhino Game Reserve, within the Pilanesberg National Park. Only 30 kilometers from Sun City, it is in South Africa’s North West Province, a malaria free area.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge is part of the Black Rhino Game Reserve; in the Pilanesberg National Park. Only 30 kilometers from Sun City and about 2 hours from Johannesburg, it is in the heart of the South Africa’s North West Province – a malaria free area.
Buffalo Thorn lodge provides the ultimate escape from busy schedules, with five luxury thatched chalets accommodating only ten guests. The lodge is rented out exclusively sleeping ten guests. Thus meaning that you have the tranquility and the beauty of the bush all to yourselves.
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 or to the stories of your experienced game ranger. Alternatively you can star-gaze under an ink black sky or just relax over a good meal at the dining table and bar, inhaling the pungent smells of indigenous veld and wildlife.
Enjoy morning or afternoon game drives in an open vehicle as your ranger shows you the large and small species of the African bushveld. Or game view from the comfort of loungers around the pool. Alternatively relax in the Jacuzzi as many species of birds and buck, even some of the big five, such as elephant, amble past the electric fence a few meters from the pool deck.
Rates
Buffalo Thorn Lodge
rates
Rates in South African Rand. Subject to availability and change – confirm when booking.
| Room / option | Dates | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entire Lodge (Sleeps 10)Daily Rate | 1 Jun 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 | R23 200 |
| Room / option | Dates | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entire Lodge (Sleeps 10)Daily Rate | 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2027 | R23 200 |
Rate notes & inclusions
| ||||
| 1 Jun to 31 Dec 2026 | Daily Rate | |||
| Entire Lodge (Sleeps 10) | R23 200 | |||
| 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2027 | Daily Rate | |||
| Entire Lodge (Sleeps 10) | R23 200 | |||
- The Buffalo Thorn lodge is an Exclusive Self Catering Lodge and it is rented out as a whole lodge
- Rate are not per person.
- This means that you get the entire lodge for yourself.
- Included in the package is 2 x 2.5 hr Guided game drives per day on a Private Safari Vehicle.
- Maximum number of guests is 10 including children.
*Please note a minimum of 2 nights is required at anytime.*
The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.
The rate per night includes;
- The rent of your own exclusive, ***** 5 star- Self Catering Game lodge, on Black Rhino Game Reserve in Pilanesberg National Park.
- 2 x 2 and a half hour game drives per night stay – (MAXIMUM 10 guests on the vehicle)
- Daily Fully Serviced by staff
- Tea and coffee in the rooms
- Daily gate fees included
The rate per night does Not included:
- Food, drinks, snacks- lodge is fully self catering
- Any additional activities such as hot air ballooning, BUSH WALKS and quad biking
Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!
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Gallery
Good to know
Lodge
information
Accommodation
Self Catering Lodges
The units boast a king size bed (or two singles should they be required), a Jacuzzi bath as well as an indoor and outdoor shower.
Units are made up as follows;
- 2 Family units: with a King size bed (or two singles) plus a loft with two single beds (for children).
- 3 Double units with one King size bed (or two singles).
- Camping Cots are available on request
- King-sized bed
- Minibar fridge in each room and filter coffee facilities
- In-room, jet spa bath
- Outside and Indoor shower with exclusive body products
- White cotton bathrobes – full-length
- Air-conditioning, personally adjustable
- Hairdryers
- Private in-room lounge area
- Private viewing deck, with cushioned loungers and table
Only 10 guests are allowed at Buffalo Thorn Lodge (including children of all ages)
Facilities
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
- Director-chair seating around the open fire
- Flat Screen LCD TV
- Home Theatre System
- DSTV (Digital Satellite Television)
- Pool/Snooker Table
- Wine fridge
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Fully Serviced
- Large fridge and freezer
- Dishwasher
- Modern 5 burner gas stove with electric oven
- Microwave/Convection Oven
- All cutlery and glassware
- Filter Coffee Machine
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Bar fridge
- All linen (bath and swimming towels)
- Electronic Safe
- Air conditioning and fan
- Lounge area
- Loungers on private deck
- Hair dryers
POOL
Child-friendly swimming pool with view onto the waterhole.
GARDEN
Beautiful gardens with grass.
JACUZZI
A heating jacuzzi spa bath on the deck with a view.
FREE WIFI
Wifi hotspot available in the lounge and entertainment indoor area.
DAILY HOUSEKEEPING
Daily housekeeping service for all of your needs including laundry, turn-down service and daily cleaning.
FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN
This 5-star lodge is self-catering & includes a FULLY equipped kitchen for all of your catering needs.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING AREA
Choice of indoor & outdoor dining facilities.
VIEWING DECK
Wooden deck overlooking the local waterhole that is frequently visited by Lion, Elephant, Rhino and more.
BOMA & BONFIRE AREA
Outdoor entertainment at its best, wood & firelighters provided for an African bush fire experience.
Terms
The rate is for the rent ofthe whole lodge exclusively per night sleeping 10 guests.
**Rate is not per person**
**a minimum of 2 nights stay is required at anytime.*
The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.- Thus some of the men will have to share.
Prices include
Check in and Check out policy:
**Rate is not per person**
**a minimum of 2 nights stay is required at anytime.*
The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.- Thus some of the men will have to share.
Prices include
- The rent of your own exclusive, ***** 5 star- Self-Catering Game lodge, on Black Rhino Game Reserve in Pilanesberg National Park.
- 2 x 2 and a half hour game drives per night stay
- Daily Fully Serviced by staff
- Tea and coffee in the rooms
- Daily gate fees included
- Food, drinks, snacks, condiments – The lodge is fully self-catering
- Any additional activities such as hot air ballooning, BUSH WALKS and quad biking.
- Staff Gratuities
- The Conservation Levies R250 per person per night and R115 per child (5 - 9 years) per night
- Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance fees of R195 per person per day
- Buffalo Thorn Lodge will no longer accept 1 night stays – minimum of 2 nights stays will be required
- No over occupancy will be allowed- Meaning over and above 10 guest( including children)
- Children under 3 will not account as part of the number of 10 but no more than 2 children over and above the group of 10 will be allowed and if this occurs only 10 guests will be allowed on game drive
- 10 heads = 10 guests
- Any child under the age of 3 as per above will be required to provide birth certificates as proof that child is under 3
- Over occupancy fines are R 4000.00 per person per day- This is not governed by the lodge but by the reserve rules and regulations.
Check in and Check out policy:
- Check in time is 14h30 and check out time is 10h30
- The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.
Child Policy
- Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge and on game drive
Walking Safaris at Buffalo Thorn Lodge
- Only available for Adults. (16 years and older).
- The cost for walks in 2019 are as follow: R450.00 per person
- Maximum number of guests 8 And a minimum of 2 guests
- A guest can book a walk in advance if they pay the full cost of the walk and understand that it is non-refundable should the guest cancel their stay at the lodge or change their mind upon arrival.
- Otherwise walks are booked upon arrival subject to availability.
- No walk is confirmed until Buffalo Thorn Lodge has checked availability and received payment directly from the guest.
- If walks occur with Buffalo Thorn Lodge directly game drive scheduled for that specific time will not take place and thus forfeited by all guests. Alternatively can be done by Nare walking Safari’s and remaining guests can go on game drive with Buffalo Thorn Lodge
Breakage Deposit
- On arrival a R 2000.00 refundable breakage deposit will be required- by supplying cash
Important Notice
- ANY over occupancy meaning over and above 10 guests (including children) will be liable for an over occupancy fine of R4000 per person per day
- NO Day visitors are allowed at the lodge
- If you miss your scheduled game drives due to unforeseen circumstances/ late arrival or due to weather you unfortunately forfeit you game drive
- Arrivals after 18:00pm need to be arranged for and no arrivals permitted after 20:00pm
- ONLY 10 guests (including children of all ages) allowed on game drive
- Early arrivals and late check-outs will be penalised R 1000.00 per hour
- Fully self-catering lodge- No drinks/snacks or food is supplied
- NO LOUD music is permitted as this is a National Park and nature reserve
Cancellation Policy
All reservations, amendments or cancellations are valid only if advised and accepted in writing.
- Cancellation of booking than 90 days or more prior to arrival - 20% of total booking amount retained
- Cancellation of booking between 60 to 89 days prior to arrival - 30% of total booking amount retained
- Cancellation of booking between 41 to 59 days prior to arrival - 50% of total booking amount retained
- Cancellation of booking less than 40 days prior to arrival - 100% of total booking amount retained.
- A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.
Deposit Policy
- For all bookings made within 30 days of travel Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
- For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
- A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
Wildlife & Activities
Black Rhino Game Reserve is a natural eco system that has developed over thousands of years. In this unique reserve, the different vegetation exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter lowveld commonly known as bushveld.
As result of the range of habitats and vegetation found in the Black Rhino Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park, there is a wide diversity of animal species, from the “Big five” to 50 other mammal species, 354 bird species, 65 reptile species, 18 amphibian species and thousands of other interesting smaller species!
SEASONS
Rainy Season: It rains during the summer months between November and March, with thunder and lightning showers predominant in February and March. Temperatures hover around 79-86°F (26-30°C).
Dry Season: April to September is the cool dry winter season with bright clear warm days and cold nights, particularly in the mid-winter months of June to August. Game viewing/safaris is best in winter as the foliage has died back and animals frequent around waterholes.
Activities
Daily Exclusive Game Drives (Safari) are included in your package and can be arranged with your Ranger.
(Only 10 guests allowed on game drive/safari (including children of all ages). Two game drives per night stay (Morning and Afternoon)
Ask reservations for more information on activities.
Things to do in the area:-
- Lion Park Tours
- Bush Walks
- Predator Park Tours
- Quad Biking
- Quad Bike Motocross Circuit
- Clay Pigeon Shooting
- Archery
- Interactive Gumboot Dancing Session
- Drumming
- Balloon safaris in the Pilanesberg National Park
- Team Building for corporates
Map & Direction
Head towards Sun City.
Stay on the R556 and pass the entrance to Sun City on the right.
Continue for 5.11 km to the STOP sign, turn right at the intersection (onto the R565).
Continue on this road for approximately 27 km through a village (beware of potholes) until you see the Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance on the right.
Sign in at the gate and either request a pick up from the gate if you do not want to drive your car on the dirt roads and we will come and collect you or drive directly to the lodge.
A normal sedan car should be able to reach Buffalo Thorn Lodge without a problem.
BLACK RHINO GAME RESERVE IS LOCATED AT (GOOGLE EARTH):
25°10’54.84″S
26°57’17.55″E
FROM THE BLACK RHINO GAME RESERVE GATE:
Enter the gate (sign in – Buffalo Thorn Lodge is number 20) then drive for 2,9 km along the road until you meet an intersection, turn left.
It is the first road at which you can turn left, after entering the Reserve.
Then continue for 1.47 km until you reach another intersection – turn extreme right then continue for another 470 m, keeping right until you see our lodge.
Turn left into our gate, Stand 20 – Buffalo Thorn Lodge.
BUFFALO THORN LODGE IS LOCATED AT (GOOGLE EARTH):
25° 9’48.73″S
26°58’19.97″E
What to do
BUFFALO THORN LODGE ACTIVITIES
Daily exclusive game drives (safari) are included in your package and can be arranged with your ranger.
- Morning drives include a coffee & rusk stop (rusks provided by guests)
- Afternoon drives include a sundowner stop (drinks & refreshments supplied by guests)
- Two game drives per night stay (morning and afternoon)
Only 10 guests allowed on game drive/safari (including children of all ages).
SUN CITY ACTIVITIES
Additional activities at the nearby Sun City resort can be arranged at an additional cost by our reservation staff.
To find out more about these activities, please talk to reservations.
- LION PARK TOURS
- BUSH WALKS
- QUAD TRAILS
- BALLOON SAFARIS
- DRUMMING
- ARCHERY
- INTERACTIVE GUMBOOT DANCING
Our Story
Buffalo Thorn Lodge is part of the Black Rhino Game Reserve; in the Pilanesberg National Park. Only 30 kilometers from Sun City and about 3 hours from Johannesburg, it is in the heart of South Africa’s North West Province – a malaria-free area.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge provides the ultimate escape from busy schedules, with five luxury, self-catering, thatched chalets accommodating only ten guests (including children). The lodge is rented out exclusively sleeping ten guests. Thus meaning that you have the tranquility and the beauty of the bush all to yourselves.
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 or to the stories of your experienced game ranger. Alternatively, you can star-gaze under an ink-black sky or just relax over a good meal at the dining table and bar, inhaling the pungent smells of indigenous veld and wildlife.
Enjoy morning and afternoon safari in an open vehicle as your ranger shows you the large and small species of the African bushveld. Or game view from the comfort of loungers around the pool. Alternatively relax in the jacuzzi as many species of birds and buck, even some of the big five, such as elephant, amble past the electric fence a few meters from the pool deck.
We are committed to giving you a memorable self-catering safari experience at Buffalo Thorn Lodge:
And included in the rates, are:
It is colloquially known in Afrikaans as the ‘Blinkblaar Wag-‘n-Bietjie’. The ‘Blinkblaar’ refers to the shiny leaves while ‘Wag-‘n-Bietjie’ literally means ‘wait a while’ in English. Deriving its name from the paired and straight-hooked thorns which attach themselves mercilessly to passersby, it requires a lengthy amount of time to extricate oneself!
The Buffalo Thorn tree has many varied uses among different cultures and beliefs. The fruit can be used to make beer and it is rumoured that chewing the leaves serves as an aphrodisiac! Some believe that the tree is immune to lightning making it safe to shelter under during a thunderstorm, while the Zulu people believe the “z” shaped thorns protect graves and put souls to rest.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge provides the ultimate escape from busy schedules, with five luxury, self-catering, thatched chalets accommodating only ten guests (including children). The lodge is rented out exclusively sleeping ten guests. Thus meaning that you have the tranquility and the beauty of the bush all to yourselves.
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 or to the stories of your experienced game ranger. Alternatively, you can star-gaze under an ink-black sky or just relax over a good meal at the dining table and bar, inhaling the pungent smells of indigenous veld and wildlife.
Enjoy morning and afternoon safari in an open vehicle as your ranger shows you the large and small species of the African bushveld. Or game view from the comfort of loungers around the pool. Alternatively relax in the jacuzzi as many species of birds and buck, even some of the big five, such as elephant, amble past the electric fence a few meters from the pool deck.
We are committed to giving you a memorable self-catering safari experience at Buffalo Thorn Lodge:
And included in the rates, are:
- All game drives.
- All daily conservation fees.
- A daily fully serviced lodge by the staff.
- Tea and coffee in the rooms.
- Extravagant luxury has never been this affordable and accessible.
It is colloquially known in Afrikaans as the ‘Blinkblaar Wag-‘n-Bietjie’. The ‘Blinkblaar’ refers to the shiny leaves while ‘Wag-‘n-Bietjie’ literally means ‘wait a while’ in English. Deriving its name from the paired and straight-hooked thorns which attach themselves mercilessly to passersby, it requires a lengthy amount of time to extricate oneself!
The Buffalo Thorn tree has many varied uses among different cultures and beliefs. The fruit can be used to make beer and it is rumoured that chewing the leaves serves as an aphrodisiac! Some believe that the tree is immune to lightning making it safe to shelter under during a thunderstorm, while the Zulu people believe the “z” shaped thorns protect graves and put souls to rest.
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Buffalo Thorn Lodge
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