Black Rhino Game Lodge

We were a 3 generation party of 13 visiting from the UK to celebrate a special anniversary. From the first contact with the booking agent (Claudia) to our final farewells after 5 exciting days at Black Rhino we experienced outstanding service. We booked 6 lodges and asked if they could be clustered together as we had two families with children and the adjoining family rooms would be ideal. This was arranged for us and worked perfectly. The rooms were excellent, clean, well equipped and in secluded grounds close to the hide overlooking the waterhole. The food was excellent with plenty of choice including catering for a vegetarian, gluten intolerant guest. This included baking special bread for her and even on one morning delivering special pancakes. Excellent choices at every meal. The staff could not be more accommodating. Because of the size of our party we had almost exclusive use of two guides and vehicles for most of our stay. Grant and Steven were exceptional, very knowledgable and happy to share their experiences. They related to the youngsters really well which no doubt explains why not one drive was missed by any of our party! The guides allowed the youngsters to ride 'shotgun' on the vehicles and we noted with some satisfaction the easy conversation that was taking place between them. They made the whole experience very special: we saw the animals and we had so much fun. Two small points. Firstly our transfer from our hotel in Johannesburg. This was arranged by Claudia for 11 of us. However the vehicle and small luggage trailer was inadequate for our party. Had we not had the benefit of our son's hire vehicle which took over half of our party's luggage, I am not sure how we would have managed. A party of 11 staying in the SA for a couple of weeks or more will have a lot of luggage. The final night braai in the bomba was a magical evening but the food fell below the excellent quality that we had experienced at all our other mealtimes. Highly recommended location, beautiful surroundings, excellent accommodation and well motivated and trained staff who were a credit to the Lodge. we could not have been more satisfied. Read less

We brought my parents to Black Rhino for a 5 day short break, and had a wonderful time. The lodge and facilities are lovely, comfortable and well-maintained by a nearly invisible housekeeping staff. Our suites were spacious and comfortable, with an airconditioner keeping the temperature comfortable in the freezing winter nights and warm(ish) days. Everything was spotless when we arrived and the suites were serviced daily while out on game drives. The lodge is built around a game viewing routine, with two game drives daily, 6am - 9am or later and 4pm to 6 pm or later, depending on how cooperative the animals are. Food is served around these times with a substantial brunch served until 12, a high tea with sweet and savoury snacks from 12 to 4pm and dinner from end of the game drive till late. Food was well cooked and flavoured with a strong South African theme and there was usually venison included in the dinner menu. There were plenty of options for vegetarians at each meal, and the challenge was always not to over-eat on the delicious food. Variety was great, with no main dishes, soups or salads repeated during our stay. Game drives were fantastic, with our ranger, Marion, providing a steady flow of interesting facts that he tailored to the existing knowledge of the people with him. We got to see a lot of game, including rhino, elephant, lion and giraffe on many occasions, but have to note that this depends on the animals mood, season, temperature, wind and pure luck. During our 5 day stay we had several uneventful game drives, but also several others that more than made up for them interms of numbers of animals, rarity and quality of viewing. Our highlight was having a herd of elephant walk around our vehicle, within touching distance! Note to readers : this isnt Discovery Channel, with all the animals lined up to greet you as you walk in dressed in boutique safari gear...game drives are bitterly cold and dusty in winter. This is part of the experience, so expect it and dress appropriately. The staff were unfailingly helpful and cheerful and went out of their way to make our stay memorable. Read less

We have had the most memorable and once in a lifetime experience at Black rhino lodge. It is luxury to the fullest in the middle of wilderness with all the amenities. Being vegetarians, we thought it would have been an issue there, but the chef and the entire staff went out of their way to provide us with such good options. As for the game drives, the sightings are incredible. We had Dolphie leading our drives and he has been amazing. From taking his time to explain everything, to going out of his way to get us the best visuals of the wildlife. His experience and patience made sure we had the most unforgettable experience in the wildlife. I would highly recommend Black Rhino Lodge over all the other reserves and please do ask for Dolphie while you'll are there ! Read less

We spent 3 fantastic days at the Black Rhino Lodge for our honeymoon and saw all the big 5 along with 22 other majestic animals and many beautiful birds. It surpassed all our expectations. The lodge itself is lovely and comfortable with a luxurious feel, wonderfully friendly and helpful staff and delicious food! We got up early to do game drives every day with Freedom, the most fantastic, highly experienced guide, and despite it being very cold first thing in the morning (minus 3 degrees Celsius with frost on the ground) the sun was always shining and the setting is spectacularly beautiful and peaceful. We could not fault the place and cannot recommend it highly enough ❤️ Read less