Black Rhino Game Lodge

Pilanesberg, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

It may feel a million miles from anywhere, sitting at the foot of an old volcanic crater and hidden among Tamboti trees, but this Pilanesberg National Park pad is actually just a few hours’ drive from Jo’burg and 33km from the fun of Sun City. Its location makes it the ideal lodge for families, first-time safari seekers, and those wanting to mix game drives with Sun City’s attractions. Its handy setting doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the safari experience though, with this malaria-free game reserve home to the famous Big Five and other photo album-favourites, and Black Rhino Game Lodge overlooking a popular wildlife-attracting waterhole.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant

Where is it

On the western side of the malaria-free, 'Big Five' Pilanesberg National Park of South Africa's North West Province.

Hotel information

23 suites. All with a private patio, air-conditioning, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, and an open plan bathroom with a closed toilet, separate bath and shower, as well as an outdoor shower in the majority of suites. Luxury Suites feature either 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children (under the age of 12 years).

Full Board includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Twice daily game-drives.

Please note: Transfers, beverages and conservation fees are payable directly at the lodge on departure.

Restaurant with open plan lounge and dining areas. Bar. Boma area.

3 plunge pools. Viewing deck. Daily game-drives. Guided bush walks*. Bird watching. In-room spa treatments*.

Laundry service*. Babysitting service*.

Conservation fees (currently R 121.00 per person per night, and R 71.00 per child 4-11 years per night) are payable directly at the lodge on departure. Subject to increase in 2021/2022 without prior notification.

* Denotes local charge. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (438)
  • Very good (180)
  • Average (39)
  • Poor (23)
  • Terrible (14)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Safari adventures

Apr 14, 2024 Wendy N

We have spent a fantastic 4 days at Black Rhino Game Lodge. What an amazing experience and place to stay, fabulous staff, delicious food and the most amazing rangers. Dolfie our ranger was so knowledgeable, great fun with our children and really went out of his way to give us the best experience in the game reserve. We learned so much about all… Read more
We have spent a fantastic 4 days at Black Rhino Game Lodge. What an amazing experience and place to stay, fabulous staff, delicious food and the most amazing rangers. Dolfie our ranger was so knowledgeable, great fun with our children and really went out of his way to give us the best experience in the game reserve. We learned so much about all types of wildlife, saw 4 of the big 5, watched dung beatles roll their dung ball, saw Rhino, leopard, elephants, lion's, hippopotamus, crocodile, giraffe, water hogg, monkeys, baboons and so many amazing birds. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Freedom is a top ranger!

Apr 10, 2024 emmacN5129WJ Derby, United Kingdom

What an amazing experience! Our group were taken on safari by Freedom who is simply brilliant! He consistently went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. His enthusiasm and expertise were outstanding. We were often first out and last back to the lodge. We had spectacular views of many, many animal including the elusive leopard! We… Read more
What an amazing experience! Our group were taken on safari by Freedom who is simply brilliant! He consistently went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. His enthusiasm and expertise were outstanding. We were often first out and last back to the lodge. We had spectacular views of many, many animal including the elusive leopard! We travelled as a large group of multiple families and this location and setting with big rooms, pools for the kids and great food was perfect. A holiday of a lifetime! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A must visit, Dolphi deserves a special mention!

Mar 14, 2024 Exploration608967

As a couple we’ve been to many many game reserves and experienced lots of game drives. Black Rhino as a whole was fantastic and would definitely come back. The game at Black Rhino is fantastic and the staff very attentive. We have to give a special mention to Dolphi, a hugely knowledgeable, charismatic yet professional guide. We would certainly… Read more
As a couple we’ve been to many many game reserves and experienced lots of game drives. Black Rhino as a whole was fantastic and would definitely come back. The game at Black Rhino is fantastic and the staff very attentive. We have to give a special mention to Dolphi, a hugely knowledgeable, charismatic yet professional guide. We would certainly like to be paired with him again. Thanks and see you again soon, Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best wedding a bride could ask for

Mar 12, 2024 Andrea v

We had the absolute pleasure of hosting our wedding at Black Rhino on 9 March 2024. Most of our guests had travelled from overseas and we couldn't have asked for a more incredible African experience. The Lodge was amazing, unbelievably accommodating and nothing we asked for was too much. They went over and above with everything, even providing… Read more
We had the absolute pleasure of hosting our wedding at Black Rhino on 9 March 2024. Most of our guests had travelled from overseas and we couldn't have asked for a more incredible African experience. The Lodge was amazing, unbelievably accommodating and nothing we asked for was too much. They went over and above with everything, even providing unique extras to ensure our wedding was truly memorable. Every single staff member is invested in every guest having the best time. No request was too big or too crazy and by the time we left, we all felt as though we were with family. I will likely forget someone but I had to mention the following who made our stay so magical: - Johan, Santie, Dolphy, Rassie, Johannes, Pronia (for attending to our every need and going above and beyond every day) - Dolphy and Rassie (for their informative and entertaining game drives - and for going the extra mile to support our wedding ceremony and photographs) - Latoya, Daniel, Cornelius, Kepano, Regina, Levy, Mapula (for ensuring every guest was comfortable and looked after, no matter the time of day or night) - Josias, Charles, Oageng (for their beautiful cocktails and friendly service). - Last, but most definitely not the least: Raymond and Frank, possibly the best chefs we've experienced in the bush - our guests could not stop talking about the food and our vegan guests were amazed at the delicious options provided throughout their stay. I was blown away by the cake baked especially for my daughter's birthday and the special birthday song from all the staff was the highlight of her trip. We will never forget this holiday - thank you Black Rhino for everything you did for us! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating South Africa at its most beautiful

Mar 12, 2024 L D

I visited for 4 nights to celebrate a wedding. Everything from the accommodation to the food was fantastic. The staff are amazing and catered for my dietary requirements ( Vegan) perfectly. The early morning and evening games drives were a highlight. Our guide Dolf was incredibly knowledgeable and we saw so many amazing animals and birds. It’s a… Read more
I visited for 4 nights to celebrate a wedding. Everything from the accommodation to the food was fantastic. The staff are amazing and catered for my dietary requirements ( Vegan) perfectly. The early morning and evening games drives were a highlight. Our guide Dolf was incredibly knowledgeable and we saw so many amazing animals and birds. It’s a perfect place for a group gathering Read less