s/n Pilanesberg National Park, North West Province, 0001 Pilanesberg, South Africa
#9 of 12 hotels in Pilanesberg
Guests' ChoiceBased on 932 hotel reviews
8.6Cleanliness
9.2
Comfort
9.1
Location
9.0
Facilities
8.7
Staff
9.4
Value for money
8.4
Free WiFi
7.1
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 16 July 2024
Delia
QatarThere's actually nothing that I can point to that disappointed me
The staff were, without exception, fantastic and managed to provide efficient, thoughtful and cheerful service without smothering the guests. They went out of their way to ensure we had a wonderful experience, and took care of many minor details in an effortless manner. The rooms were well furnished, spotless and regularly serviced. The food was plentiful and cooked perfectly, with a strong South African theme. Game drives were very professionally and competently run and in the course of our 5 days stay we got to see most of the Big Five, and many other large and small animals.
Stayed in July 2024
Reviewed: 15 July 2024
Samantha
United KingdomThe only thing that wasn’t great was the distance from the Reserve. I feel longer was needed on the drive to actually get to the reserve enjoy and get back.
I loved every thing about this lodge.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 13 July 2024
Rahul
United Arab EmiratesGame drives in winter mornings could be Arranged in covered vehicles instead of open jeeps. It can get very cold, even though additional blankets are provided. It takes a 60-80 minutes drive to the forest reserve area where guests can
Well maintained lodge. Quality of meals. Helpful staff. Rangers tried their best to enable a good viewing experience for the guests. The entire team is well organised and co-ordinated. It’s a lodge with cabins spread out over a large area - hence it could take up to 5 minutes walk to get to your cabin … guests should not expect hotel like facilities.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 10 July 2024
Piérre
GermanyThe lodge is admittedly rather far away from the area in the Pilanesberg reserve where most of the animals are. As such quite a bit of time is spent “commuting” between the game viewing area and the lodge.
Beautiful lodge; facilities are well maintained; our rooms were very spacious with an outdoor shower and patio; rooms are tastefully decorated and are comfortable; watering hole in front of the main building; dining area has a safari feel and the food was fantastic- a lot of local food, such as braised lamb neck, ox tail and ostrich steaks; staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful; our guide for our game drives was very knowledgeable and found the right balance between keeping us informed and still allowing us to just enjoy being out in the bush. We were very fortunate to see lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cheetah on one game drive. Thanks to Freedom for bringing such an amazing guide!
Stayed in July 2024
Reviewed: 9 July 2024
Gwyneth
MalaysiaBeautiful and rooms were spacious
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 8 July 2024
Johanna
United Arab EmiratesWould have loved some slippers.
The staff were amazingly friendly and helpful. Clean fasilities and our gamedriver Grant knowledgeable.
Stayed in July 2024
Reviewed: 19 June 2024
Elsbeth
MozambiqueNothing
Great location in private concession next to Pilanesberg Park - rangers were very well informed, engaged and enthusiastic about their ‘office’: this really adds to the experience…
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 8 June 2024
Maria
United KingdomThe property is stunning, rooms are huge and in great condition and all have access to a pool. The main house looks out onto the watering hole and so we often had incredible viewings of animals at breakfast and afternoon tea. The staff were really what made our stay; our ranger Dolfie was so knowledgeable and really went out of his way to make our game drives informing and entertaining. The reception team were friendly and had a great sense of humour. All of the team in the restaurant/bar are truly top-notch and went above and beyond - specifically for our grandparents and my husband’s 30th birthday. The property is brilliantly located in the private Black Rhino Game Reserve which you explore during evening game drives, and on the Pilanesberg National Park which you explore on the morning game drives. I cannot wait to come back and would recommend everyone reading this to book!
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 6 June 2024
Abi
South AfricaNothing
Loved that we had the same ranger for each drive. It made the experience that more enjoyable and intimate
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 5 June 2024
Stuart
United KingdomAbsolutely nothing, we loved every minute of it, I would say maybe avoid May and June as the temperature drops below zero degrees in the morning so if you do intend to travel then wrap up warm for the cold mornings
The whole experience was out of this world, we wanted a bit of escapism from the real world and now we don't want to go back. Sitting enjoying a final coffee over looking the watering hole. Be prepared for early starts as morning drive is 5.30am but its well worth it, our driver Steven was so knowledgeable and passionate about animals we loved the whole experience. A la carte dining is amazing and can't say enough about all the staff they make you feel so welcome. My wife's 50th birthday too place whilst we were here and they made it so memorable for her. We will definitely be back
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 3 June 2024
Naledi
South AfricaLocation, the food was exceptionally amazing, enjoyed every meal. The game drive was amazing, we got see most of the big five. The guide, Dolfie, was very informative and funny. I will definitely be back
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 19 May 2024
Lucky
South AfricaNothing
Everything
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 13 May 2024
Peeps1959
South AfricaNothing
Excellent lodge and surroundings, knowledgeable game drivers and wonderful staff
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 28 April 2024
Bradley
South AfricaThe dinner comprised a very limited selection and was not what I would have expected in terms of quality given the cost of accommodation.
The rooms are spacious and well furnished. The staff are friendly and extremely helpful. The Ranger allocated to us was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 24 April 2024
Brendan
United KingdomThey could probably do with some facilities to engage people during downtime (there are pools and board games, and I'm usually happy to pass the time reading a book anyway). Even just a pool table by the bar or something
The staff were fantastic - everyone was very friendly and helpful. The location is beautiful and peaceful. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped. Pilanesberg is a great park to see a lot of animals in a small space/time, and the scenery is particularly beautiful. The food was fantastic and the dinner setting was really special
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 23 April 2024
Lauren
AustraliaWish we could have stayed longer.
So close to so many wild animals. Lovely sleeping quarters. Friendly staff. Delicious meals. Fantastic game drives with exceptional guide, Dolphy who is extremely knowledgeable about all things wildlife.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 18 April 2024
Bandile
South AfricaThe reception number didn’t always go through in the evening.
The game drives and the breakfast and dinners were excellent.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 17 April 2024
Tnoz
Thailandthe hotel forgot to provide complimentary water in the rooms, and we did not see as many animals as we had hoped for on our game drive.
The rooms are well-appointed and come with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. The food is delicious and varied, and the staff are friendly and attentive. I highly recommend taking a game drive with the hotel's guide, who is knowledgeable, humorous, and goes above and beyond to ensure you see and get great photos of the animals. On our game drive, we were fortunate enough to spot 3 of the Big 5: lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 14 April 2024
Helen
United KingdomSuperb food and service, lovely location
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 12 April 2024
Alex
United KingdomThe pools are not really something you would want to use. They're very small and not for swimming, more for having a dip to cool off, but than, no-one goes to a game reserve to lounge around a swanky pool.
Had an amazing stay at Black Rhino. The staff were superb, particularly reception staff who were very welcoming. I was there only for 2 nights and managed to have 4 game drives - 2 afternoons and 2 morning drives and the guides were excellent. I was with Grant for 2 and Stephen for 2 and both had infectious passion for what they were doing. Also in terms of sightings, I couldn't have asked for better - luck was on our side and we saw so much, including some really rare animals. The lodge itself is such a great location - the private reserve of Black Rhino is a real bonus as it is full of wildlife, while the larger park area is stunning and also really rich. The watering hole at the lodge is a huge bonus, lots of wildlife using it meaning unexpected visits by at times herds of elephants, baboons, and zebra - which is just what I saw in my short time there and only in-between game drives. The room/suite I had was great - really comfortable and large, with a decent size bathroom and outdoor shower as an option (also one indoors) but I agree with some of the reviews that the accommodation is a bit tired and could do with a refres. However, I think that is reflected in the price when compared to other 'luxury' lodges. Food was generally good, usually a buffet with a wide selection. Lunch was much lighter - more finger-buffet type food and so a bit less interesting, but adequate considering the pace of the day and that after the early starts for the morning drives you probably are more focused on relaxing than eating a full meal.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 11 April 2024
Emma
United KingdomShower in lodge 3 overflows when used. Jacuzzi in lodge 2 was not working.
Absolutely amazing holiday - Freedom our ranger consistently went above and beyond to ensure we had the best time! We were often first out and last back. He was extremely knowledgeable and skilled. We saw loads and learned loads. The food was excellent and rooms huge. All the staff were really helpful and welcoming. Would highly recommend!
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 29 March 2024
Yda
AustraliaThe game drives by Rassie were outstanding!
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 24 March 2024
Dominic
United KingdomClean, service and all round welcome / hospitality
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 23 March 2024
Kelly
United KingdomThere was nothing we did not like
Very friendly staff.the great safari guide and excellent food.
Stayed in March 2024
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