Home Away From Home
Buffalo Thorn Lodge
OUR STORY
Buffalo Thorn Lodge, located in the Black Rhino Game Reserve within Pilanesberg National Park, offers a luxurious escape just 30 kilometers from Sun City and 3 hours from Johannesburg in a malaria-free region.
The lodge features five self-catering chalets for up to ten guests, ensuring exclusive tranquility amidst nature.
Key amenities include:
- A main entertainment area with dining, lounges, and a fully equipped kitchen.
- An outdoor boma for relaxing around a fire.
- Morning and afternoon safaris to explore the African bush and view wildlife.
- Options for poolside lounging or enjoying the jacuzzi while observing nearby animals.
- Rates include game drives, conservation fees, daily lodge service, and tea and coffee in rooms, making an affordable luxury safari experience.
ABOUT BLACK RHINO RESERVE OUR AWARDS
THE ORIGIN OF OUR NAME
The Significance of the Buffalo Thorn Tree
Buffalo Thorn Lodge is named after the Buffalo Thorn tree (Ziziphus Mucronata), known in Afrikaans as ‘Blinkblaar Wag-‘n-Bietjie’ for its shiny leaves and hooked thorns that can ensnare passersby.
This tree has various cultural uses, such as making beer from its fruit and rumored aphrodisiac properties from its leaves. Some cultures believe it is safe from lightning, while the Zulu regard its thorns as protective for graves.
Exploring the Black Rhino Reserve
The Black Rhino Reserve is part of the expansive Pilanesberg National Park, which covers about 57,000 hectares. The reserve itself spans nearly 2,000 hectares.
The aim is to create a “Heritage Park” by connecting it with Madikwe Game Reserve, resulting in a combined area of around 300,000 hectares.
Thrilling Wildlife Adventures
Visitors from Buffalo Thorn Lodge can explore the park in open game-drive vehicles, offering close-up views of the Big Five and numerous endangered species.
The reserve features sweetveld vegetation, dominated by Tamboti trees, and sits in a transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, supporting diverse wildlife including 50 mammal species, 354 bird species, and various reptiles and amphibians.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The area experiences a rainy season from November to March, with temperatures ranging from 79-86°F (26-30°C). The dry season, from April to September, features cooler days and nights, making it ideal for game viewing as the foliage decreases.
THE SUITES
SELF-CATERING LUXURY AT ITS FINEST
Each bedroom or chalet is a stand-alone unit.
Spanning 70 square meters, these bedrooms come with en-suite bathrooms and feature their own lounge and private deck, complete with sun chairs to unwind while enjoying views of the African bush. The units are equipped with a king-size bed (or two singles if preferred), a jacuzzi bath, and both indoor and outdoor showers.
The units are organized as follows:
2 FAMILY UNITS
One king-size bed (or two singles) plus a loft with two single beds for children
3 DOUBLE UNITS
One king-size bed (or two singles)
CAMPING COTS
Available upon request
Buffalo Thorn Lodge accommodates a maximum of 10 guests, including children of all ages.
AMENITIES
EACH SUITE INCLUDES
- King-sized bed
- Minibar fridge in each room and filter coffee facilities
- In-room, jet spa bath
- Outside & 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
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
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Facilities
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.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
- Child-friendly swimming pool
- Heated jacuzzi with a view
- Bar with fridge and ice machine
- Dining area
- Open fire barbecue
- Modern gas barbecue
- 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
- Wifi hotspot
KITCHEN
(FULLY EQUIPPED)
- 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
SUITES
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Bar fridge
- All linen (bath and swimming towels)
- Electronic safe
- Air conditioning and fan
- Lounge area
- Loungers on a private deck
- Hairdryers
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