Black Rhino Game Lodge

Sun City, North West Province

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 (479)
  • Very good (188)
  • Average (40)
  • Poor (24)
  • Terrible (15)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Pilanesburg Lodge

Jan 15, 2025 smcmee894341

We had a lovely 4 night visit to this lodge. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food was great and the quantity was just right. The rooms we had were spacious and comfortable. We would definitely go back there.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Bugs and more Bugs in Room

Jan 13, 2025 K2ZTravel_owner

A client of mine recently had an incredibly disappointing experience at Black Rhino Lodge in December 2024, staying in Lodge #1. What should have been a luxurious and memorable visit turned into a nightmare due to unacceptable room conditions and an alarming lack of response from management. Upon arrival, my clients discovered the room was… Read more
A client of mine recently had an incredibly disappointing experience at Black Rhino Lodge in December 2024, staying in Lodge #1. What should have been a luxurious and memorable visit turned into a nightmare due to unacceptable room conditions and an alarming lack of response from management. Upon arrival, my clients discovered the room was infested with bugs—crawling everywhere, including in the bed. This level of neglect is simply inexcusable for a property that markets itself as a premium destination. Management attempted to address the issue by recleaning and exterminating the room on the first night, but the problem persisted. To make matters worse, my client experienced the horror of a bug crawling on her while she was in bed. Despite repeated efforts to escalate this issue, including providing detailed documentation such as photos and videos, management has yet to respond or offer any resolution. The complete silence from Black Rhino Lodge's leadership is not only unprofessional but also a blatant disregard for their guests' comfort and well-being. Travelers should be aware of the serious issues at this property. Black Rhino Lodge’s failure to address such a significant complaint leaves much to be desired in terms of guest service and accountability. I cannot recommend this property to anyone until management demonstrates a commitment to maintaining basic standards and addressing legitimate guest concerns promptly and professionally. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable safari trip

Jan 7, 2025 aleksikristian

The Black Rhino was excellent choice for a safari trip. We stayed for 4 nights and felt warmly welcomed all the time. Food was excellent and the staff was helpful and professional. Our ranger Clifford was just amazing. His passion and respect for the nature and the animals was amazing. He told us tons of facts and listened to our wishes but still… Read more
The Black Rhino was excellent choice for a safari trip. We stayed for 4 nights and felt warmly welcomed all the time. Food was excellent and the staff was helpful and professional. Our ranger Clifford was just amazing. His passion and respect for the nature and the animals was amazing. He told us tons of facts and listened to our wishes but still went on with his gut and intuition and provided us some gorgeous sightings with the animals. Just an unforgettable trip! Thank you! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful stay friendly staff

Jan 2, 2025 mvande646234

We had a wonderful time and have to say all of the team without exception are amazing so attentive, helpful and above all happy it is so obvious how they all get on and enjoy their job. They are a credit and creative a great atmosphere. The food was delicious and the team certainly made my husband feel very special on his birthday. Marryon… Read more
We had a wonderful time and have to say all of the team without exception are amazing so attentive, helpful and above all happy it is so obvious how they all get on and enjoy their job. They are a credit and creative a great atmosphere. The food was delicious and the team certainly made my husband feel very special on his birthday. Marryon (hope I spelt that right!) was a great ranger and found some wonderful sightings for us. Thank you for a great stay Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unfortunately not what we expected.

Dec 31, 2024 rcleme723745

I don't wanna drag the lodge into the dirt, but we were kinda disappointed of the overall experience. The food, the property, the drinks/snacks during the game drives were all not anywhere close to what you'd expect when booking a $400+ accommodation. Yes, the game drives were included the entire staff was very friendly, the property is pretty… Read more
I don't wanna drag the lodge into the dirt, but we were kinda disappointed of the overall experience. The food, the property, the drinks/snacks during the game drives were all not anywhere close to what you'd expect when booking a $400+ accommodation. Yes, the game drives were included the entire staff was very friendly, the property is pretty okay and the rooms decent, but again, we simply expected more - especially in South Africa where even top hotels cost max. $100-150. $250-300 for all that a lodge provides on top of a normal hotel stay is way beyond what would be appropriate. Please improve walkways, pools, afternoon tea, breakfast/dinner selection of foods, this is not enough. Greetings! Read less