Strictly speaking Black Rhino Game Lodge is not actually in the Pilanesberg National Park at all – it actually lies within a small private reserve which abuts onto the north-western section of the main park - but given that there are no fences in place, to all intents and purposes it is part of the main Pilanesberg reserve. It does however have some significant advantages in that no public traffic is allowed in this section so you enjoy a far more exclusive and genuine experience than driving through the southern section of the park along with throngs of tourists in their private vehicles.

The lodge is a hidden treasure set amongst the trees of an old tamboti forest within the Black Rhino Private Game Reserve and overlooks a busy waterhole which is a hive of bird and animal activity, especially elephant! The lodge boasts 23 suites (including 4 Luxury Suites) which are all free-standing and quite spacious and decently appointed whilst reflecting the quite traditional architectural style and décor that prevailed at the time it was being built. The lodge is actually divided into 2 sections with 14 suites at the main lodge whilst there is also a satellite camp about 700 metres away which also offers its own pool and central lounge area – this way the lodge is usually able to separate the families with kids from the couples who will no doubt appreciate the extra peace and quiet that results!

The comfortable Suites are quite elegant and minimalist with high thatched roofs sporting exposed timber beams and high eaves windows to allow extra light in. They’re also nice and spacious with a lounge area and to ward off the summer heat that’s usual in the Pilanesberg, the suites come equipped with an air conditioner - you also have a private deck that opens out into the bush.  The bathrooms also open out onto their own totally private outside showers which we always find to be a big favourite amongst guests! The Luxury Suites differ from the normal Suites in that they also have private plunge pools/jacuzzis and more attractive and modern tiles in the bathrooms.

In terms of the main lodge public area, the star of the show is the new rim-flow swimming pool which has been built literally on the edge of the busy watering hole, offering stunning close-up views of drinking animals whilst you relax on your lounger or whilst having a dip yourself! An unusual feature is the seating arranged in the shallow part of the pool, so you can sip a cocktail from the adjacent bar with your foot immersed in the blissfully cooling water!

As far as the game is concerned, the Pilanesberg has developed into one of the most exciting parks in South Africa – incorporating an ancient volcanic crater of some 1200 million-years old, with the Mankwe Lake in the centre, the circular bowl was recognised back in the 70’s as being the perfect situation for a national park with its tall sides creating natural boundaries and its ideal location being relatively close by to the major cities and of course, being basically around the corner from Sun City. Operation Genesis was launched in 1979 to rehabilitate the land (which had been used for farming) and re-stock it with game. The Black Rhino reserve's lower lying sweet veld vegetation complements the Pilanesberg's predominantly mixed sour veld which is positioned between the Kalahari and Lowveld - this mix of habitats results in a wide variety of game species and sightings of the Big Five are very common, as well as rarer species such as Roan, Tsessebe and Sable antelope. The landscape too is an alluring combination of rolling hills, tumbled mountains, graceful valleys, grassland plains covered with pristine bushveld and tamboti forests.

Once you are awakened with a hot cup of coffee, your host game ranger will take you out on your morning game drive in open 4x4 vehicles, taking you through Black Rhino Reserve and further into the Pilanesberg reserve as a traversing agreement exists with the main park - the best part of this reserve is that, unlike the Pilanesberg, it's private and no vehicles except for those of the resident lodges are allowed to drive within this reserve so you don't have to share this beauty with the public! Each drive will be different and a new experience with amazing sightings of a variety of predators, herds of elephant, black and white rhino, antelope and much, much more – all often seen at close range as they are not generally skittish.

And of course with Sun City just 30 kilometres away, if you fancy enjoying a round of golf or some of the resort’s other facilities then Black Rhino is a convenient way of giving you the best of both worlds! Otherwise why not treat yourself to a couple's massage at the attractive new lodge Spa!