2 Day Black Rhino Safari Lodge

2 day luxury safari from Johannesburg

If luxury, wild animals and a private Pilanesberg safari is what you are looking for, you will find all three in abundance at the Black Rhino Safari Lodge. Situated on the Western edge of the Pilanesberg National park, a mere 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg, this luxury game lodge is the perfect getaway for travellers looking for something a little more indulgent and unique.

The birth of the luxury safari in South Africa

The term luxury safari was basically born in the 1920’s when well-heeled Europeans (mainly the British) made their way to South Africa to see (and sometimes hunt) the remarkable wildlife. Of course, being a National Park, hunting in the Pilanesberg is banned.  Reflecting the excess of the Roaring Twenties and explosion of wealth in the gold industry of Johannesburg, people travelled in style. The order of the day was tented camps outfitted with satin sheets and silver servings, gramophones and gourmet food.

Oh yes, and don’t forget the endless supply of the Gin and tonics. To keep the mosquitoes away of course. Luxury safaris like the ones to the Black Rhino Game Lodge continue in the present day. They may have done away with the tents and rusty gramophones, but the décor of the lodge is exquisite and leads the way in terms of what a luxury safari in the Pilanesberg is all about.

With safaris being led by legendary rangers of the day, South Africa fast became the wildlife capital of the world. Two of the main national parks set the bar higher than anywhere else in South Africa. These were the mighty Kruger Park followed by the Pilanesberg. These parks showcase some of Africa’s top animal, plant and bird species. These include the Big 5.

Where is the Black Rhino Lodge situated?

The lodge is situated on the Western edge of the Pilanesberg National Park. The distance from Johannesburg is about 140km (depending on the location of your hotel) and takes about 2 hours to drive there. Fun fact-The Pilanesberg is renowned as one of South Africa’s most exiting Big 5 eco-tourism destinations. Partly because it is ‘malaria-free’, unlike the Kruger park.

The park is also home to an abundance of other wildlife from zebra, impala, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo, warthog and a host of other antelope, bird and plant species. As for the scenery? Absolutely mind-blowing. You will be treated to typical South African bush settings that range from savannah to the ecologically rich transition zone between Kalahari and Lowveld.

About the Black Rhino Game Lodge 2 day luxury safari from Johannesburg

This private game lodge offers one of the Pilanesberg’s most exclusive safari experiences. In addition to the luxury 65 square meter ensuite rooms, all of which offer jaw-breaking views across the plains of the Pilanesberg, the lodge also has a beautiful pool area, lounge and patio where travellers can enjoy their downtime between the game drives. The Black Rhino lodge has been passionately created within a forest of Tamboti trees at the foot of an extinct volcano crater.

The lodge includes 23 spacious and luxurious suites which ensure our clients get comfort and style. Each suite is air-conditioned and offers a television (not sure why you would want that on a safari), a coffee station, expansive bathrooms which includes an outside shower. How cool is that? We bet the well-heeled safari seekers of the 1920s didn’t have that. The lodge also includes private wildlife game viewing decks. An excellent spot to just unwind and take in the tranquillity and birds of the Pilanesberg.

The Black Rhino Lodge overlooks a watering hole favoured by many of the wild animals. Some of the frequent visitors include elephants and African Buffalo. (also known as the ‘ghosts of the Pilanesberg’) The lounge has been designed as an open plan concept that spills over into shady timber decks which offer guests a nice spot to observe the wildlife accompanied with the legendary drink of safari lovers the world over-an ice cold Gin and Tonic old chap. And of course, what would a safari be without dinner under the stars, a roaring bushveld fire and incredible hosts.

The game drive experience

Enjoy 2 open-air game drives with our passionate rangers. The drives last about 3 hours. The first drive is done in the late afternoon/evening. The second drive is done early in the morning. Both times are perfect for seeing the animals as we avoid the intense heat of the day. It is also the best time to see a lot the nocturnal animals which include the lions, hyenas and owls.