Name: Black Rhino Game Lodge
Address: Pilanesberg National Park, n/a, Sun City- Madikwe, 2128, ZA

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Deborah

Lovely lodge but the rooms are a bit tired and the housekeeping team could do with improving the amenities in the rooms as well as the turn down service which is currently messy and inconsistent. The main lodge staff, including servers, front desk, and chefs were all welcoming, friendly and helpful. Food was always fresh and delicious. Changing high tea to a lunch would be a good move in my opinion. Highlight of the trip was the Guide Cameron who went out of his way to give everyone on his vehicle an excellent and memorable safari experience. His sense of humour, knowledge, care for his guests was above and beyond expectation. He also had an obvious passion for the location and lodge. Overall a great experience - including the Elephants drinking out the pool!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Kerri

The food was great. Staff friendly and room beautiful

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

David-Ross

What an amazing experience. The lodge is beautiful-including great upgrades such as an infinity pool and wellness spa all nestled in a picture perfect bushveld setting.
Every single member of staff were incredible. They were so friendly and helpful, always wanting to ensure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. We thank them for all that they did for us.
And special thanks to Dolfi our guide who took us around the reserve on our game drives. His energy and passion made every second special. Not only did we see such amazing animals, but Dolfi also took time to share in the conservation efforts and the spectacular plants and wildlife. His knowledge is fascinating and compassion for his guests and ensuring their enjoyment was refreshing.
Thank you Black Rhino Lodge!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Kris

Lovely lodge with friendly staff and inside the reserve meaning travel time to see wildlife is limited.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2024

Susanna

Awesome place!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2024

Gerry

Wonderful experience with the afternoon safari

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2024

Michael

Amazing location. Sat watching elephants bathing while eating breakfast.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Nov 2023

Julian

Had a great stay here, very attentive staff, although reception administration could use a little training. Cabins were wonderful, large and full of character. Game drivers do their best to find animals but there are no guarantees . Remember you’re in the middle of the African bush, wi-fi is spotty and the power goes out briefly, don’t be a baby!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2023

Charles

Phillip was the best driver for the safari. Excellent and attentive staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2023

Joel

The staff and driver were superb. Did not see many animals on the game park drive.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2023

Mike

Game drives excellent. Kids saw 4 of the big five

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2022

Jennifer

Great stay at Black Rhino

Awesome stay at Black Rhino. Staff were attentive. Meals were scrumptious and we were never bored.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

29 Dec 2022

jean claude

Medium

Great rooms renovated .
But ivetall poor serbice and very basic food
Not worth the cost. Mayn better lodges around

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2022

Selma

The game drives were excellent the guide was wonderful knowledgeable and quite friendly. However the wifi was spotty and only available in the bar

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

16 Oct 2022

Tsvi

Very disappointing

The temperature was 37 C (100F) the air-condition in my unit was broken. I wasn't told about that and the management expected me to stay in the room because \"this is Africa\". I had to raise a hell so that they found a room for me in a nearby Lodge. But schlepping around from one Lodge to the other destroyed my one day visit. Additionally the two safari trips were disappointing. The guide gave the impression that all he is interested in is to pass the time and if we don't see animals - never mind.

Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Dec 2021

Tanja

Mmm.

Though fine, the room did nòt match the photos provided. Pillows were horrible - well past their prime.
Food was quite good.
First time in my entire life I had to pay for drinks on a game-drive.
The lodge has small things it can improve on that will make a huge overall difference.
Most staff were excellent.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2021

Frans

Great experience.

Excellent service from all staff. Knowledgeable game ranger. Comfortable accommodation, privacy. A worthwhile experience.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2021

Gordon

Wonderful - with one small suggestion!

This place is all about the game drives. That's why do you go here. And these are excellent! The vehicles are well maintained, comfortable, and arranges a knowledgeable and friendly. Back at the hotel the staff are friendly and accommodating. The hotel overall is comfortably luxurious. The type of place where you wouldn't feel out of place just relaxing with a good book and a cocktail.

My only suggestion for improvement and this is not a complaint, is that the level of table service could be improved. The waiting staff sometimes appeared a little confused as to which tables to serve over whether or not the table had ordered food. In the same vein, the wait for cocktails or cappuccinos was quite long. However, it's not as if we were rushing out to do anything else! And the place we were waiting was absolutely beautiful.

And having said all that, without any prompting or encouragement from me, the staff went out of their way to ensure my wife's birthday was memorable!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

The lodge is excellent. However, the park is short of animals to view. A nic elephant herd if you are lucky and good Rhinos but otherwise skimpy viewing.

Business

8/10

Excellent

07 Sep 2020

jean claude

Great room, great game drive,
Location far from pilanesberg park
Average food

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2020

Claes

Returned for Our 2nd stay at this great game reserve in last 3 years... as always great friendly and attentative service. Game drives excellent with very knowledgable guides.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jan 2020

kurt

Great Game viewing experience but...

Had 4 nights and whilest we didnt see big 5 (no buffalo or Leopard), we had some great game viewing experiences.

Nice 'service' from friendly staff at restaurant, but food quality and variety was the worst ive had in some 20 visits to game reserves...

Convenient location, but lack of food quality will stop me from returning

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

From the moment that we arrived we had not one complaint, Jason was our guide and he was friendly, knowledgeable and a fantastic asset to Black Rhino.
The food and wait staff treated you like family.
Would recommend that you stay longer than 2 nights as most do, we stayed 5 nights and we were able to see 4 of the big 5.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Black Rhino is an excellent choice if you are looking for a wildlife rich environment within an easy drive of Johannesburg. With its own gate and low visitor numbers in this private concession the experience is personal and high quality. The main lodge is well planned and offers a range of spaces to relax and appreciate the opportunities to spot the locals as they wander past the waterhole. The accommodation is high quality and very comfortable, food surprisingly good and staff service efficient and well co-ordinated.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Staff are very friendly , rooms are spacious and welcoming

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

This was the most wonderful place that we have ever stayed at. Everyone was fantastic

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2019

ulrike

Very disappointing!

We felt initially very welcome and loved our room.
Due to rain we missed out on 1 of 2 safari drives.
And once we got back from dinner we had a horror experience, the room was infested with termites even all doors and windows were shut.
Of course they moved us to another room ( very late at night) .
Next morning we expected an apology .
Even upon check out still charged 750 aud !
No compensation! We felt their hospitality lived up to what we paid. Maybe Hotel. Com can help us here.
I have the photos to prove it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2018

Ben

Amazing lodge and safari experience! 2 game drives a day can be tiring but with an enthusiastic guide like Marcus, every second is a joy

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

The service staff was amazing. Had I gone just to relax it would have been an excellent place to stay. However, I was disappointed with the two daily safari trips we went on for we saw very few animals. the Park recently had a huge fire and i believe the animals must have left or perished.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2018

Alistair

Fabulous Experience.

Couldn't fault this Lodge....had a brilliant time there! Staff very helpful, welcoming and friendly. Spotlessly clean and well organised in all respects. Loved it!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2017

Monali

Great staff!

Staff was amazing! Enjoyed our stay!!!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2017

Manda

Very nice lodge

This was our 3rd time to Pilansburg, but 1st at Black Rhino. The facilities were great, the only minor downside is that that area of the reserve doesn't have too many animals during their winter due to lower water areas. That being said, we did see cheetah and wild dogs, which is rarer to see. Just not many of the other varieties of animals. We weren't disappointed, because the morning of our check in we did our own self drive in the souther portion of the park and saw plenty! Overall a great place to stay and would stay again.

2/10

Poor

13 Mar 2017

peteD60

Production line game experience

Stayed in Suite No 1 - spacious but lacking character - food indifferent especially BBQ dinner - breakfast buffet not replenished - problem with toilet being connected to hot water system - new definition of hot flush - indiffferent response from hotel - guide on game drives - poor - always looking for Big 5 experience - the scenery is spectacular but no stops to take in views or explain different terrain and habitats - had to pay extra for sundowners - all game drives have to keep to tracks - sightings are hit or miss and depend on whether the animals are near or far - hotel enforces the 11.00 checkout even though game drives might run over - this Lodge is tailored for the tours and therefore always needs to find the Game to satisfy customers - if that is what you want then Black Rhino is for you - if not go to Rhulani in Madikwe for off road game drives and animal encounters

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2017

Markos

Good lodge

Great lodge

Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2016

Neisha

Beautiful Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park

Black Rhino is located in Pilanesberg Park. It's a beautiful lodge with a great and friendly staff. You'll be served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There was a variety of food from day to day... Given the destination you will find a bug or two in your room. We took two game drives a day, one at dawn and and the other right in the late afternoon.

4/10

Poor

01 Nov 2016

benedicte

Nice but not great, average value for the price.

The room was nice but we booked as a family and had to request the kids beds upon arrival. Useless stress as it wasn't done upon the return from the game drive.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2016

Ruth

Beautiful safari lodge

We had a lovely stay here...beautiful accommodation, friendly staff and amazing animals!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Aug 2016

lynn

The staff at Black Rhino are fantastic. I was disappointed with the game drive as we had people on board who spoke the whole time - I felt that the game ranger should have managed things better so that we could take in the beautiful surroundings and animals without this constant noise.

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jun 2016

HILTON

A PLEASANT RELAXING WEEKEND

THE FOOD AT THE LODGE COULD BE IMPROVED.
EG. NO FILTER COFFEE, JUST INSTANT.
NO CHEESE AND BISCUITS AFTER MEAL.
NO MUCH VARIETY OF FOODS AVAILABLE

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2016

Michelle

Brilliant Lodge

Black Rhino is a superb lodge, unfortunately the wifi does not work in the room so you will need to sit in the restaurant to use the wifi, however with the views from your bedroom you won't need wifi

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2016

Derek

Great hospitality

Great food, very friendly and helpful staff. Spacious and comfortable room with nice patio space. Little to do for under fives in the camp but the staff were great with our daughter.

Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Nov 2015

teo

As expected for that money

Too hot! u r not guaranteed to see the animals it can be tricky even if u have booked 2 days .
Our afternoon game drives were all in the concession and shorter in duration than the Morning but was ok cause we saw actually some of the rare animals there.
Our ranger knew a lot of things but he was a little bored and only talked if we ask him something otherwise he would prefer just driving...but except that he did exceptional work showing us the most he could.
Service was perfect really kind people maybe way too kind!
Room clean as much as it can be in the bush!
Overall we were satisfied if u have in mind that u r booking something in the bush(South Africa jungle) and u r going there to see the animals in their natural state and environment!

8/10

Excellent

18 Oct 2015

Eddie

Good value for the money

Friendly staff, knowledgeable guides, updated facilities, good food, all inclusive. Really good value.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2015

Victoria

Staying here is a must!!!

Brilliant stay. We stayed for one night. The service from arrival to departure is fantastic and the guides on the game drives are absolutely fantastic. Lovely food (make sure to arrive before 2.30 to make sure you get lunch!). Bar available at very good prices!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2015

David

Great way to end our S/A holiday.

Having deliberated for some time wether to go with the herds at Sun City or one of the much more expensive lodges over that way we opted for the much smaller Black Rhino hoping for a more personal bush experience. Here is a small overview of our stay........ The drive from Johannesburg airport took around 3 hrs, were were welcomed at the gate by a security guard called \"Lucky\" who after taking some details and giving us a map to the lodge mentioned that we might see a Lion by a watering hole we would be passing. Being April the first we shrugged it off with a smile & \"cheers mate\" but sure enough as we approached said water hole, there she was in full view lying under a tree around 15mtrs away & bearing in mind we hadn't evenchecked in we thought it was a great start!! Nice welcome with a drink then lunch then off to our \"room\". Our own thatched lodge (number 8)which was big enough to throw a party in. Spotlessly clean, the A/C was ticking over and everything worked.Our game drives were all an adventure and our ranger Danie delivered the big 5 over our 3 day stay.The \"Sun Downers\" and morning hot drink stops were a nice touch, the Food and \"snacks\" were pentiful and of good quality, drinks were very reasonably priced and all the staff were helpful and courteous.I think the negative reviews I have read on this place must come from people who want 5star plus treatment and facilities at a 4 star lodge and price. We absolutely loved it!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2015

Matthew

Perfect for weekend getaway

Not too far from Johannesburg so perfect for a weekend getaway. Very relaxing main lodge (a rhino wandered up to the watering hole off the main deck - no lie), and the individual cabins provide the character of an elegant country retreat. Hospitality of staff (hotel and included game drives) was great.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2014

Gary

Great Hotel to see Pilanesberg National Park

Phillip our guide was knowledgeable and took the time to help us discover the many hidden treasures of the park.

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

agnaldo elon

O lodge é maravilhoso! Funcionários extremamente educados e prestativos. Estrutura do lodge perfeita. O único porém são os game Safari que achamos fraco. Como já fizemos no Kruger e no Etocha acabamos comparando. E nesses outros tinha muito mais animais.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Karyne

Melhor experiência em estadia que já estivemos na vida!
Indico de olhos fechados!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2026

Luciene

Was a wonderful experience . The staff is wonderful. The food is very very Good. The 2 Safari per day was fantastic. Our ranger is the best one - Ruan . Pronia is a cheerful employee. Congratulations 😄😄😄

Friends_and_family Family