Mbazo Safari Lodge

Exclusive and private

Each of our five private suites is named after one of Africa’s Big Five in Sotho, offering an intimate retreat that celebrates both privacy and connection to the environment.

Dzombo’s secluded suites envelop you in romance, from the soft glow of private fire pits to the extravagance of your wood-fired hot tub. With each suite evoking a sense of wholeness, you will be grounded in the present as you connect with one another. Immerse yourselves in the sounds of the bush as the two of you relax under a starlit sky and savour sweet moments on your private patio. In this sanctuary designed for love, every moment feels like a shared secret.

Dzombo’s five suites

• Ditlou — Premier Suite with outside bath
• Dinare — Executive Suite with wood-fired hot tub
• Tshukudu — Premier Suite with outside bath
• Ditau — Executive Suite with wood-fired hot tub
• Nkwe — Executive Suite with wood-fired hot tub

Check-in from 14:00 Check-out befor 10:30

KINDLY NOTE

• Rates exclude a Black Rhino Reserve Conservation Levy per person per night
• Rates are quoted per night in South African Rand (ZAR) and are inclusive of 15% Value Added Tax (VAT)
• MBAZO SAFARI LODGE Terms and Conditions apply
• Exclusive use rate of  MBAZO & DZOMBO SAFARI'S are available on request and subject to availability
• Two-night minimum stay applicable
• Children OF ALL AGES are welcome though we try to limit them to Mbazo Safaris wherever possible.
• Children older than twelve years of age are seen as adult paying full rate
• If one adult and one child share a Villa: Adult pays per person sharing rate and child pays the CHILD rate*
• Two children under eleven years of age are allowed to share a room with 2 full paying adults
• Family Room: 1- 4 Guests (2 adults + 2 children OR 4 adults in total)

Rates Inclusions

• Accommodation at Mbazo Safari Lodge includes two daily game drives on an open Safari vehicle.
• Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the morning and afternoon game drives. We do provide a 40 - 45-minute morning Bumble Bee Drive for children.
• Game Drives for Families with Children are offered for an additional fee.
• If parents prefer to participate in the game drives, child minder services are also offered at an additional cost.
• All meals and beverages excluding premium brands
• Wi-Fi connection is provided.

 Rates Exclusions

• Purchases from the curio shop
• Premium beverage list
• Spa treatments
• Transport to and from the reserve
• Tourism levy, airport taxes and landing fees, where applicable
• Pilot accommodation
• Walking Safaris
• Black Rhino reserve levy per nighthildren of all ages are welcome.
• The Conservation Levies R250 per person per night and R115 per child (5 - 9 years) per night
• Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance fees of R195 per person (Once off)

Child Policy

• Please keep in mind that children under 12 years are not permitted on the scheduled game drives when other guests are joining.
• Drives for families with children under 12 years are available at an additional cost of R4 500 p/drive - subject to availability and must be booked in advance.
• All ages welcome
• 12 years and older: ADULT rate applies and permitted on game drives

Deposit Policy

For all bookings made within 60 days of travel
 Full payment Is required within 3 days of your booking.
For all bookings made more than 60 days of travel
 A 50% deposit Is required within 3 days of your booking and the balance 60 days prior to arrival.
Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card (Master/Visa) or bitcoin.

Cancellation Terms

All cancellations must be given in writing
Cancellation fees:

• If cancelled up to 61 days prior to arrival, 10% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged
• If cancelled 31 to 60 days prior to arrival, 25% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged
• If cancelled 15 to 30 days prior to arrival, 75% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged
• If cancelled 14 days or less prior to arrival, 100% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged

Mbazo Safari Lodge’s luxury accommodation is a simple extension of the natural environment that surrounds it — lush, organic and undeniably gorgeous. The five two-sleeper chalets are modern elegance while still capturing the sense of craft ‘Out of Africa’.

Each has a king-sized bed, a fully stocked minibar, a freestanding bath, en-suite and outdoor showers, and a shaded veranda elevated to take advantage of the uninterrupted bush views that accompany all our accommodation at the Pilanesberg National Park.

One of the five suites features a separate children’s room with its own en-suite bathroom, including an outdoor shower. This area is divided from the main bedroom, providing parents and children with their own space.

Room features

• King-sized bed
• Freestanding bath
• Walk-in and outdoor shower
• Reading nook
• Fully stocked mini fridge
• Blackout curtains
• Complimentary toiletries
• Personal safe
• Shaded veranda
• Fresh towels
• Air conditioning and ceiling fan
• Large wardrobe
• Hair dryer
• Free WiFi

Every meal is a delicious and memorable celebration

Dining, which is as much a part of your safari experience as the safari itself, provides you with the gourmet Big Five: safari halt, breakfast, lunch, tea in the afternoon and dinner.

Restaurant Shongololo is a gourmet adventure

From start to completion, dining at Restaurant Shongololo is a gourmet adventure. Guests are served various dishes in theatrical settings, sparking all their senses and making the dining experience thrilling and interactive. To get to the gallery and the restaurant beyond, you must first visit a modern grange’s veranda.

Mbazo House was deliberately constructed to set the tone for Restaurant Shongololo’s elegant dining experience. It was named after the Great Kruger Tusker, which inspired architect François van der Westhuizen’s dramatic modern safari style.

Restaurant Shongololo is only open for lunch to non-resident guests on occasion, depending on availability. Lunch appointments can be made up to three months in advance. Please contact the lodge to make a reservation, or for further information on arriving at Mbazo by road or air.

An authentic dining experience

With the addition of Restaurant Shongololo to the Mbazo dining guest experience, the culinary traditions, ingredients and regional produce of the North West Province are the shining stars on a seasonal menu that is rooted not only in the remote and dramatic landscapes of the Pilanesberg, but also in the resourceful and creative people of this remote, undiscovered region.

Celebrate Southern Africa under the stars

At Restaurant Shongololo, the dining experience places a strong emphasis on the telling of stories. Chef Mike collaborated with Mbazo’s culinary artist, The Don, and pastry chef Gladness to conduct extensive study on traditional African flavours, historical cuisines and cultural practices over the course of several years. The restaurant’s seasonal multi-course menu draws its inspiration from the use of locally sourced ingredients and sustainable purchasing practices.

The Stargazing Gallery at Shongololo, which is positioned a few metres above the Tambotie forest in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, is the centrepiece of this modest design.

Executive Chef Mpumelelo

At Restaurant Shongololo, the dining experience transcends mere meals; it is a captivating narrative that pays homage to the rich cultural practices of the region. Our executive chef Mpumelelo, affectionately known as Chef Mike, is the storyteller behind each dish. Positioned at the intersection of tradition, culture and sustainability, Mbazo’s commitment to celebrating local origins aligns seamlessly with Chef Mpumelelo’s vision for his first hometown restaurant.

• Rooms — five two-sleeper chalets with king-sized beds
• Bathroom — freestanding bath and outdoor shower
• Air conditioning — fully fitted
• In-room facilities — telephone, hairdryers and safe in room
• Personal fridge — in-room, personal fully stocked bar
• WiFi — free superfast uncapped WiFi
• Spa — expert wellness therapists provide in-room spa and beauty treatments
• Pool — serviced guest pool with loungers and towels
• Dining — gourmet Big Five: safari halt, breakfast, lunch, tea in the afternoon and dinner, to enjoy at the viewing terrace
• Mbazo Gallery — wonderful souvenirs, art, apparel and everyday necessities
• Everyone’s welcome — suitable for guests with disabilities

General facilities

• Bar / lounge
• Secured parking, free parking
• Laundry service
• Restaurant
• Room service
• WiFi
• Wheelchair access

The weather

The average maximum temperature ranges from 21°C / 70°F in July to 35°C / 95°F in January, with the lowest average minimum temperature occurring in July. The region is semi-arid, with an average annual rainfall of 500 mm / 20 in, most of which falls during the summer months from December to February. Rain is usually in the form of thundershowers, with a downpour that lasts no more than a few minutes.

Located

Mbazo Safari Lodge is located on Black Rhino, a privately controlled 2 100 ha part of the Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa.

Best time to visit

The animals in the Pilanesberg National Park are non-migratory. As a result, rather than changing with the seasons, the safari experience continues to evolve throughout the year. The optimal time to go birdwatching is from October to April.

Can the whole lodge be booked?

Absolutely. The intimate lodging is inspired by the red-billed buffalo weaver. This bird has been observed in small family groups or in large flocks, so you as a discerning guest can book the lodge as a couple, family or large flock, capable of serving up to 10 guests.

Is the lodge family friendly?

Definitely. The resort welcomes guests of all ages. There is also the Eco Garden’s children’s amusement and education area — the hub of fun and games.

Malaria-free lodge

Mbazo is situated in a malaria-free area.

Main Lodge Room Types 

• Ant-Lion — Premier suite with wood-fired hot tub
• Elephant Shrew — Premier suite with wood-fired hot tub
• Buffalo Weaver — Premier suite with wood-fired hot tub
• Rhino Beetle — Family chalet
• Leopard Tortoise — Family chalet

Room features

• King-sized bed
• Freestanding bath
• Walk-in and outdoor shower
• Reading nook
• Blackout curtains
• Shaded veranda
• Large wardrobe
• Complimentary toiletries
• Hair dryer
• Free WiFi
• Fully stocked mini fridge
• Personal safe
• Air conditioning and ceiling fan

Lodge features

• Free parking
• Gift shop
• Children’s activities
• Expert wellness therapists
• Couples massage
• All meals included
• Large outdoor boma
• Pool with a view
• Bar / lounge area
• Twice-daily game drives
• Sun loungers and towels
• Handicap friendly
• Wine / champagne
• Outdoor dining area

A once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure

There is no better place to celebrate your occasion than with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will provide you and your partner or friends with an unforgettable experience — and a Mbazo safari is at the top of the bucket list.

Private dinners, private lodging, customised experiences and leisure — we will make it all you want it to be, and more, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. All you have to do is send out invitations and pack your luggage, and we will take care of the rest.

With only five full-service lodges on this 2 100 ha privately managed reserve, guests can expect a very personal safari experience. Being out here on your own, exploring the huge wilderness of mountains, plains and the Pilanesberg crater, is humbling. You will get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most spectacular animals.

Our setting provides us an advantage in the healing stakes: we are in a tranquil hideaway surrounded by the boundless green of the Pilanesberg crater — the colour of wellbeing.

There are in-suite spa therapies and yoga mats available, and you can keep the doors open in perfect seclusion, enabling the soundtrack of birdsong to stream in. This sensation of wellbeing is not restricted to massages and sun salutations; healthful food, luxurious accommodation and personalised service round out the experience.