Nkala Safari Lodge

Lion Honeymoon Suite

Unit size: 70 sqm

Master bedroom: king size bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, air conditioning, electric blankets, vanity desk, international plugs and USB points, dressing room, safe, outside deck.

En-suite bathroom: freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, bathroom amenities, separate toilet.

Lounge: separate lounge, air conditioning, separate guest toilet, full kitchenette including Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster and microwave, bar fridge, TV with DStv, outside deck.

Elephant Suite

Unit size: 60 sqm

Bedroom and lounge: king size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, desk, international plugs and USB points, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, bar fridge, safe, outside deck.

En-suite bathroom: freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, separate toilet, bathroom amenities.

Leopard Suite

Unit size: 60 sqm. The Leopard Suite has an interleading room attached (the Cub Room) that makes up the Family Suite.

Bedroom and lounge: king size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, desk, international plugs and USB points, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, bar fridge, safe, outside deck.

En-suite bathroom: freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, separate toilet, bathroom amenities.

Cub Room

Unit size: 25 sqm. The Cub Room is interleading with the Leopard Suite; this makes up the Family Suite.

Bedroom: twin beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, electric blankets, air conditioning, tea and coffee station, bar fridge, international plugs and USB points, outside deck, cot and compactum available.

En-suite bathroom: shower, basin, toilet, bathroom amenities.

Entrancy Foyer
Small foyer area separates Leopard & Cub rooms. Doors can be left open for families or closed for privacy. 
Foyer area has separate front door for use by Cub Room guests. 

Rhino Suite

Unit size: 60 sqm

Bedroom and lounge: king size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, desk, international plugs and USB points, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, bar fridge, safe, outdoor deck.

En-suite bathroom: freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, separate toilet, bathroom amenities.

Buffalo Suite

Unit size: 60 sqm

Bedroom and lounge: king size bed (or twin beds), Egyptian cotton sheets, sleeper couch (3/4 size), electric blankets, air conditioning, desk, international plugs and USB points, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, bar fridge, safe, outdoor deck.

En-suite bathroom: freestanding bath, double shower, double basins, outside shower, separate toilet, bathroom amenities.

Main lodge area

• A fully equipped open plan kitchen and scullery
• Dining area
• TV lounge
• Bar
• Outdoor boma with braai (barbecue)
• Outside undercover lounge and dining area with gas braai
• Heated swimming pool (with safety net)
• Boule court
• Fully equipped gym and business centre available, a short 150 m walk away

Please note these facilities are shared with our other two lodges, Kubu and Ntamba.

Viewing deck

Spend a lazy afternoon or self-indulgent morning relaxing on our viewing deck, whilst keeping an eye out for one of the elusive Big 5 coming to quench their thirst. The viewing deck is also a treat for avid birders, as we are often visited by a myriad of the 300 bird species found in the area. The viewing deck is an easily accessible 70 metres from the main lodge.

Play area

Situated in an enclosed boma 30 metres away from the main lodge, the jungle gym provides the perfect space for the little ones to enjoy themselves in the comfort of their own special place.

Gym

Situated 150 m from the main building, our fully equipped gym is the perfect place to keep up your workouts during your stay at Nkala.

Rates include

• Accommodation: exclusive use
• A private game ranger and safari vehicle, and two guided game drives per day (2.5–3 hours each) in the Black Rhino Reserve and Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
• Daily housekeeping services (until 15:00)
• Firewood and ice
• Daily park and conservation fees
• 15% VAT

Rates exclude

• All food and drink items
• Staff tips
• Services of the cook (Nkala only) — enquire to reserve, R600 per meal for the group

Sleeps 12 adults + 4 children under 10 years old. 16 maximum occupancy. 6 bedrooms (5 suites + 1 interleading bedroom).

Exclusive-use lodges, so you have to book the whole lodge for a minimum of two nights, and no food and drink items are provided.

Our three lodges — Nkala, Ntamba and Tsholo Safari Lodge — are in the same fenced “node” so you can walk between them. Nkala and Ntamba are connected with a pathway and Tsholo Lodge is just across the road, so a great option for bigger groups to book all the lodges together.

• Located in the private Black Rhino Game Reserve
• Free roaming Big 5 game reserve
• Malaria-free area
• Children 10 years and older count as adults at our lodges.

We are governed by the Black Rhino Game Reserve and they limit the number of guests permitted. The maximum number of guests allowed at each lodge is therefore not negotiable.

Game drives

Please note the game drive vehicle can only accommodate 10 guests at a time; even small children and babies count towards the total of 10. Our policy states that children of all ages are welcome on the game drive, but at the discretion of the ranger. When you are on a game drive and go into an animal sighting, it is imperative for everyone’s safety that all guests remain still and quiet. No self-driving is allowed in the Black Rhino Reserve.

Family friendly

Each lodge has its own:

• Small grass lawn area
• Small pool with safety cover (cocktail or plunge pool; can be heated slightly)
• A small range of books, toys and board games for children and adults
• Boules court
• Cot, nappy-changing unit with mat, highchair and baby bath seat
• Nkala only: small shaded play area including jungle gym

Accessibility

Please note that the lodges are not considered ‘accessible’ as they do not have key accessibility features. The lodges may be suitable for guests with reduced walking ability, as each lodge has at least one suite with a wheelchair-friendly entrance (wide door, ramp, single level) — Nkala: suites 3 and 5; Ntamba: suites 1 and 5.

The living areas (kitchen, lounge, dining, outdoor dining) are single level. However, the suites are connected to the main living area by pathways (wooden boardwalk or paved), some with steps. Most steps are low and wide. The viewing decks are raised and there are a few steps, therefore not wheelchair accessible. The game viewing vehicles are accessed by steps.

Nkala’s family suite is ideal for a guest needing a carer to sleep nearby. There is an interleading door between the main suite and a smaller room with two single beds, en-suite bathroom and exterior door.

Other

• WiFi: a 6MB connection is available in all areas of the lodge, but the strength of the connection can be affected by weather conditions. Due to the remote location, we cannot guarantee connection at all times.
• We have a full gym and small business centre on our property. They sit between the two lodges and are shared with the neighbouring lodge. It is the only shared space the lodges have; the rest of our offering is totally private and exclusive to each lodge.
• No self-driving is allowed in the Black Rhino Reserve.
• No household pets are allowed to enter the Black Rhino Reserve.
• For nearby activities, we can provide contact details for walking bush tours in the reserve. We can also provide suggestions for other activities such as golf or a spa, but we do not make these arrangements for guests.

Bigger groups

Nkala, Ntamba and Tsholo are all in the same electrified fenced node so guests can walk between all of these lodges — great for big groups.

• Nkala — up to 12 guests (self-catering)
• Ntamba — up to 10 guests (self-catering)
• Tsholo — 14 rooms, with a restaurant offering catered or self-catering options, hotel-style single suite options as well as exclusive-use options, plus a spa and events facilities for weddings and conferences.

Check-in and check-out

Check-in: 14:00–18:00. Check-out: 10:30. Smoking is permitted outside but not in the chalets or main building.

Deposit policy

For all bookings made within 30 days of travel, full payment is required within 48 hours of your booking. For all bookings made more than 30 days before travel, a 50% deposit is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Mastercard/Visa).

Cancellation policy

• Cancelling 7 days or less before arrival — forfeit 100% of the booking total
• Cancelling 14 days or less before arrival — forfeit 50% of the booking total
• Cancelling 21 days or less before arrival — forfeit 25% of the booking total
• Cancelling 30 days or less before arrival — forfeit 20% of the booking total

Service fees are non-refundable.

Activities in the area

Available by prior arrangement with Nkala, at an additional charge. Please enquire when booking.

• Guided morning bush walks
• Golf at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses
• Hot-air balloon flights over Pilanesberg
• Mountain biking
• Sun City day trips
• Outing to Predator World
• Mobile spa to visit Nkala Safari Lodge for guest treatments (such as massage, manicure, pedicure, facial)

Game drives

Indulge in the luxury of having the lodge to yourself and your guests as our professional game ranger guides you through one of the richest diversities of fauna and flora in Africa. Game drive starting times are flexible as you have use of a private safari vehicle.

Game drives are conducted in a 4×4 safari vehicle on the 2 000 hectare Black Rhino Game Reserve, which is open to the 55 000 hectare Pilanesberg National Park, allowing the Big 5 and other endangered species such as African wild dog, cheetah and black rhino to roam free.

Note: maximum capacity on the vehicle is 10 guests.

Family owned, self-catering Nkala Safari Lodge is the perfect escape to relax in the African bush.   We are a short 35 min drive from Sun City or 2 hr drive from Lanseria Airport.  Nkala is situated in the Big 5, malaria-free, Black Rhino Game Reserve and forms part of the 55 000 hectare Pilanesberg National Park.

 The lodge was named Nkala - Mongoose in the Xitsonga language - after the first animal our children saw on their game drive  at our lodge. 

View the Big 5 in their natural habitat as well as South Africa’s other rare species in the comfort of your own exclusive-use self-catering luxury lodge.

 The perfect family and friends getaway, Nkala lodge is child friendly and encompasses five free standing en-suite luxury suites.

Nkala can accommodate 12 Adults, and 4 children (Children 10yrs and older count as adults)

Maximum occupancy including children is 16 pax.

​The accommodation comprises 3 x Luxury Suites, 1 x Luxury Family Suite (2 rooms), 1 x Honeymoon Suite all included in the exclusive-use lodge rates.

​Game drives are included in your stay and conducted with a professional guide in your private 4 x 4 safari vehicle on the exclusive Black Rhino Game Reserve.   Nkala Lodge is privileged to have traversing rights to the whole Pilanesberg National Park, as well as their restricted Wilderness Area, established for the protection of the endangered Black Rhino. 

​

Note:  A maximum of 10 guests allowed on the vehicle during game drives

GPS co-ordinates: S25° 10.54’ E26° 57.21’

When using a GPS for directions, please use Sun City as a “via” point.

• From Johannesburg take the R512 past Hartbeespoort Dam and exit onto the N4 toll road to Rustenburg.
• From Pretoria take the N1 north and exit onto the N4 towards Rustenburg.
• Travel along the N4, then take the R556 (Sun City / Pilanesberg National Park) exit.
• Turn right at the stop onto the R556 and continue towards Sun City.
• Pass the Sun City gate and then Sun Village Shopping Centre, both on the right.
• At the four-way stop, turn right onto the R565 Derdepoort road.
• Continue for approximately 27 km — the entrance to Black Rhino Game Reserve is on the right.

By plane

• Pilanesberg Airport — 35 minute drive from the lodge (currently not in operation, but please check for an update)
• Lanseria Airport — 2 to 2.5 hours’ drive from the lodge
• OR Tambo International Airport — 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from the lodge

Bigger groups

Nkala has a sister lodge, Ntamba, situated right next door and connected by a footpath. For bigger groups these two lodges can be booked out together.

• Self-catering lodge. Entire lodge to be booked as one unit (exclusive use).
• 3 × Luxury Suites, 1 × Luxury Family Suite (2 rooms), 1 × Honeymoon Suite.
• Located in the private Black Rhino Game Reserve.
• Free roaming Big 5 game reserve. Malaria-free area.
• Maximum of 12 adults (max 16 including children). Children under 10 years are not counted toward the 12 guest maximum.
• Child-friendly lodge — please enquire regarding cot and amenities.
• Outdoor jungle gym / play area for children.
• Children allowed on game drives at the game ranger’s discretion (no minimum age).
• Minimum 2 nights stay.
• Supermarkets en route to the lodge are located at Waterfall Mall, Rustenburg, or Village Mall, Hartbeespoort.

Self-catering

Please note we are a self-catering lodge and no food or meals are provided. Groceries for your stay can be bought on the way at Hartbeespoort Dam or Rustenburg Waterfall Mall (Checkers and Woolworths). Alternatively, pop into Jasmyn, the large and very well-stocked farm store with the windmill, on the left as you enter Hartbeespoort. The nearest small supermarket is 35 minutes away.

We do have a prep chef available to help you prepare your meals, or do it for you with the groceries, menu or guidance you provide. This will be an additional R300 per meal service charge.

Instant coffee, tea and milk are complimentary in the suites. Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines as well as plungers are available — please bring your own pods and ground coffee.

A small tuck shop is located at the main gate, 10 minutes away, if you forget any essentials.

Game drives

• Maximum of 10 guests allowed on the game vehicle at any time. Each person, including children, must be on their own seat.
• Game drives conducted by a qualified game ranger. No self-driving allowed.
• Maximum of 2 game drives per day, 2.5 hours each.
• The game ranger lives on the premises and has first aid and emergency training.

Safety and connectivity

• Situated in a node with non-intrusive electrified fencing to keep guests safe, however some animals cannot be kept out.
• Exercise or walking to be done on main roads and in daylight hours within the node.
• Limited cell coverage at the lodge.
• Complimentary WiFi. Please note that due to our location, WiFi cannot be guaranteed as the signal can be intermittent.
• TV lounge with 55” flat screen and DStv (full bouquet).

The Pilanesberg region enjoys a warm climate with distinct summer and winter seasons.
 
Summer (October to April) is the rainy season: Warm to hot days with afternoon thunderstorms, often followed by clear skies and sunshine.
What to pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing, a light rain jacket, sun protection and swimwear. ​
 
Winter (May to September) is generally dry, with mild, pleasant days and noticeably colder mornings and evenings.
What to pack: Warm layers are essential for game drives, including a fleece, jacket and hat. Temperatures can be surprisingly cold before sunrise; layers can then be removed as the day warms.

• Neutral, natural-toned clothing is ideal for game drives
• Don't forget binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera