We spent $400 a night at a luxury lodge in South Africa. Our all-inclusive stay included epic safari tours and much more.

Fri, 11/15/2024 - 08:08

Author Tammy Barr sitting on chair in front of building with glass doors — My husband and I stayed at the Black Rhino Game Lodge in South Africa.
Tammy Barr

My husband and I spent $400 per night at Black Rhino Game Lodge to go on safari.
Our chalet was spacious and our stay came with multiple meals and game drives.
We saw so much incredible wildlife during our trip, and I'd definitely return to this lodge.

I've always dreamed of going on safari to see exotic animals and bright sunsets from the bush. However, I feared this bucket-list item would require sleeping in an awkward tent with no running water in sight.

Although some choose to camp, there are tons of glamping and lodge options available for travelers.

For our trip, my husband and I booked accommodations at Black Rhino Game Lodge, where I was thrilled to find plenty of comforts and perks.

Here's what my stay was like.

Black Rhino is about three hours from the local airport by car.

Black Rhino game lodge sign with metal rhino statue in front — The entrance to Black Rhino Game Lodge was simple.
Tammy Barr

Black Rhino Game Lodge is one of multiple properties within Black Rhino Game Reserve, a private portion of Pilanesberg National Park.

The vehicles from the game reserve can cross into the public portions of the national park, but the public cannot cross into Black Rhino.

I also liked that it was three hours from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport by car whereas some other popular lodges in the area were four or more than five.

When we arrived, we were greeted with fresh juice and cold towels. Since we got there before check-in, we had time to explore the grounds while we waited for our chalet to be available.

The lodge felt rustic and our stay included everything we needed.

Hanging egg chairs on stone patio with other chairs and tables nearby — One observation deck had a pretty large seating area.
Tammy Barr

The lodge has an elegantly rustic, African-inspired style featuring exposed log beams and thatched roofs. Its chalets are nestled within a forest of Tamboti trees.

I appreciated that the nightly rate covered more than just the accommodation. For about $375 a night, we stayed in a double-occupancy chalet and received three meals a day, snacks, select beverages, and two daily safari drives.

We were each charged a nightly conservation levy that brought our nightly total closer to $400. Alcohol and soft drinks also cost extra.

We enjoyed our chalet but mostly just slept there.

Leather couch in front of bed with pillows and leather headboard next to large storage cabinets — The furniture had a lot of dark tones.
Tammy Barr

Each chalet is situated so that it is connected to the rest of the resort but feels private because it is separated by distance and trees.

We ended up spending very little time in our thatched-roof chalet, but its finishes were modern, and the room was spacious.

I slept well in the comfortable king bed outfitted with fluffy pillows.

Our bathroom was massive.

Large bathtub next to frosted glass wall in stone bathroom — We had access to showers and a tub.
Tammy Barr

There were several bathing options at the chalet, including a large bathtub, a double-head indoor shower, and an outdoor shower.

A soak in the bath was perfect after a long day on bumpy roads, though I wish a robe and slippers had been provided.

We also liked spending time on our patio.

View from rounded deck into grass and tree — We saw animals while sitting on our patio.
Tammy Barr

Our chalet also had an expansive private patio affording views of wildlife just outside the fences.

Throughout our trip, we saw monkeys, civets, and a mongoose.

In addition, we had access to shared spaces throughout the property.

Plunge pool with row of lounge chairs on brick next to it — The property had multiple plunge pools.
Tammy Barr

The resort also offered several spaces for relaxation, such as an observation deck overlooking a watering hole, a bar, and plunge pools.

We enjoyed spending our downtime between meals and game drives in these spaces.

The drives were the best part of the stay.

Two rhinos walking through tall grass — We even spotted rhinos walking across a field.
Tammy Barr

Our wildlife encounters were incredible. During our safari drives, we were able to see lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, and so much more.

Our guide was knowledgeable and steered us to wildlife while providing information about the plants and animals.

Depending on where the game was sighted that day, we had the option to stay within the reserve or travel on the public roads, giving us the best of both worlds.

On one morning drive, the game sightings kept coming, so we stayed out for five hours and traveled across most of the national park before returning for brunch.

The food was plentiful and delicious.

Tables with zebra-print tablecloths and candles surrounding fire pit — Sometimes we'd dine outdoors.
Tammy Barr

It's surprising how hungry we'd get while out on safari.

Every time we returned from our long morning drives, I enthusiastically jumped into the brunch buffet of bacon, steak, fruit, flaky croissants, and made-to-order eggs.

Each drive also included a stop in the bush for refreshments. We had coffee or tea in the mornings and a "sundowner" drink in the evening where we toasted as the sun melted into the savannah.

We were given dinner each night, and one was served in the boma, an enclosed corral with a bonfire in the middle. We feasted on a delicious, authentic-feeling South African meal featuring meats cooked on the wood-fired braai.

Overall, the meals were plentiful and diverse.

I would go back to Black Rhino Game Lodge.

Plunge pool surrounded by brick and stone next to building covered in stones — The Black Rhino Game Lodge impressed me overall.
Tammy Barr

The service was outstanding throughout our stay. We were greeted with a refreshing towel after every game drive and staff seemed always available to help us with anything we needed.

I also appreciated how all-inclusive our booking was — I didn't have to book or coordinate lodging, tours, and meals separately. Animal sightings were plentiful, and since we were in a private reserve, our drives never felt crowded or rushed.

There are many options for safari lodges in South Africa, but I'd happily choose the Black Rhino again.

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We spent $400 a night at a luxury lodge in South Africa. Our all-inclusive stay…