• The Buffalo Thorn lodge is an Exclusive Self Catering Lodge and it is rented out as a whole lodge
• Rate are not per person.
• This means that you get the entire lodge for yourself.
• Included in the package is 2 x 2.5 hr Guided game drives per day on a Private Safari Vehicle.
• Maximum number of guests is 10 including children.

*Please note a minimum of 2 nights is required at anytime.*

The lodge consists of a main area (kitchen, boma, swimming pool etc.) and 5 alone standing rooms each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom.

The rate per night includes;

• The rent of your own exclusive, ***** 5 star- Self Catering Game lodge, on Black Rhino Game Reserve in Pilanesberg National Park.
• 2 x 2 and a half hour game drives per night stay – (MAXIMUM 10 guests on the vehicle)
• Daily Fully Serviced by staff
• Tea and coffee in the rooms
• Daily gate fees included

The rate per night does Not included:

• Food, drinks, snacks- lodge is fully self catering
• Any additional activities such as hot air ballooning, BUSH WALKS and quad biking

Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!

All bedrooms or chalets are stand alone units. The 70 square-metre bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms have their own lounge and private deck with sun chairs in which to relax whilst overlooking the African bush.
The units boast a king size bed (or two singles should they be required), a Jacuzzi bath as well as an indoor and outdoor shower.

Units are made up as follows

•  2 Family units: with a King size bed (or two singles) plus a loft with two single beds (for children).
•  3 Double units with one King size bed (or two singles).
•  Camping Cots are available on request

Each Suite Includes

• King-sized bed
• Minibar fridge in each room and filter coffee facilities
• In-room, jet spa bath
• Outside and Indoor shower with exclusive body products
• White cotton bathrobes – full-length
• Air-conditioning, personally adjustable
• Hairdryers
• Private in-room lounge area
• Private viewing deck, with cushioned loungers and table

Daily Exclusive Game Drives (Safari) are included in your package and can be arranged with your Ranger.

(Only 10 guests allowed on game drive/safari (including children of all ages).

Two game drives per night stay (Morning and Afternoon)

Ask reservations for more information on activities.

Things to do in the area:

• Lion Park Tours
• Bush Walks
• Predator Park Tours
• Quad Biking
• Quad Bike Motocross Circuit
• Clay Pigeon Shooting
• Archery
• Interactive Gumboot Dancing Session
• Drumming
• Balloon safaris in the Pilanesberg National Park
• Team Building for corporates

Buffalo Thorn Lodge has a wide variety of facilities and services available to make you feel comfortable and at home.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

• Child friendly swimming pool
• Heated Jacuzzi with a view
• Bar with fridge and Ice machine
• Dining area
• Open fire barbeque
• Modern gas barbeque
• Director-chair seating around the open fire

INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

• Flat Screen LCD TV
• Home Theatre System
• DSTV (Digital Satellite Television)
• Pool/Snooker Table
• Wine fridge
• Wi-Fi Hotspot

KITCHEN (FULLY EQUIPPED)

• Fully Serviced
• Large fridge and freezer
• Dishwasher
• Modern 5 burner gas stove with electric oven
• Microwave/Convection Oven
• All cutlery and glassware
• Filter Coffee Machine

ROOMS

• Complimentary coffee and tea
• Bar fridge
• All linen (bath and swimming towels)
• Electronic Safe
• Air conditioning and fan
• Lounge area
• Loungers on private deck
• Hair dryers 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

POOL 

• Child-friendly swimming pool with view onto the waterhole.

GARDEN

• Beautiful gardens with grass.

JACUZZI

• A heating jacuzzi spa bath on the deck with a view.

FREE WIFI 

• Wifi hotspot available in the lounge and entertainment indoor area.

DAILY HOUSEKEEPING 

• Daily housekeeping service for all of your needs including laundry, turn-down service and daily cleaning.

FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN 

• This 5-star lodge is self-catering & includes a FULLY equipped kitchen for all of your catering needs.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING AREA 

• Choice of indoor & outdoor dining facilities.

VIEWING DECK 

• Wooden deck overlooking the local waterhole that is frequently visited by Lion, Elephant, Rhino and more.

BOMA & BONFIRE AREA 

• Outdoor entertainment at its best, wood & firelighters provided for an African bush fire experience.

Mankwe Game Trackers - +27 (0) 14 552 5033

Experience our unique Hot Air Balloon Safari! As the only Hot Air Balloon operation in South Africa to launch from within a National Park, we offer a truly unique flying experience.

Guests are collected at their hotel and taken through the park to rendezvous with the balloon crew.
Instead of heading out to a breakfast venue guests now enjoy breakfast appetizers in the bush with their champagne. This will then be followed by a mini-game drive back to their departure point. What a way to end this breathtaking experience. Flights are early in the morning and you will need to allow for approximately 5 hours for the full experience.
 

Rates: 1 May 2022 - 31 Aug 2024

Please note:Flights are subject to weather and a minimum number of guests are required to conduct a flight. Passengers are required to be taller than 1.2 meters.

Activity Description
Join us on a once in a lifetime experience! We have Hot Air Balloon Safaris launching from the centre of Pilanesberg National Park.
Guests are collected early morning by a registered field guide, in an open safari vehicle from their respective hotels at Sun City Resort or lodges in Pilanesberg area. Day visitors can be collected from Bakubung Gate. The transfer through the park takes approximately an hour as the balloon launch site is situated in the center of the Pilanesberg National Park. At the launch site the guests will be met by the pilot and crew, who will proceed to give a briefing. Guests will then embark in a 1,2 metre high basket and commence on an unforgettable experience that lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This will undoubtedly be the finest way of viewing the inhabitants of the Pilanesberg National Park. On landing, guests will be served with sparkling wine and orange juice in celebration of the flight. The field guide will then convey the guests through the Pilanesberg National Park to a private lodge, where a full English breakfast will be enjoyed. Each guest will receive a first flight certificate signed by the Pilot. On completion of breakfast, guests will be returned to their respective hotels. The total duration of this activity is approximately ±5 hours.

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE! This activity is extremely weather dependent and a minimum of 4 people are required for the flight to take place. It is advisable that guests book 2 or 3 consecutive mornings as a back up plan.

Arrangements
Duration 6 hours
When Seven days a week, year round, subject to availability and weather. Closed on New Years Day 01 January.
Where Sun City Resort & Pilanesberg area

WeatherThis activity is extremely weather dependent.
What to Wear Warm outdoor clothing, neutral colors & comfortable walking shoes. The early morning transfer into the park is cold year round, therefore please bring jacket/jersey. In winter (May-Aug) beanies/scarf & gloves also recommended.
Things to Bring Camera and a set of binoculars.
Guests or Spectators Guests wanting to follow only (not fly) can be accommodated on request. "Following guests" can only be booked with our office and must be booked at least 48 hours prior. The "following rate" is available on request and is inclusive of the Game Drive and breakfast at the lodge.

Requirements
Minimum Age 0 years
Minimum Height 1.2 m
Maximum Height 0.0 m
Fitness Level Average
Qualifications Not Applicable
Maximum Weight 0.0 kg
Certification None Required
Experience Level No Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions 1 hour flight in a Hot Air Balloon in the Pilanesberg National Park, sparkling wine and orange juice on landing and a full English Breakfast at a Private Lodge within the Pilanesberg National Park.
Exclusions Minimum of 4 people is required for the flight to take place.

Notes
This activity is extremely weather dependent and a minimum of 4 people are required to fly. It is advisable that guests book 2 or 3 consecutive mornings as a back up plan.
Exact departure time will only be confirmed by the Gametrackers Tour Coordinator directly with guests, the evening before the flight between 17h30 and 18h00.
For safety reasons, persons less than 1.2m tall are not permitted to fly. Guests are to be reasonably fit, as they are required to climb into a 1.2-metre high balloon basket and be able to crouch down on their haunches on landing.
Balloon reservation form must be completed at least 48 hours prior to flight booked.

For queries and bookings for Hot Air Ballooning or accommodation, please contact us per email at Safaris@PilanesbergGameReserve.co.za or call for more information Mankwe Game Trackers - +27 (0) 14 552 5033

Black Rhino Game Reserve:is a natural eco system that has developed over thousands of years. In this unique reserve, the different vegetation exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter lowveld commonly known as bushveld.

As result of the range of habitats and vegetation found in the Black Rhino Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park, there is a wide diversity of animal species, from the “Big five” to 50 other mammal species, 354 bird species, 65 reptile species, 18 amphibian species and thousands of other interesting smaller species!

Seasons

Rainy Season: It rains during the summer months between November and March, with thunder and lightning showers predominant in February and March. Temperatures hover around 79-86°F (26-30°C).

Dry Season: April to September is the cool dry winter season with bright clear warm days and cold nights, particularly in the mid-winter months of June to August. Game viewing/safaris is best in winter as the foliage has died back and animals frequent around waterholes.

BUFFALO THORN LODGE ACTIVITIES

Daily exclusive game drives (safari) are included in your package and can be arranged with your ranger.

• Morning drives include a coffee & rusk stop (rusks provided by guests)
• Afternoon drives include a sundowner stop (drinks & refreshments supplied by guests)
• Two game drives per night stay (morning and afternoon)

Only 10 guests allowed on game drive/safari (including children of all ages).

SUN CITY ACTIVITIES
Additional activities at the nearby Sun City resort can be arranged at an additional cost by our reservation staff.

To find out more about these activities, please talk to reservations.

• LION PARK TOURS
• BUSH WALKS
• QUAD TRAILS
• BALLOON SAFARIS
• DRUMMING
• ARCHERY
• INTERACTIVE GUMBOOT DANCING

Tautona Safaris - + 27 (0 )82 962 3224

Team building activities help and enable variety of groups to reach their potential, goals and identify the main problems or weaknesses. Not only does this help promote self – motivation and confidence, it also helps them to learn how to get solutions, improve their personal skills and it assists in improving their daily life style or routine. Our main objectives is to create a profitable and viable business minded team work whereby Trust, Proper communication and personal skill are achieved with the activities that will be conducted. Activities such as Treasure Hunt, Amazing Race, Quad Bikes, Paintball, Obstacles Courses, Mind Games, Archery, Motivational speakers to mention few.

This is a recreational fun activity that helps breaking the tension between/ among the guests. It also helps to know one another. It also helps to adapt to the environment and be comfortable before the actual activities e.g. the ability to clear the mind to focus on the task ahead is something successful people have known for generations. R300.00 pp

Experience nature as a team in a unique, healthy and thrilling way and orientation on the quads for all.
Adventure sets the mind rolling for productive brainstorming. Participants are taken for a jolly ride on quad bike for a trail for enhancing their sensibility and sensitivity to nature. R680.00 pp

This is a collective mind game. All the tyres must be put from the top of the pole down to the ground surface. The tyres must not touch the pole. Each time they touch it has to be restarted. When all tyres are packed inside the poles, the same strategy has be implemented, lift them out of the pole one by one. R 320.00 pp

Tug-of-War is a game of strength that is played by young children in elementary school as well as tough soldiers in the Army. The rules are simple yet contain metaphorical association to the idea of combat and conquest. The ultimate goal is to use teamwork to overcome the strength of the opposing team. Scientific principles, including leverage, can create a situation in which the stronger team does not necessarily always win. R 320.00 pp

It creates a great sense of achievement for the team that wants to reach the target. It also enhances ones power of concentration. R 320.00 pp

Paintball is an exciting character-building sport, and above all its fun! It’s a chance to shake your day to day responsibilities and revive your spirit of adventure. When adrenaline starts pumping, you can’t help but love the thrill of the game. R 480.00 pp 250 BALLS

7. CHESS –GAME OF BRAINS

Chess is a game for people of all ages. You can learn to play at any age and in chess, unlike in many other sports, you don't ever have to retire. Age is also not a factor when you're looking for an opponent - young can play old and old can play young.
Chess develops logical thinking. Chess requires some understanding of logical strategy. For example, you will know that it is important to think logically. Although you will find yourself doing that occasionally through your career, mistakes are inevitable like life, is a never-ending learning process. R250.00 pp

8. INTERACTIVE DRUMMING

One of the oldest forms of communication known to man. Enjoy the interactive rhythms of Africa, facilitated by a well experienced artist. R320.00pp

9. VOLLEY BALL

Want to build successful and effective work teams in your organization? Start with these ideas and you will create a powerful and positive teamwork. Your state of mind is as key to being good at volleyball as your skill set. To be a great player you have to learn to be mentally tough. Train your brain as well as your body and you will find success. Here is a definition of mental toughness as it pertains to volleyball and here are some tips for developing it. R 250.00 pp

10. TRAFFIC JAM

These indoor/outdoor games improve and work mostly with concentration/ focus. Groups divided into two equal lines chairs facing each other. Group A must eventually sit where group B is presently sitting. They must use single free chair provided. R 320.00 pp

11. NAIL BALANCING

Problem solving and decision-making are important skills for business and life. Problem-solving often involves decision-making, and decision-making is especially important for management and leadership. There are processes and techniques to improve decision-making and the quality of decisions. Decision-making is more natural to certain personalities, so these people should focus more on improving the quality of their decisions. This activity motivates your employees with a genuine feeling of making a difference. R 320.00 pp

12. ARCHERY

Experience the ancient art of archery with the help of modern day equipment. Competent instructions will help you master the technique of shooting a re-curve bow. R 330.00 pp

13. TREASURE HUNT (PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK)

A treasure hunt is a game that usually sends you on a wild goose hunt in search of clues to help you get closer to the treasure that is hidden. It is a great game to play for people of all ages. Here is one of our typical example; THE FUN WAY TO EXPLORE

The magic ingredient is to get everyone involved in the activity. This activity involves the teams to go on a “game drive” with the focus on finding treasures within the National Pilanesberg.
A set of (different) clues are set up for each group and the group has to solve the clues to find their next locations, where the next clue will be given.
Once a clue has been solved and the team got them to the correct location, a set of questions will be asked and this is where everyone has to participate. R1 620.00 pp

13.2 TREASURE HUNT (TAUTONA SOUL ADVENTURE)

A treasure hunt is a game that usually sends you on a wild goose hunt in search of clues to help you get closer to the treasure that is hidden. It is a great game to play for people of all ages. Here is one of our typical
example;THE FUN WAY TO EXPLORE The magic ingredient is to get everyone involved in the activity.

A set of (different) clues are set up for each group and the group has to solve the clues to find their next locations, where the next clue will be given. This activity is not conducted in wildlife however adjacent to Pilanesberg National Park. Once a clue has been solved and the team got them to the correct location, a set of questions will be asked and this is where everyone has to participate.. R 1 150.00 pp

13. AMAZING RACE

An Amazing Race is a fun, fast paced team event, where through a series of tasks and discoveries, teams are ultimately aiming to be the first at the finish line. Each amazing race is a completely tailor-made event, starting and finishing where and when you want it to, anywhere in South Africa. The end point remains a mystery until the participants get there. R1 150.00 pp

14. POTJIEKOS COOKING

The Potjiekos Cooking Competition is a great event for building team spirit. When the cooking begins, at least one member of each team will be required to watch their team’s potjies. Once the potjies are ready, they are presented for judging, and the winner announced. The only thing left is to eat the Potjiekos dishes and enjoy a great time of socializing and getting to know your team members better. Rates on request

15. FIVE BY FIVE
This activity is designed to enhance team work through fun and interactive exercise. The goal of is to increase the participants understanding of team dynamics and to improve how the team works together. Team participation, communication, negotiation and leadership abilities are developed and highlighted. R 320.00 pp

16. RIST ROPES
Poor communication lies at the root of many team problems. It can lead to mistakes, quality problems, conflict, missed deadlines, and lost opportunities. Not only can these boost people's communication skills, but they can also help them build good relationships with one another. R 320.00 pp

18. SPIDER WEB
The structure for this activity must look exactly like a spider web. Each member must go through one hole without touching the rope (web). No member is allowed to use the hole that the other member has already used. Every time a person touches the rope, the whole team has to start again. R320.00 pp

19. FIVE-A- SIDE FOOTBALL

The game can be played by boys and girls, Adults, Veterans even disabilities. It also features the increasingly popular walking football (over 50s), which caters to those who enjoy playing the beautiful game at a slightly more sedate pace! R350.00 pp