The arrival was boisterous, a group in native costume, filling the air with ancient tribal incantations and the beating of a drum, but the experience on offer is modern. Bakubung Bush Lodge offers inexpensive, easy-access safari tourism, and as we landed the scene was set by a glass of juice and hot towel. Check in and get your key. A tall man will wheel the luggage there in a cart.
Bakubung Bush Lodge, located in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, is a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and ten minutes from Sun City and offers excellent buffet food, and knowledgeable game drive guides. The lodge holds a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award, ranking #1 of 13 hotels while Pilanesberg natural park gets a 4/5 rating. Couples rate the location 9.2-9.4/10.
Darkwood and the smell of dark wood is part of the ethos of lodge buildings in South Africa. In our lodge, the distinctive feature was little wooden hippos which were everywhere. Small paths with steps that need to be kept aware of in the dark led the way from the labyrinth back to my room. The pool beckoned under the starry sky as I arrived.
The lodge provides 76 air-conditioned, clean, spacious, thatched-roof studio rooms and 66 chalets, arranged in a horseshoe around entertainment areas for an intimate feel. Rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs with DStv, coffee/tea facilities, and private balconies or patios with views of the hippo pool or park. Luxury options include 3- and 4-bedroom valley-view villas with private pools and the option for a personal chef. Accessibility is supported with one wheelchair-accessible room.
Situated in the Big Five-rich Pilanesberg National Park, the resort offers twice-daily game drives (morning and afternoon) in open safari vehicles with expert guides. These drives offer sightings of elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and other species like cheetah, wild dog, and over 300 bird species. Guided bush walks and a Junior Rangers Programme engage younger guests with educational wildlife experiences. The park’s high animal density (over 7,000 animals) increases the likelihood of spotting the Big Five.
Emplaned in a volcanic crater with diverse biomes, Bakubung Bush Lodge blends Afro-chic décor with bush surroundings. There is a nearby watering hole to watch wildlife from the viewing deck.
- The Marula Grill Restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, blending local and international cuisine. Highlights include authentic bush braais (barbecues) and boma dinners under the stars on Wednesdays and Saturdays (subject to occupancy). A poolside bar, coffee shop, and room service are also available.
- There are two swimming pools, a range of spa treatments on offer at the Legacy Balance Spa, or stay active with flood-lit tennis courts, volleyball, table tennis, and a gym. A children’s playground, board games, and an internet lounge cater to families. The lodge offers shuttle services to Sun City for additional entertainment. The boma provides a cultural experience with fireside socialising and traditional performances.
- Children of all ages are catered for. Those 12 and under stay free (up to two per room) on a dinner, bed, and breakfast basis with one game drive when sharing with adults. The Junior Rangers Programme and adventure playground keep kids entertained.
- The Mmakubu Room and smaller venues accommodate 14 to 120 delegates, with modern amenities like projectors and internet access, ideal for business or private events.
- On line reviews highlight the personalised service, staff recognising returning guests and offering welcome drinks with treats like popcorn and doughnuts.
- The lodge promotes boma dinners on Wednesdays and Saturdays, a cultural dining experience, featuring traditional dancers and lantern-lit ambiance.
- The Legacy Balance Spa, perched above the lodge, is increasingly emphasized for its tranquil setting and treatments, including hydro-pool access and nail care, positioning it as a core relaxation feature for 2025 visitors.
- Half-board includes accommodation, dinner, breakfast, and one game drive, while full-board adds lunch and perks like spa discounts.
- Family-friendly offerings include free accommodation for children under 12 and an engaging Junior Rangers Programme, ensuring it remains a top choice for family safaris in 2025.
- Be wary that game drives can be crowded game due to the park’s popularity, with multiple vehicles converging on sightings. Visitors should book game drives early and expect a busy park.
Game drives require prior reservation. A park entrance fee (R60 for children under 12 per game drive) applies. The road to the lodge can be potholed, so driving before dusk is advised. Rates vary by occupancy, so early booking is recommended.
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park, adjacent to the resort, this Big Five reserve offers game drives, guided walks, and rhino-notching experiences. With over 7,000 animals and 300 bird species, it’s ideal for safaris, especially in winter (May-October) for optimal game viewing.
Entry is restricted to hotel/Sun Vacation Club residents, MVG members, guests with confirmed golf bookings, or those with pre-purchased Valley of Waves day visitor tickets via TicketPro (no on-site sales). Day visitor fees apply (e.g., R75/adult, R65/child), and Valley of Waves access incurs additional costs for non-residents.
Set in a lush valley with Pilanesberg mountains, the resort blends artificial extravagance (gilded statues, man-made beaches) with natural beauty. Its proximity to Johannesburg and malaria-free status make it a year-round destination, though winter is best for safaris and summer (November-April) brings occasional thunderstorms.
Salon Privé Revamp, the exclusive gaming area for top-tier Sun MVG members has been redesigned in 2025, offering a refreshed look and enhanced high-stakes gaming experiences.
The My Sun online portal enhances guest access to exclusive offers, customer statements, and competitions, streamlining bookings and rewards for MVG members.
Book day visitor tickets in advance via TicketPro. Expect crowds during school holidays (October, December). Winter (May-October) is ideal for cooler weather and safaris, while summer requires lightweight clothing and rain gear. MVG membership offers discounts and perks like free resort entry (excluding Valley of Waves).
- Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to over 7,000 animals, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and the reintroduced Cape wild dog. With over 360 bird species, it’s a haven for birdwatchers, especially during early mornings and late afternoons. The park’s transition zone between Kalahari and Lowveld ecosystems supports diverse flora and fauna, enhancing game-viewing opportunities.
- Scenic Landscape: The park’s dramatic terrain, formed by a 1.2-billion-year-old volcanic Alkali Ring Complex, features concentric ridges, valleys, and hills like Thabayadiotso (“Proud Mountain”). Mankwe Dam, a central man-made lake, offers stunning views and wildlife sightings. Visitors can explore over 200 km of tarred and gravel roads, accessible by standard vehicles, though SUVs are recommended for rougher gravel paths.
- Self-Drive Safaris: Visitors can explore at their own pace with park maps, ideal for flexible schedules. Most roads are suitable for 2WD sedans, but high-clearance vehicles are better for some gravel routes.
- Guided Game Drives: Open-vehicle safaris with knowledgeable rangers provide insights into fauna and flora, maximizing wildlife sightings. Day tours from Johannesburg or Pretoria are popular for time-constrained travelers.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Sunrise flights offer aerial views of the park and wildlife, a thrilling experience weather permitting.
- Photographic Hides: Six well-placed bird hides (e.g., Mankwe, Rathogo, Ruighoek) cater to photographers, with optimal lighting at different times of day.
- Archery: A unique activity where guides teach bow use in scenic surroundings, suitable for beginners and experienced archers.
- Picnic Spots: Five fenced picnic areas (e.g., Fish Eagle) offer braai facilities, water, and toilets, though visitors must bring their own charcoal or gas.
- Accommodation: Othere options range from camping at Manyane and Bakgatla resorts to luxury lodges like Ivory Tree, Kwa Maritane, and Shepherd’s Tree. Self-catering, caravanning, and 4-5 star private lodges cater to various budgets. Nearby Sun City provides additional entertainment like Valley of Waves and golf courses.
- Visitor Facilities: The Pilanesberg Information Centre, revamped from the old magistrates’ building near Mankwe Dam, offers shops, educational displays, and interactive wildlife systems. Restaurants at Manyane, Bakgatla, or the centre provide dining options.
- Accessibility and Fees: The park is open year-round with five public gates (Bakgatla, Kwa Maritane, Manyane, etc.) and a private Black Rhino Reserve gate. Entry fees are R80 for adults, R110 for foreign nationals, R30 for children (6-12), and R40 for vehicles (sedan/LDV/SUV). Gates open between 5:30-6:30 AM and close between 6:00-7:00 PM, depending on the season.
- Best Time to Visit: Late winter to early summer (July-October) is ideal, as animals feed longer due to lower nutrition, and the bush is less dense, improving visibility. Summer (October-March) brings lush greenery but denser vegetation and rainfall (622mm annually).
New tour options in 2025 include night safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife, which may gain traction in 2025. These complement existing day tours, hot air balloon rides, and specialized photographic tours, with operators like MoAfrika and BigSixTourSafaris refining their itineraries based on demand.
There is a long-term plan to create a wildlife corridor to Madikwe Game Reserve, forming a mega-reserve, remains under discussion. While not yet realized due to the region’s platinum mining interests, any progress in 2025 could enhance wildlife movement and visitor experiences, though no specific updates confirm this for the year.
Remember to stay in vehicles during self-drives, maintain distance from wildlife (two school bus lengths, eight for large animals), and carry mosquito repellent, though malaria risk is low.
To enhance the experience bring binoculars, guidebooks, and cameras for wildlife and birdwatching. Visit quieter roads or hides like Mankwe for better sightings.
