Good To Know
Your Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything guests most often ask before staying at Tsholo Safari Lodge. If your question isn’t here, our reservations team will gladly help.
Planning and booking
Where is Tsholo Safari Lodge?
In the Black Rhino Game Reserve, a private concession within Pilanesberg National Park in North West Province, South Africa, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
Is Pilanesberg malaria-free?
Yes. Pilanesberg is a malaria-free area, which makes it a popular choice for families with young children.
What does the rate include?
Accommodation, three meals a day and two guided game drives daily, plus the tea and coffee station in your room. Drinks, spa treatments and transfers are extra.
How do I book?
Book online with live rates and availability, call +27 (10) 900 – 5150 or email reservations@nightjarcollection.co.za.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. You are welcome to arrive from midday and enjoy lunch, but rooms are only ready from 14:00.
What is your cancellation policy?
50% is charged for cancellations 60–30 days before arrival, 75% for 29–15 days, and 100% for 14 days or less or a no-show.
Getting there
How do I get to Tsholo?
Drive to the Black Rhino Game Reserve’s private gate on the R565, about 27 km past Sun City, give your name at the gate and follow the signs to the lodge. See the About page for full directions.
Can I drive there in a normal car?
Yes. The road is tarred all the way to the Black Rhino gate and no 4x4 is needed. Only during heavy rain may an SUV be needed for the last stretch.
Which airport is closest?
Lanseria International is the closest airport, about 165 km away (2¼–2½ hours by road). O.R. Tambo International is about 235 km away (3–3½ hours).
Do you offer airport transfers?
Yes. Road transfers can be arranged from O.R. Tambo, Lanseria and Sandton. Please contact our reservations team when you book.
Can I visit for the day?
No. The Black Rhino Game Reserve is a private concession and is not open to day visitors, including for the restaurant or spa.
Safari and wildlife
Can I see the Big Five at Tsholo?
Yes. The Black Rhino Game Reserve is part of the greater Pilanesberg ecosystem, home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, though sightings are never guaranteed.
How many game drives are there each day?
Two: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, ending with sundowners.
Do you offer bush walks?
Yes, we offer daily guided bush walks. These are limited to eight people per day, so booking is essential. Please enquire with reservations.
When is the best time to visit?
Game viewing is good all year. In winter (May–August) the bush is thinner and animals gather at water, making sightings easier. Summer (October–March) is green, with newborn animals and excellent birding.
Families and children
Is Tsholo child-friendly?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome. Four Luxury Suites take two children under 12 on extra beds, and the Two-Bedroom Villa suits families.
Can children go on game drives?
Children under six are not permitted on scheduled game drives with other guests unless a private vehicle is hired (subject to availability and at an additional cost). Please enquire with reservations. Bumble game drives for small children are offered after breakfast, with their parents, at no cost. Babysitting is available on request at an additional cost.
At the lodge
What types of rooms are there?
15 rooms: eight Luxury Suites, four Kubu Suites, the Kubu House Honeymoon Suite and a Two-Bedroom Villa.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Yes, every room has air conditioning and ceiling fans.
Is there a spa?
Yes. The Amani Spa is a fully equipped spa with three treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, and a wellness centre with saunas and cold plunges.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, with advance notice. Please let us know when you book.
Do you host weddings and conferences?
Yes. Tsholo is well suited to meetings, conferences and events, with a glass-fronted main conference venue and a smaller Library breakaway room. The lodge hosts intimate weddings, executive retreats and full lodge buyouts for up to 50 guests.
Still
Have A Question?
Our reservations team is happy to help with anything from transfers to dietary requirements.