Deals of the day
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Buffalo Thorn Lodge is part of the Black Rhino Game Reserve; in the Pilanesberg National Park. Only 30 kilometers from Sun City and about 3 hours from Johannesburg, it is in the heart of South Africa’s North West Province – a malaria-free area.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge provides the ultimate escape from busy schedules, with five luxury, self-catering, thatched chalets accommodating only ten guests (including children). The lodge is rented out exclusively sleeping ten guests. Thus meaning that you have the tranquility and the beauty of the bush all to yourselves.
The main entertainment area comprises a dining room, TV lounge, reading lounge, games area and a fully equipped kitchen. Outside in the boma, you can relax around an African fire, listen to the sounds of the night or to the stories of your experienced game ranger.
Alternatively, you can star-gaze under an ink-black sky or just relax over a good meal at the dining table and bar, inhaling the pungent smells of indigenous veld and wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon safari in an open vehicle as your ranger shows you the large and small species of the African bushveld.
Or game view from the comfort of loungers around the pool. Alternatively relax in the jacuzzi as many species of birds and buck, even some of the big five, such as elephant, amble past the electric fence a few meters from the pool deck. We are committed to giving you a memorable self-catering safari experience at Buffalo Thorn Lodge, And included in the rates, are:
- All game drives.
- All daily conservation fees.
- A daily fully serviced lodge by the staff.
- Tea and coffee in the rooms.
- Extravagant luxury has never been this affordable and accessible.
THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME
Buffalo Thorn Lodge gets its name from the Buffalo Thorn tree (Ziziphus Mucronata) which is small to medium-sized. It is colloquially known in Afrikaans as the ‘Blinkblaar Wag-‘n-Bietjie’. The ‘Blinkblaar’ refers to the shiny leaves while ‘Wag-‘n-Bietjie’ literally means ‘wait a while’ in English.
Deriving its name from the paired and straight-hooked thorns which attach themselves mercilessly to passersby, it requires a lengthy amount of time to extricate oneself! The Buffalo Thorn tree has many varied uses among different cultures and beliefs.
The fruit can be used to make beer and it is rumoured that chewing the leaves serves as an aphrodisiac! Some believe that the tree is immune to lightning making it safe to shelter under during a thunderstorm, while the Zulu people believe the “z” shaped thorns protect graves and put souls to rest.
BLACK RHINO RESERVE
This new reserve forms part of the greater Pilanesberg National Park, which is an area of about 57 000 hectares. Black Rhino Game Reserve is situated on the North-Western boundary of the Pilanesberg National Park (PNP). It is just less than 2000 hectares and is the first extension that was incorporated into the PNP.
The final goal is to incorporate farms between PNP and Madikwe Game Reserve in order to form a “Heritage Park” that will include about 300 000 hectares.
From Buffalo Thorn Lodge, we can traverse the entire park of 57 000 hectares in open game-drive vehicles, for close-up viewing of the big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) as well as numerous endangered species such as Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Sable and Tsessebe Antelope.
The Black Rhino Game Reserve’s vegetation is predominantly sweetveld and it complements the sour and mixed veld of the PNP. The reserve is characterised by large numbers of Tamboti trees and therefore regular sightings of the bad-tempered Black Rhino are quite probable.
Black Rhino Game Reserve is a natural ecosystem 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 a 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!
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 are best in winter as the foliage has died back and animals frequent around waterholes.
SELF-CATERING LUXURY AT ITS BEST
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
Only 10 guests are allowed at Buffalo Thorn Lodge (including children of all ages).
EACH SUITE INCLUDES
- King-sized bed
- Minibar fridge in each room and filter coffee facilities
- In-room, jet spa bath
- Outside & 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
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.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
- Child-friendly swimming pool
- Heated jacuzzi with a view
- Bar with fridge and ice machine
- Dining area
- Open fire barbecue
- Modern gas barbecue
- 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
- Wifi 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
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)
FROM PRETORIA/JOHANNESBURG:
Head towards Sun City. Stay on the R556 and pass the entrance to Sun City on the right. Continue for 5.11 km to the STOP sign, turn right at the intersection (onto the R565). Continue on this road for approximately 27 km through a village (beware of potholes) until you see the Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance on the right.
Sign in at the gate and either request a pick up from the gate if you do not want to drive your car on the dirt roads and we will come and collect you or drive directly to the lodge. A normal sedan car should be able to reach Buffalo Thorn Lodge without a problem.
FROM THE BLACK RHINO GAME RESERVE GATE:
Enter the gate (sign in – Buffalo Thorn Lodge is number 20) then drive for 2,9 km along the road until you meet an intersection, turn left. It is the first road at which you can turn left, after entering the Reserve.
Then continue for 1.47 km until you reach another intersection – turn extreme right then continue for another 470 m, keeping right until you see our lodge. Turn left into our gate, Stand 20 – Buffalo Thorn Lodge.
