Bakubung Bush Lodge
4* Luxury Bush Lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park
Bakubung Bush Lodge Slide
Bakubung Bush Lodge Swimming Pool Area
The swimming pool is located next to the cocktail bar so guests may enjoy a delicious drink or meal either in the shade of the bar or by poolside for the sun lovers.
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Bakubung Junior Rangers Bushwalk
Apart from Game Drives, Bush Walks, birding and in-house entertainment, Bakubung have developed something even more engaging, the Junior's Ranger Program.
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Bakubung Bush Lodge Luxury Room
Luxury King Rooms - The room consists of one King Size bed, bath, separate shower, lounge area & minibar on request.
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Bakubung Bush Lodge Standard Rooms
Our standard rooms either have two double beds or one king-size bed, en suite bathroom, including a shower, air conditioner, direct dial telephone, tea/coffee machine, colour TV (with DStv bouquet), a hairdryer, plug for electric shaver and internet connectivity. All hotel rooms have doors leading onto either a balcony or a patio, and have panoramic views of the Park and the Hippo Pool.
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Bakubung Game Drive
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Elephants at Bakubung Bush Lodge Watering Hole
Guided Bush Walks & Game Drives, Private watering hole, Big 5 viewing, Juniors Rangers Program
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Bakubung Game Drive with Rhinos
Experience the BIG 5 with our trained field guides who will also show you Africa's other beautiful fauna and flora.
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Explore the stunning beauty of the Pilanesberg National Park from the luxury Bakubung Bush Lodge, nested in the game reserve’s heart. Bakubung, or “People of the Hippo” is situated at a mere 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, providing you with an easy access to the city’s hectic life.
Get to know the thrilling fauna of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in a unique way from one of Pilanesberg’s most comfortable and luxury accommodations. The Bakubung Bush Lodge comes equipped with all the amenities you need for an amazing holiday experience along with endless opportunities for big game viewing in a malaria-free environment. Spend an unforgettable day in the Pilanesberg National Park – game drive is included in the daily price – then enjoy your complimentary dinner and don’t forget to try out the African-themed spit braai, served every Friday.
Experience the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in the best possible way and get in touch with nature from Bakubung Bush Lodge, Pilanesberg’s most comfortable luxury accommodation.
Browse the tabs below to view more information about the lodge.
- Availability & Rates
- Specials
- Activities
- Conferencing
- Direction
- Experiences
- Facilities
- Rooms
- Terms
Check Availability, rates and Special Promotions per Room |
Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!
SOUTH AFRICAN RATES |
||
Dinner, Bed, Breakfast | ||
1 Sep to 31 Dec 2024 | Single | Double |
Standard Room - Per room per night - DBB | R4 580 | R5 690 |
Luxury Room - Per room per night - DBB | R5 295 | R6 400 |
Executive Suite - Per room per night - DBB | R9 055 | |
Full Board | ||
1 Sep to 31 Dec 2024 | Single | Double |
Standard Room - Per room per night - FB | R5 840 | R7 665 |
Luxury Room - Per room per night - FB | R7 270 | R8 380 |
Executive Suite - Per room per night - FB | R11 030 |
Terms & Conditions
• Bakubung Bush Lodge - Children can only be accommodated in a
Standard room if sharing with one or two adults.
• Minimum two
night stay over weekends (Friday & Saturday).
• Dinner Bed and Breakfast rate
- 1 complimentary game drive is included per person per
night’s stay. Please refer to Wildlife Activities page for
further information.
- Children aged 12 years and younger (maximum two children per room)
will be accommodated free of charge on a dinner, bed and breakfast
basis, including one game drive, if sharing with one or two adults.
- Children aged 13-17 years will be accommodated free of charge on a
room only basis and will be charged
2024-R 890 per child per day for breakfast, dinner and one
game drive, if sharing with one or two adults.
- A park entrance fee of
R 50 will apply to children 12 years and younger.
• Full Board
rate
- 2 complimentary game drives is included per person per
night’s stay. Please refer to Wildlife Activities page for
further information.
- Children aged 12 years and younger (maximum two children per room)
will be accommodated free of charge on a full board basis inclusive of
dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and two game drives per day, if sharing
with one or two adults.
- Children aged 13-17 years will be accommodated free of charge on a
room only basis and will be charged
2024-R1 500 per child per day for breakfast, lunch,
dinner and two game drives, if sharing with one or two adults.
Experience the Big 5 with our trained field guides who will also show you some of Africa's beautiful fauna and flora.
Game Drive Times
Morning | Afternoon | |
May | 08h00 | 15h30 |
June - July | 08h00 | 15h30 |
August | 08h00 | 15h30 |
September | 06h00 | 16h00 |
October - March | 05h30 | 16h30 |
April | 06h00 | 16h00 |
Game Drives last approximately 3 hours, depending on weather conditions and animal sightings in the Park.
Bush Braai
Bush braais are held (weather permitting) every Wednesday and
Saturday night. If you would like to book a bush braai on an
alternative night, a minimum of 30 people is required. If numbers drop
below 30, the full rate for 30 people will be charged.
Prices may be subject to change. Non-residential rates available on
request.
Visit us outside the wildlife centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays for a live snake demonstration by one of our experienced field guides. Bookings are essential and can be made at the Wildlife Centre.
Game Viewing
The lodge itself plays centre stage for incredible wildlife sightings. So even if you're not taking part in a game drive or game walk, ensure that you keep your keen eye out for some truly incredible experiences right outside on your doorstep.
If you're looking for unprecedented views to share with your partner or loved ones, our specialized game rangers will take you to one of their many secret spots. Sip on a glass of champagne while you soak in an African sunset. By prior arrangement only.
Another not-to-be-missed activity is the famous Bakubung bush boma dinner. Sit under a canopy of a million stars, whilst you dine on our local South African dishes and watch live traditional entertainment. A truly once in a lifetime experience that will stay in the memory forever.
Learn about our vibrant bird life, and age-old trees as one of our experienced field guides take you on an informative morning walk through the property. Limited to 10 guests per day. Bookings are essential.
For active minds, we have a selection of board games available for hire. Enquire at reception for more information.
Junior
Rangers Programme
Legacy Junior Rangers programme is available for all children aged 6-12
years. Activities are geared around natural resource protection,
environmental education and responsible recreation offering a special
opportunity to explore the Pilanesberg National Park. The Junior
Rangers Program is available at a small additional cost to parents and
usually takes 2 days to complete. On completion of the program,
children will be including in a graduation ceremony and will be given a
certificate and badges for activities completed.
Hippo
Holiday Club (available all year round)
The Hippo holiday kiddies programme is available for children aged 4
to12 years old, and takes place Tuesdays to Sundays during the school
holidays. Enquire with us for more information.
Playground
The kids are able to explore and play in our fully equipped playground
with jungle gym, swings and slides. We also host many other kids
activities to give you the break that you need and deserve.
The true golfers will be well aware that bordering the Pilanesberg
National Park is one of Africa's most iconic golf courses, the Gary
Player Country Club. Whether you're confident enough to take on the
home of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, or you're happy with a round at the
scenic Lost City Golf Course, our guest relations manager will organise
you a round.
Equipment is available from reception.
A selection of Conferencing Venues at: Bakubung Bush Lodge the Place of the Hippo
Bakubung Bush Lodge is concealed within the rich expanses of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park and offers you everything you need to get in touch with the bush.
These Pilanesberg lodges are set in an area where the Big 5 roam, a mere 2 hour drive from the hectic lifestyle of Johannesburg. Bakubung, or “People of the Hippo”, offers you everything you need in regards to comfortable and luxury accommodation. With the bush just outside your window you will be able to relax and take in everything about the bush and the animals living around you.
Bakubung Bush Lodge has some of the best accommodation in the Pilanesberg and offers an amazing family holiday experience.
Venues
With a balcony overlooking the park, the Kubanya Room offers guests prime game viewing opportunities while they break for tea or snack time.
- U-shape: 22 delegates
- Herring-bone style: 30 delegates
- School room: 30 delegates
- Cinema style: 60 delegates
Adjacent to the Marula Grill Restaurant and overlooking the waterhole, is the Mmakubu Room, Bakubung’s largest conference venue. This space can be tailored for any type of event or layout.
- U-shape: 40 delegates
- Herring-bone style: 72 delegates
- School room: 90 delegates
- Cinema style: 120 delegates
If you are hosting a small conference or require a boardroom meeting, this is the ideal venue. It is a medium-sized room and can accommodate smaller groups comfortably.
- U-shape: (A) 12 delegates. (B) 12 delegates. (A&B) 28 delegates
- Herring-bone style: (A) n/a. (B) n/a. (A&B) 45 delegates
- School room: (A) n/a. (B) n/a. (A&B) 50 delegates
- Cinema style: (A) 40 delegates. (B) 40 delegates. (A&B) 80 delegates
Banqueting and Conferencing
Below is a list of Standard Equipment and Technology you can expect to find at Bakubung Bush Lodge:
- 35mm slide projector
- TV monitors
- P A system
- Notepad / Pens
- Lectern
- Wall Screen
- Lapel Microphone
- Mineral Water
- VHS Recorder
- Flip Chart
- Roving Microphone
- Cordials
- White board
- DVD Player
Further Options
Private Gala Dinners Functions:
We aim to surprise and delight; gala dinners being our special forte. Our banqueting team will ensure that your guests have a truly memorable occasion and impeccable dining experience
Please Note: This would be in the venue that you conference in if in conference. Please liase with reservations for further information and suggestions if you are planning a function for your group or conference. This is subject to venue availability, the number of guests the seating capacity & entertainment for the function. A large variety of menus are available for your selection. Prices are determined by the menu selection. We have Standard linen in stock for Décor. Should you require assistance in getting quotes for additional décor and entertainment please advise accordingly?
Restaurant Times
Breakfast 07h00 - 10h00 | Lunch 12h30 - 14h00 | Dinner 18h30 - 22h00
• Sunday to Thursday is Chef ‘s choice buffet.
• Fridays - Out of African – lamb on a spit.
• Wednesday & Saturday nights an option is to book our bush braai at our boma in the park, or dinner in our main restaurant being our Chef’s carvery.
• Room service: is available between 11h00 & 21h00
Wildlife Activities
To make your stay memorable for your guests we suggest that you include a game drive and bush braai in your agenda. The bush braai is held in our boma situated 20 minutes from the lodge. The menu consists of traditional South African dishes. A bush braai is held on Wednesday & Saturday evenings for all hotel & timeshare guests
Other Nights:
Game Drive Bush Braai's or Bush Braai's only can also be arranged on any other evening subject to a minimum of 30 people being booked (Groups less than 30 pay for 30) If no other groups are booked, and your group is alone at the boma. Please note this does not confirm
Sole Use of the boma for a group, as bookings can change at any stage. Should another group book and be at the boma on that night your costing will revert to the per person rate.
For a Bush Braai only on other Nights for a group less than 30 a surcharge of R4000.00 is applicable. If no other groups are booked, and your group is alone at the boma.
Please note this does not confirm Sole Use of the boma for a group, as bookings can change at any stage. Should another group book and be at the boma on that night your costing will revert to the per person rate.
Sporting Facilities on Site:
- 2 Tennis courts (floodlit)
- Swimming pool
- Action Cricket (please enquire & floodlit)
- Volleyball – (please enquire & floodlit)
- Outdoor chess| Pool Table | Table Tennis
- Trampoline & Kiddies Playground
Other Sporting Facilities in the Area:
Golf, Squash & Aquatic Sports offered at Sun City.
DIRECTIONS FROM FOURWAYS, SANDTON
- Travel north along William Nicol Drive to the four-way intersection with Witkoppen Road
- Turn left into Witkoppen Road towards Lanseria/Roodepoort
- Turn right at the intersection with Hans Strijdom Extension on the road towards Broederstroom and Lanseria
- Cross over the Muldersdrift/ Diepsloot Road and continue with the R512 towards Broederstroom and Lanseria
- Cross the bridge over the R28 Krugersdorp/Pretoria highway, pass the Lanseria turnoff and continue straight ahead
- At the T-junction turn left on the R512 to Magaliesberg. Follow directional signs
- Continue on this road until you see the Sun City signboard on your left. Turn right on the R512 to Brits and cross the bridge over Hartebeespoort Dam
- At the T-junction turn right on the R512 to Brits
- Continue to the four-way stop and turn left on the R512/27 for Brits/Rustenburg
- Pass the first Brits turnoff. At the signpost R27 Rustenburg/Brits turn right
- On the bridge turn left towards Rustenburg
- Continue until you get to the slipway to the left. Take the slipway and continue on the new N4 highway
- A signboard on the left side of the road indicates Pilanesberg to the left on route 91. Exit left off the highway. At the T-junction turn right and continue on this road to Sun City
- On reaching Sun City, go straight past the Zenex garage on your right, after 4km you will see a sign indicating you to turn right to
- Bakubung, follow the road and it will lead you to the Bakubung Gate
When it comes to topography and game viewing, the Pilanesberg is a cut above some of the other national parks in South Africa and Bakubung offers a variety of ways to enjoy it. Live on the wild side and experience a game walk on foot with one of our qualified guides to enjoy an encounter with some of the park’s 7000 animals.
The Pilanesberg is not only home to an abundant wildlife population – with more than 360 bird species and 7 000 animals (including the notorious big-5) - but also houses a plethora of roads from which to enjoy them. Start the day off while its cool with a game drive – you can self-drive or join one of the resort’s experienced rangers on an open game vehicle.
Not much trumps a cool dip in the pool on a hot summer’s day. The Bakubung pool, with its plethora of loungers and full poolside service, allows guests to lie back, soak up the sun and enjoy a cold beverage or a light lunch without having to move. If you need a short break from the sun, our poolside bar is a great place to retreat to and have a drink in the shade.
For those visiting on business or for those needing a quiet space to get a few hours of work done, our resident’s lounge is the ideal space to retreat to. There are a variety of comfortable seating areas to work from and the area offers strong WIFI signal should you require it.
Nestled into a hillside just above the lodge, the Legacy Balance Spa at Bakubung is an enchanting escape from the busyness of outside life. The tranquility of the spa’s interiors blends perfectly with its natural surrounds and the high ceilings and openness of the space allows for the sounds of nature to immerse you. Legacy Balance spas are known for their personalised treatments, award-winning products and highly trained therapists, ensuring you will leave our spa feeling elated and, well, a little more balanced.
Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm,
Sun & public holidays: 9am -6pm.
Bookings essential.
Bakubung’s business and leisure facilities plus its location - being just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and ten-minutes from Sun City and the Gary Player Golf Course – make it a highly desirable MICE destination. The four interior spaces, the largest of which can host up to 120 delegates, are ideal for any type of conference or event, from meetings and gala dinners to weddings and presentations. If you are looking to absorb the outdoors and take in the view, poolside and boma dinners can also be arranged.
Family comes first! Bakubung and its facilities and activities
make it
an easy choice for families. Kids can spend hours playing on our
playground which has been fully equipped with slides, swings and
climbing equipment. When they are done here, there are a number of
other kid’s activities on offer to help keep them entertained.
What better way to stay healthy and active than with a game of
tennis? Get your game on with family or friends or get stuck in with
the kids - with two floodlit courts available you can play night or
day. You do not even have to bring equipment with you because there are
tennis rackets and balls available from reception.
We are passionate about wildlife and educating our guests about the incredibly diverse range of animals, birds and reptiles we are home to in the Pilanesberg. Guests can come visit the wildlife center to view and learn about various indigenous snakes from the area, as well as find out about our educational and interactive bush walks, game drives and recent animal sightings.
For guests who would like to take a shuttle to enjoy a quick day trip in to Sun City or perhaps require a transfer service to and from the airport, we have you sorted. For a small surcharge, a scheduled shuttle bus is available between the lodge and Sun City at regular intervals, plus transfers to and from the Pilanesberg airport can also be arranged on request.
There is nothing quite as restorative as being in nature,
however
sometimes through technology you just want to be able to share this
experience. We provide guests with 500Mb of complimentary WiFi every
day!
Bakubung has more than one spot in which to kick back and enjoy yourself over a drink or a scrumptious plate of food. The Marula Grill restaurant, centrally located inside the resort and overlooking the hippo hide, caters for all mealtimes and offers guests the choice of a buffet or an à la carte carte menu with a selection of dishes to suit all tastes, including some traditional favourites. For a sundowner cocktail, join us the Thutlwa Bar overlooking the pool and for the ladies, the Motswedi Ladies Bar is open till late offering a variety of beverage options and cigars.
Marula
Grill Restaurant:
The Marula Grill Restaurant is open all day and conveniently located in
a central part of the resort, overlooking the waterhole. Diners are
often spoiled by visiting elephants coming for a late afternoon drink.
Cuisine is a choice of a buffet feast or an à la carte carte
menu with an extensive selection of dishes to suit all tastes. Seating
is vast and guests can choose to dine inside or outside, with exterior
seating available under a covered patio, or on the lawn under the
stars.
Breakfast: 07h00-09h30; Lunch: 12h30-14h00; Dinner: 18h30-21h30. A
light terrace menu is available from 11h00-21h00.
Thutlwa
Pool Bar:
Relax and experience the sights and sounds of the magnificent
Pilanesberg National Park, whilst indulging in a refreshing cocktail at
the Bar.
Motswedi
Ladies Bar:
Ladies Cocktail Bar open 10h00 - 01h00 daily, offering a range of
imported beers, spirits, wines and cigars.
Bush
Boma:
On Saturdays, Bakubung offers guests a unique dinner dining experience
under the stars. Be escorted into the reserve by our rangers where you
will enjoy a beautiful boma dinner set around the fire and illuminated
by the golden glow of lanterns. This is a true way to enjoy deliciously
handcrafted cuisine while immersing yourself in nature. Wednesday
evening boma dinners are also on offer to in-house guests when
occupancy levels allow for this. Please enquire with us directly to
confirm our boma dinner days and times.
Our small boma may be booked for private events for 10 - 30 people.
Grab your family members and start a game of volleyball and soon, there will be others wanting to join in the fun. There is nothing more social than a game of volleyball and it’s a brilliant way for kids to make new friends while participating in a fun and active game.
For those wanting to keep fit and active on their bush breakaway, Bakubung offers a fully equipped gym adjacent to the tennis courts. Runners can enjoy a jog on one of our treadmills and for those looking to tone up, there are a variety of weights and weight machines on offer. Fresh sweat towels and cold water are always available on site, to ensure you have a pleasant workout experience.
The Standard King room is a great choice for couples who enjoy the extra space. Each of the 20 king rooms comes equipped with one king size bed, air conditioning, DSTV, direct dialing telephones, coffee and tea making facilities, international multi-plugs, hairdryers, electronic safes and minibars which can be stocked on request. Bathrooms comprise of a separate bath and shower, toilet and electric shaving plugs for those who may need
Standard Twin Room
The Standard Twin room is the perfect choice for friends or families travelling together. Offering two double beds in each room, the space comes equipped with air conditioning, DSTV, direct dialing telephones, coffee and tea making facilities, international multi-plugs, hairdryers, electronic safes and minibars which can be stocked on request. Bathrooms comprise of a separate bath and shower, toilet and electric shaving plugs for those who may need.
The optimal choice for a travelling family, Bakubung’s 11 Standard Queen Rooms offer all the comforts and amenities needed for your stay. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, DSTV, direct dialing telephones, coffee and tea making facilities, international multi-plugs, hairdryers, electronic safes and minibars which can be stocked on request. Bathrooms comprise of a separate bath and shower, toilet and electric shaving plugs for those who may need.
Our Luxury King Room boasts one large king size bed, plus a lounge with a couch to curl up on and enjoy a good book from. Each of the nine luxury king rooms comes equipped with air conditioning, DSTV, direct dialing telephones, coffee and tea making facilities, international multi-plugs, hairdryers, electronic safes and minibars which can be stocked on request. Bathrooms comprise of separate bath and shower, toilet and electric shaving plugs for those who may need.
With just four Executive Suites on offer, these rooms are a step-up from the luxury king room, offering special executive amenities. Each of these comes equipped with air conditioning, DSTV, direct dialing telephones, coffee and tea making facilities, international multi-plugs, hairdryers, electronic safes and minibars which can be stocked on request. Bathrooms comprise of a separate bath and shower, toilet and electric shaving plugs for those who may need.
Bakubung has one wheel-chair friendly room which is easily accessible and spacious enough for our guests to navigate. The room is also equipped with a wheelchair accessible shower and toilet, air conditioning, DSTV, direct dialing telephones, coffee and tea making facilities, international multi-plugs, hairdryers, electronic safes and minibars which can be stocked on request.
Wrapped around the perimeter of the property and overlooking one of the park’s waterholes, is an array of fully serviced, self-catering chalets. All the chalets are equipped with two en-suite bathrooms, a lounge, an open veranda with a braai/barbeque, an LED TV and a pull-out couch for two small children. The chalet’s kitchen is fully kitted with fridge, stove and an oven, plus basic kitchen utensils. Bedrooms are fitted with premium bedding and black out curtains, for those wanting to lie in and enjoy the mornings a little longer.
Rates Include:
- Accommodation
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- 1 complimentary game drive per person per night of stay
- Boma dinners, which are offered every Saturday night
- VAT
Rates Exclude:
- All beverages
- Lunch
- Items of personal nature
Children can only be accommodated in a Standard Twin room if sharing with one or two adults.
* Dinner Bed and Breakfast rate - 1 complimentary game drive is included per person per night’s stay
* Children aged 12 years and younger (maximum two children per room) will be accommodated free of charge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, including one game drive, if sharing with one or two adults.
A Park entrance fee of R 40.00 will be charged for children under 12.
Children aged 13-17 years will be accommodated free of charge on a room only basis and will be charged R650.00 per child per day for breakfast, dinner and one game drive, if sharing with one or two adults.
All Rooms Have:
- Individual air-con
- bathrooms with shower and toilet
- DSTV
- direct dialing phone
- electric shaving plugs
- coffee/tea making machines
- hair dryer.
Check-in is after 14:00 and check-out is before 10:00.
Deposit Policy
For all bookings made within 30 days of travel
Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking.
For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival.
Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card (Master/Visa) or bitcoin.
Cancellation Policy
- If the reservation is cancelled less than 14 days prior to arrival a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
- If cancelled 7 days or less prior to arrival a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
- A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.
Honeymoon Added Value Offers
- Allocation of a room with a King Size bed
- Bottle of Sparkling wine a platter of chocolate dipped fruits (strawberries when available) with a personalized note from the GM
- Complimentary Late Departure (Subject to availability)
- VIP Turndown on day of arrival
Junior Rangers
Legacy Junior Rangers programme is available for all children aged 6-12 years. Activities are geared around natural resource protection, environmental education and responsible recreation offering a special opportunity to explore the Pilanesberg National Park. The Junior Rangers Program is available at a small additional cost to parents and usually takes 2 days to complete. On completion of the program, children will be including in a graduation ceremony and will be given a certificate and badges for activities completed.
The rate for day use will be the single room rate, but the room must be vacated prior to 17h00, and is subject to availability.
2024 Meal Rates
- Breakfast R330.00 per person
- Lunch - Buffet R330.00 per person
- Sunday Lunch – Buffet R330.00 per person
- Midweek Buffet Dinner (Monday-Thursday) R430.00 per person
- Weekend Buffet Dinner (Friday-Sunday) R495.00 per person
- Boma Braai – non-residents (Wednesday & Saturday) R495.00 per person