Mbazo Safari Lodge
We started in the Hospitality business over forty years ago to live at the intersection of food, art and commerce. The only thing that has changed is our perspective and experience. Our mission is the same – to delight, inspire and be inspired. What began as a small storefront deli on church street Pretoria, South Africa in 1979, has evolved to become one of South Africa’s cream Hospitality firms.
Our job is to insure that a celebration reflects a client’s style, taste, vision, and yes – even their dreams. This belief has served us well for more than 40 years, and we have remained on the edge of culinary creativity, constantly refining ourselves and our food to make dreams become reality.
Unlike other hotels, Hotels pride themselves on offering our guests in-house award-winning restaurants and our food philosophy is simple: seasonal, ingredients to showcase the region’s finest flavours.
Our Creation Cycle is Deliberately Low-Tech
By going on a true discovery that has been crafted for each guest, you are assisting us to care for the people, fauna & flora of the loved destinations that you visit. People-centred service as authentic as Mbazo. The reason Mbazo came into existence was to provide jobs, skills and hope to people living in desperate poverty. Each Mbazo discovery is spiced with our promise to take Care of the Heart & Soul of what nature provides.
Our services, linen and packaging are hand-made by experienced crafters. We support small local suppliers and producers. Our wild ingredients are hand-harvested by people living in remote areas of Southern Africa where economic opportunities are almost non-existent.
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Rates
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Come Dine With Us
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Facilities
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Information
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Rooms
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Safari Adventure
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Terms
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Unwind & Relax
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Lodge & Room Features
| Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to availability | |
| Description | 1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 |
| VILLA Luxurious Room - Per person per night (sharing) | R7 800 |
| VILLA Luxurious Room - Solo traveler | R10 800 |
| PREMIER SUITE - Per person per night (sharing) | R9 000 |
| PREMIER SUITE - Solo traveler | R12 400 |
| CHILD* (6-11*) - p/child p/n | R3 900 |
| FAMILY VILLA (2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms) Maximum Occupancy of Family Villa: 5 pax |
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| VILLA RATE (2 Bed +2 bath,Based on 4 guests) | R31 700 |
| ADDITIONAL
CHILD (Applies to 5th person sharing between 6 - 11 yrs of age inclusive) - p/child p/n |
R3 800 |
Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!
Every Meal is a
Delicious And Memorable Celebration
Dining, which is as much a part of your safari experience
as the safari itself, provides you with the gourmet Big Five: Safari
halt. Breakfast. Lunch. Tea in the afternoon. Dinner.
RESTAURANT SHONGOLOLO IS
A GOURMET ADVENTURE
A Gourmet Adventure Awaits
From start to completion, dining at Restaurant Shongololo
is a gourmet adventure. Guests are served various dishes in theatrical
settings, sparking all their senses and making the dining experience
thrilling and interactive.
To get to the gallery and the restaurant beyond, you must first visit a
modern grange’s veranda. Mbazo House was deliberately
constructed to set the tone for Restaurant Shongololo’s
elegant dining experience. It was named after the Great Kruger Tusker,
which inspired architect Francois van der Westhuizen’s
dramatic modern safari style. Dining at Shongololo is a delicious
adventure from start to finish with an emphasis on traditional African
flavours. Guests are offered a variety of foods in theatrical settings,
which stimulate all of their senses and make the eating experience
exciting and participatory.
Restaurant Shongololo is only open for lunch to non-resident guests on
occasion, depending on availability. Lunch appointments can be made up
to three months in advance. Please contact the staff at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make a reservation or for further
information on arriving to Mbazo by road or air.
AN AUTHENTIC
DINING EXPERIENCE
Flavours Inspired by the
Traditions of Africa
With the addition of Restaurant Shongololo to the Mbazo dining guest
experience, the culinary traditions, ingredients, and regional produce
of the Northwest Province are the shining stars on a seasonal menu that
is rooted not only in the remote and dramatic landscapes of
Pilanesberg, but also in the resourceful and creative people of this
remote, undiscovered region.
This seasonal menu was inspired not only by the dramatic landscapes of
Pilanesberg, the culture of the people and the traditional African
flavours of the region. The launch of Shongololo on the reserve has
reinforced the culinary relationship between African-born Executive
Chef Mpumeleleo and the Mbazo family. As part of its journey toward
greater sustainability, Mbazo’s dedication to celebrating
local origin, tradition, and culture makes it the ideal location for
the renowned chef’s first home-town restaurant.
Celebrate
Southern Africa Under the Stars
At Restaurant Shongololo, the dining experience places a strong
emphasis on the telling of stories. Chef Mike collaborated with
Mbazo’s culinary artist, The Don, and pastry chef Gladness to
conduct extensive study on traditional African flavours, historical
cuisines, and cultural practices over the course of several years.
The restaurant’s seasonal multi-course menu draws its
inspiration from the use of locally sourced ingredients and sustainable
purchasing practises. The Stargazing Gallery at Shongololo, which is
positioned a few metres above the Tambotie Forest in the Pilanesberg
Game Reserve, is the centrepiece of this modest design.
Our job is to ensure that a celebration reflects a client’s
style, taste, vision, and yes – even their dreams. This
belief has served us well for more than 40 years, and we have remained
on the edge of culinary creativity, constantly refining ourselves and
our food to make dreams become reality.
STRONG EMPHASIS
ON STORYTELLING
Executive Chef Mpumelelo
At
Restaurant Shongololo, the dining experience transcends mere meals;
it’s a captivating narrative that pays homage to the rich
cultural practices of the region. Our Executive Chef Mpumelelo,
affectionately known as Chef Mike, is the storyteller behind each dish.
Positioned at the intersection of tradition, culture, and
sustainability, Mbazo’s commitment to celebrating local
origins aligns seamlessly with Chef Mpumeleleo’s vision for
his first hometown restaurant. This collaboration is a testament to the
shared values that elevate Shongololo to be more than just a dining
experience—it’s a culinary journey grounded in
heritage and sustainability.
Bathroom: Freestanding Bath & Outdoor Shower
Airconditioning: Fully Fitted
In-Room Facilities: Telephone, Hairdryers and Safe in Room
Personal Fridge: In-Room Personal Fully Stocked Bar
WiFi: Free Superfast Uncapped WiFi
Spa: Expert Wellness Therapists provide in-room spa and beauty treatments
Pool: Serviced Guest Pool with Loungers and Towels
Dining: Gourmet Big Five: Safari halt. Breakfast. Lunch. Tea in the afternoon. Dinner. to enjoy at the Viewing Terrace
Mbazo Gallery: Wonderful souvenirs, art, apparel, and everyday necessities
Everyone’s Welcome: Suitable for Guests with Disabilities
General Facilities
- Bar / Lounge
- Secured parking
- Free parking
- Laundry service
- Restaurant
- Room service
- WIFI
- Wheelchair access
The average maximum temperature ranges from 21°C/70°F in July to 35°C/95°F in January, with the lowest average minimum temperature happening in July.
The region is semi-arid, with an average annual rainfall of 500mm (20in), the most of which falls during the summer months (December – February)
Rain is usually in the form of thundershowers, with a downpour that lasts no more than a few minutes.
Located
Mbazo Safari Lodge is located on Black Rhino, a privately controlled 2100ha part of the Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa.
Best Time to Visit
The animals in Pilanesberg National Park are non-migratory, as a result, rather than changing with the seasons, the safari experience continues to evolve throughout the year.
The optimal time to go birdwatching is from October to April.
Can the Whole Lodge be Booked?
Absolutely! The intimate lodging is inspired by the Red-Billed Buffalo Weaver. This bird has been observed in small family groups or in large flocks, thus you as a discerned guest can book the lodge as a couple, family or large flock, capable to serve up to 10 callers.
Is the Lodge Family Friendly?
Definitely! The resort welcomes guests of all ages.
There's also the Eco Garden's children's amusement and education area — the hub of fun and games.
Malaria Free Lodge
Five Lush, Organic and Undeniably Gourgeous Suite
Mbazo Safari Lodge's luxury accommodation is a simple extension of the natural environment that surrounds it — lush, organic, and undeniably gorgeous.
The five two-sleeper chalets are modern elegance while still capturing the sense of craft ‘Out of Africa.’ Each has a king-sized bed, a fully-stocked minibar, a freestanding bath, en-suite and outdoor showers, and a shaded veranda elevated to take advantage of the uninterrupted bush views that accompany all our accommodation at Pilanesberg National Park.
Room Features
- King Sized Bed
- Freestanding Bath
- Free Wifi
- Reading Nook
- Walk-in & Outdoor Shower
- Fully Stocked Mini Fridge
- Blackout Curtains
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Personal Safe
- Shaded Veranda
- Fresh Towels
- Airconditioning & Ceiling Fan
- Large Wardrobe
- Hair Dryer
There's no better place to celebrate your occasion than with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will provide you and your partner or friends with an unforgettable experience – and a Mbazo Safari is at the top of the bucket list.
Private dinners, private lodging, customized experiences, and leisure... we'll make it all you want it to be - and more, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. All you have to do is send out invitations and pack your luggage, and we'll take care of the rest.
With only five full-service lodges on this 2100ha privately managed reserve, guests can expect a very personal safari experience. Being out here on your own, exploring the huge wilderness of mountains, plains, and the Pilanesberg crater, is humbling.
You'll get up close and personal with some of Africa's most spectacular animals.
Check-in from 14:00 Check-out befor 10:30
KINDLY NOTE
- Rates exclude a Black Rhino Reserve Conservation Levy per person per night
- Rates are quoted per night in South African Rand (ZAR) and are inclusive of 15% Value Added Tax (VAT)
- MBAZO SAFARI LODGE Terms and Conditions apply
- Exclusive use rate of MBAZO SAFARI Lodges is available on request and subject to availability
- Two-night minimum stay applicable
- Children OF ALL AGES are welcome at MBAZO SAFARI Lodge
- Children older than twelve years of age are seen as adult paying full rate
- If one adult and one child share a Villa: Adult pays per person sharing rate and child pays the CHILD rate*
- Two children under eleven years of age are allowed to share a room with 2 full paying adults
- Family Room: 1- 4 Guests (2 adults + 2 children OR 4 adults in total)
Rates Inclusions
- Accommodation at Mbazo Safari Lodge includes two daily game drives on an open Safari vehicle.
- Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the morning and afternoon game drives. We do provide a 40 - 45-minute morning Bumble Bee Drive for children.
- Game Drives for Families with Children are offered for an additional fee.
- If parents prefer to participate in the game drives, child minder services are also offered at an additional cost.
- All meals and beverages excluding premium brands
- Wi-Fi connection is provided.
Rates Exclusions
- Purchases from the curio shop
- Premium beverage list
- Spa treatments
- Transport to and from the reserve
- Tourism levy, airport taxes and landing fees, where applicable
- Pilot accommodation
- Walking Safaris
- Black Rhino reserve levy per nighthildren of all ages are welcome.
Child Policy
- All ages welcome
- 12 years and older: ADULT rate applies and permitted on game drives
Deposit Policy
For all bookings made within 60 days of travel
Full payment Is required within 3 days of your booking.
For all bookings made more than 60 days of travel
A 50% deposit Is required within 3 days of your booking and the balance 60 days prior to arrival.
Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card (Master/Visa) or bitcoin.
Cancellation Terms
All cancellations must be given in writing
Cancellation fees:
- If cancelled up to 61 days prior to arrival, 10% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged
- If cancelled 31 to 60 days prior to arrival, 25% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged
- If cancelled 15 to 30 days prior to arrival, 75% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged
- If cancelled 14 days or less prior to arrival, 100% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged
This sensation of well-being isn't restricted to massages and sun salutations; healthful food, luxurious accommodations, and personalized service round out the experience.
- King Sized Bed
- Reading Nook
- Blackout Curtains
- Shaded Veranda
- Large Wardrobe
- Freestanding Bath
- Walk-in & Outdoor Shower
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Hair Dryer
- Free Wifi
- Fully Stocked Mini Fridge
- Personal Safe
- Airconditioning & Ceiling Fan
- Free Parking
- Gift Shop
- Children Activities
- Expert Wellness Therapists
- Couples Massage
- All Meals Included
- Large Outdoor Boma
- Pool with a View
- Bar / Lounge Area
- Twice Daily Game Drives
- Sun Loungers & Towels
- Handicap Friendly
- Wine / Champagne
- Outdoor Dining Area
