Before You Arrive
A little preparation makes the journey effortless. Here is everything you need to know about timings, directions, access, vehicles, connectivity and policies at Phirima Lodge.
Check-in & Check-out
- Check-in
- From 14:00
- Check-out
- By 10:00
Standard check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you reach the reserve gate ahead of schedule, please let us know and we will confirm whether the lodge is ready for your arrival.
Directions & Gate Access
- Reserve gate
- Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance
- Final approach
- R565 (Derdepoort road)
- Check-in at gate
- Reserve staff meet and register guests
- Transfer to lodge
- Escort from the gate available on request
The Black Rhino gate is manned 24 hours. Arrive during daylight if possible, as the reserve is a Big Five reserve. Your host will share the exact gate PIN and emergency number before arrival.
Recommended Vehicle Types
- Roads to the reserve
- Fully tarred
- Inside the reserve
- Gravel and bush tracks
- Recommended
- SUV or high-clearance vehicle
- Not recommended
- Low-profile sports cars
Standard sedans can reach the reserve gate comfortably, but a vehicle with decent ground clearance is better for the internal roads and gives you more flexibility if you want to self-drive to nearby Sun City or Pilanesberg National Park.
WiFi & Mobile Reception
- Lodge WiFi
- Free, lodge-wide
- Mobile signal
- Variable by carrier
- Voice calls
- Generally reliable
- Data roaming
- Check with your provider
The lodge has WiFi for emails, messaging and light browsing. Because the property sits inside a game reserve, mobile signal fluctuates between carriers. We recommend downloading maps and entertainment before you travel.
Backup Power & Load-Shedding
- Backup system
- Inverter + battery backup
- Coverage
- Lights, WiFi, fridges, plugs
- Load-shedding
- Automatically managed
- Kitchen
- Gas cooking unaffected
South Africa's grid can be unpredictable. Phirima is equipped with a backup power system that keeps the lodge comfortable through routine load-shedding. Gas hobs and a braai also mean cooking continues uninterrupted.
Child, Pet & Accessibility Policies
- Children
- Welcome, under adult supervision
- Pets
- Not permitted
- Accessibility
- Single-storey chalets, wide doors
- Pool
- Unfenced - children must be supervised
Phirima is a wonderful family lodge, but it is a Big Five reserve. Children must be supervised at all times, especially near the pool, boma and any open areas. Pets are not allowed for their safety and the wildlife's.
Important Reminders
Phirima Lodge is inside a Big Five game reserve. The thrill of the setting comes with a shared responsibility to keep guests, staff and wildlife safe.
- Never exit the lodge perimeter on foot without an armed ranger. The reserve is home to lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo.
- Drive slowly inside the reserve, especially at dawn and dusk. Wildlife has right of way, and the gravel roads are shared with other animals.
- The reserve speed limit is 30 km/h. Keeping to this limit protects wildlife, gives you more time to spot animals, and keeps the gravel roads safer for everyone.
- Keep camera flashes, loud music and bright torches to a minimum around the waterhole and boma - they disturb the animals and reduce your chances of close sightings.
- The pool is unfenced. Children must be under constant adult supervision, and no guests should swim after consuming alcohol.
Still have questions about your arrival?
The hosting team is happy to advise on road conditions, flight timings, vehicle hire, or any special requirements before you confirm your stay.