Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Families are warmly welcomed at Phirima Lodge. Our spacious chalets are ideal for families, and children have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the African bush in a safe and memorable setting. We kindly ask that children remain under adult supervision at all times, as the lodge is located within a Big Five game reserve where wildlife roams freely.

Not at this time. Phirima Lodge is currently a self-catering destination, allowing guests the flexibility to prepare meals at their own pace in our fully equipped kitchen and outdoor braai area. We are, however, exploring the addition of a private chef service in the future to further enhance the guest experience. Please check with us when making your reservation for the latest updates on available services.

No. Phirima Lodge is a fully self-catering lodge, giving guests the freedom to prepare and enjoy meals at their own pace. The lodge features a fully equipped kitchen as well as outdoor braai facilities, making it easy to cater for families and groups. Should you wish to dine out during your stay, there are several excellent restaurants located within and around Pilanesberg National Park and the nearby Black Rhino Game Reserve, including: - Bakubung Restaurant - Located at Bakubung Bush Lodge, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. - Kwa Lefikeng Restaurant - Situated within Pilanesberg National Park. - The restaurants at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge, Ivory Tree Game Lodge and Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge may also be available to non-resident guests by prior arrangement and subject to availability. We recommend contacting the lodge directly before your visit to confirm availability.

Pilanesberg National Park is home to the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino (both black and white), and buffalo - as well as cheetah, African wild dog, giraffe, zebra, hippopotamus, crocodile, numerous antelope species, hyena, warthog, and over 360 bird species. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, every game drive offers the chance to experience Africa's incredible biodiversity in its natural habitat.

For safety reasons, guided walking safaris in Pilanesberg National Park are generally not suitable for children under the age of 16. Walking safaris take place in unfenced wilderness areas where guests may encounter wild animals on foot and require participants to follow guide instructions at all times. Families with younger children can still enjoy the park through guided game drives or self-drive safaris, and some operators also offer family-friendly bush walks in designated, non-Big Five areas outside the main reserve.

For most travellers, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is the preferred arrival airport, offering the widest range of domestic and international flights. From there, Pilanesberg is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive.

Johannesburg: Approximately 170-180 km (about 2 to 2.5 hours by car). Pretoria: Approximately 150-160 km (about 1.5 to 2 hours by car). The journey is straightforward via the N4 and R556/R565 routes, with the final stretch taking you through the scenic landscapes surrounding Pilanesberg National Park.

For the best safari experience, we recommend packing comfortable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, so it's advisable to bring a warm jacket or jersey for game drives. Don't forget any personal medication and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your stay.