Spent 3 nights there. Good location and lodge more than adequate for needs. The complex has hotel type rooms for overseas tourists and separately there were a number of time-share chalets. Very safe complex and malaria free. As september still very much a low season and therefore only two game rides available each day either at 6am or 4pm. Very reasonable costs. Various game rangers, most of whom were really interested and very knowledgable. Unfortunately the female game ranger was probably the least interested and therefore a good idea to check the game ranger before booking. The food selection was excellent and staff were overall very friendly.

Worst issue is the transportation to and from J'burg airport to the lodge. The Megabus shuttle service is dreadful. They were late on departure and only delivers you to Suncity complex. Problems at the Suncity Complex gate as Suncity charges for entry. Nearly made to pay for simply transferring in Suncity to the scheduled Bakubung Shuttle. As Megabus late, missed shuttle and ending up waiting for 2 hours. Megabus also late on pick up, back to airport. Suggest sourcing a better form of transfer from J'burg airport for anyone that wants to try the lodge.

Slight problem of a power cut at lodge but does have a emergency generator. Unfortunately very slow internet access.

We spent four nights in Bakubung in August 2006 and I could not fault the place one single bit. The staff were wonderful, the accoomdation was lovely, clean and authentic (i.e. sleeping under a thatch roof). The games drives were fantastic and the rangers were very knowledgeable and helpful. The place is so relaxing. We loved every minute of it. One of the best places I've ever stayed. The buffet meals are divine. You can eat as much as you want and breakfast and dinner are included in the price of your accomodation. All you pary for there is drink, lunch and the game drives. Stay here, you won't be disappointed and will come away relaxed and happy.

We stayed here July 5th and 6th 2006. Our group had 2 rooms, 309 and 308 next to the main restaurant building. Room was very nice: animal print carpets, comfortabel king beds, folding screen doors in front of the tub, and a mere 10 feet of lawn between our porch and the electric fence for the game. The lodge surrounds a small finger of park that is well lit at night. Occasionally we saw various Bok there, but no big animals. Food in the hotel was great, with 3 well stocked buffet meals. Monkeys will visit at breakfast, or when anyone is at the patio tables. Small kids play area with a trampoline, and other play equipment. Access to the park is close, with a short 1 mile drive through open park. We took a game drive in the morning with a ranger, but saw just as much in our car later in the day ( more really since the animals don't seem to get up early on cold winter days). If you go in June-September, take warm clothes and a hat. Remeber to never get out of the car, except at the designated blinds/viewing areas. We loved it, and would happily return!

We paid a fleeting visit to Jo'burg on a stopover, and so were looking for a game park close by that we could visit for a day or 2. Pilanesburg was ideal, and Bakubung, on its edge, was fantastic. The staff were so naturally friendly, and seemed genuinely pleased to see us - right from the time you arrive at the gate. The accommodation is superior, and the food is also above average, and abundant. We had stayed 1 night in Sun City, and although this too was enjoyable, had we known what Bakubung was like, we would have stayed at least 2 nights there instead, as it is more relaxed, with the bush right over the back fence.

The only thing that prevents me from giving this the top rating is the price, which still seems high for SA standards.

Although Pilanesburg is smaller than places like Kruger, it is ideal if you have only a couple of days, and gives you more chance to spot game. We saw 3 lions and 3 lionesses, a rhino family, hippos, and a multitude of elephants, zebras, giraffes, baboons and hoofed creatures. Amazingly, we also saw a pack of rare wild dogs which ran right in front of our vehicle, and a herd of buffalo, although they were in the distance. The only thing missed out of the big 5 was a leopard.