Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort
Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort
Bakgatla Gate, Pilanesberg National Park, Moses Kotane Local Municipality South Africa
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About
#1 of 2 guest houses in Pilanesberg National Park
Location
4.3
Rooms
3.5
Value
3.3
Cleanliness
3.7
Service
3.8
Sleep Quality
3.8
Going out for an extraordinary adventure often means stepping out of your comfort zone, but not at Manyane Resort in Pilanesberg, South Africa. A haven within the borders of Pilanesberg National Park, the resort embraces you and your party in a world of essential comforts that serves to highlight the raw beauty of your great escape. For starters, the resort offers a wide variety of lodging, from cottage-like Chalets and Safari Tents each furnished with a refrigerator, plus real beds to Caravan Sites and Campsites with electricity. These are then matched with facilities and services that you won’t usually associate with safari accommodations, such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and superette. With all these on hand, it’s easy to go to one of South Africa’s wildlife safaris and just enjoy its numerous outdoor diversions. After all, when the sun goes down and it’s time to retreat to a relaxing and convenient space, Manyane Resort is here to answer your most crucial needs.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Room features
Kitchenette
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mid-range
Location
Bakgatla Gate, Pilanesberg National Park, Moses Kotane Local Municipality South Africa
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 44 out of 100
44
Pilansberg Airport
7.3 mi•
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Lanseria Airport
70.1 mi•
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2 Restaurants
within 5 miles
1 Attraction
within 5 miles
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Detailed Reviews
Bakgatla Resort
We went camping at Bakgatla resort, in general we had a wonderful time, the camp and swimming pool is well maintained. Maintenance is required as a number of power points in the camping site did not work, we were at camp site 104 and none of the two power points around this site worked. The ablution facilities was generally clean, some taps did not work and it was difficult to flush some of the toilets. We had clean shower with warm water and there was minimal noise except for the generator that was active during load shedding hours. There were not a lot of campers and the evenings was quite and peaceful, no loud music like you get at Manyane Camp.
The Pilanesberg in itself is a jewel, the only downside is again the maintenance, the roads both gravel and tar is in bad condition, the toilet facilities at all the viewpoints / lookouts are very dirty and in bad condition and then there is the large number of Game Viewers that take up the best spots at sightings which is a frustration.
During hour short weekend visit we did identify 69 bird species, some amazing and first time sightings, birding in the park and camp is generally very good. Concern must be raised about the large number of Indian minors especially in camp.
Generally game viewing wasn't the best although we had good sightings of Elephants, twice sightings where rhinos crossed the road in front of us, lion sighting at a giraffe kill, was difficult to see the lions and the traffic was a problem and then we had a wonderful sighting of a leopard and her cub on the Makorwane dam bridge early morning.
In general the Park require lots of maintenance, it is sad to see such an amazing park with so much tourism potential is left in the state it is, clearly Local Government don't care and like a number of other Reserves and Parks around South Africa under Government control maintenance in none existing.
We went camping at Bakgatla resort, in general we had a wonderful time, the camp and swimming pool is well maintained. Maintenance is required as a number of power points in the camping site did not work, we were at camp site 104 and none of the two power points around this site worked. The ablution facilities was generally clean, some taps did not work and it was difficult to flush some of the toilets. We had clean shower with warm water and there was minimal noise except for the generator that was active during load shedding hours. There were not a lot of campers and the evenings was quite and peaceful, no loud music like you get at Manyane Camp.
The Pilanesberg in itself is a jewel, the only downside is again the maintenance, the roads both gravel and tar is in bad condition, the toilet facilities at all the viewpoints / lookouts are very dirty and in bad condition and then there is the large number of Game Viewers that take up the best spots at sightings which is a frustration.
During hour short weekend visit we did identify 69 bird species, some amazing and first time sightings, birding in the park and camp is generally very good. Concern must be raised about the large number of Indian minors especially in camp.
Generally game viewing wasn't the best although we had good sightings of Elephants, twice sightings where rhinos crossed the road in front of us, lion sighting at a giraffe kill, was difficult to see the lions and the traffic was a problem and then we had a wonderful sighting of a leopard and her cub on the Makorwane dam bridge early morning.
In general the Park require lots of maintenance, it is sad to see such an amazing park with so much tourism potential is left in the state it is, clearly Local Government don't care and like a number of other Reserves and Parks around South Africa under Government control maintenance in none existing.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Husband and I camped at Bakgatla Resort in Pilanesberg with our off road Boswa.
Warm welcome at reception, staff willing to help.
Ladies ablution was clean and tidy with hot water in showers, those who enjoy a bath, remember to bring own bath plug.
Pool well maintained, tuck shop only sells the very bare necessities. However, 2km outside the main entrance is a Shopping Mall.
Security patrolled the camp at night, I felt save.
Monkeys are a HUGE problem!! pack away everything, or stay on guard while preparing meals. Lock and pack away when not at your site!
Bakgatla is a very rustic Camp, yet quiet over the week-end and at night, we didn't hear the noise from the neighboring village.
Please note: from the Gate Entrance to the Park, passing Ivory Tree Lodge, for about 6km, a LOT of POTHOLES. Its so bad now, that vehicles drive next to the road in some areas. Patches of new tar were filled in, but its still in a very bad condition. (Ladies, wear your Sports Bra's) when you on this 6km hole in one road
Very very bad!!
The Pilanesberg Centre on the main road has lost its touch, overfull dustbins, missing floor tiles, staff depressed, with the Shop way over expensive for our SA Citizens. Absolutely Over Prized!! Management should really give urgent attention to the goods sold here for preposterous amounts.eg. Pringle crisps= R86, Cadbury 80g= R28. Really?? Iced Zoo cookies over R50 for one packet??
In conclusion, we loved our stay, never seen this Reserve so green and beautiful with an abundance of wild live. Rain has been plentiful, waterholes and dams are full....the hides with own toilets are clean with paper,and yes, we will be back for more.
Warm welcome at reception, staff willing to help.
Ladies ablution was clean and tidy with hot water in showers, those who enjoy a bath, remember to bring own bath plug.
Pool well maintained, tuck shop only sells the very bare necessities. However, 2km outside the main entrance is a Shopping Mall.
Security patrolled the camp at night, I felt save.
Monkeys are a HUGE problem!! pack away everything, or stay on guard while preparing meals. Lock and pack away when not at your site!
Bakgatla is a very rustic Camp, yet quiet over the week-end and at night, we didn't hear the noise from the neighboring village.
Please note: from the Gate Entrance to the Park, passing Ivory Tree Lodge, for about 6km, a LOT of POTHOLES. Its so bad now, that vehicles drive next to the road in some areas. Patches of new tar were filled in, but its still in a very bad condition. (Ladies, wear your Sports Bra's) when you on this 6km hole in one road
Very very bad!!
The Pilanesberg Centre on the main road has lost its touch, overfull dustbins, missing floor tiles, staff depressed, with the Shop way over expensive for our SA Citizens. Absolutely Over Prized!! Management should really give urgent attention to the goods sold here for preposterous amounts.eg. Pringle crisps= R86, Cadbury 80g= R28. Really?? Iced Zoo cookies over R50 for one packet??
In conclusion, we loved our stay, never seen this Reserve so green and beautiful with an abundance of wild live. Rain has been plentiful, waterholes and dams are full....the hides with own toilets are clean with paper,and yes, we will be back for more.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Bakgatla is the Rustic camp, yet, more quieter than Manyane camp.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Naledi Khunou, Guest Services / Front Office at Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort
Responded Oct 27, 2020
Dear Sir/Madam Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate the feedback you have provided as it is very valuable to us. Our main priority is to be able to offer a very well-maintained and comfortable atmosphere to all our guests. Therefore all concerns raised in your review will be attended.Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences after visiting Bakgatla Resort.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We usually camp at Bakgatla but decided to stay in a chalet this time. The chalet was very clean and had everything we needed. Our booking included breakfast which had a good choice considering there were very few people there this weekend. From the security at the gate , to the reception area and the restaurant- everyone was taking Covid 19 very seriously and hand sanitizing, gloves etc were the order of the day- thank you for all the effort
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Naledi Khunou, Guest Services / Front Office at Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort
Responded Oct 27, 2020
Dear Sir/Madam Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences after your visit at Bakgatla Resort. The fact that you mentioned our resort without doubt we love to read that you have enjoyed all the services that you have been offered. Wish to host you again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do not waste your money, booked in and went to chalet. Absolutely disgusting
Kitchen area: The kitchen countertop is cracked and has bits missing, Tap is not fixed to the countertop (flops around), There was a dirty cup and T spoon in the sink,
Dirty cups in the cupboard, Cupboard shelf cracked
Lounge area: Furniture is dirty hand rests have not been cleaned in a long while, Frayed material on chairs, Couch dirty and broken at the bottom.
Bedroom: Curtain rail coming away from wall (just hanging on)
Bathroom: Mould on walls, Blind in tatters
Kitchen area: The kitchen countertop is cracked and has bits missing, Tap is not fixed to the countertop (flops around), There was a dirty cup and T spoon in the sink,
Dirty cups in the cupboard, Cupboard shelf cracked
Lounge area: Furniture is dirty hand rests have not been cleaned in a long while, Frayed material on chairs, Couch dirty and broken at the bottom.
Bedroom: Curtain rail coming away from wall (just hanging on)
Bathroom: Mould on walls, Blind in tatters
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Save your money and go somewhere else
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The camp is looking scruffy and in need of a lot of maintenance and TLC. The units were clean but tired. The sofa and chairs are threadbare and need to be recovered. The mattresses are waaaay beyond needing to be relegated to the rubbish dump before they cause guests serious injury. The blinds are broken and need attention (and dusting). Some of the fasteners on the windows are missing. The towels should be relegated to the rag bag. They are extremely thin and have earned their retirement.
The grass between the units had not been cut for weeks. The swimming pool was green and although some folk were prepared to swim in it, we were not.
None of the outside dustbins had
Lids - at all. In a camp where vervet monkeys are an issue this was not good. In order to avoid the monkeys getting to the rubbish the staff placed the rubbish bag into the Braai - presumably to keep it away from the vervets. But it was revolting and totally unacceptable to open the Braai half way through the afternoon to find a bag of rubbish. Admittedly the staff responded quickly to the call to reception. But this was a call that should not have been required.
Finally, little thought appeared to have been given to the allocation of accommodation. On a night when only 3 or 4 units were occupied we were allocated unit 8, with no view or privacy, with a neighbour in the adjoining unit 7. This is like seating all your guests at tables near the toilet doors while the rest of the restaurant is empty.
Sadly, our last 2 visits have been unsatisfactory, and Covid had become an excuse for people not doing their jobs properly. We will not be returning to Bakgatla.
The grass between the units had not been cut for weeks. The swimming pool was green and although some folk were prepared to swim in it, we were not.
None of the outside dustbins had
Lids - at all. In a camp where vervet monkeys are an issue this was not good. In order to avoid the monkeys getting to the rubbish the staff placed the rubbish bag into the Braai - presumably to keep it away from the vervets. But it was revolting and totally unacceptable to open the Braai half way through the afternoon to find a bag of rubbish. Admittedly the staff responded quickly to the call to reception. But this was a call that should not have been required.
Finally, little thought appeared to have been given to the allocation of accommodation. On a night when only 3 or 4 units were occupied we were allocated unit 8, with no view or privacy, with a neighbour in the adjoining unit 7. This is like seating all your guests at tables near the toilet doors while the rest of the restaurant is empty.
Sadly, our last 2 visits have been unsatisfactory, and Covid had become an excuse for people not doing their jobs properly. We will not be returning to Bakgatla.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Check the allocation of the unit before accepting the keys, and check the condition of the unit...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked and paid for, as required, a five day stay at Bakgatla for last October, 2021 as part of a 6 week trip to South Africa. In May I was advised by a third party that Bakgatla was closed, so I emailed them to find what was going on, but did not receive a response, so I phoned and they confirmed that they were closed and was unlikely to open before the end of the year. So I asked what the procedure was for cancelling and getting a full refund as they would not be open, and was told to send an email to reservations. To cut a long story short, after countless emails and phone calls they have not sent a refund and obviously have no intention of doing so, this is August 2022. I can only advise "do not make bookings at Bakgatla". Fortunately we were able to find alternative accommodation in the park.
Les15584
Les15584
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
e just left Bakgatla resort two days earlier than what we booked.
What a terrible experience.
1. The camp sites were not ready for camping.
2. the electricity were not working on all the sites. We had to buy extentions of more than 40 metres to get electricity after calling maintenance 3 times
3. There was no tap/water close to our site, we had to walk 50m to nearest tap.
4. From the first night there was loud music until 3:00 in the morning
5. When driving through the site there is a sewerage smell especially close to the spa area and the little dam
6. The 100s of day visitors completely took over the recreation and pool area leaving no space for us to enjoy the pool. They had barbeques and left their rubble all over the place and the pool was so dirty you couldnt even get in for a quick cool down session. There wasnt space to get near the pool. Today somebody even drowned there. They are so noisy even at our stand which was furthest from the pool, the noise was unbearable.
7. The ablution facilities are not even at best up to standard. A lot of toilets dont flush, if you get the tap open in the shower you struggle to close it again, the doors arent working properly, the basins inside and where you do the dishes are in a horrific state
8. They clean the old ash but the dustbin dont get black bags in, you have to supply your own or have a very dirty, stinky dustbin for the duration of your stay
We have camped at Manyane a couple of times, and though primitive we never had these issues. I will never visit Bakgatla again
What a terrible experience.
1. The camp sites were not ready for camping.
2. the electricity were not working on all the sites. We had to buy extentions of more than 40 metres to get electricity after calling maintenance 3 times
3. There was no tap/water close to our site, we had to walk 50m to nearest tap.
4. From the first night there was loud music until 3:00 in the morning
5. When driving through the site there is a sewerage smell especially close to the spa area and the little dam
6. The 100s of day visitors completely took over the recreation and pool area leaving no space for us to enjoy the pool. They had barbeques and left their rubble all over the place and the pool was so dirty you couldnt even get in for a quick cool down session. There wasnt space to get near the pool. Today somebody even drowned there. They are so noisy even at our stand which was furthest from the pool, the noise was unbearable.
7. The ablution facilities are not even at best up to standard. A lot of toilets dont flush, if you get the tap open in the shower you struggle to close it again, the doors arent working properly, the basins inside and where you do the dishes are in a horrific state
8. They clean the old ash but the dustbin dont get black bags in, you have to supply your own or have a very dirty, stinky dustbin for the duration of your stay
We have camped at Manyane a couple of times, and though primitive we never had these issues. I will never visit Bakgatla again
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Must be the worst Resort Group (Golden Leopard Resorts) in the world, terrible service. We had a booking for the weekend but apparently due to industrial action the resorts are closed, no one informed us regarding this. They don't answer phone calls or emails.
You would turn up at the resort, gates closed and just need to make another plan, you have family from Qatar here ready for camping and a great wildlife experience and then you run into something like this.
Very very poor and I would not recommend bookings through Golden Leopard Resorts, it is time that the Northwest Parks Board look into these types of issues and ensure both Manyane and Bakgatla resorts are managed by capable people who can maintain the resorts etc.
You would turn up at the resort, gates closed and just need to make another plan, you have family from Qatar here ready for camping and a great wildlife experience and then you run into something like this.
Very very poor and I would not recommend bookings through Golden Leopard Resorts, it is time that the Northwest Parks Board look into these types of issues and ensure both Manyane and Bakgatla resorts are managed by capable people who can maintain the resorts etc.
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Date of stay: February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just a heads up to anyone thinking of camping at Bakgatla in Pilansberg....we were there for the 1st time in many years. Apart from the fact that there has been no maintenance done and is in a poor state, we were broken into and robbed along with 4 other sites that we know of. And not just once but 2 nights in a row.
They went into our neighbors tent and stole her cellphone from behind her bed while they were sleeping, took her bags out and went through them, stole money, a letherman, etc. They were mainly looking for cellphones, money and expensive jackets etc.
After alerting management and security and requesting frequent patrols after this frightening experience, they broke in again the next night.
Totally unacceptable to feel so violated and unsafe whilst paying to relax in a supposedly secure environment. Will definitely (sadly because we enjoy Pilansberg) never go back.
They went into our neighbors tent and stole her cellphone from behind her bed while they were sleeping, took her bags out and went through them, stole money, a letherman, etc. They were mainly looking for cellphones, money and expensive jackets etc.
After alerting management and security and requesting frequent patrols after this frightening experience, they broke in again the next night.
Totally unacceptable to feel so violated and unsafe whilst paying to relax in a supposedly secure environment. Will definitely (sadly because we enjoy Pilansberg) never go back.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camping at Bakgatla was very enjoyable with clean ablutions and clear stands. The camp is very quiet and peaceful since no loud noises are aloud. You sometimes get an extra bonus if you camp right next to the fence with an elephant or some impala walking past. Also, the Moruleng mall is situated aprox 5km outside the gate if you need some supplies.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Room Tip:Â Try and pic a camping spot right at the back close to the fence.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Naledi Khunou, Guest Services / Front Office at Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort
Responded Oct 27, 2020
Dear Sir/Madam Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences after your visit at Bakgatla resort. The fact that you mentioned our resort without doubt, we love to read that you have enjoyed all the services that you have been offered. Wish to host you again in the future.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Good Day
The resort does not have menu now, hence it will by next month therefore we will update you as soon as we do.
Regards,
Guest Relations Officer
Good morning
my apologies for responding this time. We have ala carte menu and side menu hence I cannot give you the menu here.
Regards,
Naledi Khunou
Guest Relations Officer
Manyane Resort
"Check the allocation of the unit before accepting the keys, and check the condition of the unit immediately. Ask about the condition of pool"Read full review
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LOCATION
South AfricaNorth-West ProvinceMoses Kotane Local MunicipalityPilanesberg National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
55
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Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort?
Nearby attractions include Pilanesberg National Park (0.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Golden Leopard Resorts - Bakgatla Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.