Bakgatla Resort

Reviews

• "Peace and quiet and the great outdoors!"

  04 August 2019

  "Great spot in the Pilanesberg - perfect balance between nature and convenience.Ablutions are up to standard. Braai facilities are looking very tired. Friendly and helpful staff. Secure and safe."

• "Great campsite!"

  15 July 2019

  "Had another awesome weekend at Bakgatla. The bathrooms are always clean, the campsite is just a bit dusty."

• "The camp aite was clean and the staff were extremely friendly"

  15 October 2018

  "Improved maintenance of the facilities, especially the ablution blocks. The pool was spotless and in a great condition. Loves the friendly and helpful nature if the staff."

• "The experience in Nature is always a good."

  02 October 2018

  "The Ladies Bathroom was a disaster and has not been cleaned in a long period.It was very smelly and the drains were blocked."

• "Friendly staff and clean ablutions"

  25 September 2018

  "Roads and some maintenance"

• "Family Birthday Bush Break"

  25 September 2018

  "We loved everything about the resort, from the camp site (non electric) to the pool, the superette and bathrooms too. Always hot water! the staff were amazing too and very helpful. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable!!"

• "Birdlife!!"

  27 August 2018

  "The monkeys are a nuisance at the campsite. They ripped our tent open, but after reporting it to reception the security guards kept a better eye on the campsite."

• "Evrything at the camp was satisfactory."

  15 August 2018

  "Would like prompt conformation of booking and payment. Had to phone more than once to get conformation e- mail.Getting really expensive to pay every day to visit reserve!!"

• "Die diere was fantasties om te sien"

  13 August 2018

  "Die paaie is in 'n baie swak toestand.Die badkamers kort opgradering - stort gordyne is oud en uitgehak.Die toilette wat nie spoel nie - was pateties.Badkamers kort elektriese proppe vir haardroers en skeer"

• "Peace and quiet"

  05 July 2018

  "Booking was a bit strange. It was impossible to check availability online. Staff were polite and friendly and the camp was lovely and peaceful especially for school holidays. The facilities were generally clean, but the campsite needs a bit of attention. The section round the restaurant could do with some more trees and prettying up. All in all a very pleasant visit, thank you."

• "Poor value for money"

  23 May 2018

  "Towels were grey and very washed out and the bathroom ceiling was stained with leak marks. Everything in the chalet seemed a little bit old and neglected."

• "Bakgatla Resort"

  02 May 2018

  "The 5 sleeper chalets were clean neat, light and airy. The reception and gate staff were incredibly helpful and friendly.Breakfast was great. Had incredible sightings of caracal and lion close the resort. We'll be back!"

• "Amazing"

  02 May 2018

  "What an amazing weekend will definitely be back"

• "Will visit very soon again"

  23 April 2018

  "The camping area was clean and neat, ablution clean and neat, we will be visiting soon. Food was great and everything was just perfect"

• "Amazing birding"

  05 April 2018

  "The birding and viewing was lovely. Charles and John were incredibly helpful and friendly, they helped us pack up and even fixed one or two of our tent poles."

• "Peaceful break with the family"

  03 April 2018

  "The staff at the camp are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are in need of an upgrade but are kept remarkably clean especially given the number of campers. I would like to see the structures such as the guard hut near the caravan site repaired as it has broken windows and is very run down and the maintenance building area near the non electrified tent sites should be walled off as it's a bit of an eyesore. Overall the camp is great. Be prepared for serious mud if there is a large amount of rain such as we had during our stay. This is quite unavoidable given it's a busy camp site. Although I am not a fan of concrete slabs in camp sites it may be helpful for caravaners and reduce the inevitable mud after a heavy rain."

• "The pool"

  11 February 2018

  "We always enjoy our stay at bakgatla, however the one problem we have is with pool maintenance. It was the second time now that we are unable to go swimming because of the dirty water, the water was super green and disgusting. But overall everything else was on point as usual"

• "Day visitors"

  02 January 2018

  "Hello Bakgatla. Thank you letting us stay with you it was great. The only problem i had was that the day visitors were very loud and untidy. They left the bathrooms in a horrible state."

• "50/50"

  30 December 2017

  "This trip was our 2nd stay at the resort. We enjoyed the experience but had a few issues: 1) The shop did not open at 8am as stated on the door. 2) lots of outside visitors came to make use of the pool making it over crowded. These visitors also showed no respect and left all their rubbish laying around even though there was a bin a meter away from them. 3) the ablution block toilets were not clean, most of the toilets didn't flush and the toilet paper ran out. 4) our biggest issue.... we should have been informed before our trip that the resort had cancelled its contract with the park. We would have cancelled our trip and gone somewhere else. I understand that this is the busy season but more staff during this time would benefit the resort."

• "The pacefull nature"

  17 November 2017

  "We very very satisfied with our stay. We come back every year."

• "Relaxing, but at a cost!"

  26 October 2017

  "The chalet was clean, double bed good. But the chalets really need a revamp. The outside door didnt close, unless locked, bathrooms are old and tariff is too pricy for what is offered. Staff is friendly. The park itself was lovely, but shooo, the potholes are unacceptable!! Roads really need maintenance! Entrance price could be increased to generate more funds."

• "Clean and neat"

  22 October 2017

  "Awesome place, even guys there to help you set up your tent. Attention to detail was amazing."

• "Lekker Stay"

  04 October 2017

  "The staff were very welcoming and helpful. The game park itself was fantastic, there was plenty of game around for us to enjoy. Its a good idea to download the online map of the park before hand. There are routes to take through the park, although it's advisable to go in a vehicle with decent clearance to get to those more remote spots. There is a mall close by in case of any last minute purchases. The actual shop at camp is really basic, but has all the necessities. Ablutions were clean and well maintained. We travelled with a 2 year old, its safe and has plenty of space for them to play. There is however very limited grass in the electrified camp site and so its advisable to bring along a ground sheet for the tent and to sit on in the evenings.All in all, I would definitely camp at Bakgatla again."

• "The outstanding service"

  19 August 2017

  "That we could go for an early game drive and come back at 9:00 am to the awesome breakfast assisted by the incredibly friendly staff"

• "Bakgatla"

  07 August 2017

  "Conveniently close to Jhb, so lovely for a weekend away. Ablutions were spotless in the campsites."

• "Pleasant camping experience at Bakgatla"

  07 August 2017

  "The campsites are neat but needs leveling, and attention needs to be given to electrical connections. Braai stands are not up to standard. Camp sites are well marked for caravans and tents but no enforcement of rules. Ablution facilities are clean and enough hot water. Restaurant has a menu but there are hardly anything available on the menu. Swimming pool and area are neat. Personnel are very friendly and helpful"

• "Disappointed, again"

  12 July 2017

  "Have previously camped at Manyane and was disappointed with the experience of that camp. A few years later and the same experience of Bakgatla. We stayed at the non electrified camp site area. The sites were dirty , cigarette butts, meat bones etc that have been there a while. Outside taps handles removed/stolen, braais rusted through, dirty grids, monkey problems.same old same old. outer edges have rubble dumped like a building site.watched two staff sit outside the ablution for 2 hours doing absolutely nothing. at R165 per night per person AND a minimum 2 night stay even though we only wanted one night, no value for money there. When problems were reported to ground staff, the reply was "yes we have reported it to Maintenance". "Out of stock" at the shop. It seems that the bare minimum is done and only lip service is paid to get through the rest of the day. Don't you realise the potential of your resorts. All we and i'm sure others want is a clean, functioning camp. This is my first review of a camp, the first time I've felt i needed to."

• "Bakgatla"

  18 June 2017

  "Had a great stay. The amenities for the non-electric campsites weren't as great as the electric ones but they were clean and the water was hot. Great looking pool but it was way to cold to swim (visited June)."

• "Long weekend"

  03 May 2017

  "We stayed in the non-electric tent camp. We had a great stay, but I don't think the showers were thought through properly. One has to walk through one shower to get to the second one and only one of the two has a bench. It was very uncomfortable."

• "Dissapointment and Disorganisement"

  22 March 2017

  "We arrived at about 19:30. At the office we are told that there was no specific caravan stand allocated to us - first come first served. We had therefor to drive around for about an half an our to find a space. People parked where they want to, put tents up where they want to.After two an a half hours drive after work to arrive at your destination in the dark try to find a place between all the other caravans and tents was very dissapointed.I felt i paid for a certain stand which was supposed to be then a spesific allocated stand to the ons who paid for it.If i could i would claim my money back!"

• "Lovely shady campsite."

  24 December 2016

  "We absolutely loved our week camping in the non-electricity camp site."

• "Gorgeous!"

  19 December 2016

  "We had a wonderful time and had wonderful game drives. The pool is beautiful and the bathrooms are kept clean. The campsites are big and well maintained;-)"

• "Bakgatla Resort"

  09 December 2016

  "Exactement ce que je recherchais. Un endroit per cher et propre. La rserve est 2 minutes en voiture. L'accueil est chaleureux. La piscine est grande . Les chalets sont sufficents pour dormir avec terrasse et barbecue. Trs familial."

• "Heat-wave weekend"

  04 December 2016

  "Although the staff are friendly and helpful, the resort is somewhat neglected. The chalet was clean and exactly as advertised. The main swimming pool is empty (still under maintanance) which is definitely a game changer that causes a disappointing experience. Sadly, almost not a 3-star anymore."

• "Dissapointed"

  28 November 2016

  "The resort is in bad shape. On our arrival we heard that the pool is under maintenance and that there is a water shortage. I think that this is something you should know when you make thebooking. The place looks run down which is sad because I think it was once a lovely place to stay. The pathways are overgrown and the gardens are unkept. What a dissapointment."

• "Amazing mini holiday"

  14 October 2016

  "We camped at Bakgatla resort for 3 nights. The facilities were clean & well looked after, the camp site was spotless and the restaurant had amazing food!<br/>Staff were friendly and helpful from every department we dealt with.<br/><br/>We were very impressed and will be back!"

• "Dissappointed"

  20 September 2016

  "Entrance very tatty; shop boiling hot due to broken aircon; pool green and out of bounds due to poor maintenance; ablutions could be cleaner and better designed especially the showers; monkeys are a big problem that needs to be sorted. On the positive side staff are very friendly and helpful. All staff should wear uniforms like sanparks. Roads in the park need urgent attention."

• "Had better stays."

  15 August 2016

  "Was lovely to be back in Pilansberg. There were a few issues at the resort. Two of the ablution blocks were out of order but we were not informed on arrival. Was also upsetting that as soon as we started packing up to leave, about 7 staff members came and sat by our site waiting for us to give them food and left overs. Leaves a bad taste after a good weekend."

• "Camping in a tent"

  10 August 2016

  "Nice clean facilities, friendly and helpful staff"

• "Camping"

  18 July 2016

  "I believe that the resort is well set for visits to Pilaansberg.<div>The facilities are OK, however the campsite generally lacks some maintenance and care.</div><div>Many braai stands ar rusted through .</div><div>Refuge bibs need maintenance,\.</div><div>The ablution block in the area where we camped need a door replacement.</div><div>The staff is doing their necessary work, however there is some input required from management to smarten up the place.</div><div>Monyane, the next camp for some or other reason is much better kept.</div><div>Thank you</div><div><br /></div>"

• "CAMPING AT BAKGATLA"

  18 July 2016

  "We had a marvellous time camping at Bakgatla<div>The staff were friendly.The bathrooms were clean.A suggestion to put lighting bythe individual braai areas</div>"

• "Enjoyed our stay"

  09 July 2016

  "Friendly and efficient staff. Clean ablution blocks. Ideal for game viewing. Monkeys a problem - made a hole in our tent"

• "Nice introduction to Pilanesberg"

  14 April 2016

  "Bakgatla Resort is a nice introduction to the PIlanesberg Park. Camping is very affordable here. Guests can enjoy the serenity of the place along with the use of a great pool. Game drives are very enjoyable as well. The guides are very knowledgeable and do their best to find the `Big Five'for their guests. The best part of the Bakgatla Resort is the helpful staff and the great restaurant which serves up some delicious vegetarian fare as well.<div><br /></div><div>The only downside is the lack of activity when not on a game drive or bush hike. Both these activities occur only when enough people sign up. So, if the park is empty, you can feel alone and bored here. Also, prepare for some wonderful if slightly unnerving guests (vervet monkeys) are your campsite in the evenings. So, if you are a nature-lover who enjoys a tranquil place to commune with the African bush, then Bakgatla is a good introduction.</div>"

• "Break in the Bush"

  04 April 2016

  "The Bakgatla Resort was a great break away from the city, the ablutions were nicely cleaned and very nicely done. the ground were well kept and bins and braai's were cleaned every morning.<div><br /></div><div>Everything you need for a good break away in the bush.</div>"

• "Great stay"

  14 March 2016

  "Had a lovely time camping at Bakgatla. Bathrooms were impressive and clean. Only problem we had was being charged again on arrival even though we had paid in full before we got there. Awaiting for my money to be reimbursed.<div><br /></div>"

• "Bakgatla Resort Camping"

  06 January 2016

  "The campsite was very tidy and the ablutions cleaned and serviced twice a day. Despite water shortages we never ran out for ablutions or drinking as water was tanked in every day. We loved the huge swimming pool and spent many happy hours in it as the weather was extremely hot!Our whole experience of Bakgatla was of a professional and well run resort that we will happily recommend to friends and family. We will return!!"

• "Wonderful experience at Bakgatla"

  02 January 2016

  "Spending a few days at Bakgatla and visiting Pilanesberg National Park was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Fantastic place!"

• "Amazing"

  22 December 2015

  "<em>We loved our stay at Bakgatla, I booked for the whole family and not a single person had anything bad to stay, we felt safe in the Camping sight the staff and other people around were always friendly. The ladies that cleaned the bathrooms always had a smile the people at the gates and shops always willing to assist. The holiday program had the little kids busy all day, the swimming pools had the teenagers busy and the adults enjoyed the game drives daily. I truly fell in love with Bakgatla and most certainly be suggesting Bakgatla to friends and family. We will almost certainly be back next year. Thank you Bakgatla team we loved our holiday.</em><div><em>Denise and the whole Marx Family</em></div>"

• "Andre and Linda Meintjes"

  22 December 2015

  "Awesome experience, pity we did not see any cats apart from a lovely leopard sighting"

• "Very nice, quieter alternative to Manyane"

  19 October 2015

  "We found out to be quieter than Manyane, without the noise from the dance clubs in the town throughout the night. Ablutions very clean and nice. Staff helpful and friendly.<div><br /></div><div>Only minus is the sites are all dusty, and the rock underneath makes putting in tent pegs a bit of a trial.</div>"

• "Campsite with Electricity"

  06 July 2015

  "Excellent. Best ablutions we have experienced. Emergency generator appreciated during load shed.<br></br>Only downside was the dust!"

• "Camping"

  04 July 2015

  "Facility very neat and staff friendly and professional. Needs a bit of maintenance that can improve the quality of the camp. Monkeys a nuisance.we enjoyed our stay."

• "Fantastic"

  26 February 2015

  "We had a very wonderful great stay during December 2014. Even though it rained like cats and dogs we had a blast. The staff arevery very friendly and helpful. Thank you everyone at Bakgatla Resort for afantastic stay, see you again soon! Regards, Chantel and family, South Africa"

• "Lovely getaway"

  26 January 2015

  "Had a lovely time at Bakgatla. The ablutions are great! And the sites are very spacious and well set out. There is also a mall very close which helps a lot if one needs to do shopping of any sort!We had a great time and will definitely be returning."

• "Awesome"

  13 December 2014

  "Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, will definitely come back again."

• "Horrible!"

  04 August 2014

  "We stayed there this past weekend and were not impressed. Early Saturday morning people started coming in for a cross country race which was being hosted by the resort. The (athletes)children made such a noise. People were constantly walking through our camp site since the parking was right next to the camp grounds and the competition was deeper into the resort. Children were undressing, completely naked and jumping in the pool and even running around and jumping on the trampoline naked! We were NEVER warned of this when making the booking. There was no security so we were to scared to leave our camp unattended. When we went to complain at reception, the man was not helpful at all and tried to justify everything that we saw! We are still waiting for the manager as requested."

• "Bakgatla Resort -- Camping"

  17 June 2014

  "We have a wonderful camping weekend at Bakgatla: saw lots of wild and very relaxing. But the camp itself... The bathrooms need urgently attention as 3 of the toilets were leaking and water everywhere. There is only cold water at the men's bathroom and it is now WINTER. We will definitely go again to Pilanesberg... but camping at Manyane maybe?"

• "A great weekend"

  12 May 2014

  "The campsite with electricity is well set up and clean. It has great facilities for kids. In winter though, it is very dusty and the sites are quite rocky with lots of paper thorns. But we still had a really good time."

• "Nice pool area- tents too expensive"

  23 March 2014

  "Pool area was surprisingly nice, clean and well cared for. Tents were the opposite. Clean but old, broken zippers, holes in mosquito nets. Too expensive for quality. Next time we will pick a place near the park with better price vs. quality."

• "Camp Site"

  17 February 2014

  "A bit disappointing from the last time we visited a few years back, especially the swimming pool which needs urgent attention and the ablutions could do with an upgrade and be cleaned more regularly! Some of the camping sites could also do with some maintenance!!! But the drive through Pilanesberg Game Reserve was awesome and despite the lack of maintenance at Bakgatla we had fun."

• "Good"

  12 January 2014

  "We camped at Bakgatla for 10 days and found the camping area and the ablution blocks very clean. Well done!! We were very disappointed in the superette. They do not sock any basic things for campers, washing pegs, dish towels etc. There was no ice-cream for more than a week. It was sad that at reception, we did not get a map of the camping sites. As we had to move site after two days. Its also a pity that so many campers took two or more stands, especially shaded ones for parking their cars on open stands. We found the staff very friendly and helpful. We were also interested to camp at Manyene, but heard about the havoc the monkeys course there. The monkeys at Bakgatla was inclined to raid your tent while on a game drive, even with a fully zipped up tent."

• "Bakgatla stay"

  29 December 2013

  "I really enjoyed the Pilansberg and the visit to Sun City. The Bakgatly camp and the chalet was really not up to standard. The braai grid had a hole in, no braai tongs, no casserole. At the times there were also no water in the chalets. Apparently a problem with the water pressure. The swimming pool also used to have lawns all round. Not sure why this is not maintained. Aircon was good and the breakfast also very nice."

• "Convenient location and friendly however overpriced"

  26 December 2013

  "Positives: Clean accommodation, friendly staff, convenient location, all amenities/equipment included.Negatives: Older style chalets, DISMAL restaurant (only buffet which was very poor quality and expensive for what was on offer [R150pp]!), overpriced."

• "Rude staff"

  10 June 2013

  "We camped, the facilities were good. However on arrival the reception was not incredibly helpful and did not have our booking recorded. In addition the staff member was rude. The actual place and other staff were good."