Bakgatla Resort, in the Pilansberg

There are two things that first strike you when you enter the Bakgatla Resort in the Pilansberg National Park. The amount of space given to you to pitch a tent and smack bang in the camping and caravanning area, the large inviting swimming pool. It's the kind of swimming pool that you close your eyes, stretch your arms out wide and fall in, into the cold blue water during the hot afternoon, especially after a dusty game drive.

Bakgatla resort is a must camping site. There are 100 spots to pitch a tent, broken into 40 spots that are electrified and 60 spots, non-electrified. The non- electrified are on the outer edge of the camping area which gives you a better view of the surrounding hills. It also offers you the feeling of being the only ones there.

Each area to pitch your tent is adequately shaded by trees and in the summer heat of the highveld, shade is a prerequisite. There are the standard braais at each spot that are cleaned by the staff before the next braai time. As usual, monkeys are around to learn new tricks on how to devour your food. So like at any camping ground around, keep food locked up.


For children, there are lots to do at Bakgatla. There are walking trails , swings, a trampoline, outdoor chess and lots of green lawns to run around, throw a ball or play catch. These activities are far enough from the camping area so you needn't worry about noise if you are off to bed early.

The great thing about Bakgatla is that you can within minutes be in the Pilansberg National Park, viewing magnificent wildlife. It is still amazing to understand that the animals in the park, including the big five were relocated there in one of the largest translocations ever undertaken. The hides over looking the dams and waterholes are brilliant of enjoying the birds, animals and landscapes. And if you are not viewing what the park has to offer, you can drive to Sun City to enjoy the entertainment there.

Traveling time to the resort is short. About two hours from Johannesburg and and just a little less from Pretoria, taking the N4 towards Sun City.

Bakgatla also has a shop that you can buy essentials such as, braai coal, bottled water, bread, milk and more. The restaurant there has an excellent menu to suite your tastes.

The ablution blocks are clean and well looked after. Cutlery can be cleaned in the washing facilites on the outside of the ablution blocks.

The cost of camping is on during midweek R180.00 for a camping site, electrified and non-electrified, R170.00.
Over the weekend, it will cost you R190.00 for electrified and R180.00 for non-electrified.
During peak season, the electrified camping area will set you back R195.00 and a non-electrified spot, R190.00.

Bakgatla Resort is part of the Golden Leopard Resorts. It is a wonderful way to get to spend some time in peaceful surroundings and easy access to the bush or to Sun City the entertainment city, of the North West.

Their web site is at www.goldenleopard.co.za/
For further details,
Reservations : Tel 014555-1000 / Fax 014555-7555
Email: goldres@iafrica.com
Group and Conferencing: Tel 014555-1012 / Fax 014555-1058
Email: glr.conf@worldonline.co.za