A Rare Game Experience at The Kingdom Resort: Accommodation Review
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the awesome Kingdom Resort — where adventure and relaxation converge to form the perfect weekend getaway.
The resort provides an all-encompassing vacation experience with extensive accommodation options and exciting on-site activities and stands out as a premier destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying the comforts of a world-class retreat.
If I had it my way, I would still be there, but alas all good things must… well, you know.
Here is my experience, giving you an idea of what my stay was like and what to expect should you decide to stay at the Kingdom Resort too, the next time you find yourself craving the ideal city break in South Africa.
You will also discover everything there is to know about the resort facilities, accommodation and cuisine options, and the highlight of any stay – the Rare Game Experience.
>> Read next:
THE KINGDOM RESORT: LOCATION
Found just a mere 2-hour drive from the heart of Gauteng and its major cities, The Kingdom Resort is a popular destination with travellers and families looking for modern accommodation and amenities in the heart of the big 5.
Located just off the R556, the resort is situated less than a 5 minute-drive from the entrance to Sun City, an African landmark. It is also a short drive away from Pilanesberg National Park, one of the top bush tourist destinations in the country, with dedicated tourism for big 5 game drives.
R556, South Village, Pilanesberg National Park, 0316
STYLE AND CHARACTER
Spanning over 60 hectares, The Kingdom Resort is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, providing a serene escape that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
African-inspired architecture and delicate cultural elements are incorporated into the design and décor of the chalets and villas at this modern resort, while still retaining a small village feel.
The entire place is well decorated with rich browns, burned reds, charcoal, and rustic stone cladding, which accentuates the African vibe. The ideal setting where real Africa meets contemporary luxury.
The resort is organised into an array of tiny settlements that are meant to disappear into the surrounding countryside. Each village is made up of several chalets and villas, arranged to resemble a horseshoe-shaped kraal, that provide expansive views of the surrounding Bushveld landscape.
WELCOME AND CHECK-IN
A short drive from the entrance gate is where you will find the reception area and main restaurant area. Check-in was quick and effortless at the reception area, following which I was given a tour of the resort and shown to my suite.
ACCOMMODATION AT THE KINGDOM RESORT
Accommodation at the Kingdom resort is extensive, welcoming, and well furnished. The resort offers a range of accommodation options to suit every guest’s needs, from spacious hotel rooms and family suites to self-catering chalets and even luxury villas.
The hotel rooms are elegantly decorated with modern furnishings and feature all the amenities one would expect from a top-notch resort, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, a mini-fridge, and private balconies or terraces with relaxed views of the surrounding landscape.
If you’re looking for a more private and secluded experience, the self-catering chalets offer a home-like atmosphere with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and outdoor BBQ facilities. These chalets are perfect for families or groups of friends looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway in nature.
And for those who want to truly immerse themselves in the African bushveld experience, the villas provide a unique experience. These luxury villas are outfitted with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks where you can simply relax while simultaneously enjoying the bush veld vibe.
AMENITIES
Amenities include a restaurant and bar, laundry facilities, and a general store to find everything you may need during your stay.
- Self-catering
- DSTV selection
- Braai facilities
- Serviced rooms- excluding public holidays
- Bathroom towels
- Non smoking units
- Linen
Free wifi is also available at WiFi Hotspots throughout the resort. I found the speed to be sufficient for browsing the web, uploading on insta, and making some video-calls.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES AT THE KINGDOM RESORT
The Kingdom Resort boasts countless activities for everyone in the family. Whether you see yourself sitting poolside with a drink in your hand or racing through the bushveld on a quad bike, the resort has got you covered.
For the adventurous, you can try your hand at archery, wall climbing, adventure golf, or even a bungee catapult. While the more laid back will enjoy unwinding at the two public swimming pools, catching a movie at the outdoor cinema, or even a few hours at the Body Bliss Day Spa, popular for its tranquil views and calm atmosphere.
You must try the quad biking.I thoroughly enjoyed this as we made our way through hillside bush veld and sprawling grasslands.
Splash Kingdom, the central waterpark, is a particular hit with the kids for hours of fun in the slides and splashing about in the pool.
Other facilities include a welcome centre, Kingdom Adventures experience, a jungle gym, a trampoline, adventure putt-putt, a jumping pillow, volleyball, table tennis, a pool table, and even mountain bike hire and trails.
If all of these activities are not enough to keep you occupied for days on end, you also have the option of using the complimentary shuttle service to Sun City. Here you can indulge in all there is on offer from golf courses, live shows, restaurants, casino, water park, and a handful of other ventures.
Also located at the Kingdom Resort is Leap Adventures, providing a plethora of adrenaline fulled activities for every type of visitor.
A handful of my favourite and recommended options include:
- Jumping Pillow
An internationally popular attraction for the ideal new take on the traditional trampoline. - Climbing wall
An 8 metre, multi-challenge, climbing wall. - Outdoor Cinema
A large outdoor movie wall to enjoy a selection of movies whilst picnicking under the stars as well as for viewing popular sports events. - Bicycle hiring
Hire bicycles from the Acacia Terrace Café restaurant to explore the resort at your own pace and leisure. - Splash Water Park
Enjoy endless thrills in the sun at the jungle-themed waterpark, with water cannons, waterfalls, sprinklers, and plenty of free falls. Providing hours of cooling down under the hot South African sun this is the perfect spot for the young at heart.
CUISINE OPTIONS
Acacia Terrace Café
This lovely poolside restaurant offers some of the best wood fired oven pizza. You gotta try it! Young guests will especially love making their own pizzas.
It offers some tasty starters and salads along with a choice of sumptuous mains and great desserts.
Jungle Bar & Lounge
The bar features a relaxed, cosy indoor seating as well as an outdoor section with swings and a sandy floor, simply enticing you to relax and unwind after a day of fun and activity. Delicious cocktails come standard.
RARE GAME EXPERIENCE
A highlight of any stay for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers at The Kingdom Resort is the Rare Game Experience. This truly unique and unforgettable activity offers the opportunity to witness some of Africa’s most iconic and uncommon animals up close and personal.
The thrill of spotting a herd of rare and unusual game roaming freely is an experience that will stay with you long after the trip has ended.
The interactive and informative game drive and game quad biking experience allows you to connect with nature in a way that is both exhilarating and educational, while the game drive instructors are highly knowledgeable and friendly, open to any and all questions you may have.
The Rare Game Experience seeks to protect, conserve, and showcase the rarest game animals that wouldn’t typically survive in the wild. It provides an environment that is both safe and secure from predators and poachers, while creating awareness that such unusual animals exist in a secure and ethically maintained natural habitat.
The diversity of wildlife is amazing, with over 18 distinct species and subspecies. Keep an eye out for a handful of uncommon species of African game, the likes of the White Kudu, the Red Gemsbuck, the Black Impala, the Golden Wildebeest, and the Yellow Saddleback Blesbuck.
Additionally, you will also find a Tiny Tots enclosure which include the smallest and most elusive buck hardly seen in the wild, such as variations of Klipspringer, Duiker, and Grysbok. As well as the animal olympics section that includes interactive games such as the Rare Racer and Springbok jump.
The Rare Game Experience elevates the traditional game drive by integrating interactive technology for every guest on the game drive. These information tablets provide real-time information about the various species encountered during the tour, enriching the experience with fascinating facts and insights. The interactive tablets allow you to engage further with your surroundings, turning every sighting into a learning opportunity.
The Rare Game Experience is a great opportunity everyone, but especially children, to learn about wildlife in a safe and welcoming setting. By fostering a safe and nurturing environment, the activity plays a crucial role in the conservation of these extraordinary species, ensuring that they continue to thrive for generations to come.
You can opt for the game drive vehicle or explore the nature reserve and view these unique animals on a guided quad bike tour.
Prices start from R335 for adults and R295 for children.
Operational hours: Mon – Sun, 8am to 5pm
BUSH HOLIDAYS FOREVER –
OWN AT THE KINGDOM RESORT!
You may enjoy your time so much that you choose to hedge your investment in The Kingdom Resort.
There are ownership options to suit many a budget and lifestyle. Own 1 – 4 weeks on timeshare or fractional title to enjoy or buy on sectional title ownership, which gives you exclusive usage during some weeks of the year while enjoying great potential on rental returns on your investment.
Pilanesberg is one of the top bush tourist destinations in South Africa, with dedicated tourism for big 5 game drives. The area attracts 30% international tourists and 30% corporate conference bookings, with weekends in peak summer reaching 100% occupancy rates.
Some of the key benefits enjoyed by owners include fully managed ownership, BMP ownership benefits, guaranteed holidays, and exclusive resort discounts.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Kingdom Resort offers a fun and unforgettable experience for those seeking a unique stay in the heart of South Africa’s northwest.
With its top-notch accommodations, world-class service, beautiful surroundings, and array of activities for all ages, this resort truly stands out as a premier destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort and convenience
As the popular travel slogan goes, South Africa is alive with possibility. There’s no end to the adventures that await you in this unique land. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the Kingdom Resort has something for everyone.
Time to spoil yourself? Book now!
For the best rate online, and special discounts click here.
Have a great stay,
Rai
New Here? 
