Pilanesberg is great, forget about Bakglatla, though. Made a reservation for a chalet "far away from the facilities". Was given a chalet right next to the main parking, restaurant, pool, etc... How is that for a good service? Once we were in the chalet we noticed that paint was falling of the walls, the sofa and the curtains were very stained. We were told at reception to phone housekeeping regarding any complaint, however, there was no phone in the chalet.... Tried to turn on the aircon - no remote in the room, same for the TV. We were later told, that guests usually get all remotes at reception upon check-in - we weren't. Tried to lock the doors from the inside later that evening, however the locks did not work. Had to phone (phone had been installed in the meantime) housekeeping again. They sent a handyman who fixed the locks in the middle of the night. There was NO water in the morning. Had to wait until ca. 09.00 to take showers etc. Staff was not helpful at all and gave incorrect information. Food was below average at night as well as for breakfast. Can not recommend the place at all. Bakgatla is certainly cheap compared to other accommodation at Pilanesberg (payed ca. ZAR 1400 for a 4-sleeper for one night, D&B&B), however, low rates do not justify this really bad experience.

We stayed in an "Executive Luxury Tent" (Tent no 1) for one night on 7 Jan 2010.
We've stayed in many such establishments in SA. What struck us about this one was the general air of being run-down. The grass by the pool was untrimmed, the paint on the tables and chairs was scratched and flaking, the wooden benches needed varnishing.
The tent itself had seen better days. The floor mat was ragged, the sleeper couch smelled musty and was torn, the tent had been (inexpertly) repaired in many places, tie-backs were missing. The floor looked like it needed a good scrub and re-surfacing, although everything in the bathroom was clean. I wouldn't have used the towels to clean the car, they were so threadbare.
On the positive side, the staff were, without exception, friendly and helpful. And the Pilanesberg Reserve is one of SA's most beautiful, with plenty of animals.
This resort could be really special, with proper management. But given its present state, and unless your expectations or standards are low, I'd recommend one of the up-market lodges. If the Pilanesberg is not a "must", then there are many excellent choices, from the Waterberg to the Kruger Park and surrounding facilities, all very much better value-for-money than this. We won't be going back to Bakgatla.

We came to this resort having been before and having experienced the top end of the market, so we knew what we were getting. It is a great place to go if you want to drive yourself and do not want to pay the premium lodge prices. With easy access to Johannesburg airport (3 hour drive) and a diverse wildlife population it is a good value safari - nothing luxurious.

Accommodation - functional, basic chalets. Not too well maintained but met our requirements for a value for money venue for a large family gathering. Chalets were situated around a kids playground which may not suit everybody.
Food - not bad. Plenty of it. Good variety.
Service - do not aim for high service levels but very friendly.
Game drives - you drive yourself but they do put on drives if you prefer not to go it alone. Plenty to see.

i took my 3 kids for s short get away for 1 night. The park is brilliant, Bagatla camp a real disappointment. At a stretch I may have felt more comfortable paying for 1 week what we paid for 1 night!! The resort is totally overpriced and certainly not worth while at all. The paint was peeling in the bathroom and the chalets are really small and basic, although comfortable enough.