Pilanesberg Game Reserve xx
If you're looking for a wildlife weekend away, just over an hour from Joburg, then the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is one of your best options. And when combined with a visit to the nearby Sun City, where you can relax on man-made beaches, throw some dice in the casino, or catch a quick round on the world-famous Gary Player course, these will make up the perfect weekend, or week, away from the city.
The Pilanesberg National Park is one of the region's most celebrated game reserves, and it's conveniently located just a short drive north of Johannesburg, right next to the popular Sun City resort. At 55,000 hectares it is the fourth largest reserve in South Africa, and a great advantage to its visitors, is that it is completely malaria free.
There are three fascinating features that make the Pilanesberg Game Reserve worthwhile a visit:
1 Extinct volcano
The Reserve is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano which is approximately 1 300 million years old. But this volcano is not just an "ordinary" volcano; it has extremely rare rock types and structures, which make it a unique geological feature visited by geologists from all over the world. The volcano crater has 3 concentric rings of hills surrounding it, which add to its mysterious appeal.
2 Transition area
It is uniquely situated in a climatic transition area – which places it between the dry Kalahari region on the North West and the wetter "Bushveld" area on the South East – in the Rustenburg direction. Associated with this, is a change in the vegetation across the Reserve, where one can see rolling grasslands, typical African bushveld, scattered woodlands and pockets of forested areas in the mountains.
3. Uncommon mix of animals and plants
Because of the presence of different mini-ecosystems throughout the Reserve, interesting associations of mammals, birds and plants, not often found elsewhere, are found here. One can find all of the Big Five roaming freely throughout the Pilanesberg, as well as a number of other exciting animals, including brown hyena, cheetah, sable, giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, among many others. It's also a birders paradise, with over 300 species being recorded there.
Lots of Options
There are a number of ways to enjoy the abundant wildlife in the park, whether you drive yourself along the 200 kilometres of roads in the Reserve, or take a guided drive with a qualified game ranger. You can enjoy the wild outside of your car at numerous demarcated hides, picnic sites and viewpoints throughout the reserve. There are numerous accommodation options scattered throughout the park, each with their own charm. Some offer superior luxury and comfort, while others offer a more authentic, rustic experience, with self-catering facilities. Either way, there's a lodge or resort within the park to suit all needs, desires and budgets.
Outside the Reserve, there are a number of well-known Hotels situated between Rustenburg and The Pilanesberg. The world famous Sun City and Palace of the Lost City Resort is situated just outside the gates of the Reserve, making the whole Pilanesberg a holiday paradise.
Gate Times: March & April 06h00 - 18h30; May - September 06h30 - 18h00; September & October 06h00 - 18h30; November - February 05h30 - 19h00
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a lush green vidrant reserve, but in winter the contrast is fascinating - take a look at our video of the Reserve in winter - we'll soon take one in summer - you'll be amazed at the contrast. Please allow the video to buffer before viewing it!
Routes to the Pilanesberg From Johannesburg and Pretoria
View Routes To Main Game Parks in a larger map
