Pilanesberg National Park
Description
The Pilanesberg National Park is a Big 5 game reserve situated in the crater of an ancient volcano, high above the bushveld plains of the North West province. At roughly 2 and a half hours’ drive from Johannesburg, the Pilanesberg is an ideal safari getaway where you can enjoy spotting wildlife by hot air balloon and elephant back.
The Pilanesberg National Park is South Africa’s fourth largest game reserve, covering 55 000h of the malaria-free Bojanala region of the North West. The long extinct volcano in which it lies is an intriguing alkaline complex that is one of only 3 of its kind in the world. Fringed by three rings of undulating hills, the formation rises like a bubble out of the surrounding plains.
The Pilanesberg National Park lies in the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation. This allows for excellent game viewing opportunities as the park is home to a unique overlap of mammals, birds, and vegetation. Visitors can enjoy self-drive game viewing, guided game drives, and night safaris to see the Big 5, as well as thrilling wildlife encounters on guided bush walks, balloon safaris, and elephant back rides.
Aside from the Big 5, which includes both black and white rhino, the Pilanesberg National Park is home to wide variety of rare and common mammals, including brown hyena, cheetah, sable, giraffe, zebra, hippo, and crocodile. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the park, so bird watchers will have a field day spotting the migrants and permanent residents.
The Manyane Complex offers self-guided walking trails and a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds. The Outdoor Adventure Centre at Letsatsing Game Park offers clay pigeon shooting, archery, quad biking, paintball, and drumming sessions. The nearby Sun City resort and casino has a range of entertainment for the whole family, from the water theme park and water sports, to golf courses, restaurants, theatre productions, and more.
For a safari experience with plenty of exciting activities for the whole family, book your stay in the Pilanesberg National Park.