Southern Africa is filled with multitudes of splendid game reserves scattered across its vast landscape. Yet Pilanesberg Game Reserve, located in the Bojanala Region of South Africa’s North West Province, finds itself set apart from other national reserves.
This is partly due to the beauty of the Pilanesberg which is mirrored by the manmade Mankwe Dam or “Place of the Leopard” – a vast central lake – and the reserve’s unusual setting in the crater of an extinct volcano.
Lying directly adjacent to the renowned entertainment mecca of Sun City, this incredible reserve boasts a variety of luxurious accommodation to choose from. Although many people stay at Sun City and pop into the Pilanesberg for a quick half-day; we feel you need at least a full day, and ideally a couple of nights, to do justice to this 55 000 hectare reserve.
Why not get the most out of your trip to the Pilanesberg by combining it with a visit to other exciting destinations on tours such as the Cultural Safari & City of Gold.
Not only is Pilanesberg Game Reserve the third largest reserve in the country, but it’s also a malaria-free reserve. This makes it the perfect South African family safari destination and the ideal choice for parents with children of all ages, who don’t want to worry about the threat of malaria on their holiday.
The 200km of excellent quality roads in the Pilanesberg lend the destination towards a self-drive vacation where you’re free to drive through the national park at your own leisurely pace. Alternatively sit back and relax on morning, afternoon or evening guided 4×4 drives through the game-packed reserve.
For something entirely unforgettable, be mesmerised by the spectacular Pilanesberg landscape of wooded valley, rocky outcrops and open grasslands while on a hot-air balloon ride.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve is now home to in excess of 7 000 animals including healthy populations of Africa’s Big 5 as well as a variety of species such as the nocturnal hyena, cheetah, sable, giraffe, zebra, crocodile and hippo. Bird watching at the park is superb with over 300 species of birds recorded.
Prolific wildlife, varied habitats, and striking and sprawling landscapes typify the Pilanesberg; these attributes have led to visitors often remarking on how the reserve resembles a typical East African wilderness.