If you plan to visit the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, there are a few things to know before you arrive.

The game reserve is relatively new but offers many opportunities for game viewing, recreation, learning, and nature photography.

1. Uniqueness – The game reserve is situated on the remains of an extinct alkaline volcanic crater that was active a few thousand years ago. Its rare rock types and structures make it a unique geological feature. It is known as “The Volcano that gave rise to a hunting ground”. It differs from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro crater in that the walls of the Pilanesberg volcano have collapsed inward, thus creating many small hills within the park, unlike Ngorongoro crater which still has its wall intact. Also, the Pilanesberg is about twice the size of the Ngorongoro crater.

2. Location and History – The game reserve is located in the North West Province of South Africa (Sun City is located on the outer edge of Pilanesberg). The reserve was established in 1979 after Operation Genesis encircled the reserve and reintroduced thousands of animals. The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wetter Lowveld (Kruger) vegetation, commonly known as the “Bushveld”. This allows animals from both areas to be present together. Gazelle, brown hyena, red-eyed bulbul and camel thorny trees which are usually found in arid areas (such as Kgalagadi and Etosha) are found living together with animals from wet areas such as impala, spotted hyena, bulbul with black eyes and the brown of the Cape. trees, which are normally found in the Kruger Park.

3. Size – 580 square kilometers (you can fit the Kruger Park about 35 times!) However, the North West Parks Board has embarked on an 8 year plan to connect Pilanesberg National Park with the 800 kilometer Madikwe Game Reserve squares. This will create a 100 km wildlife corridor between the two parks creating a large park in the region of 1500 square kilometres. The Pilanesberg receives almost 400,000 visitors a year and can get very crowded, especially during holiday periods, so this expansion plan is very welcome!

4. Known For – Lake Mankwe, which tends to be the central focus point and bird hides allowing wildlife photographers to get up close to the birds and mammals.

5. Roads – There are around 200 kilometers of roads in the park, both tarred and dirt, making Pilanesberg the ideal self-drive safari destination. The Pilanesberg is about 150 kilometers from Johannesburg and the roads leading to the park are all paved in good condition.

6. Weather – Summers are hot with rains starting in October and ending around April. Winters are best for game viewing with mild days, but nights can be chilly.

7. Accommodation – There are eight lodges in Pilanesberg, two budget (Manyane and Bakgatla), two with mid-range prices (Kwa Maritane and Bakubung) and four with above-average prices (Shepherd’s Tree, Ivory Tree, Tshukudu and Buffalo Thorn lodge). Manyane and Bakgatla offer camping and chalets. All hostels have braai (barbecue) facilities and/or restaurants, as well as televisions with DSTV reception.

8. Activities and Facilities – There are conference facilities and swimming pools in all hostels. There are seven bird hides in the park and five picnic sites. All the bird hides and picnic sites are securely fenced and all have toilets, but only the picnic sites have braai facilities. These hideouts, picnic sites and lookouts are great as they allow visitors to enjoy “out of the car” experiences. The Pilanesberg Center is located in the middle of the reserve and has a restaurant and shops. You have the option of self-drive safaris, guided safaris and/or night drives.

9.Safety Tips – Please stay in your vehicles when in the park and do not speed for your safety and that of the animals.

10. Things to look for in the Pilanesberg:

– The big five of lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros (black and white) and buffalo

– The Super-seven – the Big Five plus Wild Dog and Cheetah

– Brown Hyena

– Honey Badgers

– Sable, Eland, Tsessebe and Red Hartebeest

– Visit the bird observatories especially in winter. Mankwe and Rathlogo are our favourites.

– Hot air balloon safari

– Walk-in aviary at Manyane Camp and Sun City

– Have breakfast or lunch at one of the picnic sites in the hills – the views are incredible

– The rare black rhino – sightings can be regular at Pilanesberg

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is undoubtedly one of the most incredible places in South Africa. The density of rare species within the park, its stunning beauty, and its proximity to Sun City and Johannesburg, plus the absence of malaria, make it a highly attractive safari destination.