Where is Pilanesberg?
Pilanesberg National Park is situated a mere 2.5 hours drive north west from Johannesburg, in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province, adjacent to Sun City. Set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, the Park ranks among the largest of the parks in South Africa (it is in fact the fourth largest park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectares.
What’s so special about Pilanesberg?
The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg Game Reserve- a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.
The colourful hues,varied habitats and panoramas will delight and entertain photographers and visitors.The very topography makes the area a feast for the eye. Here are syenite koppies, thickly forested ravines, typical bushveld and also rolling grasslands and lightly wooded areas. The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam.
The Wildlife
Pilanesberg National Park accommodates virtually every mammal of southern Africa. An abundance of wild life proliferate in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. The park is home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s “Big Five”. A wide variety of rare and common species exist like the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention but a few.
Accommodation Options
Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Selous Bush Camp Mankwe Game Reserve
Safari Tents
Chalets
