Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Description

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is situated in the malaria-free Bojanala region of the North West province, in the crater of a long extinct volcano – an intriguing alkaline complex that is one of only three of its kind in the world. Fringed by three rings of undulating hills, the formation rises like a bubble out of the surrounding bushveld plains. Pilanesberg Game Reserve is South Africa’s fourth largest reserve and home to the Big 5.

As Pilanesberg lies in the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, unique overlaps of mammals, birds, and vegetation inhabit the area and allow for excellent game viewing. Aside from close-up wildlife encounters on guided game drives, visitors to the reserve can enjoy the thrill of bush walks, balloon safaris, and elephant back safaris.

The park boasts healthy populations of Africa’s Big 5, including both black and white rhino. Visitors can also spot a wide variety of rare and common mammals, including endemic species like the nocturnal brown hyena, cheetah, sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, and crocodile. Bird watchers can sight over 350 recorded species of birds, some of which are migrants and others permanent residents.

Activities

• Balloon safaris • Elephant back safaris • Game drives and night safaris • Guided bush walks • Picnic on the hills • Bird hides • The Outdoor Adventure Centre at Letsatsing Game Park offers quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery, urban combat paintball games, and drumming. • Sun City resort offers a world of entertainment including a casino, golf courses, water sports, pools and water slides, theatre productions, and more. • The Manyane Complex has self-guided walking trails and a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds.