Pilanesberg National Park – Game Reserve
We are quite fortunate to have the Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest Park (55 000 hectare) in South Africa on our doorstep.
The Pilanesberg National Park is special and spectacular for a number of reasons;
- The Park is situated in a crater of a long extinct volcano, one of only three alkaline volcanoes in the world. It’s rare rock types and structure which is called an Alkaline Ring Complex makes it a unique geological feature.
- The Park is also situated in the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld (Bushveld) vegetation which cause a wider variety of fauna and flora to be present in the area.
- Construction of the perimeter game fence began in 1979 and Operation Genesis was launched. It comprised the release of 6000 animals representing 22 species into the Park. Predators such as lion, cheetah and wild dog were released later.
- Today the Park is world renowned and safeguards the Big Five and is home to an impressive list of rare and endangered species e.g. Tsessebe.
Future plans for the Park
On 8 April 2005 The North West Province launched the Heritage Park Project: To expand the Pilanesberg Park to the north to ultimately link it with Madikwe Game Reserve.
The Park Offers:
2 Rest camps, 7 Commercial lodges, 8 dams, 5 Picnic sites, 8 Hides, 204 km game viewing roads.
Activities
Game drives, self driven or guided, game walks, birding, hot air balloon safaris, Sun City.
What do I take with?
Binoculars, camera, animal and plant reference books, enough fuel, snacks, drinks, picnic basket and litter bag.
Gate Opening Times:
November to February 05h30 – 19h00
March to April 06h00 – 18h30
May to August 06h30 – 18h00
September to October 06h00 – 18h30
Keep in mind: no entry within one hour of closing time.
Accommodation:
The Park offers a variety of accommodation options, from camping sites to 5-Star luxury accommodation. For more information read our article: Accommodation in the Pilanesberg National Park or get contact details in our Rustenburg Accommodation Directory for Game Reserves.
Why visit the Park?
The Pilanesberg National Park is easily accessible, malaria free, has the Big Five, a great variety of other mammals, birds and plant species, accommodation to suit every taste, conference facilities to name but a few but it is the experience of Africa’s natural beauty that has visitors come back for more.
So whether you plan a day trip or a luxury break away, the Pilanesberg National Park is definitely the gem of the North West Province and well worth a visit.
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