Pilanesberg National Park Safari – Is It Worth Visiting?

Are you in Johannesburg, looking for the best safari in the area?

Pilanesberg National Park might be your ideal destination! It’s a favourite of both locals and visitors, including me. My safari through the park was fantastic – I had no idea I’d see so much wildlife!

🦁 If you just want to know the best guided tour of Pilanesberg, it’s this 3-hour private one. Incredibly knowledgeable expert guide and super comfy ride! ⭐️ 5 STARS!

It’s actually known for having some of the best game viewing in the country.

Keep reading to find out what there is to see here, and what a safari in Pilanesberg will entail. Plus, you’ll see the best ways to get to and around the park, where to stay, as well as the hours and fees.

Let’s go!

Pilanesberg National Park Safari

Here’s a quick list of why you definitely should visit this park while you’re in South Africa:

1. Easy Access: Pilanesberg’s proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria makes it a convenient safari option if you’re looking to minimize travel time.

2. Malaria-Free Zone: As a malaria-free park, Pilanesberg is a safer safari choice for families and health-conscious travellers.

3. Big Five Sightings: The park gives you the opportunity to see the iconic Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes – a compact (just 550 km²) and dramatic landscape.

4. Unique Terrain: Set in an extinct volcanic crater, Pilanesberg features unique geological formations and varied ecosystems.

5. A Selection of Accommodations: Pilanesberg caters to all budgets and preferences, and has some terrific options.

6. A Variety of Activities: You can enjoy a range of different activities.

7. Supports Conservation: By visiting Pilanesberg, you contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts of the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust.

Why Pilanesberg is a Much-Loved Destination

Pilanesberg National Park is a treasure, located in northern South Africa between the Kalahari and the Lowveld.

🌍 Note: Lowveld is a low-altitude region in southern Africa known for its hot climate and enormous variety of plants and animals.

Its proximity to major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, which are about two to three hours away, is a major draw. It’s incredibly accessible for a quick getaway or a long weekend adventure.

In fact, you can arrange a day trip to Pilanesberg from Johannesburg – so easy, everything’s done for you.

Or if you’re staying at the Sun City Casino Resort, the park is a quick 45-minute drive – perfect for a day trip!

Something else that sets Pilanesberg apart is its fascinating geological history. The area was formed by volcanic eruptions over a billion years ago.

This natural backdrop creates an incredibly stunning landscape.

The hills, open grasslands, and wooded valleys are home to an impressive variety of wildlife. A safari here gives you the chance to spot the Big 5, catch a glimpse of rare animals like the brown hyena, and soak up some breathtaking scenery.

Plus when it comes to staying overnight, Pilanesberg doesn’t disappoint. It has a range of accommodations from cozy bush lodges and luxury resorts to comfortable campgrounds.

🌍 Note: Pilanesberg National Park is NOT controlled by SanParks, so you can’t use your Wild Card here.

Pilanesberg Wildlife

Pilanesberg Park is home to over 7,000 animals. Along with the Big 5, you could spot caracals and cheetahs, rare African wild dogs, white and black rhinos, and red hartebeest.

And keep your eyes open for the tsessebe, the fastest antelope in Africa. This is just to name a very few of the animals that roam the park.

The park is a great spot for bird lovers, too, with more than 300 species spotted here. You could see the striking lilac-breasted roller, the European bee-eater (my favourite), and the Kalahari scrub robin.

Flamingos, greater and lesser, also call it home, and are always fun to see!

Pilanesberg Centre and Lodges

Pilanesberg Centre, near Makwe Dam in the heart of the park, is a one-stop visitors’ centre. It has amenities like a shop for snacks and basic supplies, a casual eatery, and educational displays on the park’s flora and fauna.

It also has a gift shop, public washrooms, an open deck with panoramic views, and a park map updated with the latest sightings.

There are several lodges inside the park. They vary in price and comfort level, and you can find 4 and 5-star luxury as well as tented camps. Whatever your budget, you’ll find your spot here.

A Day at Pilanesberg

Your main activities will be your game drives. If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to get enough.

If you’ve booked a safari tour, your day will look something like this:

• an early morning wake-up and a quick coffee and snack.
• morning game drive with a snack mid-morning, followed by another game drive.
• lunch and a break is during the hottest part of the day. Many of the animals are napping through the heat.
• a late afternoon game drive until dusk, followed by dinner.

Or, with the excellent infrastructure in the park, it’s a great place for a self-drive safari. If you decide to go this route, I highly recommend that you leave on your morning game drive as early as you can.

The best sightings tend to be first thing in the morning, as the predators stroll back home after a night of hunting. Late in the afternoon and early evening as the day cools are good times, too.

There are even a few places to see wildlife that don’t involve being in a vehicle. Stop at Mankwe Dam, especially Hippo Loop, and see what you can spot.

There’s another spot just north of Batlhako Dam, too, that’s a great place to surround yourself with African wilderness.

Getting Around Inside the Park

Pilanesberg is known for its excellent accessibility and infrastructure. This makes it an ideal destination for both self-drive and guided safaris.

The park roads are well-maintained and most are suitable for 2WD sedans. You might want to steer clear of some of the gravel roads, though, unless you have a vehicle with higher clearance.

And potholes can happen, so just keep an eye out. Road signs inside the park are clear, and they do make it easy to find your way around.

Tips for a Self-Drive Safari in the Park

Pilanesberg National Park is a fantastic place for a self-driving safari. It’s important to follow some key guidelines:

Stay in Your Vehicle: Except for designated areas like hides and picnic spots.

Speed Limits: Adhere to the park’s speed limits, which are typically around 40 km/h. For safety and better wildlife spotting.

Never Feed Wildlife: It’s strictly prohibited.

Respect the Environment: Stay on designated roads, and avoid driving over animal dung – it may contain small creatures like dung beetles. And leave it cleaner than you found it.

Be Mindful of Others: When stopping to view wildlife, make sure not to block the view or path for other visitors.

Wildlife Etiquette: Keep a respectful distance from all animals, especially elephants, which can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Prepare for Emergencies: Always have a plan. Carry a map, know the gate times so you don’t get locked in the park after hours, and have enough fuel and water.

Activities in Pilanesberg Park

There’s a lot to do within the park. Game drives tend to be the main activity, which is perfect if you’re just spending the day.

But there’s enough to keep you busy for several days if you’ve got the time:

1. Game Drives
2. Hot Air Ballooning
3. Walking Safaris
4. Bird Watching
5. Photographic Safaris
6. Cultural Experiences (including interactive drumming and local village visits)
7. Quad Biking
8. Archery
9. Spa Treatments

Getting to Pilanesberg National Park

If you’re driving from Johannesburg, it takes about two hours via the R512 and R556. From Pretoria, it’s a bit longer, around 2.5 hours, heading north on the N4 and then south on the R556.

If you’re near Sun City, it’s a quick 20-minute hop to the park. Not keen on driving? No worries – there are plenty of guided tours that include transportation, taking the hassle out of planning.

This full-day tour actually includes the high points of Sun City AND an epic game drive in Pilanesberg Park.

Public transport options are limited, so a rental car or tour might be your best bet to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

My favourite South Africa rental car option is Discover Cars – you get quotes from international AND local rental companies 🚙

Pilanesberg Hours and Fees

🦁 My favourite guided safari game drive is this 3-hour private one. Incredibly knowledgeable expert guide and super comfy ride!

The Best Time to Visit Pilanesberg

There really isn’t a bad time of year to visit the park. But your choice of when to visit might depend on what you want to see and do.

For the best game viewing conditions, plan your trip during the cooler, drier months between May and September. Here’s a bit more info:

Winter

Dry Season (May to September): This is winter, and is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. The trees have lost their leaves and there’s less grass making animals easier to spot.

Plus the watering holes are fewer, so the animals’ movements are more predictable.

Summer

Wet Season (October to April): You can expect afternoon thunderstorms in the wet season. The landscape turns lush and green, good for bird watching and seeing newborn animals.

But, the thicker vegetation can make wildlife spotting more challenging compared to the dry season. The park is also busier during this time, especially around holidays and weekends.

Where to Stay

Here’s a sample of what you can expect for accommodations. And remember, the same lodge often offers a range of price points.

Bakgatla Resort (Budget): Perfect if you’re on a budget. Bakgatla has affordable safari tents and campsites, with an Olympic-sized pool, a restaurant, and outdoor activities.

Bakubung Bush Lodge (Mid-Range): Bakubung blends adventure with comfort. It has amenities like guided game drives, a luxurious swimming pool, and sophisticated dining in the wilderness.

Tshukudu Bush Lodge (Luxury): Tshukudu has a luxurious and intimate setting. Expect stunning views, perfect if you’re looking for a personal and upscale safari experience.

Pilanesberg Tented Safari Camp (Camping): This camp has a personal touch with just five safari tents, communal spaces, and included game drives. It’s ideal for close wildlife encounters.

If you’re in Johannesburg and looking for a great safari experience, head for Pilanesberg National Park. You’re going to love it!

Read more:

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➵ Discover the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in South Africa
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