Pilanesberg National Park Tourism (2024) - South Africa > Top Places, Travel Guide

Pilanesberg National Park Travel Packages

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5 Days / 4 Nights

Amazing Pretoria and Pilanesberg National Park

$ 770

11% off

$684 per adult on twin sharing

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12 Days / 11 Nights

South African Adventure: 12-Day Getaway

$ 2,395

3% off

$2,308 per adult on twin sharing

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13 Days / 12 Nights

13 Days 12 Nights - Adventurous South Africa Family Package

$ 2,175

3% off

$2,106 per adult on twin sharing

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4 Days / 3 Nights

4 Days African Explorer: Sun City, Safari, & Johannesburg

$666 per adult on twin sharing

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10 Days / 9 Nights

10 Days South African Explorer's Journey

$ 2,044

11% off

$1,804 per adult on twin sharing

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4 Days / 3 Nights

4 Days 3 Nights: Sun City & Johannesburg Escape

$ 755

14% off

$647 per adult on twin sharing

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Pilanesberg National Park Travel Essentials

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 2-3 Days

Best Time: May to September Read More

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Also Refered As:

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

"Fourth Largest Park in South Africa"

Pilanesberg National Park Tourism

Pilanesberg National Park is in the Bojanala Region of South Africa's North West Province, covering around 572 square kilometres. The park has well-maintained roads spanning over 200 kilometres, making it easy for visitors to see the Big 5 – lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. It's home to over 7,000 animals and 360 bird species.

The park sits in the crater of an ancient volcano that formed 1.2 billion years ago. This volcanic history has shaped the landscape, creating beautiful views. The Mankwe Dam at the centre of the park is a great spot to see wildlife and enjoy panoramic views. The park also includes the Black Rhino Game Reserve, dedicated to protecting the endangered black rhino species.

Entry Fees to Pilanesberg National Park:
Park Entry Fee: Adult – R80, Adults Foreign Nationals – R110, Children (6-12 yrs) – R30, Pensioners (SA only) – R40
Vehicle Fee ((Sedan/LDV/SUV): R40

Entrance Gate to Pilanesberg National Park:
Pilanesberg National Park has four entrance gates excluding the Black Rhino Game Reserve gate:
1. Bakgatla Gate: It is closest to Bakgatla Camp and easily accessible from the town of Sun City.
2. Kwa Maritane Gate: This gate is closest to Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, which is located near Sun City.
3. Manyane Gate: It is near Manyane Resort and can be reached from the town of Mogwase.
4. Bakubung Gate: This gate is closest to Bakubung Bush Lodge and is situated near Sun City.

1. Game Drives

Guests can enjoy self-drive or guided game drives to observe wildlife, including the Big Five. These drives typically last 3 to 4 hours and can be accessed through various entrance gates. Early mornin (Read More)gs and late afternoons are the best times for game drives as animals are more active during these times.

2. Walking Safaris

Guided walking safaris lasting 2 to 3 hours provide an opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot and learn about the park's flora and fauna. The walks are conducted by experienced guides, ensuring (Read More) safety and informative experiences.

3. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Sunrise hot air balloon safaris, lasting 1 to 2 hours, offer a unique aerial perspective of the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife. These can be arranged through authorized operators outside the p (Read More)ark.

4. Black Rhino Game Reserve

The Black Rhino Game Reserve is a private wildlife sanctuary in the Pilanesberg area of South Africa, dedicated to conserving the critically endangered black rhino species. It offers thrilling safaris (Read More) and the chance to see various iconic African wildlife, guided by experienced rangers.

5. Mankwe Dam

This scenic picnic spot within the park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal place for a relaxing break.

6. Bird Watching

With over 360 bird species, the park is a birdwatcher's haven. Early mornings and late afternoons are the ideal times for birdwatching when many species are active.

Must Know Before You Travel to Pilanesberg National Park

Park Timings: The park is open throughout the year with varying timings based on the season. From March and April, it opens from 06:00 AM to 06:30 PM. From May to September, the timings are from 06:30 AM to 06:00 PM. In September and October, it is open from 06:00 AM to 06:30 PM, and from November to February, the timings are from 05:30 AM to 07:00 PM.
Open Safari Vehicles: All game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles and operate regardless of the weather conditions.
Commuting within the Park: Visitors can explore Pilanesberg National Park in their own vehicles. For better wildlife spotting, consider visiting Mankwe Dam.
Road Recommendations: To avoid rushing on park roads during weekends or public holidays, explore smaller, quieter roads and leave the main tar roads.
Hiring Guides: If you prefer a guided experience, knowledgeable guides can be hired either on the roads or from the Pilanesberg Center.
Visiting Black Rhino Game Reserve: The Black Rhino Game Reserve does not allow day visitors.
Hikers' Caution: Hikers should be cautious of snakes.
Vaccinations: Although the risk is low, consider having vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, and Tetanus-diphtheria. Carry a prescription if on medication.
Kruger or Pilanesberg: If you have limited time and are staying near Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park is a great alternative to Kruger National Park.
Malaria-Free Zone: Pilanesberg National Park is located in a malaria-free area.
Wild Cards: Note that Wild Cards are not accepted in the park.
ATM Availability: The closest ATM can be found in Sun City.
Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed in the park.
Baby-sitting Facility: Some lodges offer baby-sitting services at an additional charge.

(Read More)

Top Hotels In Pilanesberg National Park

13 Lodges in Pilanesberg National Park

$ 45 onwards

1 Resorts in Pilanesberg

$ 66 onwards

8 Guest Houses in Pilanesberg

$ 26 onwards

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More on Pilanesberg National Park Travel

Black Rhino Reserve

With a separate, guarded private entrance, the Black rhino game reserve is located on the Northwest side of the Pilanesberg National Park. The absence of fences between the two reserves and their lower-lying sweet veld vegetation promotes the chances of animal spotting, especially in the Black rhino reserve. Various animals including the big 5 (black and white rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo), the endangered and rare species of wild dog and antelope along with more than 354 species of birds. Through the Black rhino game reserve entrance, game vehicles from privately owned lodges can traverse into Pilanesberg national park freely enabling them to enjoy their privacy and the wildlife, simultaneously.

Wildlife in Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park boasts rich and diverse wildlife, including the renowned Big Five - Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, and Rhino. It is also home to the elusive and endangered African Wild Dog, along with a variety of predators such as the African Wild Cat, Caracal, Serval, Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Brown Hyena, and the nocturnal Aardwolf.
The park houses 15 species of antelope, ranging from the hardy Oryx to the shaggy-coated Waterbuck, and iconic sightings of Sable Antelope and Kudu with their spiral-shaped horns are common. Visitors can witness the graceful Springbok, Impala, and Wildebeest among the vast plains.

Pilanesberg's birdlife is equally impressive, with an array of species including the majestic Ostrich, powerful Martial Eagle, striking African Finfoot, vibrant Purple Roller, cooperative Pied Babbler, and the clever Greater Honeyguide.

The park supports a rich reptilian population, hosting 66 known species, such as geckos, lizards, snakes, tortoises, and crocodiles. Among the reptiles, one can also spot the Lobatse Hinge-back Tortoise and the Leopard Tortoise. The African Python, the largest snake in Africa, can also be found here.

Best Time to Visit Pilanesberg National Park

How to Reach Pilanesberg National Park

How to Reach Overview

To reach Pilanesberg National Park, travellers can use O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (210 km away) or Lanseria Airport (130 km away). The journey by car from Johannesburg takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, covering approximately 200 km. Visitors can use rental cars, private shuttles, or guided tours for transportation.

How to reach Pilanesberg National Park by flight

The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, located around 210 kilometres (130 miles) away. From there, visitors can conveniently rent a car and cover a distance of approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) in under 3 hours to reach the park.

Another airport of interest is Lanseria Airport which is around 130 kilometres (80 miles) from the Pilanesberg National Park and takes around 2 hours to reach.

How to reach Pilanesberg National Park by road

From Johannesburg, the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, covering a distance of approximately 200 kilometres. From Johannesburg, the recommended route is taking the N1 highway towards Polokwane, and then following Route 91 indicated by a signboard to Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Visitors can use rental cars, private shuttles, or guided tour services to reach the park.

However, if you are coming from Cape Town, the distance is much greater at 1,500 km, and it will take you around 18 hours by road. From Durban, the drive covers approximately 700 km and takes about 8 hours to reach Pilanesberg.

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