Pilanesberg National Park 5.6

The Pilanesberg National Park is a sought-after wildlife destination in a malaria free area, adjacent to Sun City. See the Big Five just 2 hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria in one of the country's most popular wildlife areas. Set in an ancient volcanic crater, this well-stocked reserve has a dramatic landscape that supports a wide variety of plants, animals and birds. The park hosts almost every large mammal of southern Africa, including the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros (white and black) and leopard. The only indigenous southern African mammals that are not found in the park are bontebok, blesbok, spotted hyena, nyala and Roan antelope. Springbok, brown hyena, the red eyed bulbul and camel thorn trees usually found in arid areas are found cohabitation with moist-area-limited impala, black eyed bulbul and Cape chestnut trees. Other mammals that are found in the park include zebra, brown hyena, giraffe, hippo, wild dog, crocodiles and a host of antelope species. Other cats such as caracal and leopard are also found in the park. Bird viewing is excellent with over 360 species having been recorded. The crater of an ancient, long extinct volcano gave birth to the Pilanesberg National Park, with rare rock types and structure rating amongst the world’s most outstanding geological phenomena. The park is surrounded by three ridges or rings of hills with a formation that rises from the surrounding plains, called the “Pilanesberg National Park Alkaline Ring Complex”. The early presence of man can be seen in numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that were discovered throughout the park. One can travel through the park in a standard road vehicle, as although most of the 188km’s of track are not yet surfaced, they are well maintained. The three main tarred roads are Kgabo, Kubu and Tswene. There are several camps serving the park from the outside, such as Bakgatla and Manyane, with several private lodges situated within the park itself. Towards the centre of the park is an artificially constructed lake called the Mankwe Dam, and Thabayadiotse, which means “the proud mountain”. Accommodation in and around the Pilanesberg National Park range from exclusive safari lodges to caravan and camping sites. Most lodges are child friendly. Pilanesberg conferencing are very popular, as it is merely a 2 hour drive from Johannesburg. Special teambuilding exercises can also be arranged. All the Pilanesberg resorts and lodges require a minimum two night stay over weekends (Friday and Saturday nights). Visitors are offered many opportunities to experience the wonders of the Pilanesberg National Park. There are 188 kilometres of good quality roads for either self-drives or guided game drives, and professional guides operate within the park. Numerous hides and scenic picnic sites are also available. The following activities can be booked in and around the Pilanesberg National Park: Scheduled Daily Game Drives; Private Game Drives; Game Drive and Bush Braai’s or Breakfasts; Hiking Trails; Predator Park Tours; Hot Air Balloon Safaris; Quad Biking; Clay Pigeon Shooting; Archery; Paintball and Drumming.