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Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Pilanesberg, North West,
South Africa
Situated inside the eroded crater of an extinct volcano in the North West province (adjacent to Sun City). Pilanesberg National Park is a sanctuary for various game including the Big Five - rhino, lion, elephant, leopard and buffalo.
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The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago.
Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.
The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the park.
The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone.
The colourful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight and entertain photographers and visitors. Off the centre of the park is Thabayadiotso, "the Proud Mountain" and the beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam.
Wildlife
An abundance of wild life proliferate in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. The park is home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five".
A wide variety of rare and common species exist with endemic species like the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention but a few.
Birdlife
Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion or live prey, others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms.
There is a self-guided trail in the Walking Area at Manyane Complex in the east, which offers environmental education whilst enjoying game viewing and bird watching on foot. Also at Manyane is a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds.
Accommodation
The park is served by 3 luxury lodges and 2 resorts:
Tshukudu Bush Lodge - offers unsurpassed accommodation in the heart of the African bush and has earned a reputation as being one of the most luxurious in Africa.
Bakubung Lodge - surrounds a hippo pool and offers you comfort and tranquility only minutes away from Sun City.
Kwa Maritane Lodge - the luxurious Kwa Maritane Lodge offers you views over the infinite plains of the Pilanesberg National Park
Manyane Resort - nestles at the Gateway to the Pilanesberg. Set in unspoilt natural surroundings are thatched African-style chalets studded in a tapestry of indigenous flora.
Bakgatla Resort - offers colonial styled chalets, executive safari tents, rolling lawns & conference facilities for up to 250 delegates.
Activities
Visitors are offered many opportunities to experience the wonders of Pilanesberg. There are nearly 200 kilometres of excellent quality roads for either self-drives or guided drives, and professional guides operate within the park.
Numerous hides and scenic picnic sites enable the tourist to experience "out-of-car" experiences as well.
Guests staying in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve or Day-Visitors are invited to join any of these unique and extraordinary African Adventures.
In the middle of the park is the Pilanesberg Centre, a lovely old building that once served as the local magistrate's court.
Entrance Fees
Adults: R45.00 per person
Pensioners: R20.00 per person
Children: R20.00 per person
Vehicles: R15.00 per vehicle
Subject to change without prior notice.
How to get there See Map
By road the Pilanesberg is situated 60 kms from Rustenburg on the Thabazimbi road R510.
From Johannesburg or Pretoria follow the signs to Sun City.
Health & Climate
Pilanesberg National Park is situated in a in the malaria-free area.
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Location: Pilanesberg,
North West |
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