Pilanesberg Safaris
This incredibly biodiverse landscape is situated between the Kalahari Desert and the subtropical Lowveld. Amogst stunning scenery, defined by an extinct volcanic crater, the vast Mankwe Dam, sprawling grasslands and jutting rock formations, you can discover a huge variety of wildlife, including the ‘Big 5’.
What is the difference between Pilanesberg National Park and Black Rhino Game Reserve?
Pilanesberg National Park – Stretching 55,000 hectares, Pilanesberg National Park is one of South Africa’s largest safari reserves. As it is a National Park, it is not privately owned, and so it is open to the public, allowing day visitors. You are also permitted to go on self drive safaris within Pilanesberg National Park. There are a variety of accommodation options within the park, from budget camps to luxury lodges. A safari in Pilanesberg National Park is a very accessible option for a first safari, and there is also plenty to see for returning travellers.
Black Rhino Game Reserve – The 1,800 hectare Black Rhino Private Game Reserve is a smaller, privately owned concession that has been incorporated into Pilanesberg National Park. In order to go on a safari in Black Rhino Reserve, you have to be staying there, and there are a selection of boutique, high-end lodges to choose from. There are no fences between the National Park and the private reserve, however, so wildlife is able to pass freely between them. The safari experience feels quieter and more exclusive in Black Rhino Reserve, but guests are also allowed to go on safari in the main National Park too.
How do you get to Pilanesberg?
Pilanesberg is a very accessible safari destination. It is just one-and-a-half hours’ drive from Pretoria, two hours’ drive from Johannesberg and less than an hour from Sun City.
Self driving is a fantastic option, as the roads are easy to drive, and you’re even allowed to go on self drive safaris in Pilanesberg National Park, if you’d like, along the 200 kilometres of roads. Alternatively, there is a private airport offering charter flights between Johannesburg and Pilanesberg, although this can be expensive.
What wildlife can you see at Pilanesberg?
In Pilanesberg National Park and Black Rhino Game Reserve, you can see all of the ‘Big 5’ safari animals: lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Alongside these, there are over 7,000 different animals, including water-buck, wildebeest, zebra and impala and 360 bird species, like kingfishers, fish eagles and cormorants.
When is the best time to visit Pilanesberg?
July to October is arguably the best time to visit, across the late winter, spring and early summer. The weather is great at this time of years, as it is the dry season and you can expect pleasant temperatures, altough early morning and evening game drives can get chilly. You can enjoy fantastic wildlife sightings at this time of year, as there is less vegitation than the rainy season and animals tend to gather around waterholes.
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