Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park Overview

For visitors wanting to experience a genuine Big Five safari without the risk of malaria, Pilanesberg National Park offers an excellent safari destination in the heart of South Africa. The park is situated right next door to the Sun City resort, offering day tours as well as longer stays.

The park is situated in an ancient volcano that erupted over a million years ago, resulting in a lush range of habitats and abundant game and birdlife. Wildlife relocation and extensive conservation efforts have led to many endangered species flourishing within Pilanesberg.

With a few safari lodges within the park, plus the nearby Sun City resort and its hotels, guests can opt to overnight at Pilanesberg or visit during the day as part of a combined tour.

* Although the proper name for the area is Pilanesberg National Park, many people call it Pilanesberg Nature Reserve and Pilansberg Game Reserve.

Highlights & Places in Pilanesberg National Park

As one of South Africa’s largest national parks, Pilanesberg comprises of a number of different locales. In the centre lies a large lake, which is surrounded by open grasslands, rocky outcrops, wooded valleys and thickets that form a range of habitats for the wildlife and bird species found within the park.

Paved roads offer an easy way to explore the park to view Africa’s famous Big Five along with many other species of wildlife. Rare and endangered species include the brown hyena, cheetah, sable and many other species. Choose from guided safaris or self-drive tours through Pilanesberg, or try a bush walk for a thrilling chance to track game in the dense bushland. 

Best Time to Visit Pilanesberg National Park

When to Go

With a mild, temperate climate, Pilanesberg is ideal to visit at any time of the year.

Summers, which run from November to February, have hot days and warm nights, with the odd thunderstorm.

Winters run from June to August, with warm, dry days and cooler nights.  

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Pilanesberg National Park

The easiest way to get into Pilanesberg is via shuttle service from the OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport. These shuttles run every three hours.

Self-drive is also an option, with car hire available at the airport. This offers a fun way to explore the surrounding area, but visitors should ensure that they drive safely – especially if traveling at night in the more remote areas between the airport and park.  

Getting Around Pilanesberg National Park

Getting around Pilanesberg is mostly done by vehicle. Guided game drives are on offer twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. Self-drive allows for more flexibility, with excellent roads running throughout the park.

Walking is only possible during guided bush walks that are conducted by professional rangers or park guides. As much of the park is unfenced, it is extremely dangerous to walk around the park alone.  

Pilanesberg National Park Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
These are only found at the airport, so make sure to withdraw whatever money you need as soon as you land.

Forex/Money:
Foreign exchange facilities are found at the airports, but there are no banks or facilities within the park itself.

Credit/Debit cards:
Some lodges may accept credit or debit cards, but many others may not. To be safe, plan ahead and withdraw what you need when you have access to an ATM.

Internet availability:
Some lodges may have WiFi, and the airport will have WiFi, but do not expect this to be a given at most lodges within the park.

Drinking water:
Water is generally safe to drink from the tap, with bottled water also available.

Hospitals & Medical:
There are hospitals and other medical facilities within nearby towns close to Pilanesberg, but not many in the park itself. With no risk of malaria, you won’t have to worry about malaria medication when visiting the park. 

Pilanesberg National Park Map