The Pilanesberg Safari is an adventure where you will experience "The Big 5".
This South African safari experience takes place at Pilanesberg National Park located just a couple of hours from Johannesburg, close to the Sun City resort. Pilanesberg National Park is one of the largest parks in South Africa and covers 55,000 hectares and it is located in a 120 million year old extinct alkaline volcanic crater. Named after a Bakgatse Chief Pilane, the Pilanesberg Safari park is governed by the North West Parks & Tourism Board and was established as a National Park in 1979.
Visiting Pilanesberg National Park means you enter into a 110 kilometre peripheral fenced area, which was erected over rugged terrain in order to enclose Big Cats inside the vast area. Over 6000 animals have been introduced into Pilanesberg National Park, making it one of the most ambitious programs ever to be undertaken. Your Pilanesberg Safari will take you through much of the 200 km worth of roads, of the 3 main roads that are tarred in Pilanesberg is Kgabo, Kubu and Tswene. During your Pilanesberg Safari you will be able to get of your vehicle at the numerous hides positioned throughout the park. Thabayadiotso, “the Proud Mountain” is also a fantastic attraction you will be able to see during your Pilanesberg Safari, the Thabayadiotso has survived ages of erosion and stands high above the surrounding bushveld plains.
There are numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the Pilanesberg park, where early presence of man is very visible. There are several camps and lodges that are established around the park including Manyane and Bakgatla just outside and the Pilanesberg Park and lodges like Bakubung and Kwa Maritane just inside Pilanesberg Park. On the Pilanesberg Safari you will be provided with, lunch that will normally be taken at either Bakgatla's Restaurant or Bakubung Restaurant.
The beauty of Pilanesberg National Park is reflected in a large central lake called the Mankwe Dam, this is also where it is believed the centre of the volcano once stood. Almost every mammal of southern Africa, including the "Big Five" are now in residence. The five most dangerous game animals are all located within the park, this makes the Pilanesberg Safari extra special as these animals would occur naturally, live in such close proximity. You will notice on your Pilanesberg Safari how diverse the bird life is within the park, home to over 360 species of birds. Your tour in Pilanesberg offers some excellent game viewing opportunities, some of the best in Africa, you will also get the chance to see South Africa's national animal, the Springbuck, which cannot be seen at Kruger National Park.
Visiting Pilanesberg National Park has many benefits over visiting other game reserves, one major aspect is that Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria free area. Being a malaria free area mean that visitors to Pilanesberg Safari can plan to come to the park on short notice, as they do not need to get prescribed malaria medication. Recent studies have concluded that Pilanesberg National Park is now the most popular game reserve to visit in South Africa, due to it being close to Johannesburg as well as the fact that it is malaria free.
Your tour of Pilanesberg will depart early at 06:00am from your chosen location from either Pretoria, Johannesburg, or Tambo airport, we can also start the Pilanesberg tour anywhere within the West Rand area. Early starts for the Pilanesberg Safari are important for you to receive the best experience possible, as the chances of unforgettable sightings are better when in the early morning when the surrounding temperature is still cool. Your Pilanesberg National Park tour will begin by travelling in an airconditioned vehicle, with the necessary road transport permit required by law. Departure from Pilanesberg back to your starting location will be anywhere between 15:00 to 16:00.
Included in your Pilanesberg National Park Safari is the transport to Pilanesberg game park and back to your destination, refreshments, guide and lunch is also included in this tour.
This Pilanesberg safari is perfect for those wanting to see some of the world's most majestic animals, it also offers some great sightseeing opportunities. The Pilanesberg Safari is suitable for everyone and please do not forget to bring your cameras, sunglasses and sunscreen.
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