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Journey into the Wild: Your Guide to Pilanesberg National Park
The Pilanesberg National Park is home to more than 50 animal species, and my visit there was truly unforgettable.
In three days there, I had close encounters with lions, zebras, elephants, rhinoceros, and many other animals. There are also other activities that are perfect for families!
My experience there brought me even closer to Mother Nature, and I will surely cherish it for a long time. If you want to have the same experience, this guide to Pilanesberg National Park is for you.
Things to Know
Location: Bonjala, North West
Contact: +27 (0) 14 555 1600
Entrance Fees:
- Adult: R80
- Children: R30
- Pensioners: R40
- International Visitors: R110
Reservations: https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org/accommodation/
How to Get There
By Car: The safari has plenty of parking space for self-driving visitors.
By Taxi: The base fare is R20 with an additional charge of R10 per kilometer. You can request a drop-off at the Pilanesberg National Park.
By Bus: You can book a Biggestleaf tour that can take you to and around Pilanesberg National Park.
History
Did you know that Pilanesberg National Park sits in a 1.2 billion-year-old crater?
The wildlife reserve also has a rich history with relics that date back to the 17th century. There are also graveyards in the area, reminding guests that the place was once the sanctuary of the rebel Zulu warriors who were fleeing from the Zulu king Shaka.
While the safari is in South Africa, it’s actually not one of its national parks. The North West Parks Board manages it, not the national government.
Things to Do
Witness wildlife up close
Media From: bakubungbushlodge
Price:
- Daily Game Drives: R850 for adult, R425 per child under 16
- Group Game Drives: R780 per person
- Private Game Drives: R8,300 for 1-10 persons, R15,100 for 11-25 guests
- Exclusive Game Drives: R12,800 for 4-7 persons
Explore the 700 hectares of Pilanesberg National Park through game drives led by experienced rangers and trackers. The drives usually take place in the early morning or late afternoon to maximize your chances of encountering predators.
I saw many animals during one. The highlight of my tour was when our guide stopped the vehicle and pointed to a pride of lions lounging under a tree, their golden coats shimmering in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Beyond the king of the jungle, I also spotted some sable antelope, impalas, and elephants!
Explore the park yourself
Price: Part of the entrance fee
No tour guide? No problem! Pilanesberg National Park allows self-driving game drives, allowing you to explore the safari at your own pace.
You can make your way to waterholes where animals frequently gather or head to bird hides to spot some birds. For the best chance of spotting the animals, start early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Even with just a day, there’s a possibility you’ll get a glimpse of the Big Five!
When exploring the park by yourself, make sure your vehicle has a full tank. Prepare a cooler with snacks, water, and a first-aid kit just to be prepared for any situation.
Fly in a hot air balloon
Media From: msquenns
Price: R6,000 per person
Do you want a bird’s eye view of the Pilanesberg National Park? The safari offers a one-hour ride in a hot air balloon.
The view from above was breathtaking, revealing herds of elephants and zebras roaming freely across the landscape. Adding to the unique charm of the scenery below are the remains of an ancient volcano, making the scene more majestic.
Take a safari walk
Media From: bakubungbushlodge
Price:
- R3,960 for four people
- R990 per additional person
Get close and personal with the wildlife in the reserve by taking a safari walk. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore alongside experienced guides. With this kind of trip, you’ll get a more intimate wildlife encounter than a game drive vehicle.
As a photographer, it was a dream come true to capture animals like wildebeests, cheetahs, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Our guide helped me find unique angles, allowing me to take shots that would have been impossible from a vehicle.
The highlight of the trip was when we came across a buffalo—one of the Big Five. Standing just meters away, its massive size and presence left me speechless—a moment I’ll never forget.
Spot birds in a bird hide
Media From: pilanesbergnationalpark
Price: Part of the entrance fee
Locations:
- Rathogo
- Ruighoek
- Mankwe
- Malatse
- Makorwane
- Bathalko
If you’re an avid bird watcher, the Pilanesberg National Park is home to 300 species of birds. There are plenty of bird hides for you to sit quietly and observe the birds.
If you’re planning on bird watching at the safari, go in the early mornings and you might witness a secretary bird hunting for snakes. In the early afternoon, you might see a flock of flamingos wading in the water.
As the sun begins to set, don’t forget to look up at the sky. You might chance upon African fish eagles soaring overhead as they soar looking for prey.
Hit bull’s eye at an archery range
Media From: mankwegametrackers
Contact: +27 (0) 14 552 5033
Price:
- International Rate: R430 per person
- South African Rate: R380 per person
Do you want to challenge your aiming skills? Try archery via Mankwe Game Trackers.
You don’t need experience to try this ancient art. There will be instructors who will teach you the proper technique and form to generate power from the bow.
This is one of the activities I tried, and honestly, I didn’t expect to hit a bull’s eye. It was such a rewarding feeling!
Cruise around in quad bikes
Media From: keananmfx
Contact: +2886 177 2266
Price:
- 1 Hour: R670 per person
- 1 Hour Double Up: R995
- Rare Game Quad: R490 per person
- Rare Game Quad Double Up: R690
Hop on a quad bike and explore the safari and its rough terrain through Kingdom Resort’s Rare Game Experience. You’ll feel your adrenaline rushing as you zip along the dirt paths of the safari while admiring the surrounding nature.
At first, I was nervous as I put on my helmet and started the bike. But with the guidance of our expert leader, my fear quickly turned into excitement as we rode through the safari, passing wildebeest, giraffes, and even elephants along the way.
Where to Eat
Pilanesberg Centre
Location: Kubu Road
Contact: +27 14 555 1606
Price: $
Tired after exploring the safari? Stop at the Pilanesberg Centre for refreshments and food while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It has burgers, boerie rolls, sandwiches, and drinks.
As a burger lover, I was excited to try the beef burger and chips for R60. The beef patty was juicy and tasty, and it went well with the toasted bun, fresh lettuce, and tomatoes. The chips were golden and crunchy, making them a great side for the burger.
Where to Stay
Tambuti Game Lodge
Media From: tambutilodge
Website: https://tambutilodge.com/
Address: Black Rhino Reserve, Matlhagame 0316 Ledig Sun City
Contact: +27 76 056 5064
Pricing: $$
Tambuti Lodge offers luxury in a natural setting that allows its guests to rest with the stunning views of the tambuti trees as a backdrop. Each suite’s design is a combination of modern style and African-inspired elements like artwork, handcrafted furniture, and natural materials like wood and stone.
There, you’ll be sleeping in a king-sized bed dressed in soft linens, allowing you to have a good night’s sleep. The rooms also have free mineral water, coffee, and tea for your beverages.
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Media From: bakubungbushlodge
Website: https://bakubungreservations.co.za/
Address: Kubu Street, South Village, Sun City
Contact: +27 14 552 6000
Pricing: $$
Bakubung Bush Lodge provides a great wildlife experience during the day and a comfortable place to stay at night. The lodge features modern amenities like tennis courts, swimming pools, and stylish studio rooms. You have options for two single beds or a king-size bed that opens up onto a balcony.
This is where I stayed during my visit. I loved that the balcony overlooked the surrounding bushveld, perfect while sipping a cup of coffee or tea. At night, I even spotted impalas and warthogs.
Mbazo Safari Lodge
Media From: mbazo.safari.lodge
Website: https://mbazolodge.co.za/
Address: 24 Mbazo Black Rhino Reserve R565
Contact: +27 82 548 7371
Pricing: $$$
If you bring your family, the Mbazo Safari Lodge is the place to stay. It has rooms like the Rhino Beetle and Leopard Tortoise designed to accommodate up to five guests.
The rooms have private decks and child-safety features so you can enjoy the picturesque view of the surrounding wilderness without any worry. For the parents, there’s a fully stocked mini fridge filled with wine and drinks for you to enjoy.
Kingdom Resort
Website: https://www.thekingdomresort.co.za/
Address: R556, South Village
Contact: +27 14 552 6917
Pricing: $
On a budget? The Kingdom Resort is a great option for those looking for affordable yet comfortable accommodation near the reserve. There are plenty of room options like villas, chalets, suites, and apartments, so you can enjoy your stay without breaking the bank.
Facilities like a playground and Splash Kingdom Waterpark are great venues for children to play. For the adults, there is a cafe and a bar to wine and dine. Plus, it provides easy access to Pilanesberg and Sun City, giving you great value for your money.
Palace of the Lost City
Media From: suncityresortsa
Website: https://www.suninternational.com/palace//
Address: Sun City, Rustenburg
Contact: +27 14 557 1000
Pricing: $$$
Set on an extinct volcano in the Pilanesberg mountains, the Palace of the Lost City inside Sun City Resort offers top-notch service and stunning African-inspired design.
Though a bit pricey, the rooms are luxurious and worth it. They’re beautifully designed with comfortable furniture, large bathrooms, and stunning views. Additionally, you will get free access to Sun City Resort and the Valley of the Waves for an unforgettable waterpark experience.
