Destination Review – Pilanesberg National Park

Location & History

Pilanesberg National Park is situated just 200km’s north west of Johannesburg and is amongst the largest protected areas in South Africa at 55 000 hectares in size. Violent volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago produced a fascinating alkaline ring complex, a crater which is fringed by a number of concentric ridges and hills. The park is located within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as “Bushveld” and boasts what is arguably some of the best game viewing in South Africa.

Wildlife & Game Viewing

Pilanesberg is home to the Big 5 as well as a wide variety of general game including Sable Antelope, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Kudu, Eland, Impala, Zebra, Wildebeest and Kudu. In my personal experience, Pilanesberg offers some of the best sightings of White and Black Rhino anywhere in South Africa. It is not uncommon to have these majestic beasts feeding just metres from your vehicle!

The open grasslands make for easy spotting and viewing of game whilst the viewpoints situated high up in the hills offer seemingly endless vistas of nature at its purest. Pilanesberg has one of the highest densities of brown hyena in South Africa. These shy scavengers thrive in this environment where there are no Spotted Hyenas to compete with and are often seen out foraging in the early mornings and evenings.

Photography

The colourful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight and entertain even the most experienced of photographers. The topography and variations in vegetation are a feast for the eye. In addition to this beautiful landscape, Pilanesberg has a number of hides (blinds) which are located at permanent water sources throughout the park.

These hides are great for photography and provide regular sightings of Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers, Giant Kingfishers, Hippo, Spoonbills, Crocodiles, White Rhino and even Black Rhino.

Recent Highlights

On a half day trip into the Pilanesberg on the 7th of August we were fortunate enough to see Elephant, White Rhino, loads of general game and two big adult male lions feeding on a Hippo carcass. The highlight though, was watching two lioness flush a young male leopard with his kill from a drainage line, chasing him for a couple of hundred meters up a hill before he finally relinquished his kill to the lions.

On the 4th of September my group and I were rewarded with a rare sighting of a Caracal as we drove in through the Bakubung gate. The trip also produced, Elephant, White Rhino, Giant Kingfisher and Sable.

Accommodation

The variety of accommodation options available is what makes Pilanesberg so accessible to the local visitor and the International tourist. With options ranging from campsites with communal ablution facilities, to private chalets and safari tents, and even 5 star private lodges, Pilanesberg has something to fit your specific needs and budget.

Activities

Game viewing is obviously the main attraction at Pilanesberg with morning and afternoon game drives proving to be the most rewarding times to find predators. Additional activities in the area include hot air balloon trips, The Sun City Casino and Valley of Waves, swimming pools, putt-putt, an aviary, quad-biking and even elephant back safaris!

The Chameleon Village, situated en-route to Pilanesberg, is a great place to stop and get authentic African curios and brush up on your bargaining skills…

Moya Wa Tenga Safaris’ Pilanesberg Packages

Moya Wa Tenga specialises in day-trips and overnight safaris to Pilanesberg National Park. True to our brand of tailor-made, fully inclusive packages, we will put together an itinerary that will suite your specific needs and budget.

All of our packages include accommodation, meals and refreshments, transport, the services of a professional and highly qualified guide that will accompany you through the park providing you with information on the park and its animals.

If you are interested in finding out more about our packages or would like assistance in planning your trip to Pilanesberg, feel free to drop us an email via info@moyawatenga.co.za or visit our website.