Pilansberg Nature Reserve

The Pilanesberg National Park, situated in an ancient volcanic crater near Sun City, has endured ages of erosion and stands high above the surrounding bushveld. The early presence of man can be seen in the many Stone and Iron Age sites that are spread throughout the park. The fourth largest national park in South Africa, The Pilanesberg, has vibrant colours and beautiful landscapes that will delight and entertain visitors. The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam.

The Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, a malaria free zone, is home to the African 'Big Five', Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants and Buffalo and has 350 species of birds. A wide variety of rare and common species are also found within the nature reserve, including species like the nocturnal brown hyena, the fleet-footed cheetah, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile.

The biggest attraction of the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve is the spectacular game drives. Game rangers take visitors, in open game viewing vehicles, on an African adventure through 55 000 hectares of the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. Game drives depart at dawn or dusk. After the game drives visitors will be taken to the boma where sundowners can be enjoyed followed by dinner under the African sky and surrounded by the exotic sounds of the bush. A tribal dance group can be arranged to perform at the boma. For the more adventurous visitor, there is the 4 hour hiking trail, which departs early in the morning driving deep into the park with a qualified guide. Here visitors will get close to nature. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed.

Pilanesberg National Park, with its five camps, offers a stunning variety of accommodation that ranges from cottages, chalets, lodges, safari tents, camping sites (with or without electricity) and caravanning facilities.

Bakubung Bush Lodge is situated in the heart of the bush yet has every conceivable luxury at your fingertips. The lodge offers air-conditioned thatched roof studio rooms and chalets, cosily curved around the outside entertainment area. All rooms have DSTV, telephones, en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. Full secretarial facilities and baby sitting services are available. There are numerous activities within the camp. Guests can amuse themselves with a game of tennis, volleyball or action cricket, while the little ones can enjoy board games or have fun in the adventure playground or natural rock-hewn pool.

Near the main entrance to the park, Manyane Camp boasts an excellent caravan park and comfortable self-catering chalets, which has a fabulous restaurant specializing in game dishes. Residents at Manyane camp enjoy access to the nearby Sun City, and there is also a grocery shop and petrol station. In summer residents can take a relaxing swim in the pool and the children can have fun in the playground. There is a self-guided trail in the Walking Area at the Manyane Camp, which offers environmental education whilst enjoying game viewing and bird watching on foot. There is also a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds.

Bagatla Camp consists of 60 chalets, swimming pool and camping sites. The camp has chalets and 3 rest camps with safari tent accommodation, Mankwe, Kololo and Metswedi. Also on offer are the private lodges at KwaMaritane and Tshukudu.

The Pilanesberg National Park has various conference venues that cater for from 12 to 400 delegates depending on seating configurations. The conference venues are fully equipped with the latest technological paraphernalia.

More information on the reserve on the North West Tourism website