Pilanesberg National Park: Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

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Pilanesberg National Park

A Natural and Cultural Heritage for the Future.

The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic action some 1 300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble. Pilanesberg has survived ages of erosion and stands high above the surrounding bushveld plains. The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the park.

Off the centre of the Park is Thabayadiotso, "the Proud Mountain". The Park ranks among the largest of the national parks in South Africa (it is in fact the fourth largest park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectare. The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam. Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets.

Wildlife

Thanks to Operation Genesis (1979) - still the largest game translocation undertaken in the world - the park now has in excess of 7 000 animals including 24 of the larger species. This abundance of wild life proliferate in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. The park boasts healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five". A wide variety of rare and common species exist with endemic species like the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention but a few.

Bird-life

Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion or live prey, others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms. There is a self-guided trail in the Walking Area at Manyane Complex in the east, which offers environmental education whilst enjoying game viewing and bird watching on foot. Also at Manyane is a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds.

General

Visitors are offered many opportunities to experience the wonders of Pilanesberg. There are nearly 200 kilometres of excellent quality roads for either self-drives or guided drives, and professional guides operate within the Park. Numerous hides and scenic picnic sites enable the tourist to experience "out-of-car" experiences as well.

Source: South African Tourism

Hotels in Pilanesberg Game Reserve - Show all accommodation in Pilanesberg Game Reserve »»
	Ivory Tree Game Lodge From $216 per person per night	Ivory Tree Game Lodge is situated in the north eastern region of the Pilanesberg National Park. The lodge boasts 57 standard suites and 3 luxury suites. Complementing the safari activities, Ivory Lodge can organise numerous activities such as hot air ballooning, elephant back safaris and interactive drumming.

	Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge From $124 per person per night	Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge has luxurious and stylish air-conditioned accommodation, surrounded by unspoiled bush, teeming with animal and bird life. Located on the slopes of an ancient volcano, the lodge offers you all the amenities of a prime resort on the doorstep of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park .

	Bakubung Bush Lodge From $124 per person per night	Bakubung offers luxurious bushveld accommodation in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. All the hotel rooms boast bushveld views, en-suite facilities, air-conditioning and satellite tv. Activities include game walks, game drives, tennis, a natural rock swimming pool and children's playground.

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Tours covering North-West Province - Show all safaris & tours covering North-West Province »»
	Cape, Zambezi Splendour (CIA-JIAI) From $3907 per person per night	A magnificent 14 day tour that starts off in the Fairest Cape of the world. Next visit is to beautiful KwaZulu Natal, followed by Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure - Sun City, and last but not least the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Enjoy all of this while staying in most luxurious establishments. *Tour Duration:* 14 days

	Sun City - Zambezi Fly In (7 days) (JIA-2-JIAW) From $1492 per person per night	A 7-day trip that first takes you to the magnificent Sun City Complex in the Pilanesberg. Enjoy the many leisure facilities available here and go on a game drive at the Pilanesberg National Park. Continue to Zambia where you will stay near the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. *Tour Duration:* 7 days

	Reflections of South Africa (CIA-JIAH) From per person per night	With this fantastic tour you will be visiting the world's fairest Cape as well as the magnificent world of Sun City. Arrive in Cape Town and enjoy the wonderful sights of the Cape after which you can join the fun and excitement that is waiting for you at Sun City. *Tour Duration:* 9 days

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Map of North-West Province

	HEAD OFFICE 8 Kramer Road Kramerville Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146 South Africa Tel: +2711 262-6311

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Pilanesberg National Park

Hotels in Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Tours covering North-West Province

Map of North-West Province