PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK

The Big 5 Amidst Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

HIGHLIGHTS

WHY VISIT

Very easily accessible from Johannesburg

Private concession within national park

Reliable Big 5 sightings

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FAMOUS FOR

Around 1 300 million years ago, a volcano erupted in the Bojanala region of north-western South Africa. Gradually, Stone and Iron Age people built small settlements here, drawn by the plentiful game and fertile soil. Today, Pilanesberg National Park is the country’s fourth largest with over 7 000 individual recorded animals and a road network that spans 200 kilometres / 125 miles. It is also considered one of the most easily accessible Big 5 national parks as it is a straightforward drive from Johannesburg.

A key highlight of Pilanesberg is that it falls into the natural transition zone where classic Lowveld of hills, thickets and plains starts giving way to the flatter and more arid terrain of the Kalahari Desert. This means that you could spot species from both areas such as leopard, hippo and buffalo but also more desert-adapted mammals like oryx and eland. In addition, always be on the lookout for elephant, lion and rhino, which round out the Big 5.

A special section in the north has been set aside as Black Rhino Game Reserve, which is private and home to more upscale lodges and camps. Guests at Black Rhino accommodation can go on game drives into the national park but national park guests cannot enter Black Rhino, preserving exclusivity, privacy and tranquillity.

MEET OUR PILANESBERG EXPERTS

Meet our passionate travel consultants, dedicated to curating your perfect Pilanesberg experience. Having personally explored the majestic landscapes, their firsthand knowledge guarantees tailored journeys aligned with your preferences. Whether you crave a thrilling Big 5 safari, serene retreat, or family adventure, our team ensures an unforgettable getaway. Trust us to share our love for this remarkable destination and transform your travel dreams into cherished memories.

WHEN TO VISIT

Dry season: May to September

Peak safari season means cooler weather, drier landscapes and an easier time finding game – all of which draw greater visitor numbers. Pilanesberg borders the Sun City Resort so there may be more self-drivers and day-trippers present (although they cannot enter Black Rhino Game Reserve as they do not have traversing rights). Early booking is highly advisable.

Green season: October to April

After a sweet spring season, summer’s arrival means hot days, balmy nights and occasional showers sometimes accompanied by lightning and thunder. The animals don’t hide from the afternoon rain and it can be great fun being the only vehicle at a special sighting. More water and grazing also provide optimum conditions for plains game to give birth, especially zebra and impala.

shoulder season: April to may, and september to october

Transitions are gradual: summer turns into autumn and winter melts into spring. Both offer experienced photographers and birders secret thrills like the arrival of migrants on their long trek south or golden light thrown by the autumn’s dust as the land begins to dry out. Shoulder season can be very productive with the welcome bonuses of fewer visitors and often lower rates.

EXPERIENCE PILANESBERG

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SAFARIS TO INSPIRE YOU

With a wide range of luxury lodges on offer, the Pilanesberg has something to offer for every kind of traveller – whether it’s a honeymoon for two, or a bushveld break for the family, choosing this protected reserve will return a supreme safari experience.

ACCOMMODATION IN PILANESNERG
TO INSPIRE YOU

Here are our favourite Pilanesberg Lodges & Camps to inspire you. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.

COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION

Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable safari grounded in tried-and-tested camps and lodges.

ACCOMMODATION IN THE BLACK RHINO RESERVE
TO INSPIRE YOU

Situated in the northwestern corner of Pilanesberg National Park, the Black Rhino Private Game Reserve is a sanctuary that warmly welcomes wildlife enthusiasts and safari-goers.

Here are our favourite Lodges in the Black Rhino Game Reserve to inspire you. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

Camps and lodges that surpass the bar when it comes to unusual activities, extra-special amenities and stand-out design.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.

COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION

Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable safari grounded in tried-and-tested camps and lodges.

EXPERIENCE PILANESBERG

Want more detailed information or advice about visiting Pilanesberg?

NOT SURE HOW TO GET THERE?

Biggestleaf Travel manages its own dedicated transfer division – Biggestleaf Tours – ensuring seamless journeys from Johannesburg and Pretoria to the Pilanesberg National Park. Our first-rate transfer service guarantees safe, dependable and comfortable transportation, catering to all your point-to-point travel requirements.

EXPLORE PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK

OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR KRUGER ITINERARY

Here are a few of our favourite destinations to add to your Kruger itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. Chat to one of our experienced Travel Consultants to build the ultimate itinerary, tailored just for you.

Enhance your Pilanesberg safari with a visit to Cape Town, where you can discover the iconic Table Mountain, indulge in world-class cuisine, and explore vibrant culture, creating the perfect balance of wildlife and urban exploration

Sun City

Extend your Pilanesberg safari adventure with a thrilling visit to Sun City, where you can indulge in luxury, enjoy exciting entertainment, and relax in a beautiful resort oasis, adding a touch of opulence to your holiday

Garden Route

Extend your Pilanesberg safari with a captivating exploration of the Garden Route, where diverse landscapes, coastal beauty, and outdoor adventures harmonise to create an unforgettable addition to your wildlife experience

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

  • We are passionate about what we sell

  • The most competitive and flexible rates

  • We offer personalised and customised experiences

  • Our consultants specialise in different safari-experiences
  • We have over 10 years’ experience in the travel industry

  • Our quick response and turnaround times

EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA

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