Pilanesberg is found in the Northwest Province in South Africa and boasts serious tourism potential with the famous Sun City not far off.

Pilanesberg National Park lodges provide a variety of activities ranging from game viewing to cultural experiences and beauty treatments.

To get out into the wild, bush walks, balloon rides, and traditional safari drives are offered, as well as other activities like Quad biking, archery, birding and photographic safaris, and mountain biking for more daring visitors.

A Pilanesberg safari combines old traditions with a celebration of being together. Different cultures can learn from one another here, and the local tribe can teach you more about their traditions through an African music experience or a visit to a village.

This is how you can explore Pilanesberg:

Game drives

An open safari vehicle game drive in Pilanesberg allows for close encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, joined by a plethora of game, including rare species like wild dog and cheetah.

Typically, game drives are conducted in the early mornings or late afternoons because wildlife is more active during the cooler hours of the day. Predators, in particular, prefer to hunt at dusk or dawn. The game drives are led by knowledgeable rangers and game trackers. The rangers are always eager to share their environmental knowledge and will gladly assist you with your wildlife photography.

Hot air ballooning

A hot air balloon ride over the Pilanesberg National Park is an incredibly peaceful experience. Because the balloon travels with the wind, there will be no turbulence, and the only noise you will hear is the occasional firing of the burner.

From the balloon, you can appreciate the magnificence of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex. The unique geological feature was formed by volcanic activity and now forms the park’s characteristic concentric rings.

The hot air balloon safaris include a one-hour flight over the reserve, sparkling wine upon landing, a full English breakfast, and a certificate of completion.

Walking safaris

Walking through the park allows you to be immersed in the wonderful, unspoiled wilderness while learning about the nature that surrounds you.

Within the Park, there are several guided hiking trails to choose from. All hiking trails are led by an experienced, qualified guide who will share his/her vast knowledge of the Pilanesberg fauna and flora with you.

Your guide will explain the various types of vegetation, insects, and birds, as well as the unique overlaps between the Kalahari and the Lowveld. Encountering big game on foot will give you a new appreciation for the African wildlife’s size and grace.

The guided hikes are available 7 days a week, all year long, regardless of the weather.

You might also be interested in a Soweto Tour

Quad bikes and mountain biking

Quad bike tours are conducted by expert guides and are suitable for even the most inexperienced riders. You can have fun as you race through beautiful scenery with the wind in your face. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide.

Alternatively, you can work up a sweat on the mountain bike route, which includes bumpy roads, rivulets, and mountain terrain. You can cycle 9,7 kilometres through the game park.

Archery

You can try your hand at this ancient art of precision and concentration under the watchful eye of an experienced guide, who will show you how to use the power generated by the bow.

Birding safaris

To believe it, you must see the diversity of Southern Africa’s birdlife. Bring your binoculars and camera to see some of the more than 300 bird species that can be found in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve on your Pilanesberg safari. The large raptors are fascinating, but the smaller species’ detail and colour are equally so.

Photographic safaris

Wildlife photography has long surpassed game hunting in popularity. Today’s game vehicles are specifically designed to enable easy photographic capturing of African animals. The rangers and guides are not only knowledgeable about the fauna and flora, but they are also avid photographers who are always eager to help you capture the perfect shot.

Visit Pilanesberg and experience a rare and exciting moment in the wild.