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adventure travel africa

Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park

Look, don't get me wrong, I like Kruger. It's just that I like Pilanesberg much much more!! To me Pilanesberg is far more scenic than Kruger but admittedly far less than Marakele. Game viewing is superior though and to me Pilanesberg is the best Park in Africa!
Pilanesberg National Park Kruger National Park
The pros:
Malaria Free Malaria
2.5 h from Jo'burg, 2 h from Pretoria 5 hours from Gauteng
High concentration of game Game %  lower/km sq. except more elephant and buffalo
57 250 ha 1 962 362 ha = + 34x
Less tolls to pay! Pay boet Pay
Relative safe route to get there Famous hijacking hot spot zone near Witbank
Just about free entrance Tourist and local rates  - short sighted
Once off entrance valid 7 days
(subject to staying in park)
Daily charge
Smaller - can sometimes track animals Animals can just disappear into the bush
Quieter with less traffic More popular, atrocious traffic in the south
no TB Bovine TB
Relatively little poaching - some snares Poaching problem 
Beautiful landscape, parts mountainous Also stunning, but flattish, but stunning nightsounds
Easy to get to know the park and habits 34 times harder work!
Daytrip from Gauteng possible Daytrip from Gauteng impossible
The cons: The Pro's
Smaller packs, prides, herds Huge packs, prides, herds
354 bird species 507 bird species
Limited to mix of bushv. & kalahari sandv. About 17 Biosphere's
No spotted hyena Spotted Hyena
Won't see buffalo Plenty buffalo


Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun City

Working with new pics are just too time consuming, so I only do it when I have free time! May 2019
Picture Gallery up to 2019
Picture Gallery 2010
Picture Gallery 2009
Picture Gallery 2008
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004


It's alphabetical - so save us both time.... and if not on here I will put it up!

Accommodation in the Park only: Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.

Accommodation in and around Sun City. Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.

Accommodation Specials at Pilanesberg

Accommodation at Sun City Vacation Club

Airport at Pilanesberg

Animal studies in Pilanesberg

Bakgatla Resort

Bakubung Bush Lodge

Balloon Safaris: In Pilanesberg National Park -  R5 000pp - 1 hour, minimum 4 pax!

Binoculars needed

Bird list

Black Rhino Game Lodge

Buffalo in the Park

Camping - book direct at 014 555 1000, don't be surprised if you hold 15 minutes and then get cut off.

Cancellation Terms and Conditions

Commission offered to booking agents

Condition of the Veld

Dangers in Pilanesberg

Disclosures: About vehicles used for Pilanesberg and other

Directions - see map

Elephant Back safaris in Pilanesberg.

Entrance fee - see gate times

Etiquette in Game Parks like Pilanesberg for self drives

Friends of Pilanesberg Society - Volunteers helping to maintain the Park.

Gate Times for Pilanesberg National Park

Geology of Pilanesberg National Park

Highlights seen in Pilanesberg the last 2 years:
Don't expect something like this or the animals to stand next to the road waiting.  It's not a Zoo!

History of Pilanesberg National Park

Idiot Gallery - Stunts pulled in Pilanesberg National Park by the mentally challenged.  Other tour operators are welcome to contribute - I will give you recognition except if you don't want it!

Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Kids on Safari. In Pilanesberg or other parks

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

Manyane Resort

Map and directions to Pilanesberg

Other Parks near Pilanesberg

Other Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg

Packages to Lodges

Picture Gallery -  taken by us over the last 8 years in Pilanesberg.

Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.

Reading - other re Pilanesberg.

Safety in Pilanesberg

Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Testimonials from clients we have taken to Pilanesberg

Things to do in and around Pilanesberg

Transfers only to Pilanesberg and Sun City - one way: charged per vehicle:

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Veld Condition in the Park

Weather and Climate for Pilanesberg area

What can you hope to see in Pilanesberg?

When to go to Pilanesberg: best time etc


adventure travel africa
806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg, Office - Please mail only
PO Box 250 Sun City, 0316
- Updated Feb 2018
All Pilanesberg queries -  travelinafrica@gmail.com