Pilanesberg
National Park
How
to get to and from Pilanesberg National Park.
Firstly and very importantly beware of speed traps, donkeys and cattle on the road.
Pilanesberg
National Park
How
to get to and from Pilanesberg National Park.
Firstly and very importantly beware of speed traps, donkeys and cattle on the road.
Speed Traps:
As this is a well used road there is normally speed traps to Sun City and Pilanesberg in the morning. And at night on the way back - with an occasional surprise What really gets me is that they are like ambushes, set at very sly places. You will be doing 120km/h, then you get the following boards, 100, 80, 60. They nail you just after the 60 - It's criminal!! And what really p**ses me off is that NW have the manpower to enforce the speed limit, but they do absolutely nothing about the animals on the roads. I find animals on the road about 20% of the times I travel, *&^ 5th world! In fact that was a tactic of the old Bophutatswana youths - chasing donkeys on the roads at night right in front of you. Then while you are bleeding they take all they can and run.OK, so if you think of going with an operator that claims that Sun City and Pilanesberg is 1.5 hours away from Jo'burg, tell him to take a hike. If he claims 2 hours it's sort of OK but it is actually 2.5 hours. From Pretoria work on 2 hours. And if you drive yourself at night take it really easy. From leaving the N4 do 100km/h max and slow down immediately to 80 if there are cars approaching from the front - their headlights seriously impair your vision!
And if you drive during the day still take it easy. Normally the speed traps are just after the 1st stop street just off the N4 in a 80 zone. Then remember ching ching, lesson and mail - actually Tsitsing, Lesung and Maile. On the way back there is a stretch where you have to slow down to 100 from 120 that is not near any build up area. There is a regular trap that is well hidden. So when you pass the Plant Lady, castle tavern and the stop, slow down after about 5 km's.
Donkeys and Cattle:
They are there, believe me. I 've seen them. I 've nearly hit them several times. I 've seen other people hit them. I 've seen them bleed. So take it easy & be sharp. Once you are on the N4 you can relax.Johannesburg & Pretoria to Manyane & Bakgatla:
The 4rd stop street from the N4 is the Northam/ Rustenburg 4 way stop sign (R510) turn right. Travel ± 30km. Turn left after Mogwase Industrial area which will be on your left hand side. Turn right at 2nd stop sign just before the garage and then left at sign indicating Manyane Gate.
To Bakgatla:
Pass the entrance to Manyane gate continue until reaching a T-junction. Turn left. Road sign indicating Bakgatla Gate / George Steggman Hospital. Carry on straight till reaching the Bakgatla entrance gate. Donkeys, goats and lots of children - do 60km/h where it is stated.Manyane & Bakgatla to Johannesburg & Pretoria:
Believe it or not but some people get lost. At that garage turn left to Rustenburg, not straight into Mogwase or right to Sun City. Then at the 2nd stop turn right to Rustenburg and 30 km's further left at the 1st stopJohannesburg & Pretoria to Bakubung:
Pass the 4th stop, pass Sun City, pass the sun village and take it slow now as it is only 2-3 km. Turn right at the Ledig Township on the 1st tar road, you'll see the minibusses on the left. If you hit a 3 way stop you have gone a couple of 100m too far. From turning right watch for donkeys, goats and lots of children - do 60km/h. The gate is only 3 km from there on the left.Map for road to Pilanesberg - Donation to Jade's Travel Fund gladly accepted. Sad to say it's still as empty as it was 14 years ago!!
Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun CityWorking 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 PilanesbergAnimal 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 agentsCondition 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