Pilanesberg Things to Do

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This national park is a convenient 2 hour drive away from Johannesburg. Of course, Pilanesberg is not as famous as its big counterpart at Krüger, but it is still large and chance to see wild animals without having to go too far away from Johannesburg. The park was inaugurated in 1979 and is home to over 100 species of mammals, including the “Big Five” (elephant, rhino, cheetah, lion and buffalo).
Within the park, there are a hand ful of picnic sites. Some of them have toilets and snack bars and all of them allow you to watch peaceful animals like giraffes while enjyoing your food. Hotels and Lodges are available outside, next to the park, so that you can try to spot your favourite animal on several consecutive days. We didn’t try that, but went with Henry from Catztours (see General Tips in Johannesburg) on a daytrip. Henry brought some leaflets with him and showed us how to find traces of animals and the best hideouts for different species. Unfortunately, we did not see all of the big five (only three: Elephant, rhino and buffalo). But you have to be really lucky to spot all of them on a single day.

Visit the lost city at sun city, there are plenty of boards on the main road to direct you to sun city, its very close to the game reserve, you can leave the game reserve by the kwa maritane gate, they can even tell you at the gate more specific the direction to sun city.

Self-driving through the Park is to me the "only way" to go.....it's an experience which you will treasure forever.(my Zebra crossing)

All cars can be hired at O. R. Tambo International Airport (formerly known as Johannesburg International Airport. Avis being the biggest rental company.

The journey to Sun city takes approx 2hours and is very easy and well sign posted. We had no problems along the way. The general rule is to keep your windows closed at any major junction or stop signs.

The drive to the national park is very easy and takes approx 5 minutes from the Welcome Centre at Sun City. Pick-up a map of the park from the Welcome Centre before departing for your safari. There is an entrance fee at the gates into the park. Please take note of the closing time of the Park before starting your journey.

All tours to the Pilanesberg National Park can be organized through any of the hotels in Sun City or at the information center (welcome center) which is located just near the entertainment centre.

For self driving you can pick-up a map from the welcome centre

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The best place to spot the Hippo is at the waterholes scattered throughout Pilanesberg National Park. We were lucky to enjoy a wonderful show of water activity by a group of Hippo's at the edge of the first waterhole in the park.

Make sure you have a peep at my photo's to see how incredible the Hippo's are !

To see the Palace of the Lost City and Sun City Resort is truly wonderful, I was so impressed with the size , beauty, and workmanship of the building. It is a magnificent building built around the Pilanesberg National Park and attractive gardens. There are many tributes and statues which decorate the interior of the buildings, which symbolize the breathtaking wildlife of Pilanesberg Park.

The palace of the Lost City is an African fantasy dream world of extraordinary jungles, forests, cliff plummeting gardens, sparkling streams, waterfalls, cascades and swimming pools. From the top of the observation tower you can see the Valley of the Waves a man made beach which has huge waves beating the beach and scary slides to horrify anyone who may think they are slightly courageous or brave. It’s a wonderful place to be entertained and offers families and travelers an unique and diverse holiday with many splendid attractions.

The Palace of The Lost City is surrounded by a 25 hectare botanical gardens with thousands of plants, trees and shrubs. Most I can identify because Sth Africa has almost the same plants as Australia. The gardens are threaded with paths meandering past cascades and waterfalls, lakes and pools and a variety of water rides.

Sun City is set in the spark ruggedness of the Pilanesberg National Park, where elephants, rhinos, lions, and antelope roam freely through their natural habitats.

Sunset and Sunrise safaris are operated through the Welcome Centre in Sun City. Most animals are easily spotted at these times within the park especially near the waterholes. Its an awesome experience !

Go to the Welcome Centre in Sun City for more information and also to book your safari.

If you adore and love Elephants like I do, then make sure you take this tour which is located in the Letsating Game Reserve just 30 minutes away from Sun City. This tour allows you to get up close, touch and feed these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Guests are picked up from Sun City at approx 12.30pm and taken to "The Elephant Wallow" and returned to the hotel around 2pm.

Costs: R420pp

The best time is see animals is at sunset or sunrise. Night drives are a fascinating way to also observe the nocturnal wildlife and experience Africa under the stars. For information regarding night drives please contact the Welcome Centre in Sun City.