Pilanesberg Travel Guide

  Zebras are in abundance and not urually...
by canuck68
  • Zebras are in abundance and not urually alone
      Zebras are in abundance and not urually...
    by canuck68
  • Warthog in a hurry
      Warthog in a hurry
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  • Elephants going for swim.
      Elephants going for swim.
    by canuck68
  • Warthog
      Warthog
    by canuck68
  • Elephants going for a swim.
      Elephants going for a swim.
    by canuck68

Explore Pilanesberg

Things to Do  

Elephant- Back Safari

Elephant- Back Safari, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  Take an extradionary journey on the back of an elephant through the many trails of the National Park. Tours are operated from the Welcome Centre at Sun City, guests are picked-up and taken to the Elephant Wallow where you will be introduced to the elephants before the... 

Pilanesberg Safari

Pilanesberg Safari, Pilanesberg

 Airpunk Says:  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... 

lost city at sun city

lost city at sun city, Pilanesberg

 nora_south_africa Says:  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-drive safari

Self-drive safari, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  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... 

Hippo watching

Hippo watching, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  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... 

Visit Sun City

Visit Sun City, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  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... 

Sunset and Sunrise Safari's

Sunset and Sunrise Safari's, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  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... 

Elephant interaction !

Elephant interaction !, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  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... 

Night Drives

Night Drives, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  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. 

Hot Air-Ballooning

Hot Air-Ballooning, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  Hot Air Balloon Safaris are operated from Sun City. Guests are picked up and taken to a spot in the morning and you have approximately one hour drifting time over the park. Breakfast is served at a private game lodge and a game drive is included in the package.Bookings are... 

Hotels  

Bakubung Bush Lodge

 2 Reviews and 163 Opinions  We stayed at Bakubung several times. It was always a joy to visit here. The staff is very friendly... 

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

 4 Reviews and 146 Opinions  At KwaMaritane there an underground tunnel that leads to a hide from which you can see the waterhole... 

Restaurants  

Pilanesberg Centre: Lunch with the Lions

Pilanesberg Centre: Lunch with the Lions, Pilanesberg

 roland33 Says:  This is by far the nicest, most convenient stop for a bite to eat whilst on a game drive in the Pilanesberg National Park.The restaurant is located in an historic "safari" building in the middle of the Park. They have a very complete menu with most of the favourites,... 

Take-aways: Take-aways

Take-aways: Take-aways, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  Take-away foodThe place to get any take-away food is from the Entertainment Centre. There are heaps of different selections for light meals and snacks.Here is a list or a few which are all located within the Entertainment Centre.Whimpy'sJuicy LucyLondon Pie... 

Transportation  

Car-Parking

Car-Parking, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  Car parking can be difficult in Sun City, there are three major car parks.1. Sky-train station has a large car park located behind the Cabanas Hotel.2. Two car-parks are located outside the Sun City Hotel.3. The Lost City Golf Course has a car park, located next door to the... 

Gettin around Sun City - shuttle bus.

Gettin around Sun City - shuttle bus., Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  You do not need a car once you have arrived at Sun City. There is a small shuttle bus which operates around the whole resort and stops at each hotel along its circular route. Buses leave daily and regularly from the Welcome Centre. The route also includes the Vacation Club. 

Warnings and Dangers  

Car Jacking in the Pilanesberg!!!

Car Jacking in the Pilanesberg!!!, Pilanesberg

 roland33 Says:  Careful guys!!! The R565 is a terrible road to travel at wee hours of the morning, late afternoons and at night.The R565 is the main road linking the major freeways from Johannesburg and Pretoria with the Pilanesberg and Sun City. The entrance to both these destinations are... 

What to Pack  

Packing for the Pilanesberg
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Luggage and bags: Leave those Louis Vuittons at home (Unless you're residing in a Sun City hotel). One's bags tend to get dirty and dusty in the bush, even if you're staying at one of the upmarket hotels in the Park, such as Kwa Maritane and Bakubung.

Rather bring your less-expensive luggage (preferably not black).

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It tends to get extremely hot during both the summer and winter months in the Pilanesberg. I suggest you bring the following clothing:

WINTER:
Jeans
Boots
Long sleeved shirt
Short sleeved shirt or T-shirt
Jersey or jacket
Sunglasses
Hat or a cap
Long sleeve pajamas, slppers and bathrobe
You can leave the scarves, beanies, balaclavas and gloves at home. It rarely gets that cold.

SUMMER:
Hat
Sunglasses
Jeans
Short pants
T-shirts/ short sleeved shirts
Jeans and a thin jersey/jacket for it may get chilly at night or early mornings
Short sleeve pajamas, slippers and bathrobe

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo & Conditioner (The ones that the hotels supply are not of good quality)
Facial wash, toner, moisturiser, etc. (incl. cotton wool to apply, as these aren't provided)
Deodorant (it can get hot, and thus you may perspire excessivly)
Shaver and cream/foam
Extra pair of contact lenses (Without them you won't be able to spot that leopard!)
Lense lubricant
Sunblock (Preferably SPF40 or higher)
Mosquito repellent
Anthistamine pills (Abundance of spiders and other nasty insects in the bush)
Aspirin
Gel, moose, was, hairspray, etc
The rest are pretty much provided by the hotels and resorts, eg. facecloths, towels, body cream, hand cream, etc.

Photo Equipment: Camera is very important! Duh!
Camcorder (If you have one, this is an incredible method to capture your safari memories)
Camcorder's charger
3 pairs of extra batteries
A pouch to keep your recording equipment in, as these may pick up dust during your trip
Extra memory stick/film

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you plan on taking a hike or walk, remember to pack in some comfortable walking boots and socks. (Give the Jimmy Choo's a rest) ;-)
A water bottle may come in handy (especially when hiking)
To be quite honest, I don't know much about camping gear, so thus I can't advise you on these.
I'm guessing if you're going camping in the Pilanesberg, take a tent, sleeping bag, torch, mosquito net, stretcher, camping chairs and a shotgun for when a lion wants to accompany you in your tent... (kidding) :-P

Miscellaneous: YOU CANNOT FORGET YOUR BINOCULARS!!! These must be ontop of your list and packed in first! If you have a few, take them all, then everyone in the car can see the pride of lions a mile away from your location.

Updated Apr 30, 2008

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Off The Beaten Path  

Hidden Ramp in the Pilanesberg Park
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Going up
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While we were galavanting around the park, we came across an old bridge-like ramp, which leads to the highest point in the park.

Although we were driving in a Mercedes (low body), we managed to climb the old ramp with ease, and were rewarded with magnificent views of the entire Pilanesberg once we reached the top.

The ramp was paved with bricks to allow for an easy drive upward even if you're not in a 4x4.
So don't worry about damaging your car.

To discover this "hidden track," follow the TLOU road on your map, off the KGABO paved road. Continue until you come to the SEFARA road. Travel along this path (between low-lying grassland while trying to spot lion), and then turn onto the LENONG VIEW road. This will lead you up the mountain. There is a viewpoint and toilets once you've reached the top.

Written Apr 28, 2008

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Safari
 Historical Travel

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Favorites  

Restaurant burnt down!/ rebuilt now

Restaurant burnt down!/ rebuilt now, Pilanesberg

 nora_south_africa Says:  so.... please take a picnic basket and enough drinks, or there is a restaurant at manyane or bring goodies to make a (braai) there are places to make a braai at the picnic areas....this restaurant has now been rebuilt... here you can have lunch and drinks ( Pilanesberg... 

Please do not litter

Please do not litter, Pilanesberg

 nora_south_africa Says:  litter can cost the life of an animal.. please take a bag in which to put your litter and put in dustbins. 

Just GO

Just GO, Pilanesberg

 Openseas Says:  My friend, you captured me or did Iyou are so you, and I am so meforever seeking a fleeting moment of restin a turmoil of confusion.A moment of ecstasy between usa flash, departing in a secondprecious , magical momentsseeping silently between you and me.If for a moment I... 

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Map of Pilanesberg