For an African Safari in a Malaria free Big Five Game Reserve with luxury Lodge accommodation and guided open vehicle game drives, the Pilanesberg offers the best in a true wildlife Safari experience.

The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the park. The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble. The structure of the park is termed the "Pilanesberg National Park Alkaline Ring Complex". Ancient, even by geological time scales, this extinct volcano is the most perfect example of an alkaline ring complex. A number of rare (but not necessarily economically important) minerals occur in the park. Pilanesberg National Park rates high amongst the world's outstanding geological phenomena. Pilanesberg has survived ages of erosion and stands high above the surrounding bushveld plains. The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the park.

The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone. Springbok, brown hyena, the red eyed bulbul, and camel thorn trees usually found in arid areas are found cohabitation with moist-area-limited impala, black-eyed bulbul and Cape chestnut trees. The colourful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight and entertain photographers and visitors. The very topography makes the area a feast for the eye. Here are syenite koppies, thickly forested ravines, typical bushveld and also rolling grasslands and lightly wooded areas.

The Park ranks among the largest of the national parks in South Africa (it is in fact the fourth largest park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectare. The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam. Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets. The creation of the Pilanesberg National Park is considered one of the most ambitious programmes of its kind to be undertaken anywhere in the world. The Operation Genesis, which involved the game fencing of the reserve and the reintroduction of long-vanished species, began during the late 70's. Today, Pilanesberg National Park accommodates virtually every mammal of southern Africa.

Wildlife
An abundance of wild life proliferates in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. The park is home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five". A wide variety of rare and common species exist with endemic species like the nocturnal brown hyena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention but a few.

Birdlife
Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion or live prey, others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms. There is a self-guided trail in the Walking Area at Manyane Complex in the east, which offers environmental education whilst enjoying game viewing and bird watching on foot. Also at Manyane is a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds. Numerous hides and scenic picnic sites enable the tourist to experience "out-of-car" experiences as well.

Accommodation
The park is served by 3 luxury lodges and 2 resorts:

Tshukudu Bush Lodge - offers unsurpassed accommodation in the heart of the African bush and has earned a reputation as being one of the most luxurious in Africa.

Bakubung Lodge - surrounds a hippo pool and offers you comfort and tranquility only minutes away from Sun City.

Kwa Maritane Lodge - the luxurious Kwa Maritane Lodge offers you views over the infinite plains of the Pilanesberg National Park

Manyane Resort - nestles at the Gateway to the Pilanesberg. Set in unspoilt natural surroundings are thatched African-style chalets studded in a tapestry of indigenous flora.

Bakgatla Resort - offers colonial styled chalets, executive safari tents, rolling lawns & conference facilities for up to 250 delegates.

Activities
Visitors are offered many opportunities to experience the wonders of Pilanesberg. There are nearly 200 kilometres of excellent quality roads for either self-drives or guided drives, and professional guides operate within the park. Numerous hides and scenic picnic sites enable the tourist to experience "out-of-car" experiences as well.

How to get there
The 55.000 hectares Pilanesberg National Park borders on the entertainment complex of Sun City and is situated north of Rustenburg.

Health & Climate
Pilanesberg National Park is situated in a in the malaria-free area.