WHAT AWAITS YOU IN PILANESBERG?

The Pilanesberg is a mountain in the North West Province and is named after the chief Pilane of the Kgafêla people in the 1800’s. The mountain is an ancient volcanic structure, circular in shape, that rises from flat surrounding plains. It is formed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills, of which the outermost has a diameter of about 24 km.

The park is relatively small with an area of about 550km². But don’t let this get you down as your chances of seeing the ‘Big 5’ are always very good. In 1979, Operation Genesis was launched, this was designed to reinforce the homegrown game population in the area. The plan was to introduce 6000 animals to the area. In the years Operation Genesis has been expanded on and today, there are over 7 000 animals, 360 bird species, and more than 200 kilometres of roads.

 

+ EXPLORE TOURS

Coming soon

 

FACTS

WHERE IS IT?

North West Province of South Africa.
The capital is Mafikeng.

CLOSEST AIRPORTS

Pilanesberg International Airport [Pilanesberg]
OR Tambo International Airport [Johannesburg]
Lanseria International Airport [Lanseria]

GEOLOGY AND WILDLIFE

Pilanesberg National Park exists in a transition zone between the dryness of the Kalahari and the wet Lowveld vegetation. This rich transitional zone attracts an incredible variety of game animals, flora and fauna that are not often found living side by side. Virtually all of the animal species native to Southern Africa can be found here, including the Big 5, Wild Dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope and more than 360 species of bird.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

Pilanesberg is located within an area of summer rainfall. Winter (May to September) is the Dry season and has mild daytime temperatures and cool nights. Warm winter clothing is recommended for night and early morning game drives. Dry season in the winter months (April to September), and wet season in the summer months (October to March). The summer averages 29C [84F] while winter temperatures average 22C [72F]

LOCAL LANGUAGES

English, Afrikaans and Tswana

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?

Rand [ZAR]
US Dollars are not accepted.
Foreign exchange services are available in big cities and airports.

PERFECT FOR

Spotting Africa’s Big 5
Hot-air Ballooning Safaris
Self drive safaris