Pilanesberg
Location: South Africa
Total Area: 572 sq km
Most Sighted Animals: Lions, Black Rhinos & White Rhinos
Best time to visit: July to October
Our Pilanesberg National Park tours take you to South Africa’s fourth largest game reserve. The park sits inside a crater in the Bojanala Region of North West Province. An extinct volcano formed this crater millions of years ago, and it’s since become one of the most striking landscapes in the country.
Pilanesberg covers 55,000 hectares and shelters more than 7,000 animals living freely across the reserve. The park is home to all of the Big 5 — elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion. Most visitors spot several of these species during their stay. Over 200 kilometers of roads wind through the park, giving you the choice of guided or self-drive game viewing.
Pilanesberg sits just 215 kilometers — roughly a three-hour drive — from Johannesburg, making it an easy addition to any South Africa itinerary. The best time to visit runs from July to October, when dry conditions draw animals to waterholes and sightings become easier.
Beyond game drives, you can join a guided bush walk in search of the Big 5, or take a hot air balloon trip for sweeping views over the reserve. For an even closer look, a local ranger can guide your game drive and share insider knowledge of the park’s best sighting spots. Book one of our Pilanesberg National Park tours and experience this volcanic wilderness for yourself.
Pilanesberg National Park Tours: Wildlife & Crater Highlights
Guided bush walks
Walk through the bush in hunt of the big 5 with a ranger
Hot air balloon trip
View the animals from above while enjoying unrestricted views of Kruger. Head up in a hot air balloon and spot the wild animals regardless of the depth of the bush
Game drive with a local ranger
Nobody knows the Kruger better than the local park rangers – they know all the hot spots
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