Do you have limited time but want to see Africa’s Big 5? Pilanesberg National Park, about 2.5 hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, is home to abundant wildlife and a stunning diversity of birds. It is easily accessible from these major cities and makes for an excellent day trip or multi-day stay. It is much smaller than the massive Kruger National Park, but it has a higher concentration of game as a result.
Pilanesberg is located in a transition zone between the parched Kalahari Desert and the rain-soaked lowveld, so it is home to a diverse range of animals. Aside from the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo), you may see African wild dogs, herds of zebra, the magnificent sable and roan antelope, giraffes, and over 350 bird species.
The Pilanesberg National Park is located in South Africa’s North West Province, north of Rustenburg. The park is surrounded by the Sun City entertainment complex. The North West Parks and Tourism Board currently manages it.
The area is defined by alternating ridges and valleys forming concentric rings, a geological formation that rises abruptly in the form of hills 300-600 metres (980-1,970 ft) above the surrounding plains.
Accommodation is available in a variety of price ranges. Permanent safari tents, self-catering units, bed and breakfasts, and luxury guest lodges are all options.
Most importantly, this park is malaria-free, making it an excellent choice for family safaris.
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