Pilanesberg National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Reviews of Pilanesberg National Park

• krrazie

  5

  Reviewed: 2025-06-15

  Pilanesberg National Park, located in South Africa’s North West Province near Sun City, is a geological and ecological marvel — and its map vividly showcases this uniqueness. Situated within the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic crater, the park’s circular layout is unlike any other reserve in the country, and this unusual topography is immediately noticeable when studying the map. Covering approximately 550 square kilometers, the map outlines a relatively compact but richly diverse park. Its circular boundary, formed by concentric rings of hills that once made up a volcanic crater, is marked with shaded relief and elevation contours, helping to illustrate the dramatic ridges and valleys that define the landscape. This natural amphitheater is not only visually striking but also contributes to the park’s incredible biodiversity. The road network is extensive and clearly labeled, forming a web of tarred and gravel loops that make the park highly accessible for self-drive safaris. The primary routes such as Kgabo Drive, Kubu Drive, and Tshwene Drive are highlighted, with secondary roads leading to more secluded areas. The roads converge around central points of interest, making navigation intuitive. What sets Pilanesberg apart, and is well illustrated on the map, is how accessible major game-viewing areas are — most of the park can be explored within a single day, making it ideal for short trips. One of the most prominent features on the map is Mankwe Dam, located at the heart of the park. This large body of water is a key focal point for wildlife and birdwatching, and it’s surrounded by several hides and viewpoints like Fish Eagle Picnic Spot and Mankwe Hide, all marked with icons. These are essential stops for any visitor, offering shaded areas, restrooms, and a chance to quietly observe wildlife. The map also highlights multiple entrance gates — including Bakubung, Manyane, and Kwa Maritane — each linking to various lodges and camps. These access points are well connected to nearby towns and to Sun City, which lies just outside the southeastern boundary of the park. Accommodation icons and labels for resorts, campsites, and luxury lodges help users understand where each option is in relation to the park’s routes. Pilanesberg is home to the Big Five, and the map’s layout allows visitors to efficiently plan game drives around waterholes and open plains where sightings of lions, elephants, and rhinos are common. Waterholes such as Tshukudu, Rathlogo, and Malatse are clearly marked and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, especially during the dry season. Vegetation zones and terrain types are subtly shaded to reflect the varying habitats—from rocky outcrops and thickets in the west to grassy plains and savannah in the east. This natural variation supports over 7,000 animals and more than 300 bird species. The map helps users visualize this variety and plan routes based on their wildlife interests, whether they're birders, big game seekers, or landscape photographers. In conclusion, the map of Pilanesberg National Park is not just practical; it’s an essential companion that visually captures the park’s rare geological structure and rich biodiversity. It balances topographical detail, route planning, and wildlife viewing strategy, making it one of the most user-friendly and immersive park maps in South Africa. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this map is your key to unlocking the circular wilderness of Pilanesberg.

• nirmal visruthan

  5

  Reviewed: 2025-06-04

  Wonderful park. Several species including Hartebeests , wildebeests, impala, kudu , elephants , zebra, giraffe. We were lucky to see lions, cheetah and leopards though they are not easy to find. Birds : numerous. Highlight was lilac roller and African fish eagle.

• Decalicious

  4

  Reviewed: 2025-05-01

  An amazing park with some great sightings and beautiful terrains. But it is really DISAPPOINTING that the roads especially the Main road is in such POOR CONDITION. When is Sans Park going to repair this? There are so many international tourists from Sun City and it’s not a good reflection of our beautiful country.

• Nicole Naidoo

  4

  Reviewed: 2025-03-29

  The game drive at Pilanesberg National Park proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable and informative experience. I saw a number of sightings like elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, and rhinos among other wildlife. The ranger's expertise and courteous nature added considerable value to the tour. Great outing.

• rhendrick 78

  5

  Reviewed: 2025-02-19

  For those who love animals, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a hidden treasure! The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) can be seen in their natural environment in this stunning reserve in South Africa. The game drive we went on was a great adventure because of the breathtaking scenery, and we got to see allot of wildlife.  It's well-maintained roads and experienced guide we had improved the experience. The variety of animals and the serene ambiance make it worth the trip. An excellent location for an unforgettable safari! We used Mankwe Gametrackers.