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PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK
Close to the Sun City Resort is the Pilanesberg National Park. The eroded crater of a long extinct volcano forms the largest sanctuary of the Middleveld, the 55 000 ha Pilanesberg National Park. It was established in 1979 by the then Republic of Bophuthatswana.
The heart of the volcanoes crater is surrounded by three concentric rings of hills. Pilanesberg itself is the highest peak and provides its name to the whole formation. The Pilanesberg Peak overlooks the Mankwe Dam which is situated in the middle of the park.
Until 1970, the Pilanesberg region was home to a lot of farms. It was then decided by the Bophuthatswana government to establish a game reserve. The resident farmers were relocated and one of the most ambitious game stocking ventures was carried out.
White rhino was transferred from KwaZulu Natal, eland were translocated from Namibia, waterbuck and Burchell’s zebra from the Traansval, elephant and buffalo from the Addo National Park and red hartebeest from Namibia. Today the Pilanesberg National Park provides a wide variety of African wildlife including the Big Five.
ANIMALS & BIRDS
The Pilanesberg National Park is home to large populations of a whole range of Africa’s game, including the Big Five. Elephants, black and white rhinoceros, buffaloes, lions and leopards as well as hippos, zebras and giraffes can be seen. A wide variety of antelope including the very attractive sable, eland, kudu and gemsbok can also be found in the Pilanesberg National Park. Cheetahs, jackals and hyenas are also present.
The birdlife at the Pileanesberg National Park is abundant with over 300 species and bird lovers will be interested in the aviary, which is located at the Manyane Gate. At the ‘vulture restaurant’, which had been created to help save the shy and endangered Cape vulture from regional extinction, visitors can witness the vultures from a close distance.
SEASONS
The rainy season in the Pilanesberg National Park is during the summer season which is from November to March. Strong thunder and lightening showers are predominant in February and March. Temperatures during the summer months are between 26-30°C.
The dry season in the Pilanesberg National Park is from about April to September. It is during this dry winter season where bright clear warm days and cold nights can be enjoyed. The winter season is great for game viewing as the foliage has died back and animals can therefore be spotted more easily.
PILANESBERG SPECIALITIES
• Closeness to the entertainment Center Sun City Resort
• Great variety of African wildlife including the ‘Big Five’
• Beautiful landscape
• Exclusive Game Lodges and Safari Camps
• Malaria free area
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