|
PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK, North West Province, South Africa
The wildlife rich and malaria free Pilanesberg National Park, North West Province, is located close to the famous Sun City Resort in South Africa. 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 Pilanesberg National 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.
Recommended accommodations and lodges in the Pilanesberg National Park:
Bakubung Bush Lodge
The Bakubung Game Lodge is only a short drive away from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is here where you will find yourself in the tranquil heart of the Pilanesberg National Park, which is home to Africa's giants - elephants, rhino and buffalo and many more of South Africa’s wildlife.
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
An ancient alkaline volcano fashioned the very hills that Kwa Maritane game lodge stands on today. From the Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, you can look out over the infinite plains adjacent to the Pilanesberg National Park
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
The Tshukudu Bush Lodge is called the 'Place of the Rhino'. Built on a hilltop, the newly refurbished, luxurious Tshukudu bush lodge offers sweeping views of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park.
SUN CITY HOTELS
The Palace of the Lost City - five star
Guests are treated like VIPs with unparalleled five star service, amidst the cliff-tumbling gardens, sparkling streams, waterfalls and swimming pools at The Palace Hotel, Sun City Resort.
The Cascades Hotel - five star
The Cascades Hotel at the Sun City resort offers a world of fantasy with its theme of cascading water and tropical lagoons creating a paradise for pink flamingos and swans.
The Sun City Hotel - four star
The Sun City Hotel puts you right where the action is - you can party all night here, as the fun never sets! It buzzes around the clock with excitement and motion.
Sun City Cabanas Hotel - three star
The Cabanas Hotel Sun City is the perfect destination for letting off steam and running wild with plenty of space throughout the extensive gardens.
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 Pilanesberg 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
 |
|
