Lush Private Lodge
Bush Lodges
Lush is located on the Black Rhino Game Reserve – a private concession within the malaria-free greater Pilanesberg National Park (55 000ha/135 900a…
Read more →Pilanesberg National Park
The volcano that gave birth to a game reserve
A malaria-free Big 5 reserve in the North West Province, just two hours from Johannesburg. Luxury game lodges, bush lodges, hotels and self-catering, all in one place.
About the Reserve
One of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind on earth
The crater of a long-extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park — a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1 300 million years ago. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. The area is fringed by three concentric ridges, or rings of hills, and the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble.
The reserve covers 50 000 hectares in the North West Province, 150 km north west of the Gauteng metropolis and 60 km north of Rustenburg.
The reserve covers 50 000 hectares in the North West Province, 150 km north west of the Gauteng metropolis and 60 km north of Rustenburg.
Favourite Lodges in the Area
Hand-picked stays across the reserve and Sun City
Mbazo Safari Lodge
Bush Lodges
Mbazo Safari Lodge is set in the Black Rhino Game Reserve, an unfenced extension of the north-western Pilanesberg National Park with its own private,…
Read more →Nkala Safari Lodge
Self Catering
This Family owned, Self Catering Safari Lodge is the perfect escape to relax in the African bush. We are a short 35 min drive from Sun City or 2 hr…
Read more →Sun City Cascades Hotel
Sun City Lodges
Striking, beautifully coloured birds and fish are at home in the Cascades gardens and lakes which cover the gently sloping hillside. They are laced…
Read more →Wildlife
Malaria-free Big 5 country
The Big 5
Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo
Pilanesberg is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and, alongside many other species, all of the Big 5 are found here — in a malaria-free environment.
Rare and Common Species
From brown hyena to sable
A wide variety of rare and common species live in the park, including the nocturnal brown hyena, the fleet-footed cheetah and the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile.
Operation Genesis
The largest game translocation ever undertaken
Since late 1979, thanks to Operation Genesis, tens of thousands of animals were reintroduced to the reserve — the largest game translocation ever attempted anywhere in the world.
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need before you set off
Getting There
From Johannesburg or Pretoria take the N1 north towards Polokwane, then the N4 Rustenburg split. The Pilanesberg signboard is on the left on route 91.
Activities
Game drives, either self-driven or guided, game walks and birding. Pilanesberg also operates hot air balloon safaris.
Around the Area
Sun City’s entertainment centre, golf course, water world and casino are right next door.
Best Time to Visit
Summers can get hot, but visitors to Pilanesberg enjoy the park all year round.