This reserve is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano that literally blew its top off about 1300 million years ago and is the largest alkaline volcanic crater in the world.

The hills of the Pilanesberg seen from the air form an almost perfect circle of concentric rings like the ripples of water in a pond. In 1979 this game reserve saw the largest translocation of game undertaken to date, Operation Genesis, when hundreds of animals were brought to the reserve to restock it. This was the beginning of the Pilanesberg National Park and today it is a well stocked reserve with more that 7000 head of game showcasing most of the mammal species South Africa has to offer including the Big 5. Being in a transition zone biome, you can also see our National Animal, the Springbuck at this reserve.

It is also popular with birders who can enjoy 350 bird species in the park.

Only 2 hours from Johannesburg in our vehicles and Malaria free, the Pilanesberg National Park is ideal as a weekend breakaway and for those that do not have too much time available but would like to experience the wonders of the bushveld and a chance to see the Big 5.

Pilanesberg Package 2 day /3 night

Day 1:
This morning you will be collected from your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria and transferred to the Platinum Province - North West Province. With a population less than that of Johannesburg, the North West province is sparsely populated.

The landscape is dominated by igneous earth and provides fertile land for the farmers,
yet is a harsh environment for the poorer local communities that do not have irrigation facilities.

On route, we stop over at the Hartebeespoort Flea Market for a break.
We visit the Chameleon Village in time for a cup of coffee or some curio shopping. These markets sell hand carved items of stone, semi-precious stones and wood. The traders come from many different African countries, and speak a range of languages such as French, Swahili and Portuguese.

We continue on our journey passing the Platinum Mines of the Bushveld Igneous Complex,
arriving at one of the entrance gates to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in time for lunch.

After lunch and check in formalities, we head off on our first game drive.
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve was re-stocked with game during 1979 - "Operation Genesis".
Today the herds of animals are constantly being refreshed with new genes from other reserves.
Dinner and overnight at Manyane or Bakgatla resorts.

Day 2:
This morning we are up early and make our way to one of the game hides. We enjoy a nice cup of hot coffee and rusks here before continuing to a picnic spot for breakfast. Today we have a casual bush breakfast, with you on guard against the vervet monkeys!

Return to camp and siesta until later in the afternoon.

Guests can also take part in the self guided hiking trail exploring the ancient Iron Age Settlement. No hiking boots necessary - just sturdy walking shoes and long trousers.

This is a relaxing time for families with children of all ages - there are wonderful swimming pools and other family entertainment such as chess,junglegyms, trampolines and mini golf.

In the late afternoon we head off in search of the Big 5 again. Return to camp before gates close, and settle down around a lovely campfire. Dinner is a traditional South African braai (barbeque)
Breakfast and Dinner included. Overnight as above.

Day 3:
This morning you can opt to have a short drive before breakfast, returning for a late breakfast and in time to check out, and perhaps take a slow drive out of the park.

Alternately, if guests would like to visit Sun City, we can have a relatively early breakfast, and then make our way there. After a quick orientation tour, guests can spend a few hours at leisure exploring the wonderful "Sin City"

We take a slow drive back to Johannesburg, arriving just before rush hour traffic.
Breakfast included

This tour is available as a budget camping version.

This tour is available with an English or German Guide

Call or email us today to book your PRIVATE tour with us.

Watch out for us when having your picnic.

I've got my eye on you.