Pilanesberg National Park

Overview

The Pilanesberg National Park has plenty of wildlife for tourist attraction. The visitors who are travelling from Johannesburg or from the area of Pretoria would be able to witness the scenic beauty of the natural habitat.The Pilanesberg National Park is set near to the crater of an ancient volcano and the key attraction of the fully fenced national park is the Big Fives.The tourist will be able to cherish their experience of visiting the fully stocked national park which is just 2 hours' drive away from Johannesburg.

Why Go:

  • The key attraction is the Big Five along with plenty of other great wildlife
  • Located at the crater of a beautiful ancient volcano
  • The visitors can locate multiple accommodation options, which are even cheaper
  • The location is a Malaria-free location
  • Just at a distance of 2 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria
  • The location is very close to the amazing Sun City casino and amusement parks

Wildlife

The Pilanesberg national park is hosted by the amazing Big Five and plenty of other wild animals. The animals such as Elephants, buffalos, and rhinos can be easily found in abundance.All the Pilanesberg National Park is full of big cats but spotting them is totally based on the chance you need to be smart and lucky for viewing any big cat. However, animals such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and antelope can be easily found.

More About the Wildlife

Scenery

The Pilanesberg National Park is located at the crater of an ancient volcano, which enhances its historical value. The park is uniquely structured with 3 concentric hill’s ridges that were formed by the eruptions of the ancient volcano almost 1300 million years earlier. The park is located in between Kalahari and bushveld, which uniquely overlaps the birds and mammals of both zones.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit the Pilanesberg National Park is during the wet season when the visitor might witness the beautiful scenery along with the greenest grasslands.

More About the Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The temperature is pretty harsh in Pilanesberg during the summer season, which ranges from the month of October to the month of April. However, the park has two regions out of which, one is wetter and the rain softens the heat.While during the dry winter season, which starts from the month of May and stays will September, the Pilanesberg National Park does not witness any downpours. The temperature falls down after the sunset during the winter season, with minimum humidity in the atmosphere.

More About the Weather and Climate

Wildlife & Animals

The tourist visiting the Pilanesberg National park can witness big five in abundance. The National park even hosts plenty of Elephants and White Rhinos. While the lucky visitors can even watch Black rhinos, as they are shy in nature and can be spotted rarely. The reserve has a thick layer of vegetation, which is a source of attraction for big cats; however, it is difficult to spot big cats.
Abundant Common Occasional Rare None
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Common
  • Wild Dog

    Wild Dog

    Rare
  • Hyena

    Hyena

    Occasional
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah

    Rare
  • Leopard

    Leopard

    Rare
  • Lion

    Lion

    Occasional
  • Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

    Rare
  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    Common
  • Wildebeest

    Wildebeest

    Common
  • Zebra

    Zebra

    Common
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo

    Rare
  • Hippo

    Hippo

    Common
  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    Common

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Pilanesberg National Park for thrilling wildlife experience is during the dry winter season, which is from the month of May till the month of September. As the ground dries up, there is only a tiny layer of vegetation left. It becomes easier to spot animals during the dry winter season, as they gather around the permanent sources of water.
May to September
- Dry Season
  • Ideal period for watching thrilling wildlife
  • Little to no downpours with a clear sky
  • Fewer tourists, so the environment is peaceful
October to April
- Wet Season
  • The scenery is picturesque
  • The animals give birth to their offspring
  • One can even witness the Migrating Birds

Weather & Climate

The location of the Pilanesberg National Park is known for summer downpours and thunderstorms. The area receives plenty of afternoon thunder fall while the winter is known for being a Dry season. The winters start from the month of May and end around the month of September. The visitors experience moderate temperature during the daytime while the nights are cooler. It is recommended that you carry warm clothing for the evening and morning game drives. The location of the park is in the southern hemisphere; therefore, the seasons are contrary to what people experience in Europe or Northern America.
Climate Chart
Dry Season
- May to September - Winter

During the dry winter season, there is almost no sign of any downpour, as the humidity level is very low. As the conditions are similar to those of a drought, the animals gather around the permanent sources of water.

  • May During May, the temperatures drop down steadily, which signals the change of the season. The temperatures range from 7°C / 45°F to 23°C/73°F.
  • June, July and August During the period of June, July, and August, it is advised that the visitors keep warm clothes with themselves, as the morning can get colder. The temperature is between 4°C/40°F to 22°C/72°F.
  • September During September, the temperature is a bit mild, as it ranges between 28°C/82°F to 11°C/52°F.
Wet Season

The wet summer season is very hot but the Regular thunderstorms maintain the temperature of Pilanesberg national park.

The rainfall usually occurs as afternoon storms but one can enjoy the light drizzles for a longer period. The average temperature during the day is 30°C / 86°F.

  • October and November During the period of October and November, the Pilanesberg observes warmer temperatures with slight rainfalls. As the time passes by the frequency of rainfall increase with the average temperature. The Average temperatures range from 14°C/57°F to 30°C/86°F.
  • December, January and February The period of December, January and February are the wettest months in Pilanesberg National park. The park experience majority of its afternoon downpours in this period. The temperature typically stays around 30°C/86°F.
  • March and April As for March and April, approach the area prepares to change its season and the intensity of rainfalls decreases. The temperature falls and the nights become colder as the temperature ranges from 13°C/55°F until 26°C/79°F.

Getting There

Majority of people who are travelling to South Africa are using OR Tambo International Airport of Johannesburg. After the touchdown, you can hire a car for your scenic drive to Pilanesberg National Park. During your 2 hours road trip to 180Km, you will be witnessing the scenic beauty of the surrounding. The Pilanesberg International Airport (NTY) is just situated next to the park and the visitors can easily get a flight to NTY. There are almost 2 connecting flights every week from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Airlines and Ticket Prices

 

To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.

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