Pilanesberg Safari Tours

The Pilanesberg has fast become the hot spot for savvy safari-seeking travelers thanks to its relative proximity to Johannesburg. And the good news besides the abundance of wildlife that can be found there ? It is malaria free. So no gross tasting malaria tablets are a definite bonus. The Pilanebserg is a unique biosphere reserve with superb family friendly lodges as well as the options for the more rustic camping style travelers.

The game reserve is located within an extinct volcano ring complex and offers arguably the most scintillating game viewing outside of the Kruger National park. Many of our safari tours involve spending time in the various ‘hides’ of the game reserve waiting for animals to come and drink. It is a common sight to see elephants swimming and frolicking in the watering holes to cool off from the South African sun.

On some of the game drives we are lucky enough to have 30 elephant around the vehicle. Tracking lions as they stalk an impala is an experience on our Pilanesberg Safari tours that will stay with you forever. And don’t forget the magic of a roaring African bush fire with a nice glass of wine under the starry skies to end your day.

Ecological Richness:

Not many game reserves in South Africa offer the incredible biodiversity of ecological richness that the Pilanesberg does. It is definitely a safari destination that needs to be experienced. The park exists in a transition zone between wet Lowveld vegetation and the dryness of the infamous Kalahari near Namibia. It is pretty incredible to witness the changes that can change every half an hour on a safari game drive. The result of these transitional zones is the attraction of an abundance of animals. And because of the distinct zones, it is also advantageous on a Pilanesberg safari in that the game ranger can predict the type of animals that can be found in each one.  In terms of the wildlife living in the reserve, it is home to virtually all native South African animals including the Big 5. And no the Hippo and Giraffe are not part of the Big 5. Lion, Buffalo, African Elephant, Rhino and Leopard have won that esteemed title.

Busting with Wildlife:

Even though most of our clients that join us on the safari tours cannot believe the sheer size of the park, the Pilanesberg is actually relatively small as far as game reserves go. This together with the ecological richness increases your chances of not only seeing the Big 5 but a host of other wildlife species as well. Giraffe, wildebeest, impala and zebra are so abundant that you that the chances of witnessing a lion kill on your safari are greatly increased. And no you are not allowed to join the lions in their feast. The alpha male might get bit upset and we like our travelers going home in one piece.