2. Pilanesberg: Two-Day Camping Adventure from Johannesburg
Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa’s fourth largest game park, is situated in a crater in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province. This crater is the product of a volcano that erupted many millions of years ago and is today one of the most fascinating landscapes in the area. Thanks to the Genesis project, the majority of South Africa's wildlife is now found in the Pilanesberg game reserve.
The park covers an area of 55,000 hectares and is home to more than 7,000 animals, who roam freely in an unhindered environment. Pilanesberg hosts all of the Big 5, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and lions, and it is guaranteed that you'll be able to tick off at least most from this list on your game drives. Other animals you may encounter include zebras, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, jackals, wild cats, various antelope, as well as over 300 bird species.
Pilanesberg offers over 124 miles of roads for guided or self-drive game viewing. On this two-day tour, enjoy an extensive game drive conducted by an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide who will answer all your questions about the fascinating wildlife and environment. Bring your camera to create a permanent record of all the wild animals and spectacular landscapes this national park has to offer.
• Day one:
Head to Pilanesberg after hotel pickup in Johannesburg. Enter the park for a morning drive in a closed, air-conditioned vehicle. Have lunch at your own expense midday and then check in to the camp, which has electricity, allowing you to charge your phone/camera. In the afternoon, embark on a safari drive in a 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy dinner, prepared by your guide at Bakgatla or Manyane Camp, and an overnight.
• Day two:
Set off for an early-morning game drive in an open vehicle. Return to the lodge for a nutritious breakfast. Head to Sun City resort for some leisure time and lunch at your own expense. Depart for Johannesburg for hotel drop-off.