7. Johannesburg: Pilanesberg National Park Safari with Lunch
Discover the “Big Five” of South Africa on a full-day safari tour of Pilanesberg National Park, just 2 hours from Johannesburg. Located in the Bonjanala region, adjacent to Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park is a 55,000-hectare game reserve, making it the 4th largest in South Africa.
Depart from Johannesburg (or Pretoria) at 06:00 for the journey to the northwest province. Upon arrival at the 1,200-million-year old extinct alkaline volcanic crater (one of only 3 in the world) discover the beauty of Pilanesberg reflected in the Mankwe Dam.
The area lies in a transition zone between the Kalahari Sandveld and the Lowveld. Due to this transition zone, an overlap of mammals, birds, and vegetation occurs. For instance, the red-eyed bulbul and black-eyed bulbul, which normally occur in separate areas, overlap. Marvel at the syenite koppies, thickly forested ravines, typical bushveld, rolling grasslands, and lightly wooded areas.
Today, the Game Reserve accommodates almost every mammal of southern Africa, including the “Big Five,” so called because they are the 5 most dangerous game animals in Africa. Home to over 360 species of bird, Pilanesberg is also an ornithologist’s delight.
Enjoy excellent game viewing opportunities in a malaria free climate. Plans are under way to create a heritage park that will link Pilanesberg and Madikwe to form another super-large “Big Five” game and nature park. Lunch will be enjoyed at the famous Bakubung Lodge.
Depart Pilanesberg at approximately 16:00 for the return transfer to your accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria.