KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
How to get there? The Pilanesberg National Park is about 200 km northwest of Joburg.
Best time to visit? The dry season (winter) is best for game viewing, when the veld is more open and the animals visit the waterholes more often. It gets very hot in summer, but a green Pilanesberg is also a spectacular sight. Autumn is another good time to visit – the temperatures are moderate and the veld is still lush.
Road conditions? The tar roads from Manyane, Bakgatla and Bakubung gate meet in the middle of the park. Besides one short cut between the
Bakgatla and Manyane routes, all the other roads are gravel. The tar roads have potholes. You can drive the gravel roads in a sedan during the dry season, but it won’t always be easy going. During the rainy season, come with a bakkie or an off-road vehicle.
Fuel? There are filling stations at Sun City near the Bakubung gate, in the village of Moruleng about 5 km from the Bakgatla gate, and near the Manyane gate.
Things to do? A guided game drive takes about three hours (R430 per person). Or go on a guided hike to see the animals up close (R600 per person; no children under 16). The hikes aren’t offered year-round – enquire at reception. If you have the budget, treat yourself to a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. The ride takes about an hour; afterwards you have breakfast at Bakubung Lodge and do a short game drive back to your accommodation (R4 500 per person). All activities can be booked at Mankwe Gametrackers at Manyane ( 014 555 1029) or Bakgatla ( 014 556 2710), or visit mankwegametrackers.co.za.
Shops & restaurants: Manyane, Bakgatla and the Pilanesberg Centre in the middle of the park have restaurants and shops with basic supplies (some groceries, firewood, ice…). The restaurant at the Pilanesberg Centre is good – you can even order a pizza. There’s also a gift shop and a few stalls selling jewellery, scarves and ornaments.
Entrance fees: R80 per adult; R40 per child; R40 per pensioner; plus R40 per vehicle. The entrance fee is one-off, not per day. Get a guidebook with all the routes and information about the park for R100.
Gate times: November to February 5.30 am to 7 pm; March and April 6 am to 6.30 pm; May to August 6.30 am to 6 pm; September and October 6 am to 6.30 pm.
Contact: 014 555 1000; goldenleopardresorts.co.za