Welcome to Day Safari's

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with our exclusive day tours and photo safaris, conducted in the comfort of an air-conditioned SUV. As the first rays of dawn pierce through the African skyline, we’ll be there to collect you from your hotel, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the African Bush.

Our experienced guides will lead you on an immersive exploration, unveiling the hidden treasures and captivating wildlife of this remarkable landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a nature enthusiast, our tours promise moments of sheer wonder and discovery. From majestic elephants roaming the savannah to elusive big cats prowling in the shadows, every encounter is a testament to the untamed beauty of Africa.

 

As the day unfolds, we’ll traverse rugged terrain and traverse through breathtaking vistas, each turn offering a new perspective and a chance to capture the essence of the wilderness. And as the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and gold, we’ll bid farewell to another extraordinary day in the bush, dropping you off at your hotel with memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on this extraordinary journey and experience the magic of Africa like never before.

Pilanesberg day tours

Enjoy the scenary of Pilanesberg

Nestled within the captivating embrace of Pilanesberg National Park lies a landscape that whispers tales of ancient volcanic eruptions and millennia of natural evolution. One of its most striking features is the undulating terrain adorned with rocky ravines that cradle secrets of time immemorial. As the sun casts its golden hues upon the land, rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, painting a picturesque canvas of tranquility. Yet, amidst this serene expanse, the focal point remains the majestic Mankwe Lake, a colossal body of water nestled within the heart of the park, its depths echoing the primordial rumblings of the volcano that once reigned supreme.

 

Diversity thrives within the tapestry of habitats that make up Pilanesberg, each one a haven for a myriad of plant and animal species. From expansive grasslands to rugged hillsides, rocky outcrops to lush wetlands, and tranquil lakeshores, the park’s ecological richness knows no bounds. It is this kaleidoscope of habitats that nurtures an astonishing array of life forms, ensuring that Pilanesberg is not just a sanctuary for the famed Big 5 – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros – but also a haven for a pantheon of lesser-known yet equally captivating creatures.

 

Venture deeper into the park, and one encounters a menagerie of mammals that call Pilanesberg home, each one a testament to the park’s commitment to biodiversity conservation. From the elusive Brown Hyaena to the sleek elegance of the Serval, the graceful Caracal to the lightning-fast Cheetah,  to the lumbering Hippopotamus, every corner of the park pulsates with the rhythm of life. Towering Giraffes graze amidst the savannah, while the fleet-footed Tsessebe roam freely across the plains, adding to the spectacle of the wild.

 

Yet, the allure of Pilanesberg extends beyond its terrestrial realm, for beneath its surface lies a realm teeming with life. Countless reptile species slither through the undergrowth, their scales glinting in the dappled sunlight, while amphibians serenade the night with their melodious calls. Even the smallest inhabitants, the invertebrates, play an integral role in the park’s delicate ecosystem, their presence a testament to the interconnectedness of all living beings.

 

In essence, Pilanesberg National Park is more than just a sanctuary for wildlife – it is a living testament to the wonders of nature, a place where the ancient forces of geology and ecology converge to create a symphony of life. With every passing moment, it reminds us of the fragility and resilience of our planet, urging us to cherish and protect the natural world that sustains us all.

The History of Pilanesberg

The park was named after a Tswana chief who went by the name “Pilane.” The northern part of Pilanesberg National Park was originally owned by the Bakgatla- ba- Kgafela tribe (also known as the Bakgatla tribe). The southern area of the park was formerly a set of farms owned by local farmers in the 1860’s and they were responsible for the development of the Mankwe Dam in the reserve.

 

These farms in the south of the park were then bought by the Government during the 1960’s under the apartheid regime. The Bakubung tribe decided to settle on this land, arriving from the nearby town of Ventersdorp. This land was then passed onto Bophuthatswana (an area set aside for members of a specific ethnicity- “Bophuthatswana” means gathering of the Tswana people).

 

Now was the time for the re-introduction of wildlife into the area and the conversion of Pilanesberg into a game reserve. Chief Tsidmane Pilane from the Bakgatla tribe agreed to the inclusion of a mountainous region owned by them, to be included in the new reserve. Families were moved to a new town to the east of the reserve in an agreement with tribal authority.

These are the stages leading up to what we observe today as Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Around the same time, Sun International obtained a lease on the adjacent farm and built one of South Africa’s biggest entertainment complexes, Sun City. The development of Pilanesberg National Park is still considered to be one of the most complex yet aspiring projects of its kind found anywhere in the world.

Why Visit Pilanesberg?

Accessible

Only three hours’ drive away from South Africa’s largest city (Johannesburg), Pilanesberg National Park offers the perfect opportunity to leave the city lights behind, and discover another world.

Full of Wildlife

The relatively small size of the park, and its unusual ecological richness, dramatically increase your chance of encountering the Big 5 in their natural environment. Enjoy a leisurely Safari experience.

Ancient History

Pilanesberg National Park is set within the crater of an ancient volcano, formed 1.2 billion years ago by overflowing magma. The landscape and rock formations we see today are the enduring reminders of this magnificent occurrence.

Variety of Accommodation

The diversity of Pilanesberg’s accommodation options means that there is an offering to suit every taste. Pilanesberg has something just for you.

Ecological Richness

Pilanesberg National Park exists in a transition zone between the dryness of the Kalahari and the wet Lowveld vegetation. This rich transitional zone attracts an incredible variety of game animals, flora and fauna that are not often found living side by side.

Photographic Hides

Immerse yourself in the natural world, in one of Pilanesberg’s concealed photographic hides. Hidden within the park, these well-built hides provide a comfortable place to wait for that perfect shot. A rare opportunity to view the wildlife and birds in their natural habitat safely

Safari Bookings

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Office Hours

7 days a week 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Safari Hours

Weekdays Monday to Friday
Saturday and Sunday on request

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