The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Pilanesberg National Park
Afrikaans name: Pilanesberg Nasionale Park
Hot-air balloon ride over Pilanesberg National Park
Photo © Steven Herbert
North West
Pilanesberg National Park is situated north-west of Rustenberg and is about a 2 hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The reserve itself is located in the remains of an ancient, extinct volcano.
Pilanesberg is well stocked with game and features the Big 5. There are also plenty of other mammals to see including Giraffe, Hippo, Blue Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Springbok, Warthog and much more.
Birders will really enjoy this reserve as it has a checklist of over 350 species. Summer is the best time for birding but winter can also be productive.
The reserve can be pretty dry at times but there are a number of permanent dams. Some of these have hides and make great locations for photographers.
There are a number of accommodation options in and around the park. These including a caravan and camping park through to upmarket lodges. Visitors should spend some time at the Visitor Centre in the middle of the park. Not only can you get food and drinks here you get a chance to view some of the mammals really close as they are attracted to the area by a waterhole and a salt lick.
The roads in the park are a mixture of tar and dirt but they are all well-maintained and do not present a problem for cars except in extreme rainy conditions.
Above - There are plenty of Elephants in Pilanesberg National Park
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - A Giraffe chews on a bone
Photo © Steven Herbert
Mammals of Pilanesberg National Park
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Antbear / Aardvark
Bush Pig
Common Duiker
Grey Rhebuck
Honey Badger
Pangolin / Scaly Anteater
South African Hedgehog
Striped Polecat
Water Mongoose
Wild Cat
References and further reading
African Wildlife - Vol 37 No 1 - Author: - Published: 1983 - Page: 47African Wildlife - Vol 37 No 6 - Author: - Published: 1983 - Page: 227
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 128
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 658 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 32
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 72
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 266
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 357
Country Life - Issue 271 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 81
Country Life - Issue 280 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 55
Family Fun - Author: Lisa McNamara - Published: 2015 - Page: 131
Getaway - Vol 32 No 07 - Author: - Published: 2021 - Page: 18
Go Birding in the Transvaal - Author: Brendan Ryan and John Isom - Published: 1990 - Page: 92
go! - Issue 087 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 32
go! - Issue 134 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 48
Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 82
Insiders Guide - Top Wildlife Photography Spots in South Africa - Author: Shem Compion - Published: 2010 - Page: 175
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve - Map and Guide Book - Author: North West Parks Board - Published: 0 - Page: 1
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 56
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 170
Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 203
Stuarts Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd ed - Author: Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Published: 2018 - Page: 52
The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng - Author: Etienne Marais and Faansie Peacock - Published: 2008 - Page: 138
The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 93
The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 66
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 153
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