Situated alongside Sun City Resort, the Pilanesberg National Park is home to the largest collection of animals indegenous to Southern Africa. Known as ‘Big 5 Country’, the park spans 55 hectares of dormant volcanic terrain, and offers uninterrupted game viewing for wildlife enthusiasts and those wanting a slice of the African bush on their Sun City holiday.
The Pilanesberg was officially opened in 1979, which coincided with the launch of Sun City after its founder Sol Kerzner secured the rights to build the resort adjacent to the park. Shortly after opening, over 6 000 species of game were expropriated to the park which today remains one of the largest game resettlement projects in South Africa.
Whether you opt for the 5am game drive or the afternoon “sundowner session”, you can explore the magnificent Pilanesberg Game Reserve from the comfort of your own car, or you can schedule a guided safari tour with Mankwe Gametrackers.
Scheduled game drives take place daily in a 25-seater open-game drive vehicle and can be booked at Sun City’s Welcome Centre at least three hours prior to departure.
To add to your safari experience, Mankwe Gametrackers also offer rhino-notching tours, hot air balloon trips, and mountain bike safaris.
Only a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Pilanesberg National Park
can be accessed from Sun City via the Sun Vacation Club gate, or the Kwa Maritane gate, which is 7km from Sun City Resort.