Please Note: The
Pilanesberg Centre will be closed until further notice
while renovations are taking place. Patrons are advised to use
restaurants and facilities at the different lodges OR include
a braai in your day plan, to be enjoyed at any of the different
picnic sites in the park.
We regret the inconvenience. We wish all our visitors an enjoyable
stay in the Pilanesberg National Park.
"The
Volcano that gave birth to a game reserve"
The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg
National Park - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic
eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of
the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its
rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.
The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of
hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like
a bubble. The structure of the park is termed the "Pilanesberg
National Park Alkaline Ring Complex".
Ancient, even by geological time scales, this extinct volcano
is the most perfect example of an alkaline ring complex. A number
of rare (but not necessarily economically important) minerals
occur in the park. Pilanesberg National Park rates high amongst
the world's outstanding geological phenomena.
Pilanesberg has survived ages of erosion and stands high above
the surrounding bushveld plains. The early presence of man can
be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered
throughout the park.
The park exists within the transition zone between the dry
Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to
as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique
overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this
transition zone.
Springbok, brown hyena, the red eyed bulbul, and camel thorn
trees usually found in arid areas are found cohabitation with
moist-area-limited impala, black eyed bulbul and Cape chestnut
trees.
The colourful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight
and entertain photographers and visitors.
The very topography makes the area a feast for the eye. Here
are syenite koppies, thickly forested ravines, typical bushveld
and also rolling grasslands and lightly wooded areas.
Off the centre of the park is Thabayadiotso, "the Proud
Mountain". The Park ranks among the largest of the national
parks in South Africa (it is in fact the fourth largest park)
and covers an area of 55 000 hectare.
The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake,
the Mankwe Dam.
Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape
with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets.
The creation of the Pilanesberg National Park is considered
one of the most ambitious programmes of its kind to be undertaken
anywhere in the world. The Operation Genesis, which involved
the game-fencing of the reserve and the reintroduction of long-vanished
species, began during the late 70's.
Today, Pilanesberg National Park accommodates virtually every
mammal of southern Africa. Also home to the Big
Five.
Wildlife
An abundance of wild life proliferate in 580 km of diverse
and arresting bushveld terrain. The park is home to healthy
populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant
and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five".
A wide variety of rare and common species exist with endemic
species like the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah,
the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile,
to mention but a few.
Bird-life
Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded.
Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion
or live prey, others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms.
There is a self-guided trail in the Walking Area at Manyane
Complex in the east, which offers environmental education whilst
enjoying game viewing and bird watching on foot. Also at Manyane
is a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds.
General
Visitors are offered many opportunities to experience the
wonders of Pilanesberg. There are nearly 200 kilometres of excellent
quality roads for either self-drives or guided drives, and professional
guides operate within the park.
Numerous hides and scenic picnic sites enable the tourist to
experience "out-of-car" experiences as well.
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from upmarket lodges to caravan and camping
facilities.
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