Discover the Greater Pilanesberg

The Greater Pilanesberg is located in the transition zone between the Kalahari Desert and the lush Lowveld, attracting an incredible array of bird species and wild game, including the iconic Big Five.

It’s a holiday hotspot that ticks all the right boxes for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers, yet it’s also easy to reach, being close enough to Gauteng to be a convenient, comfortable drive, but far enough away to make you feel like you’re truly in the wilderness.

There are many ways to take on the Greater Pilanesberg, but we suggest starting off with a few nights in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, exploring its grassy plains, dense bushveld and waterholes from which the resident wildlife quench its thirst. Bird lovers will delight in the bountiful birding opportunities. Perch yourself in one of the seven bird hides for the day to spot some of the hundreds of species that find sanctuary within the park, from African skimmers to Kingfishers and African fish eagles.

For hiking fanatics, the area flaunts a multitude of enticing trails, along with plenty of secret picnicking spots overlooking the vast wilderness. There’s also the opportunity to appreciate it from a bird’s eye view by hopping aboard a hot air balloon flight.

Up for some fun after a good dose of bushwhacking? Pair your Pilanesberg safari with a little glitz and glamour in the playground that is Sun City. From tubing down a lazy river to walking in the footsteps of golfing greats on two championship golf courses, there’s plenty on the go here to keep you (and those travelling with you) enthralled.

Activities & Local Attractions

The Pilanesberg National Park

The 550 sq km Pilanesberg National Park offers an extraordinary safari experience just a short drive from the city of Johannesburg. Home to over 360 bird species and almost every animal species endemic to South Africa, the Pilanesberg National Park has become popular among self-drive tourists, as well as offering guided safaris with expert rangers. Stretch out your legs on a walking safari or revel in the presence of the Big Five from the comfort of a 4x4. Sightings do come down to luck, but you can very easily snap up some new holiday pics showcasing sprawling herds of zebra and springbok, with prowling predators like lion and leopard never too far behind.

Pilanesberg hot air ballooning

Ascend to the skies and soar over the Pilanesberg area in a hot air balloon. Admire the geological formations as you glide above this ancient volcanic landscape in silence. Whilst up in the air, see if you can spot any of the park’s wildlife from above. Whether or not you've previously taken to the skies, a hot air ballooning exploit over the Greater Pilanesberg is certainly worth every cent, especially for couples looking to ramp up the romance. With feet firmly back on the ground, you and your loved one can tuck into a full English breakfast and sip sparkling wine as part of the full experience. Flights can be arranged directly through Pilanesberg National Park but are subject to weather conditions.

Picnics in the Pilanesberg National Park

Perfect for couples, families and even solo travellers, the Pilanesberg National Park flaunts five main picnic spots to choose from. Unfold the blanket, spread out the snacks and relish in the natural surrounds. The top three include the Fish Eagle spot that overlooks Mankwe dam, and two others in Baile Drive. All of these offer braai (barbeque) facilities, access to shade and clean ablutions in a fenced-off area. Wherever you decide to picnic, be sure to stay long enough to appreciate the honeyed landscape at sunset…

Sun City

Located along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City has been a firm family favourite for decades and remains one of the country’s top entertainment meccas. Home to the infamous water park known as the Valley of Waves, it's a great stop for the kids, promising to keep them entertained for hours – and rewarding moms and dads with some well-deserved time off! Hit the arcade, visit the croc farm, plan a night at the cinema or team up for the Maze of The Lost City, the largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere. If there are no tots or teens in tow, grown-ups can take full advantage of the nighttime entertainment, gambling facilities and cocktail bars.

Valley of Waves

Keen to switch out the wilderness for the water? Sun City’s Valley of Waves is one of the best-known and best-loved water parks in South Africa and is capable of generating 1.8m waves every 90 seconds. And while you can still sprawl out on the sunlounger, or gently tube around the Lazy River, the water park is mostly ideal for water babies looking to get more than just their feet wet. Hop on the back of a jet-ski, hang on for dear life on the tube ride or lift off on a parasailing adventure. Feeling extra-brave? Hurtle 70m down the Temple of Courage or tackle the high waves in the Roaring Lagoon.

Segway Safaris at Finfoot

For safaris with a difference, why not try out Finfoot Lake Reserve’s Segway safaris? Hop onto the two-wheeler transporter and meander around the reserve in the company of an experienced Segway guide. It’s a great way to explore the area without breaking a sweat. This family-friendly lodge is located within the bounds of the Elands River Game Reserve in the Greater Pilanesberg and also offers bush walks, canoe trips on the lake, mountain biking and sunset barge cruises.

Chameleon Village

Chameleon Village is the ultimate family-friendly attraction for those making their way into or out of the Greater Pilanesberg. Located on the R104 on Old Rustenberg Road, it offers everything from African craft markets, art galleries, live music venues and restaurants to kiddies' play areas, splash parks, reptile and animal centres. This is just the place to pick up a few holiday souvenirs or treasured trinkets and while most of the fun happens on the weekends, the village is open seven days a week with free admission for adults and kids.

The Grill Room

Calling all carnivores! For a fanciful night out with fine dining, pay a visit to the signature steakhouse known as The Grill Room. Secure your table for an intimate dining encounter with top-notch cuisine and some of the most notable wine selections in the country. Think beef tartar, springbok shank, and buttery garlic bread sided by a glass or two of the finest Pinotage to complement your meal of choice. This restaurant can be found within the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City.

Laurentina in Hartbeespoort

During your journey into the Greater Pilanesberg, be sure to schedule in a lunchtime pit stop at Laurentina Restaurant at Chameleon Village along the R511 in Hartbeespoort. Bearing the same name as a popular Mozambican beer, the meals served here capture the authentic flavours of Mozambican-Portuguese cuisine. Delve into their piri-piri chicken, garlic butter shrimp or prime cuts flame-grilled to perfection. It’s a stellar choice for families too, with its laidback atmosphere, kiddies play area and spacious outdoor seating.

Brauhaus Afrika

Ale-aficionados assemble! Hidden along the R24 between Rustenburg and Johannesburg, the Brauhaus Afrika is best described as the place where “German beer, food and culture meets African hospitality”. This brewery, restaurant and former trading post is a favourite amongst the locals and for good reason. Their hearty pub grub is perfectly paired with a top-notch mix of quality beers brewed according to the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot of 1516. It stands as the oldest cuisine and beverage law in the world and since it was established before the discovery of yeast, it states that only water, barley malt and hops may be used to produce beer.

Where to stay

Finfoot Lake Reserve

Located in Elands River Game Reserve, Finfoot Lake Reserve is just the type of place to switch out the buzz of traffic and the beep of phones for the sound of chirping of birds. Take your pick from comfortable chalets and stylish self-catering villas and fill your itinerary with a variety of family-friendly activities, such as game drives, bush walks, canoeing, fishing and mountain biking. Another signature activity at Finfoot is the Segway safari – an effortless way to explore the area with an expert guide. End your days spent here with an idyllic sunset barge cruise across the Vaalkop Dam.

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