Pilanesberg National Park

Next to the Sun City resort in the North West Province of South Africa is the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The project Operation Genesis began the work of creating the park in 1971. They fenced in 580 km of the scenic bush landscape and brought in different endangered species of animals. Today, the reserve has over seven thousand animals, including twenty-four species of the large animals native to Africa. Africa's top five large animals are well represented, the lions, elephants, black and white rhinos, buffalo and leopards, and, then, many of the rare species live at the reserve as well as a wide variety of birds.

The complex of dormant volcanoes defines the terrain. These alkaline volcanoes and one extremely large crater are interesting geological formations. Three ridges border the reserve to form a ring with the reserve in the centre, the crater of the large, extinct volcano. Throughout the valley are the ruins and evidences of ancient civilizations. Because the reserve has a diverse terrain, some portions are at higher elevations than others and the birds and animals that like one level will not enter habitually another elevation level. People can observe the differences in natural habitats and the wildlife and vegetation common in each elevation level.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is easily accessible to the public. 200 km of well-kept roads run through the park, and visitors can choose a guided tour or a self-drive. Many hides and picnic areas let people pull off the road for a while to spend some time with nature and the wildlife. This reserve is an excellent place to bring a camera and capture Africa frame by frame and photo by photo. Then, trails on the eastern side of the park at Manyane Complex are perfect for bird watching. The self-guided paths are educational and right for seeing any of the three hundred recorded bird species living in the park.

Amazing diversity and spectacular scenes meet the eye. A large lake made by the Mankwe Dam is in the centre of the reserve. The lovely views of Pilanesberg reflect in the waters of this lovely lake. Jutting rock formations provide interesting details. Wide, open grassy plains end with wooded valley areas and large thickets. Even if none of the animals is seen, the natural surroundings make the park worth a visit, but with so many types of wildlife living within the boarders, they can be seen especially by the quiet observer. Since the area is so vast, the animals and birds may be many, but they are not overly crowded.

With comfortable accommodation nearby, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a wonderland from which to experience wild Africa at its finest. Besides Sun City to the south of the park, several lodges skirt the area and Manyane has cabins and campsites available. When people truly want to see all that Pilanesberg has to offer, they should plan more than one day to explore the landscape of the reserve and see much of the wildlife.