Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park is famous for its unique terrain as it lies in the crater of an extinct volcano which erupted over 1000 billion years ago. It is located north of Rustenberg. It is home to all the Big Five game animals in Africa, including lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, African bush elephants, and African buffalo. Hot Air Balloon Ride over the park is popular.

The national park is the largest volcanic complex of its type in the world, resulting in numerous rare rock formations and minerals. Many sites in the park also belong to the Iron and Stone Ages. The plant life in the park is rich and diverse and includes the red bushwillow, hook thorn, wild pear, buffalo thorn, mountain cabbage tree, sweet thorn and more. Similarly, you can view zebras, white rhinos, elephants, Cape buffaloes, brown hyenas, crocodiles, and cheetahs. There are also over 360 species at this National Park.

Pilanesberg National Park can be explored through three main roads: Kgabo, Kubu and Tshwane. The Mankwe Dam lake is located in the centre of the park, and a river flows across it. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to campgrounds and self-catering lodges. The best time to visit is from mid-July to mid-October.