Yes, renting a car is the best way and one of the only ways to explore the national park and the surrounding areas. Renting a car is the best way to get around Pilanesberg National Park and the surrounding areas. Renting a car in Africa is relatively cheap and is one of the easiest ways to get around with a good road system. The roads within the national park are mostly tarmac, some are gravel roads. There are four public entrance gates to enter the park, and there is the Pilanesberg Centre situated between two of them that features a restaurant, restrooms, and a small shop. You are permitted to drive your own vehicle around the park, most sedans are suitable for a day trip to the park. can do a self-drive inside the park or opt for a guided drive, or private game drive. 

Yes, there are walking safari tours available which are a great way to explore the National Park up close and personal. Choose from a variety of guided hiking trails located within the park, all of which are led by experienced, qualified guides, who also share with you their extensive knowledge of the Pilanesberg flora and fauna. Exploring the park on foot allows visitors to enjoy immersing themselves in the wonderful, unspoiled wilderness and learning about the nature that surrounds them. It is also a great opportunity to take some spectacular photographs and get a better angle on the wildlife. Also entering on foot will give you a new appreciation for the size and grace of the African wildlife, and get a different picture of the environment the Big 5 live in. 

Yes, there are bike tours offered throughout the park with knowledgeable guides. Cycle through the breathtaking scenery of the park and take in the spectacular views and surrounding wildlife. There is a mountain bike route that includes bumpy roads, rivulets, and mountain terrain. The game park spans 6 miles and can be cycled through.  

There are four public entrance gates to enter the park; Kwa Maritane is situated close to the airport on the southeast side of the reserve, and only has gravel roads. From this entrance, it will take approximately an hour to reach the visitor’s center with stunning scenery to enjoy along the way. The Manyane Pilanesberg gate is located on the eastern side of the park close to the entrance for Sun City. The Bakgatla gate is located the closest to Saulspoort. 

The Manyane Pilanesberg gate is to the east of the park. To get to the entrance from Sun City take the R510 through Mogwase and you’ll see the turn on your left towards the Manyane Gate. Further around the park to the northeast is the Bakgatla gate which is the closest entrance to Saulspoort. To get there from Sun City, take the R510 towards Mogwase. Keep going past the Manyane Game Lodge entrance until you reach a T-junction. Turn left to get to the Bakgatla gate.

The Pilanesberg National Park entrance fee is considerably cheaper than other parks such as Kruger, the entry fee is due at one of the four gates and is as follows:

Adult Foreign Visitors R80

Children (6-12 years) R30

Pensioners (SA only) R40

Vehicles R40

Map of Park R40

International Visitors Levy R30

(Prices may vary and are subject to change)

Pilanesberg is a private game reserve in a malaria-free zone that is open 365 days a year. It is best to arrive 30 minutes before the Pilanesberg opening times which are as follows:

March and April 06.00 AM – 7:30 PM

May, June, July, and August 06.30 AM – 7.00 PM

September and October 06.00 AM – 6.30 PM

November to February 05.30 AM – 7.00 PM

Pilanesberg National Park is considered a very safe destination to visit with a very low crime rate. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight. At night stay in well-lit areas.

Pilanesberg National Park features a shopping center at the main visitors center, other than that it is not a shopping destination. 

The official language spoken in Pilanesberg National Park is English, which is widely spoken, especially in the service industry, it is taught in schools and used in government, business, and the media. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. There are officially eleven languages in South Africa with Afrikaans being one of the most popular along with English and nine ethnic languages, of which Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken. We recommend getting a good English/African guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

The best time to visit Pilanesberg National Park is between May and September, which is the dry season and makes it easier to spot the wildlife. As the ground dries up the is less vegetation and during the drought animals gather around the permanent water sources. Pilanesberg is open all year round and each of the seasons has its own unique offerings. October to April is the wet season when the park is filled with lush landscapes and lots of greenery. This is when the flora and fauna bloom across the varying terrains. It is also a great time to spot young animals. April, May, September, and October are great months for mild weather with a pleasant climate as well as fewer tourists, making the park easier to navigate. Mating seasons occur from February onwards in the park, which is something worth seeing. October through April are the summer months in Pilanesberg and the temperatures can be pretty harsh. 

The currency of Pilanesberg National Park is the South African Rand (ZAR). US dollars are also widely accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the Shilling, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred. 

There are not many dining options found within the National Park other than a restaurant located at the Pilanesberg Center in the heart of the park close to Mankwe Dam. The restaurant serves an array of hot and cold food as well as tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. There is a large open deck area at the front of the center boasting panoramic views of the plains and rolling hills of the park with opportunities to spot wildebeest, zebra, and other wildlife just meters away.  Many of the meals visitors will eat are provided by their accommodations with full breakfasts served at sunrise before heading out for an exciting day ahead. Lunches can be enjoyed at the Pilanesberg Center or at a picnic in the park. Visitors are also welcome to have lunch at the restaurants found at either Manyane or Bakgatla Resort. Intimate dinners can be enjoyed in a variety of settings such as an elegant dining room, beside the pool, around a roaring boma fire, under the stars at your lodge, or on the private deck at your suite. There are some other restaurant options to choose from in the immediate area. Diners can enjoy some gastronomic delights prepared by the magnificent chefs on site to satisfy their hunger for superb bush cuisine.  There are five scenic picnic areas throughout the park. Three are exceptional for their location nestled on the hillside with breathtaking views of the lake and plains below. The first is the Fish Eagle picnic area that looks over the Mankwe Dam, and the other two are located on Baile Drive. Each picnic area is fenced and equipped with a braai (barbeque) facilities, water, shade, and bathing facilities. 

There is really not much to do at night in Pilanesberg National Park; there may be some night safari options, or possibly a fire at your resort with other guests. It is not a nightlife destination. Visitors can partake in a boma (open-air enclosure) for an exciting evening, and enjoy sundowner drinks at sunset, followed by dinner under the star-studded African sky! Listen to the sounds of the bush and watch a tribal dance group perform. 

Sun City is a well-known resort located within the Pilanesberg crater complex offering a variety of exciting entertainment options and a great place to spend the evening. Sun City boasts plenty of restaurants, bars, a water park, a cinema, a health spa, a golf course, live shows, and a casino.  The casino here is open 24/7. There are also clubs on site where guests can party and dance the night away with some of the best DJs in South Africa. 

In case of an emergency dial 112 or 999 for local police, an ambulance, or fire.

Hospitals:Hospitals: Lesego Private Hospital tel.27-76-842-9122

Moses Kotane Hospital tel. 27-14-555-230