Pilanesberg National Park

Wildlife

All of the Big Five are found in Pilanesberg: elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. Rhino are carefully protected, and the park’s open grasslands and valleys can offer good sightings. Cheetah, spotted and brown hyena and African wild dog are also present, although wild dog are wide-ranging and not always seen.

Plains game includes giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, impala, eland, gemsbok, red hartebeest, waterbuck and springbok. Hippo and crocodile live in Mankwe Dam, the largest body of water in the park.

More than 300 bird species have been recorded, from raptors and vultures to the colourful lilac-breasted roller and crimson-breasted shrike.

Key wildlife

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Rhino
• Cheetah
• Wild dog
• Brown hyena
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Hippo
• Gemsbok
• Lilac-breasted roller

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: May–Sep. Also good: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr.

Peak Good Quieter

Pilanesberg can be visited year-round. The dry winter months, from about May to September, are best for game viewing, with thinner vegetation and animals gathering at waterholes. Days are mild and sunny, but mornings are cold.

Summer, from about October to April, brings heat, afternoon thunderstorms and green landscapes. Many animals give birth and migrant birds arrive. Weekends and school holidays can be busy, so visit midweek for a quieter experience.

The park is malaria-free, which makes it a good choice for families and first-time safari-goers.

Getting There

Pilanesberg is about 170 km northwest of Johannesburg, roughly two and a half hours by road. International visitors usually arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. There are four main gates: Manyane in the east, Bakgatla in the northeast, Bakubung in the southwest and Kwa-Maritane in the south, near Sun City.

Roads inside the park are a mix of tar and gravel and are suitable for ordinary cars. Gate times change with the seasons, and entry usually stops about an hour before the gates close.

Park entry is paid per person and per vehicle, by card only at the gates since December 2025. South African citizens must show ID to pay local rates.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Pilanesberg charges a daily conservation fee per person and per vehicle, including a community conservation levy. Since 1 December 2025, international adults pay R748 per day, SADC adults R385 and SADC children aged 5–12 R275. South African adults pay R168 and children aged 5–12 R84, with ID. A passenger car pays R168 per day.

Payment at the gates is by card only. The North West Parks Board does not publish its tariff online, so confirm current rates before you travel. Guided activities are charged separately.

Gate hours

05:30–19:00 (Nov–Feb); 06:00–18:30 (Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct); 06:30–18:00 (May–Aug). Entry usually stops an hour before closing.

Health

Malaria risk: Malaria-free.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Self-drive safaris are easy, with a good road network and maps available at the gates.

Guided game drives in open vehicles, in the morning, afternoon or after dark, are offered from the camps and lodges.

Hot-air balloon flights at sunrise give a spectacular view of the volcanic crater and its wildlife.

Hides, such as the one at Mankwe Dam, are ideal for quiet wildlife watching and photography.

Guided bush walks led by armed guides offer a closer look at tracks, trees and smaller creatures.

Combine Pilanesberg with nearby Madikwe or the Kruger National Park, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.