Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park
4.5
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Pilanesberg National Park
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Erno1968Bogota, Colombia8 contributionsExcellent experience at Pilanesberg National ParkExcellent experience! Planned a day trip with @MoAfrika Tours. Booked it two days prior. The whole experience was great. They picked me up at 6 am from my hotel in Johannesburg. Drove two hours. Alex our driver was fun. Stopped to refresh. Arrived at the park. Tien, our guide was expecting us. Great guide. Very knowledgeable, fun. I was able to see 4 of the big five. In the morning 3 hours driving around the park. Had lunch and then another two hours after lunch. I highly recommend MoAfrika tours, Alex and specially Tien who as I said is an amazing tour guide.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 12, 2024
- Departure0476423091318 contributionsPerfect viewing in the PilansbergWonderful game viewing including white rhino. A big herd of elephants from the Pilansberg Centre restaurant right over the rail. Also zebra and buck. Lots of kudu. Splendid birds and much else too. A delightful place indeed.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 11, 2024
- R WDubai, United Arab Emirates124 contributionsGreat Game drive at Sun CityThe visit to Pilanesberg National Park was a side trip during our stay in Sun City. My mother and aunt (both above 85years) were with us. Was our lucky day as we got to see Lions, Giraffes, Elephants and domesticated other wild life. Well organised tour through the Palace Hotel ConceirgeVisited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,652 reviews
Excellent
990
Very good
476
Average
128
Poor
36
Terrible
22
mark c
Hemel Hempstead, UK118 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What a wonderful place to visit and enjoy.
The Centre restaurant is an oasis for tea and toast after a 5.30am start to see the park wake up.
Amazing animals in superb condition with dams fulls of water and lush greenery. More baby animals then you can imagine - a great time of year to visit
The Centre restaurant is an oasis for tea and toast after a 5.30am start to see the park wake up.
Amazing animals in superb condition with dams fulls of water and lush greenery. More baby animals then you can imagine - a great time of year to visit
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wernermaria
Durban, South Africa61 contributions
Mar 2020
Whilst on a 4-day vacation at Sun City we visited the Pilansberg game reserve. I suppose because of the relative "small" reserve, the game is plentiful and we saw Elephants,Rhino, Antilopes, Wildebeast (Gnu), Zaebra, Giraffe and many baboon within a relatively short time. We drove through the park ourselves but a safari type game drive is available which can be booked through the hotel reception. All in all a great experience
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Romie T
22 contributions
Mar 2020
We spent 4 days visiting the Pilanesberg park in March. The weather was okay (sunny, cloudy, some days were hot and some colder), the vegetation was dense but if you are patient you can observe a lot of animals (rhino, elephants, giraffes, hippo, jackals... but felins are much more difficult to spot with the vegetation) and birds (lots of beautiful birds such as the calao, especially early in the morning). We used a classic rented car (I mean not a 4x4), some paths are a little bit difficult to drive on but it was okay (if it rains it could be much more difficult). We ate at their restaurant in the centre, it was tasty and not so expensive (bet. 85 and 120R for a pizza, sandwiches around 85R, nachos 85R etc.), there is also a little shop where you can buy stuff such as chocolate bars, ice creams, water, chips etc.). We very liked the park (and no mosquitoes!) and recommand it highly. The price is 130R per person per day (plus 40R for the book/map). It was opened betw 6:30am and 6:30pm in March. We rented a studio in Mogwase (around 3 km from one of the entrance of the park).
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belinda S
Johannesburg, South Africa107 contributions
Feb 2021
We have been coming to the Pilanesberg for years because it is one of the few places where one can see so much wildlife in a short time. On our first day we saw a cheetah, rhino, elephant, giraffe, hippo, springbok, wildebeest, jackal, lion, zebra and a huge variety of birds. Our second day we were greeted with a young leopard in a tree right on the road, waterbuck, red hartebees, various eagle sitings, crocodile, hundreds of bird species, and all the other animals from the previous day. No where in the world can one see this variety of animals for less than 10 dollars.
This said, we were very disappointed at the state of the roads. We were here a year ago and the roads were bad then. They are appalling now. Clearly, no maintenance has been done. Either the management must warn people without 4x4's or we must become used to a sub-3rd world scenario.
The staff at the gate were polite and friendly, even in the midst of constant sanitizing and covid protocols. We will always be back - because we have a 4x4, but if the resort wants to attract a wider variety of clientele they will have to do something with the roads, and fast.
This said, we were very disappointed at the state of the roads. We were here a year ago and the roads were bad then. They are appalling now. Clearly, no maintenance has been done. Either the management must warn people without 4x4's or we must become used to a sub-3rd world scenario.
The staff at the gate were polite and friendly, even in the midst of constant sanitizing and covid protocols. We will always be back - because we have a 4x4, but if the resort wants to attract a wider variety of clientele they will have to do something with the roads, and fast.
Written February 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHaacke
Johannesburg, South Africa361 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
You can go on guided drives or pay park entrance and drive yourself. It is a National Park. You can see Elephant, antelope sometimes Lion and Leopards. The Game drives are great if you have a limited time.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DineFrequently
Johannesburg226 contributions
Jan 2020
I had not been to this park in over 3 years - NOTHING has changed for the better (oh except the rebuilt hide). The roads are in a pitiful state, full of pot holes and the tar is shredded in many places. Recent heavy rain has filled potholes, creating danger for sedans.No evidence of maintenance at all. Men's toilets at Bakubung gate are a dirty disgrace, even the walls don't get wiped. Where is the money from all the private concessions going? We had good sightings but for us it is about the total experience. I would not rush back. Tip: don't attempt this park in a sedan much better to use a 4 x 4/SUV
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trushareddi
Centurion, South Africa39 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Advise to Sun City in general:
Please remove Hard Rock Cafe and put another restaurant in place, one that actually serves tasty food.
Please check the age restriction for the club as only under age kids were in there. Also please open the pool billiard even when the club is not open as we just want to play.
Vibes is a nice enough place, but there is no dance floor. And the DJ only plays for 2 hours and he is a great DJ, so more hours are suggested.
Please remove Hard Rock Cafe and put another restaurant in place, one that actually serves tasty food.
Please check the age restriction for the club as only under age kids were in there. Also please open the pool billiard even when the club is not open as we just want to play.
Vibes is a nice enough place, but there is no dance floor. And the DJ only plays for 2 hours and he is a great DJ, so more hours are suggested.
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamer56663657594
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
My first time at Pilanes was last month with the most amazing friends. I have been to many safaris before, but none could compare to this one, but that is only because we had a fantastic guide (Tshepiso) that made sure we saw as many animals as we could, and not only that, but that we could see them with the best view. You know your guide is the best, when all the other guides call on him on the transceiver (walkie-talkie) to ask where all the animals are.
Not forgetting the sunrise and sunsets that rise and set over the hills in the park will you captivated and calling you to stay longer ;)
Not forgetting the sunrise and sunsets that rise and set over the hills in the park will you captivated and calling you to stay longer ;)
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elmarie99
Upington, South Africa6 contributions
Jul 2021
We spent 4 days in the park and it was fantastic. We saw lots and lots of game. Beautiful herds of elephant with babes, rhino galore, zebra, hartebees, wilde bees, impala, klipspringer, hippo and the cherry on the cake; leopard!!
We are hesitant since we read about the bad roads. We rented a Toyota Corolla sedan and traveled most of the roads without a problem. There was clear evidence that the potholes on the tar roads have been filled and the grader was busy on the gravel roads.
The picnic areas were spotless and each and every toilet was clean and had a supply of paper.
The Pilanesberg Centre was open and the shop was well stocked. They had a menu for takeaway meals like hamburgers and sandwiches, which were very nice. COVID protocols very followed and every one wore masks and sanitizer was used.
Overall a very positive experience and we will definitely recommend a visit.
We are hesitant since we read about the bad roads. We rented a Toyota Corolla sedan and traveled most of the roads without a problem. There was clear evidence that the potholes on the tar roads have been filled and the grader was busy on the gravel roads.
The picnic areas were spotless and each and every toilet was clean and had a supply of paper.
The Pilanesberg Centre was open and the shop was well stocked. They had a menu for takeaway meals like hamburgers and sandwiches, which were very nice. COVID protocols very followed and every one wore masks and sanitizer was used.
Overall a very positive experience and we will definitely recommend a visit.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth W
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
We have just spent 3 nights at Bakubang, and agree with previous reviewers - the roads throughout the park are shockingly bad! You really do risk damaging your vehicle badly! Why are they not fixed? Reading through last reviews it seems it’s been a problem for for while, so don’t know why Management hasn’t done something to fix it.
Pilanesberg Centre is so dated and awful - why did they not use the covid lockdown time to refurbish them nicely? Women’s toilets are disgusting.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, where are the animals??? Have never seen the park this empty before. Very few herds of impala, zebra, wildebeest etc, and when you do find them there are only 2-3 animals. How is this sustainable?? What are the predators eating?
It’s really frustrating to spend hours driving on awful roads and not seeing any game that would usually have made up for the bad roads.
Honestly don’t waste your time and money! Rather go to Kruger
Pilanesberg Centre is so dated and awful - why did they not use the covid lockdown time to refurbish them nicely? Women’s toilets are disgusting.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, where are the animals??? Have never seen the park this empty before. Very few herds of impala, zebra, wildebeest etc, and when you do find them there are only 2-3 animals. How is this sustainable?? What are the predators eating?
It’s really frustrating to spend hours driving on awful roads and not seeing any game that would usually have made up for the bad roads.
Honestly don’t waste your time and money! Rather go to Kruger
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, we are staying at Kingdom Resort about an Hour from Pilanesberg NP. We have our own SUV Car which we plan to self drive within the NP. Is it OK? What about the routes, are they marked or available on Google Map? Any specific gates to enter from and what about the pass for entry? Sorry too many questions!!
Written July 26, 2023
Self-drive is fine, just be aware that you'll need to pay for entrance and SAN parks (South Africa National park) fees.
You'll find more information on their official website: search for pilanesbergnationalpark
Written July 26, 2023
Is the West gate open again to have access to Pilanesberg from Vacation club
Written January 13, 2022
Hello,
Is it possible to buy an entrance ticket at the gate one day in advance (so valid for the next day)....we want to buy this ticket and enter the next day at the bakabung gate...
Date : Feb. 17, 2020,
Regards Grant
Written February 2, 2020
The gates are not very busy and you will be able to buy a ticket and park map at the gate. Your ticket is valid for multiple entries in one day. Not sure if you can buy online .
Written February 2, 2020
Olá Tiago, estou pensando em fazer o mesmo que tu.. chegar aos portoes do pilanesberg e contratar la o game drive, tu lembraria +- o tempo de duração de cada safári e a média de valores?
Written July 25, 2019
we were there with the car of our son. If you rent a car take a higher level of seating. We did not take a safari, you can watch the wildlife the best in your own speed!
Written August 8, 2019
What facilities for cooking / braai are available at picnic spots? Are fires/gas brainers available?
Written June 15, 2019
Hi Tisha.
There are five picnic spots located in the park. All have braai facilities, water, shade, toilets and are fenced. You, however, have to take along your own wood or charcoal and firelighter or gas braai. Gas skottel braais are not available like in Kruger.
Fish Eagle is our favourite picnic spot. You have to carry your stuff about 100 meters and it can be quite busy over peak periods.
Written June 17, 2019
Os safaris podem ser feitos de carro alugado pela prĂłpria pessoa? Quanto custa um safari por la?
Written April 22, 2019
Olá Erikaor! Pode-se alugar um carro para fazer os safaris em Pilanesberg Park, a estrada até lá de Joanesburgo é boa, sinalizada. Sendo importante atentar para o mapa dentro do parque que é relativamente grande. O preço eu não sei ao certo, porque fiz os safaris com guia no carro dele, mas você pode consultar preços no site do parque e até enviar email pedindo cotação que eles respondem rápido e são muito atenciosos. Vale a pena passar pelo menos uma noite lá é bacana, além do visual ser muito bonito. E boa viagem.
Written April 23, 2019
My daughter and I are staying in Sun City for three days and we need a guy because we’d like to see the nature reserve at least during different times of day how can we find a guide for this?
Written January 7, 2019
Bonjour
Je souhaite savoir s'il est possible d'aller dans ce parc avec son propre véhicule (de location) ? J'imagine qu'il y a un guide obligatoire et un prix d'entrée que je n'arrive pas à trouver . Merci
Written November 1, 2018
Non, vous pouvez y aller avec votre propre véhicule, comme pour tous les autres parcs. Le guide est rarement obligatoire. En tous cas, dans les 3 parcs visités, les guides n'étaient jamais obligatoires. Pour le prix d'entrée, je ne m'en rappelle plus, ce qui est bon signe. Si ça avait été cher, je m'en souviendrais. Ce devait être aux alentours de 30 EUR.
Written November 2, 2018
Hi,
I am planning to self drive through Pilanesberg national park in December. I am confused about which car to hire - Will a normal sedan will work or an SUV is recommended?
Also how many hours do visitors on self drive spend in the park, need an idea for planning return drive to Jo'burg.
Thanks in advance :)
Written October 31, 2018
Morning. Start your day early say 6 o'clock and just follow Google map to Pilanesberg . Then you will miss the pic traffic. Any car will do but a SUV is better because there is some gravel roads in the park. Its wise to take a picnic basket and water to enjoy when you in a hide watching the wild animals and listen to the birds. This time of the year is beautiful to visit the park.
Written November 1, 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 45
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing