Situated just outside Sun City, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve stretches
across 55 000 hectares of pristine South African wilderness. This malaria-free park is the fourth
biggest national park in South Africa, and is perched on the eroded remnants of
an alkaline volcanic crater, which is one of only three such craters in the
world.
Pilanesberg national park lies within the
transition of the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld ecological niches, commonly
alluded to as the Bushveld. This allows for unique overlap of both fauna and
flora from these two eco-niches.
The Pilanesberg National Park is also an
area of unique geological merit; for, its structure termed the ‘Pilanesberg
National Park Alkaline Ring Complex’, was formed by volcanic eruptions some 1
200 million years ago. In addition to its unique size, shape and rock types,
the volcanic origin and resultant abrasion of the extinct crater has resulted in
a wide variety of landscapes, offering some of the most spectacular sceneries in
Southern Africa. It also provides a wide range of habitats for wildlife.
Visitors can decide to explore this
wildlife sanctuary on a self-drive expedition, or go for a guided game drive at
one of the numerous lodges within the game reserve.
In the park resides the big five; which
comprise: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros. Other wildlife
species include: aardvark, cheetah, crocodile, hippopotamus, brown hyena, wild
dogs, foot-and-mouth free buffalo, etc.
One of the most memorable styles to view
the park is via a balloon safari, which enables sweeping views of the park’s
fascinating landscape.
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