Information for Pilanesberg National Park: Tours, Tickets & Excursions

Pilanesberg National Park is situated in the Northwestern province of South Africa, around 174 km (108 miles) from Johannesburg. Here, you will find a place brimming with dramatic landscapes, intriguing wildlife and breathtaking scenery. 

There is so much to see and do in Pilanesberg, it is no surprise that the park attracts many visitors each year. With safaris, tours and excursions all available, guests can experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip here. 

Explore Pilanesberg and catch a glimpse of the Big 5 (leopards, African lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros), or simply sit back and take in the neverending natural beauty around the park. However you choose to spend your time here, you will be amazed by the adventures that await.  

If you’re planning a trip to Pilanesberg Game Reserve, you’re likely in need of more information. Luckily enough, we have everything you need below. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating part of South Africa, plus top tips and things to do whilst visiting! 

How to Get to Pilanesberg National Park

First, you’ll need to know how to get to Pilanesberg. Below is a little more information on how to travel to the park, making planning your trip that little bit easier. 

Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park

The most common way that guests reach Pilanesberg is from Johannesburg, as many fly here from other countries. Being just 174 km from the park means that you don’t have to worry about long transfer times during your trip. 

You can either order a taxi or private transfer which will take you from the airport in Johannesburg to the park, with a travel time of around 2 and a half hours. If you book your trip through a safari company, they generally include your transportation, meaning you get to sit back and relax with everything already sorted for you. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Pilanesberg National Park?

It is important to plan your trip around the weather, as this can affect numerous parts of your visit. With changing seasons, come varying terrains and landscapes, which means that the wildlife in the park is visible at different times of the year. So, if you’re planning a trip to catch a glimpse of the fascinating wildlife at Pilanesberg, it’s helpful to know the best time to visit. 

Wildlife sightings are best between July and October, also known as the winter months. This is when the animals take longer to feed, increasing your chances of sightings and intriguing natural habitats. However, some tourists choose to visit in February, as this is when the mating season occurs and is a particularly interesting time to spot the animals as they go in search of their mates. 

From October to April the park becomes increasingly busy. This is considered the high season at Pilanesberg, which attracts more tourists during this time. It’s best to plan your trip here, this way you can avoid the crowds and ensure better sightings of the wonders that lie within this stunning national park. 

Pilanesberg National Park Opening Hours

Pilanesberg is open all year. However, the times do change depending on the season. Below shows the different opening hours throughout the year, this way you can plan your visit here accordingly: 

• September to October: 6 am - 6.30 pm 
• November to February: 5.30 am - 7 pm
• March to April: 6 am - 6.30 pm
• May to August: 6.30 am - 6 pm 

The differing opening times at Pilanesberg may affect your activities, tours and excursions, so it’s always best to keep an eye on this to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible! 

Pilanesberg National Park Entrance Fee

Much like Pilanesberg opening hours, the entrance fee also varies. Below shows the difference in costs and what to expect when visiting the park: 

• Adults: R 80 (£3.70) - per person
• Children: R 30 (£1.40) - per person
• Pensioners: R 40 (£1.90) - per person
• Car: R 40(£1.90) - per person
• International Visitors Levy: R 30 (£1.40) - per person

It’s important to note that the prices above only relate to entering Pilanesberg. These don’t include staying over in the park, safaris, tours or excursions. All other accommodations and activities must be planned separately. 

There are also different types of gates within Pilanesberg, these consist of public and private access. The public access gates are: 

• Manyane and Bosele Gate
• Bakubung Gate
• Bakgatla Gate
• Kwa Maritane Gate

Whereas the private access gates are: 

• Black Rhino Game Reserve Gate
• Shepherds Tree Gate 

Where you enter the park will depend on your type of visit. With many tourists choosing to stay overnight at Pilanesberg in luxury accommodation, this will change their access and costs when visiting here. It’s best to find out what is included in your holiday package or contact your safari organiser who will be able to offer more information on what’s incorporated. 

Tours and Excursions in Pilanesberg National Park

There are some excellent tours and excursions to choose from at Pilanesberg National Park. These provide an exciting adventure for the whole family, with lots to see and do. Below is a list of activities for a range of holiday itineraries when visiting Pilanesberg. 

• Hot air balloon safari at Pilanesberg National Park 
• Game drives at Pilanesberg National Park
• Walking safaris at Pilanesberg National Park 
• Bird Watching at Pilanesberg National Park 
• Sun City visits
• Animal conservation

With so much to do and see at Pilanesberg, there is more than enough to keep the whole family entertained. No matter how you choose to spend your time here, you’re sure to create memories to last a lifetime. 

Summary 

We hope that after reading this article you can now visit this beautiful park with all this information in mind. From exciting adventures to fascinating wildlife, the opportunities here are endless. Whether you’re hoping to learn more about South African culture or want to explore the beautiful nearby cities, you will find something for everyone when choosing to stay at Pilanesberg Game Reserve.