Interactive Map of Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
The creation of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is considered one of the most ambitious programmes of its kind to be undertaken anywhere in the world. Thanks to Operation Genesis in 1979, which involved the game-fencing of the reserve and the re-introduction of many long-vanished species, the park now has in excess of 7,000 animals, including 24 of the larger species.
The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg Game Reserve- a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.
Wildlife
An abundance of wild life proliferate in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. The park is home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five". A wide variety of rare and common species exist like the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention but a few.
Birding
Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion or live prey, others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms.
There is a self-guided trail in the Walking Area at Manyane Complex in the east, which offers environmental education whilst enjoying game viewing and bird watching on foot. Also at Manyane is a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds.
Sun City Resort
The extravagant Sun City hotel/entertainment complex `in the middle of
nowhere’, is known the world over as a tourism hotspot. It was
built over 20 years ago in the homeland of Bophuthatswana when gambling
was not permitted in South Africa under the apartheid government. Sun
City remains an icon of family fun and entertainment. The Lost City
is the obvious highlight of the Sun City complex and the Palace of
the Lost City - with its extravagant lost-world theme and spectacular
African feel - is one of the most famous hotels in the world.
Top Return to Map
of North West Reserves Return to Map
of North West Province
For
tourist information and activities in the
North West Province, click More
North West
For further information about South Africa, click More
South Africa
|