Surrounding Sun City is the Pilanesberg National Park, an attractive 50,000 hectare or 500km² malaria-free area which is centred around an extinct volcano crater.  

The Park's proximity to both Sun City and Johannesburg makes this an excellent day trip from both locations.

Today, the Park is home to over 7,000 animals including the Big 5, giraffe, hippo, zebra, jackal, hyena and many antelope, and there are also over 350 bird species. 

There are over 200 km of roads for self-drive game viewing, most of which are gravel but there are a few good tarred roads too.  Because the quality of the roads is so good, you don't need to go to the expense of hiring a 4WD, a normal 2WD saloon car is perfectly fine.

Ballooning over the Park

For those staying at Sun City, a unique and alternative way of viewing the park and its wildlife is by  hot-air balloon - an experience that should not be missed. 

Flights are early morning, and include an early morning collection from your hotel in Sun City. 

After a one hour serene balloon ride over the bush to watch the sunrise, the trip also includes a glass of champagne on landing (a time-honoured tradition in ballooning), and a full English breakfast at a private game lodge, before returning to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day.  

The Pilanesberg Centre

A former Magistrates Court built in 1936, the Pilanesberg Centre is right in the middle of the park, and has a restaurant and curio shop. 

Perhaps its best feature is the waterhole where, especially in the dry winter season, it is possible to sit and watch many animals come and drink while you are enjoying your lunch on the terrace.

It is a surreal experience, to be tucking into your burger and chips, while a giraffe drinks a mere 150m away from you. 

Make sure you get there early to secure a table right at the front!

Key Tips for Day Visitors to the Park

There are 3 main gates into the park, which are open daily throughout the year.   

Once in the park, the road infrastructure is a combination of good gravel and a few tarred roads.

The map that you can buy at the gates is extremely clear and useful, and an invaluable tool to discover the delights of the park. 

The speed limit throughout the park is 40 km/h.

When approaching game, drive very slowly and do not rev your engine, as any sudden noise may startle the animal.  If the animal is near the roadside, do not pull your car immediately next to it - keep a safe distance so as not to frighten it.  

If you are watching the animal for a long period of time, turn your engine off, but keep your car in gear so that you can make a quick getaway should you need to. 

It is advisable not to angle your car so that a tricky manoeuvre will be needed should you need to drive off in a hurry. 

As with any game park, you should not get out of your vehicle at any time, except at given destinations such as hides or picnic spots, which are all safety fenced for your security.  Pilanesberg has several excellent covered hides around waterholes and dams, and sitting and waiting for the visiting wildlife to come and drink or wallow is a wonderful experience, although it does require some patience!