PilanesbergTravel Guide

Set in the heart of the wilderness is the family-friendly Black Rhino Game Lodge, a four-star safari lodge found in the private, fence-free Black Rhino Game Reserve. Sticking to Pilanesberg Game Reserve? Then you can’t go wrong with a stay at Bakubung Bush Lodge, with its kiddies’ playground, its own wildlife centre and a mixed bag of hotel rooms, villas and chalets. Ivory Tree Game Lodge is another guaranteed win, offering five-star facilities, game-viewing activities and accommodation options suitable for solo travellers, couples, families and business travellers alike.

Unsurprisingly, one of the fanciest accommodation options in the Pilanesberg can be found in Sun City, and it doesn’t get swankier than Cascades Hotel, a five-star retreat with a variety of rooms to choose from, including luxurious family rooms and stylish suites. Then there’s the slightly more affordable, three-star, Sun City Cabanas Hotel, located at the Waterworld Lake with many rooms overlooking the water and others with views of the tropical gardens. The Cascades are a five-minute walk from the casino.

Bush break on a budget? The Pilanesberg Guest House will help you save a few bucks without sacrificing the experience. There’s a swimming pool to enjoy in the summer heat (and it gets HOT in these parts), a shared lounge and the option to feast on a buffet breakfast each morning. Alternatively, consider a saving-savvy stay at Valley View Guest House. Facilities include a pool, a gym and a private dining room.

The African bush in the Pilanesberg National Park is blissfully tranquil, interrupted periodically by enthusiastic hippo grunts in the day or by the distant roar of lions in the evenings. When booking your safari lodge with your travel guide, be sure to choose one offering game drives and bush walks. The Pilanesberg is one of the best places for spotting wildlife as the size of the park is smaller than other game reserves, meaning your chances of spotting are higher! Some lodges also offer other enthralling ways to experience wildlife, such as river safaris or animal tracking.

Less than an hour’s drive from the Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City is considered one of the best entertainment meccas in South Africa, packed to the brim with exciting activities and opportunities to unwind. The Valley of Waves, part of the Water Park, is a tropical paradise complete with palm trees where you can enjoy the beach vibe on a sun lounger or catch a wave and body-surf to shore, then hit the beach bar for a cocktail. At night, indulge in fine cuisine, explore the casino or dance the night away at one of the clubs.

Even if you don’t spot a single animal (which is highly unlikely!), there’s still something truly special about the Pilanesberg’s natural beauty and there are two ways to appreciate it in all its glory: if you’re the active kind, go on a scenic hike or take in the landscape from a different perspective on a hot-air balloon ride. The latter is the ultimate, romantic bush experience and a memory that you and your partner will treasure for a long time to come.

Staying in a safari lodge? Lucky for you, you’ll likely have a great restaurant right on your doorstep. While many eateries in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve are world-class, the one at Bakubung Bush Lodge, called Marula Grill, definitely stands out from the crowd. In the centre of the resort with views of the waterhole, it offers an à la carte menu loaded with meaty meals and barbeque options off the grill. For something light and casual, there’s the restaurant at the Pilanesberg Centre next to Mankwe Dam, where you can grab a crisp toasted sandwich and a cold drink to sit back and enjoy the animals out front while you eat.

With well over 20 restaurants serving up a broad array of cuisines, Sun City draws in flocks of foodies from far and wide. If you need a pick-me-up after an intense night of partying, you’ll find a perfectly brewed cuppa at Stir Coffee Shop. If it’s something spicy you’re after, you’ll enjoy the classic Portuguese menu at Calisto’s, while the upmarket Crystal Court promises delicious international fare with a view.

You can’t visit the bush without bringing back a little keepsake for your loved ones (and yourself!). Luckily, you won’t need to search for long to find a quaint little curio shop crammed with locally made treasures, like woven jewellery and wood-carved animal ornaments. Sun City has one, as do many of the lodges in the area.

Yes, there are more opportunities to spend some money in Sun City in addition to the casino and the food court. There are loads of shops spread out across the resort, including several with a strong African focus. Keep your eyes peeled for Out of Africa Kids, African Origins, Maphuki Leather and J&M Biltong (local beef jerky).

Just a stone’s throw away from the Pilanesberg National Park is Moruleng Mall. The mall is located in a rural area bursting with culture and is where you’ll find a collection of local and international retailers for every need, whether you’re looking to splurge on new clothes or grab some groceries.