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Write a User ReviewFantastic way to see the wildlife in its natural habitat
Whilst staying in Johannesburg we decided to visit the game reserve. We wanted to see animals in their natural habitat rather than visit some of the parks around Johannesburg. Arriving at the park in the early morning we had missed the 5:30am game drive so we decided to drive our hire car around the many miles/kilometres of tracks and roads. With just a map as reference we managed to see Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, Wild Dog, Warthogs, Impala, Springbok, Kudu, Elephant, Hippo, Leopard, Monkey and other smaller animals all the way down to the dung beetle we watched for 10 minutes trying to push its dung across the road. There is so much to see although we couldn't find any Lions, probably as they sleep during the day. We drove for 6 - 7 hours and thoroughly enjoyed the day, stopping at the various hides and places to buy food and drinks. If you are looking for a safari experience Pilanesburg Game Reserve is a great day out and much better than seeing these animals in a fake environment.
shawnleishman
GB
Visited:
July 2015
Reviewed: Dec 13, 2015
Email shawnleishman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Experience!
We began our trip with a couple of days in the nearby SunCity then moved to the beautiful Ivory Tree Game Lodge within the game reserve. We were first greeted upon arrival by some friendly faces who would eventually be the rangers who took us around the reserve and cared for us.
My family was attended to by a ranger called PJ whom we could tell from day one, was an exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate man towards what he does (We highly recommend PJ if you do stay at the Ivory Tree). We were then lead to our lunch buffet which had a large array of food cooked
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to an exceptional quality as if it were a Michelin restaurant (buffet style) and each meal after that did not disappoint. All I can say about the food is I probably gained about 10KG's from all the food I ate in three days. There will definitely be something for everyone.You could opt for when you wanted to go on the safari but my family and I decided to see as much as we could therefore we went on the morning (from 5am to 8am) and the evening from (4pm to 7pm) tours. PJ was sharp as a hawk and during the 3 days we manage to see so many different animals! We manage to spot 4 out of 5 of the Big Five which was absolutely amazing! We witnessed a pride of lions hunting for their food and eventually watched them feed on their catch all within a stones throw away (Don't worry as it is absolutely safe within the confines of the truck you sit in). We also manage to catch a parade of elephants a few times during the three days. The list of animals go on, one experience that cannot be described that much but more to be experienced if possible.
The scenery within the reserve is mind blowing, not one that I have ever seen before nor experienced and I live in Scotland which is known for its panoramic scenes. It is just something else as I literally did not sleep for 3 days straight because if I was not out in the safari, I would be sitting outside my lodge with my camera shooting the night skies. The stars are absolutely amazing on this side of the world therefore I urge you to put your electronic devices down and look up in the sky at night when visiting there. During the safari, we also made stops at look out points for birding and these places have been strategically selected for its breath taking scenes.
We visited the place during the winter month and it got pretty cold especially in the mornings (weather reports say it's 0 degrees but be prepared to feel like its -15 degrees) so warm clothes must be packed before you visit. Bring a hat, a glove, scarves and extremely thick jackets or windbreakers. Your guide should also provide you with thick blankets during the safari just in case and will bring warm beverages and snacks for you too.
After the safari trip, my family and I also decided to go on a hot air balloon ride around the game reserve as we were encouraged to experience it because it will give a whole different perspective of the reserve. I would say it was truly quite an experience to be in a hot air balloon and although I must admit, you will not see as much animals as you would on the ground, being lifted up into the skies to experience the sun rising over the game reserve is a truly unforgettable experience on its own.
All in all, I could probably write a book on my mere three days of being there which was definitely not enough for me but Pilanesberg Game Reserve is one that I will be recommending to my friends and anyone who asks me about a safari experience on a first time trip to South Africa. I can definitely guarantee my return there some day to complete my check list of seeing all the Big Five and also to return with a better photography kit to re-capture everything as I lost all my photos in a house fire immediately after the trip. But this just gives me greater motivation to go back there as a photographer and I remain optimistic that my second time will be 10 times better than my first.
I highly highly recommend visiting Pilanesberg National Park if you can. It will truly be an unforgettable experience be it you go alone, with loved ones, or family members.
audreywatters
US
Visited:
October 2015
Reviewed: Dec 3, 2015
Email audreywatters | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Game Drive (Twice)
I stayed at the Sun City resort during this, my first trip to South Africa. I got up very early one morning for a game drive. (The jeep left from the hotel.) We spent the morning driving around, and I couldn't believe all the animals I saw -- some up close. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. I enjoyed myself so much I went on another game drive the next day, that time selecting the late afternoon one. I saw fewer animals because of the heat. But it was still a wonderful experience and absolutely worth the money.
Liz
US
Visited:
August 2015
Reviewed: Sep 29, 2015
Email Liz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing--surpassed expectations!
What can I say but wow! Jacque, our guide was determined to show us as many animals and he succeeded. He was so helpful and knowledgeable that he really made our safari all the better. The accomodations were so comfortable, the food delicious and the service impeccable!
DH
ES
Visited:
August 2015
Reviewed: Aug 18, 2015
Email DH | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
Terrific time. The variety of animals seen was beyond our expectations. Reviews that suggest this reserve is limited were off. This was a great experience.
crafty1tutu (Ann Cameron)
AU
Visited:
August 2014
Reviewed: Jul 1, 2015
Email crafty1tutu (Ann Cameron) | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It is a much smaller park than Kruger, so the animals are more confined and easier to spot, especially if your time there is limited.
wolfie2k
NO
Visited:
October 2014
Reviewed: Jun 9, 2015
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari near Johannesburg
Me and a friend stayed at Kwa Moritaine for a weekend and enjoyed two safari rides, one morning ride (with the sunset) and one during daytime. If you only have time for one safari join the morning one. The mornings is the best time to spot the animals. Except for leopard we saw all the "big five" in addition to lots of other antelopes, zebras. Our guide was very talented and knowledgeable. He could answer any question we threw at him.
The highlights of the safari was seeing lions in the wild (2 adult, 4 cubs) and a one day old elephant calf. This experience was priceless!
As for the accomodation Kwa Moritaine was a beautiful resort with excellent food and great service. Can absolutely recommend.
Noam
US
Visited:
November 2014
Reviewed: Jun 8, 2015
Email Noam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A beautiful, natural, open park with many opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife and nature
My trip to Pilanesberg was wonderful! I was staying in Johannesburg for a few days and decided to drive to the park for a full day and a half of wildlife enjoyment. The weather was great! I stayed with a family after booking a property on airbnb. It was fun and a much better way to check out the area than staying in one of the hotels. I did not book a guide because I am a much bigger fan of self guided tours, which Pilanesberg is very easy to do on one's own. My car was a simple rental which served the purpose perfectly. I brought my own food with me and I would recommend doing the same.
I took many pictures while I was there, some of which required a few hours wait for the exact moment that I wanted to capture. This would have been impossible in a group. I saw all of the large animals that the park is known for including Lions, Hippos, Giraffes, Elephants and many many more. This was a gorgeous park and I would recommend going there.
Kitty & Tony Jackson
AU
Visited:
August 2014
Reviewed: Apr 17, 2015
Email Kitty & Tony Jackson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Goodstuff
Visited:
August 2007
Reviewed: Apr 26, 2012