Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Set among the hills of an ancient volcano lies the stunningly beautiful Pilanesberg Game Reserve adjacent to the world renowned Sun City complex. The latter includes hotels, a casino, two world class golf courses and an entertainment complex.  Not strictly located in Gauteng, Pilanesberg is within easy reach of Pretoria and Johannesburg for a day's outing but of course, a longer stay in the area will only enhance the experience.
It is estimated that the volcano erupted some 1 300 million years ago and geologically, the area is unique and attracts much interest internationally.  Just how huge the eruption must have been can be ascertained by the three distinct sets of concentric hills today.  Several Iron Age sites have been excavated in the area indicating that man was settled in the area at that time.
Work was begun in the 1970's to develop the Sun City complex and, to add to the attraction, the then government proclaimed the 55 000 ha Pilanesberg Game Reserve in 1979.  It is named after "Pilane", a Tswana chief in the area. Over the years, the former farming area has been rehabilitated and restocked with game that occurred in the area originally.  It includes the 'Big 5' plus many other rarely seen species eg wild dog, brown hyena, sable antelope etc. An unusual overlap of various species occur in Pilanesberg for example red eyed and black eyed bulbuls, impala and springbok, etc. By the way, birdwatching is particularly rewarding in the Reserve.  Because the animals have not been persecuted and are reasonably habituated to vehicles, really excellent sightings are the norm. 
The reserve infrastructure includes over 200 kms of good gravel roads, several hides, picnic sites and even a restaurant.  Apart from Sun City's multiple hotels, the Reserve owns and operates two camps consisting of chalets and caravan and camping sites. Furthermore, several private lodges located on the perimeter of the Reserve also offer excellent accommodation.
Game drives are offered from these establishments and hot air balloon rides are also available.  Being in the malaria free Bushveld only adds to the desirability of the destination 
Be aware though, because of the proximity to Gauteng, the high quality of game viewing and the hotel availability, Pilanesberg is a tourist hotspot and does get crowded so try and avoid school holidays, public holidays and weekends.



http://www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za/
http://www.parksnorthwest.co.za/pilanesberg/
http://pilanesberggamereserve.co.za/?source=google&medium=cpc&campaign=%22Pilansberggamereserve.co.za%20Search%22&adgroup=%22Pilansberg%20Game%20Reserve%22&gclid=CLm9r7PAp7oCFXHJtAodtw8AKQ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilanesberg_Game_Reserve