Pilanesberg is the weekend safari. Two hours from Johannesburg, Big Five, no malaria, tarred roads throughout. It sits in the crater of an ancient volcano in the North West province and it punches well above its weight for a reserve this close to Gauteng. Leave Joburg on a Friday afternoon, be at Manyane camp in time for a sunset braai. Saturday morning, gate opens early, lion, elephant, rhino are all here. It's especially good for families because there's no malaria to worry about and no 6-hour drive to get there. The reserve borders Sun City if the kids need a pool day between game drives. Viewing is good year-round, but dry winter months (May-September) are when the bush is thin and sightings are best.
368 campers available on Kampi in Pilanesberg.
Three campsites to choose from. Manyane Resort on the eastern boundary is the go-to for campers, powered sites, a pool, and you drive straight into the park from camp. Bakgatla Resort on the northern side has camping with mountain views and a different feel. Bakubung Bush Lodge is upmarket and doesn't have camping, stick to Manyane or Bakgatla. All game drive roads are tarred. Park at Mankwe Dam for waterbirds, and bring a packed lunch for Fish Eagle Picnic Spot between drives. The Kgabo and Tlou loops are best in early morning, drive slowly and keep your windows down. All Big Five are here. The whole reserve was restocked through Operation Genesis in the 1970s and the populations are healthy. A standard caravan or camping trailer works perfectly, no 4x4 needed. Book Manyane sites through North West Parks Board.
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