Pilanesberg, the Phoenix

Pilanesberg is a well-loved game park, within an unusual setting. Just over a billion years ago, this was a site of superheated lava, overflowing magma and boiling rock.

Of course, you’d never know as you drove around in the park. The ancient volcanic crater, about 27 km across, collapsed and a billion years of erosion means it is now only visible from space.

Rocks and Rare Minerals

But the explosive turbulence spat up all sorts of interesting rocks and rare minerals, visible in some parts of the park as cut and polished rock surfaces. Geology buffs will be interested to find Red, White, Green and Ledig Foyaite, Nepheline Syenite, Kimberlite, Fluorite and Uranium Tuff.

Naturally, part of the Pilanesberg’s considerable charm is the dramatic landscape – rocky ravines, rolling hills and a massive lake in the middle, called Mankwe. There are grassland areas, hillsides, rocky places, wetlands and lakes – all these habitats mean the park supports a very wide variety of plants and animals.

Malaria-free Big Five Reserve

A Big Five reserve (with elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopard and rhinos), the Pilanesberg National Park is only 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg. Some of the other animals that roam the park include wild dogs (alternately known as Cape hunting dogs), brown hyena, and sable antelope.

Another attraction, especially for families with children, is that Pilanesberg is malaria-free.

Birding Highlights

Birders can look out for the Pied Babbler, Sabota Lark and Rufousnaped Lark on the grassy hillslopes, the ever-spectacular Lilac-breasted Roller, Pin-tailed Whydah and Blackshouldered Kite on the grasslands. And soaring above them all, you’ll see Black-breasted Snake Eagles, African Hawk-eagles and Verreaux’s Eagle.

The more thickly wooded areas yield species like the Arrowmarked Babbler, various hornbills, the Marico Flycatcher, Chinspot Batis, and those small, delightful firefinches (Jameson’s and Redbilled in particular). Listen for the harmonious, liquid sounds of the Blackheaded Oriole.

Operation Genesis

Like Madikwe, Pilanesberg used to be farmland. Between 1969 and 1979, when it was proclaimed, the land had to be repaired. Alien plants were removed, eroded land was rehabilitated, houses and windmills were knocked down and taken away. An old fluorite mine was also dismantled.

Then Operation Genesis began, bringing in nearly 6 000 animals of 19 different species. It was the largest game translocation in the world, until the later Operation Phoenix in sister park Madikwe, which translocated 10 000 animals.

Accommodation for All

Pilanesberg, in particular, distinguishes itself for the variety of accommodation it offers – something to suit all budgets. The most exclusive is Tshukudu, set on a high rocky hillside with unbeatable views. KwaMaritane and Bakubung are hotel lodges both set on the edges of the park, doing a brisk trade in conferences.

North West Parks & Tourism also offers a variety of accommodation, most of it easy on the pocket. Manyane has self-catering chalets, campsites and caravan park. Bakgatla has a similar set-up. You could also stay at an atmospheric bush camp like Metswedi (self-catering or catering provided).

Activities

Activities include game drives, either self-driven or guided, game walks and birding. Don’t forget that Sun City, with its entertainment centre and casino, is close by. Also ask about balloon safaris.

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