Over 1300 million years ago, the Pilanesberg area in South Africa’s North West Province, was alive with volcanic eruptions and overflowing magma. The result is an alkaline volcanic crater, one of three on Earth, that is one of the largest circular volcanic complexes of its type in the world. The rare geological features, rock types and formations attract geologists and photographers from all over the world. And we haven’t even mentioned the wildlife yet!

Man has lived here beneath Thabayadiotso, ‘the Proud Mountain’, since the Stone Age and has left his mark in a number of sites. During the apartheid era, the area was part of the then independent ‘bantustan’, Bophuthatswana. As the Park’s terrain lies in the transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld with overlaps in mammals, birds, and vegetation, the Bophuthatswana President, Lucas Mangope, decided to convert the Pilanesberg into a game reserve in 1977 and re-introduce long-vanished wildlife and remove all non-native plant life from the region. Operation Genesis began. This mammoth achievement was the largest game resettlement in the world.

Today, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is home to over 10 000 animals and has the world’s largest number of hyenas. Because of its ecologically rich and malaria-free location, this vast area dramatically increases your chances of encountering, among others, the Big 5, wild dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, and crocodile. There are more than 360 species of bird. You can immerse yourself in the natural world on exciting game drives or in the well-built, concealed photographic hides which provide a comfortable place to wait for that perfect shot. The Mankwe Dam is ideal for spotting animals pausing for a drink.

As it’s only 3 hours’ drive from Johannesburg, and is also close to Pretoria and Rustenburg, Pilanesberg National Park, the 4th largest Park in South Africa, is the most accessible and popular game reserve in the country.

It’s great for day trips and is also near the Lost City. In the Park, an array of activities is on offer, including guided walks, game drives, and hot-air balloon rides, traditional tribal dance performances, music workshops, and luxury spa experiences.