Mention Pilansberg, and two things spring to mind. The one is the famed South African Bushveld with its rare beauty and game, and the other one is Sun City. Sun City will trigger gambling in your mind and for the sports lovers, the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge taking place in November. Let us explore the Pilansberg region.

A SHORT-COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO TRAVEL TO PILANSBERG (SOUTH AFRICA)

Where is Pilansberg?

The Pilansberg mountain is in the Northwest Provence of South Africa some 170 km from the OR Tambo International Airport.

5 Interesting Facts of Pilansberg

The Pilansberg mountain range is in one of the world’s only three alkaline ring complexes in what was called a ‘homeland’ by the old Apartheid Regime in South Africa.

Pilansberg is home to Sun City, South Africa’s largest gambling and entertainment complex.

Pilansberg is home to the unique Ficus wasp that pollinates the up to 300-year-old Ficus fig-trees, found in the area.

One of Africa’s most successful hunters, the African wild dog is roaming the area. The wild dog’s success rate is estimated at some 80%.

Lions, roaming the Pilansberg conservation area, have in general a lifespan of some 12 years. The oldest lion found in Pilansberg was named Ketimetsi and had a recorded age of no less than 17 years! 

Visa for South Africa

Below is a list of requirements when applying for a Visa to enter South Africa:

You will need to complete an ‘Application for a Visa’ form (BI-84).
Passport or travel documentation should be valid for a minimum of 30 days and have at least two blank pages.

Two color passport type photographs.

Documentation (Bookings and Reservations) confirming the purpose of your visit.

Minors and or children should in addition to above have documentation proving custody and consent.

A return or onward ticket.

Financial proof that you can support yourself with living expenses while staying in South Africa.

http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa

Visa for South Africa – Exempt Countries

Visitors who hold ordinary passports and originate from any of the below-listed countries can enter South Africa to visit Pilansberg without a visa.

https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

Visa for South Africa – Visa on Arrival

Validity: 30 Days

Cost: ZAR1350.00

https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/visa-fees-at-glance.html

List – Courtesy of the Department of Home Affairs – South Africa (March 31^st, 2020)

http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa

The main entry points into South Africa are:

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRPORTS

Airport

Bloemfontein International

Cape Town International

Durban International

Gateway International

OR Tambo International Airport

Lanseria International

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

Pilanesberg

Port Elizabeth

Upington

List – Courtesy South African Department of Home Affairs

http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/south-african-ports-of-entry

Visa for South Africa – African Passport Holders

Most African countries, including the government of South Africa is said to soon introduce Visa on Arrival for all African passport holders. African passports will be issued to citizens of most of the African countries on the African continent to out phase the need for Africans to obtain a visa for the 55-states in Africa. This initiative is similar to that of the European Union and was first launched on 17 July 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Breathtaking Beauty of Pilansberg

The Pilansberg, laying in an alkaline ring complex, was formed by the eruption of a volcano some 1200 million years ago. The Kwa Maritane Hills (place of the rock) at the ‘ringside’ is also home to a lodge with the same name. The breathtaking beauty of northwestern bushveld, with its traces of stone age Tswana habitation (near Rustenburg), is at its best in summer, but due to dense vegetation, it is not the ideal time for game viewing. It is home to the big five and boasts some unique species like the African wild dog, amongst others. Besides amazing game viewing trips and safaris offered by most tour operators, a visit to the Sun City complex and a hot air balloon ride should be close to the top of your to-do list.

A Short History of Pilansberg

Pilansberg was named after a Tswana chief called Pilane. It was located within the borders of what Apartheid South Africa called a homeland. Bophuthatswana (Place of the Tswana People) as it was then called, became an ‘independent state’ in 1977 as part of the regime’s policies. It was reintegrated into South Africa on April 27th, 1994 with the formation of a new free South Africa. It is also home to Sun City, South Africa’s largest gambling and entertainment complex. Ironically gambling was a taboo in South Africa under the apartheid regime, but not so in the ‘independent’ state of Bophuthatswana

The Best Time to Travel Pilansberg

The best time to travel Pilansberg is during the latter part of winter and early spring which is from the middle of July to October. It’s also the best period for game viewing. Regular rain and dense vegetation make game viewing difficult in the summer months. Winters can be cold and be touching zero with summer temperature rising above 30 Degrees. April, May and September are regarded as the best safari months.

How to Travel to Pilansberg

There are two ways to get to Pilansberg.By road – Travel with the N4 West and then follow the R556 northwards towards Rustenburg and Sun City. The R510 turnoff will take you to the Pilansberg National Park. The drive will take 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic which could be heavy at times.By air – There are regular flights to the Pilansberg Airport with SA Express. The flights are scheduled for Mondays. Wednesdays and Fridays and take-off for the short 40-minute flight is 10H30 SA Time.

Is Pilansberg Safe to Travel?

Pilansberg is a Malaria free area and no vaccinations are required. It is a safe area to visit and is relatively crime free. The danger zones are Johannesburg and areas surrounding the OR Tambo airport. Beware of so-called citycentric crimes like mugging, pick pockets and hijackings.

How to Stay Safe While you travel In Pilansberg?

Useful travel tips and precautions:

Make sure that you have duplicate documents available and stash it separately.

Avoid travelling at night.

Only use transport approved by your tour operator.

Be vigilant around the airport and surrounding areas.

Take care to add the local Police and emergency numbers on your cellphone.

Don’t travel without travel insurance.

Always keep your valuables in a safe deposit box at your destinations.

Keep your luggage locked in your hotel or resort.

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Pilansberg (South Africa)

10 – Picnic on the Hills

There are five picnic spots in the Pilansberg National park. The spots, high up the hills offers great views of the lake and the planes below. The Fish Eagle Picnic Spot is one of the best spots and overlooks the Mankwe dam. The picnic areas are safely fenced of and has toilet facilities. It also the best place to experience what South Africans called a ‘braai’ (barbeque).

9 – Pilansberg Hiking Trail

The trail provides a great opportunity for game viewing on foot. Hikes are normally 4 hours in duration. It is probably the best way to experience the overlapping Kalahari and lowveld vegetation that is alive with bird and insect life. Photographers will enjoy ample opportunities for great wildlife shots. You will have to reasonable fit and over 16 years of age for longer trips.

8 – Experience night live at Sun City.

The casino is well-known for its gambling activities, but for nighthawks the complex offers a variety that will satisfy most. Dancers will enjoy the Encore, but those who just want to hang out with friends and may some pool in between, Vibes is the place for you. The review bar offers adult entertainment for those that are so inclined.

7 – Bird watching at Manyane

The Manyane Resort in Pilansberg is ideal for the pioneering type of tourist, those who won’t mind staying in thatched chalets or canvas tents. Daily activities include self-guided or ranger guided bird and game watching hikes. There is no shortage of fun activities like mini golf and is an ideal spot if the kids came along.

6 – Rovos Rail Golf Safari to Sun City

A trip by Rovos Rail offers a rather unique opportunity to get to your Pilansberg destination of the ‘beaten track’, so to speak. If luxury and good food is your style, this train trip is ideal for game viewing from a different angle. The trip is concluding with a visit to the Sun City and it is part of Rovos’s Golf tour safari packages.

5 – A meal at the Zebra Crossing

Apart from amazing food on the menu, the restaurant offers spectacular game viewing that can include, giraffes, warthogs, elephants and yes, zebras. It is the ideal stopover for lunch if you don’t mind to watch out for weird looking birds trying to steal food from your plate.

4 – The Gary Player Country Club

A visit to Pilansberg should include a round of golf at the world-famous Gary Player country club. It is an 18-hole par-72 course with a 5 km running trail. With its USA PGA specifications it rivals the best of the world and is also home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge. (It was formerly known as the Million Dollar Challenge). If you want to see the legends of golf in action, the best time to visit is November every year.

3 – Mankwe Dam and a hot air balloon flight

Apart from the natural beauty of the dam, Mankwe is more known for its hot air balloon trips. A trip will set you back in the region of ZAR4250.00 (March 2020), but will be well worth your while. Nothing beats the spectacular views from the air. Your trip will be concluded with some sparkling wine or orange juice on landing and an enjoyable game viewing drive back.

2 –Maze of the Lost City

The Maze of the Lost City is an artificially created illusion of an ancient archeological discovery. Constructed from artificial stone and wood it is accessible via a 100-meter-long suspension bridge. It offers some spectacular views of the resort and the surrounding areas. At night flaming torches light the path to the maze bar which always has cold craft beer on tap. Entrance fees is set at ZAR140.00 for an adult. (March 2020)

1 – Game drive in Pilansberg National Park

Top of the list is undoubtedly a game drive in the Pilansberg National Park. The park was established in 1979 in what was called ‘Operation Genesis’ at the time. Some 6000 animals were relocated to the park! That included four of the big five. Lions was successfully introduced in to the park in the 90’s. The result is a spectacular game viewing experience in an open safari vehicle. There are a large variety of lodges each with its own game viewing schedules to choose from.

Other Noteworthy Tourist Attractions in Pilansberg

Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve

The dam is only 30 kilometers from Sun City and is an ideal spot for canoeing and fisherman. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise which include species like the spotted eagle-owl, the barn owl and the African crake amongst others. Hiking, cycling and boat rides are also on offer.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium

The stadium is the only community owned stadium in South Africa. Located in the town of Rustenburg, on your way to Pilansberg, it is well worth a stopover. The stadium was built in 1999 in preparation of the FIFA WORLD CUP that was hosted by South Africa. It is home to the Platinum Stars Football Club.

Motseng Cultural Village

The village is within walking distance of the Sun City Resort in Pilansberg. It is the place to experience African (Tswana) culture, tradition and customs. Tourist will be treated to traditional song and dance and a true traditional African meal.

Historic Rustenburg

Rustenburg with its historic buildings is worth a visit, but the best is to travel with a tour guide. Try to avoid taxi ranks and congested areas while visiting. The city features a list of historic buildings and landmarks. Amongst those are the Lutheran Church and school, other historic churches, the Kruger statue, the Syringa Tree Stump Monument and the Gandhi Memorial.

Pilansberg Quad biking Adventure

For the biking enthusiasts a quad biking adventure should be on your agenda. The adventure trail takes place in the Letsatsing Game Park. The tours depart from the Sun City Welcome Center.  An experienced tour guide will accompany you on this game viewing trip which has a duration of between 1 to 2-hours.

Join Falcon Safari’s Top Tour to Pilansberg (South Africa)

Falcon Safari is one of the leading and most trusted tour operators in Africa. Book your trip to Pilansberg (South Africa) today.

Touring the Pilansberg and Sun City will be a memorable experience with the South Africa of yesterday, today and tomorrow interwoven.

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