Pilanesberg
National Park
Game Lodge and Resort Safari Packages - Pilanesberg
Minimum stay two nights over weekends (Fr &
Sa or Sa & Su).
Pilanesberg
National Park
Game Lodge and Resort Safari Packages - Pilanesberg
Minimum stay two nights over weekends (Fr &
Sa or Sa & Su).
This is how most visitors experience any game lodge anywhere in SA. All lodges are only open for check in at 14h30 when you should arrive, but you will only arrive about 15h00 if there are 2 way transfers. They are all luxurious and private, with Tshukudu being more exclusive. You normally get greeted by your ranger/s and staff, and have a bit of tea while your luggage gets taken to your room. You have time to refresh and everyone meets again for tea just before the afternoon game drive lasting 3 hours. Depending on requests it might be a late afternoon/night drive, otherwise a night drive might be asked for, if so alternatively added to your bill. Just keep in mind that during winter you will freeze on any game drive, even in Kruger! Then supper, sometimes a bush braai, sleep, early morning coffee, drive at first light (3h), breakfast and checkout at 10h00.
Now as for the lodges, vehicles and the rangers:
Tshukudu like mentioned is more exclusive, with only 6 chalets, ideal for spoiling yourself having that 2nd or 1st honeymoon. There is only one access road and it is private. The lodge is built against a hill overlooking a plain. Small open top safari vehicles are used. 3 lodge rangers are based there and though apparently excellent, they seem to ignore everyone else in the park.. Doug, though incredibly shy, is the best of the 3.Ivory Tree game lodge is a bit of a mix between Tshukudu and Bakubung & Kwa. They are situated right in the north against a mountain opposite the Bakgatla resort. Though they only opened end Feb 2004 this place is cooking. They have stolen the best guides in the park from the other lodges. Their rangers are people persons and have a great attitude. If you choose I /T; I will request that the head ranger Andrew is your guide, this man knows his stuff - in fact, I think he knows more than anyone about Pilanesberg except maybe Bennett de Klerk. It might not be possible, clients normally get given 1 guide for their duration. Fear not, his rangers team of 8 are most competent! Vehicles are also small open top. It's very personal at an affordable price.
Kwa is my next choice. On the eastern side nestled sort of on the outside of the concentric mountain range, this lodge is great, even for kids. Kwa Maritane is more private and quieter than Bakubung. The downside of this lodge is that there is a stretch on your 3 hour drive where you normally don't find much except about 2 months of the year. However, that same stretch is one of the rare places where wild dog are often spotted. Large open top trucks are used. I think there is only 3 guides, I 'll check.
Then Bakubung. Situated very close to Sun City in the south this is most definately the most popular lodge. Accommodation is in hotel rooms and there are some timeshare units as well. The restaurant looks out over a watering hole and occasionally you get lucky while having a bite. 6 guides, 3 senior and 3 junior, using large open top trucks.
Tour Packages: prices valid till 31 Dec 2005:
Minimum stay two nights over weekends (Fr & Sa or Sa & Su).Tshukudu Bush Lodge - all meals, all drinks, 2x3 h game drives / nights stay
Ivory Tree Game Lodge - breakfast, dinner, 2x3 h game drives / nights stay
Bakubung bush lodge - breakfast, dinner.
Kwa Maritane bush lodge - breakfast, dinner.
Resort Tour Packages: prices valid till 31 Dec 2005:
Minimum stay two nights over weekends (Fr & Sa or Sa & Su).Bakgatla resort - breakfast.
Manyane resort - breakfast.
Why go to Pilanesberg with me? My Prices for day visits and 2 day safaris to Pilanesberg: Also Sun City.
Next Definite Dates 2008: Most dates not here are available.
The rest is alphabetical - if you look here before you ask you will save time - mine and yours.... and if you ask something that is not on here I will put it up!Accommodation in the Park only: Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.
Accommodation in and around Sun City. Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.
Airport at Pilanesberg
Animal studies in Pilanesberg
Backpacker accommodation near Sun City and Pilanesberg
Bakgatla Resort
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Balloon Safaris: In Pilanesberg National Park - R2 700pp - 1 hour, minimum 8 pax!
Binoculars needed
Bird list
Brochure request - you need a DNL reader
Buffalo in the Park
Camping - book direct at 014 555 1000, don't be surprised if you hold 15 minutes and then get cut off.
Cancellation Terms and Conditions
Condition of the Veld
Dangers in Pilanesberg
Disclosures: About vehicles used for Pilanesberg and other
Directions - see map
Elephant Back safaris in Pilanesberg.
Entrance fee - see gate times
Etiquette in Game Parks like Pilanesberg for self drives
Friends of Pilanesberg Society - Volunteers helping to maintain the Park.
Gate Times for Pilanesberg National Park
Geology of Pilanesberg National Park
Highlights seen in Pilanesberg the last 2 years:
Don't expect something like this or the animals to stand next to the road waiting. It's not a Zoo!History of Pilanesberg National Park
Idiot Gallery - Stunts pulled in Pilanesberg National Park by the mentally challenged. Other tour operators are welcome to contribute - I will give you recognition except if you don't want it!Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Kids on Safari. in Pilanesberg or other parks
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Manyane Resort
Map and directions to Pilanesberg
Other Parks near Pilanesberg
Other Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg
Packages to Lodges
Picture Gallery - taken by us over the last 2 years in Pilanesberg.
Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.
Reading - other re Pilanesberg.
Safety in Pilanesberg
Schedule - tour schedule for Pilanesberg
Seen one of the day trips to Pilanesberg - 19 Sept 2007:
Seen on a 2 day safari to Pilanesberg - 9&10 August 2004:
Testimonials from clients we have taken to Pilanesberg
Things to do in and around Pilanesberg
Transfers only to Pilanesberg and Sun City - one way: charged per vehicle:
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Veld Condition in the Park
Weather and Climate for Pilanesberg area
What can you hope to see in Pilanesberg?
When to go to Pilanesberg: best time etc
