Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg is located in the North West Province, a 2 - 3 hour drive from Johannesburg, adjacent to Sun City, and therefore ideal for families wishing to combine Big Five Safari with Big Fun!

Originally formed by volcanic eruptions, the Park is scenically very beautiful and provides a wide variety of rich habitats. It is possible to self-drive around the park because of its manageable size and yet the concentration of game provides a realistic chance of seeing the Big 5 as well as brown hyaena, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and hippo.

Guests staying at one of the lodges can choose to view game from an open vehicle, hot air balloon or elephant-back, whilst day trips from Sun City can also be arranged.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve is a unique partnership between Government, Community and Private Enterprise. Although it is Government owned and run by the Parks Board, visitors are not allowed to self-drive, but must stay in one of the wide selection of private lodges.

Located a 3- 4 hour drive from Johannesburg, this vast conservancy of 76,500 hectares provides a wonderful opportunity to share a real safari adventure with your family, with a selection of excellent lodges welcoming children. We recommend combining a trip to Madikwe with a stay at an exclusive 'Bush Home' in the Waterberg region as detailed below.

This beautiful reserve on the border with Botswana was established in 1991, after a feasibility study determined that the best use of the land to create an income for the local community was wildlife-based tourism. Operation PHEONIX saw the largest re-introduction of game ever undertaken by man in Africa, including entire breeding herds of elephant from war-torn Zimbabwe and other species such as buffalo, black and white rhino, lion, cheetah, leopard and hyaena. There are also several wild dog packs which are fast making Madikwe famous.

There are a number of lodges of varying standards that welcome families and by staying at one of these, you will automatically by supporting the local community. All staff employed come from the area and a percentage of your room rate and gate fee are distributed locally.

The Waterberg

If yourself or your children have ever dreamed of growing up in the African Bush, then a stay at an exclusive bush home will be magical.

Luxury bush homes, situated on their own private game reserve, are generally booked on an 'exclusive' basis, ensuring personal service and total flexibility.

The reserves are home to a wide and diverse variety of wildlife, such as wilderbeest, white rhino and giraffe, but not predators or elephants. Therefore, in addition to taking drives, you can also explore on horseback or by foot.

In between game viewing, children can join in with the daily activities, from changing a tyre to rounding up rhino, whilst adults relax with a good book or glass of wine!

A stay at a Bush Home can also be combined with a safari at a local Big 5 Reserve such as Welgevonden or you can continue north to Madikwe Game Reserve.

Accommodation

Accommodation varies from basic but comfortable in the National Parks (please book this direct on www.parksnorthwest.co.za) to exceptionally luxurious at most of the Private Lodges, although Bakubung and Kwa Maritane in Pilanesberg, provide an excellent 4 star option in between the two.

We would recommend carefully considering your children's ages and their needs when choosing the most appropriate option for your family.

For details about the lodges in this region, please see our North West Safari accommodation selection page.

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