The 55000-ha Pilanesberg Game Reserve, the fourth largest national park in South Africa, is situated on the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic crater, one of only three such extensive craters in the world. The park consists of numerous hills, wooded ravines and open plains. Pilanesberg is well stocked with game including the "Big Five" (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo), as well as cheetah, hippo, giraffe, a large variety of antelope and over 350 species of bird. The park is in a malaria-free area and has a great many facilities including a conference centre, shop, restaurant, swimming pools, a mini golf course and two large aviaries stocked with indigenous birds. The park offers organised game drives in the early morning, late afternoon and at night. Guided walks set out at 06h00 from the camp of your choice. There is a self-guided trail and a geological self-guided trail with 12 sites of interest including volcanic debris. Fluorite deposits were discovered in Pilanesberg in 1965 and the remains of mining activities can be seen at the abandoned mine - Moepo. The five camps in the reserve offer accommodation ranging from luxury chalets to safari tents while hikers can enjoy the ultimate wilderness experience of camping under the stars. The best time of the year to view game is from August to May. 

Seasons: It rains during summer months (Nov-Mar), with temperatures averaging around 28 degrees Celsius. Winter (May-Aug) is the best for game viewing - days are warm and dry, the vegetation is less dense, and water is scarce - animals therefore tend to congregate around waterholes. 

Wildlife: You should see: giraffe, hippo, kudu, eland, waterbuck, warthog, brown hyaena, lion, zebra, waterbuck, white and black rhino, elephant, buffalo and crocodile. You may see: sable, gemsbok, red hartebeest, tsessebe, cheetah and leopard.