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Pilanesberg National Park
The Pilanesberg National Park, which covers some 55 000 hectare, is the fourth largest in
southern Africa. This malaria-free park is perched on the eroded vestiges of an alkaline
volcanic crater - one of only three such craters in the world.
The history of Pilanesberg National Park is also unique amongst
national parks in Africa. Pilanesberg National Park's special features of rugged
landscape, well-watered valleys and attractive dwelling sites have made it a preferred
site for human settlement for thousands of years. Prior to its proclamation as a reserve
in 1979, the Pilanesberg National Park Complex was degraded and depleted of indigenous
game populations due to fairly intense settlement by commercial farmers. At considerable
expense, the land has been restocked with game, the scars of human settlement were removed
and tourism infrastructure was developed during the first 15 years (1979 and 1993). This
constituted the largest and most expensive game stocking and land rehabilitation project
ever undertaken in any African game reserve at the time. |
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A 110 kilometre peripheral Big Game fence was
erected over some very rugged terrain, 188 kilometre of visitor roads have been developed
and more than 6 000 head of game were introduced during the Operation Genesis game
translocation programme. Thus, while wildlife resources are rapidly declining in most
developing countries in Africa, Pilanesberg National Park is one of the few areas where
this trend has been dramatically reversed. For this far-sighted action the North
West Province (Previously Bop Parks) and its people have received worldwide acclaim
and recognition. The challenge that lies ahead is to further develop and manage
Pilanesberg National Park in such a way that the conservation, cultural, recreational and
economic benefits of this far-sighted action can be optimally utilised to the benefit of
current and future generations.
Pilanesberg exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld
vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park,
unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone.
Springbok, brown hyaena, the redeyed bulbul, and camel thorn trees usually found in arid
areas are found co-habitating with moist-area-limited impala, blackeyed bulbul and Cape
chestnut trees. The colourful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight and
entertain photographers and all but the most unobservant visitor. Pre-sunrise and
post-sunset drives are possible owing to gate opening/closure times.
Geologically, the area is world famous. Its structure, termed the "Pilanesberg
National Park Alkaline Ring Complex" was formed by volcanic eruptions some 1 200
million years ago. Apart from its unique size, shape and rock types, the volcanic origin
and resultant weathering of the extinct crater has resulted in a wide variety of
landscapes. This provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Southern Africa. It also
provides a wide range of habitats for game animals. Because of this, Pilanesberg National
Park has the potential to carry a wider variety of game species than any other similar
sized game reserve in South Africa. Its potential for supporting rare and endangered species
such as black rhino, roan, sable, tsessebe, foot-and-mouth free buffalo and wild dogs is
particularly high. As well as the 'Big Five' you will find the nocturnal brown hyena,
cheetah, hippo, crocodile and even sable. |
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Related Links:
Pilanesberg
National Park Map
Pilanesberg
Elephant Back Safaris
Pilanesberg National Park on Wikipedia |
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North West Province Accommodation by
Town Name
• Boshoek • Brits • Hartbeespoort
Dam • Klerksdorp
• Lichtenburg
• Madikwe • Boshoek
• Mafikeng • Magaliesberg
• Marikana • Phokeng
• Pilanesberg
• Potchefstroom
• Rustenburg
• Sun City • Swartruggens
• Taung • Wolmaransstad |
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