Pilanesberg South Africa: Pilanesberg Game Reserve, National Park

Pilanesberg South Africa: Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park, Bojanala Region

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Pilanesberg National Park

Bojanala Region

Pilanesberg National Park is in the

Bojanala Region of the North West Province.

"The Volcano that gave birth to a game reserve"

The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park - a

fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years

ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its

rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.

The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises

from the surrounding plains like a bubble. The structure of the park is termed the

"Pilanesberg National Park Alkaline Ring Complex".

Ancient, even by geological time scales, this extinct volcano is the most perfect

example of an alkaline ring complex. A number of rare (but not necessarily

economically important) minerals occur in the park. Pilanesberg National Park rates

high amongst the world's outstanding geological phenomena.

Pilanesberg has survived ages of erosion and stands high above the surrounding

bushveld plains. The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and

Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the park.

The park 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 hyena, the red eyed bulbul, and camel thorn trees usually found in

arid areas are found cohabitation with moist-area-limited impala, black eyed bulbul

and Cape chestnut trees.

The colourful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight

and entertain photographers and visitors.

The very topography makes the area a feast for the eye. Here are syenite koppies,

thickly forested ravines, typical bushveld and also rolling grasslands and lightly

wooded areas.

Off the centre of the park is Thabayadiotso, "the Proud Mountain". The Park ranks

among the largest of the national parks in South Africa (it is in fact the fourth largest

park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectare.

The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake,

the Mankwe Dam.

Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky

outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets.

The creation of the Pilanesberg National Park is considered one of the most ambitious

programmes of its kind to be undertaken anywhere in the world. The Operation

Genesis, which involved the game-fencing of the reserve and the reintroduction of

long-vanished species, began during the late 70's.

Today, Pilanesberg National Park accommodates virtually every mammal of southern

Africa. Also home to the Big Five.

Wildlife
An abundance of wild life proliferate in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld

terrain. The park is home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino,

elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five".

A wide variety of rare and common species exist with endemic species like the

nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as

giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention but a few.

Bird-life
Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants,

others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion or live prey, others eat seeds,

fruit or tiny water organisms.

There is a self-guided trail in the Walking Area at Manyane Complex in the east, which

offers environmental education whilst enjoying game viewing and bird watching on

foot. Also at Manyane is a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of indigenous birds.

General
Visitors are offered many opportunities to experience the wonders of Pilanesberg.

There are nearly 200 kilometres of excellent quality roads for either self-drives or

guided drives, and professional guides operate within the park.

Numerous hides and scenic picnic sites enable the tourist to experience "out-of-car"

experiences as well.

Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from upmarket lodges to caravan and camping facilities.

Source: tourismnorthwest.co.za