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Pilanesberg National Park
Other Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg

Now for vs the Rest!!:
This is not a let's knock the competition, this is a "Here's your alternatives". My prices are on the site and that is what I will quote you if you want to come with me. I don't negotiate on rates, only on schedule. You won't hurt my feelings if you prefer to go with someone else - it's your money and your choice! I'll go to the Park whether you come with or not, as I just love it. As it is I actually prefer just going by myself!! But I do think if you are going to dig your hand into your pocket rather than go yourself, you should make sure you get a decent guide.

The closest company that does what I do operates from Sun City.
They will give you a private vehicle (small open) and guide for R3900 for 2,5 hours ; equivalent to R1560/hour. In this case the guide is yours for that time. (2009)
Or they do a 3-5 hour for min 4 pax for R1200pp( 2009 pp)- but you do get a hat and T Shirt! In this case you might share with others you don't know to make up the numbers. You can book all this through me..... Same price, but I know which guides to request, and you don't just get pot luck.... Some are just better than others! :) wom@mweb.co.za.

Alternative - With a more affordable operator: From Pretoria and Johannesburg:
There are about 200 operators offering day and 2 day tours to Pilanesberg, you'll find most of them on Google, MSN or Yahoo. Prices vary from around R1050pp from Pretoria and Johannesburg, and up. Time spend in the Park is between 4 hours and 8 hours. If you want to go this way make sure you actually get a guide as numerous companies only use drivers, calling them guides. I believe most will be able to tell the diffs between a tree and a bush. You'll normally get what you pay for. If you just want to see the basics, these are the guys you should go with. Don't even think of asking me to recommend one of them...... And keep in mind, it's not what you see, it's what you don't see! And you wouldn't know would you?!

 

If you go this route make sure that:
1. The operator can actually spell Pilanesberg correctly - not Pilansberg, Pilanesburg, Pilansburg, Pilanesburgh, Pliansberg, Pilannesberg, Pilannesburg, Pillanesberg, Pillansberg, Pllanesberg etc.
2. He knows how far it is from i.e. Pretoria; like 147km's not 180km's.
3. He doesn't state Pilanesberg is the "fourth largest game reserve or National Park in Southern Africa" 
4. He doesn't state Pilanesberg has 360 species of birds or similar.....
5. He doesn't "visit a sceniec vulcanic crater, stoping at waterholes for abunded bird life, paridise for birding enthuciasisst, or stoping at Bakabung"....(I laughed my ass off here :))
6. Another pre requisite should be stating time of departure and return, as well as time spend in the Park. Early for some people is 10h00! There are companies that leave earlier ( like 6h30) from Jo'burg, but it doesn't help much if they come back after lunch does it? Though they do state their departure time, most their clients are totally unaware of their early return...so ask! This is Vital.
7. And willingness to disclose a price.
8. Make sure you are going with a guide, someone who at least have done Fgasa 2, as opposed to the Theta qualification. You need a Field Guide, not a driver. I can also send  you with a driver for probably the same lower rate... but no thanks, I 'll pass.
9. Go with someone that goes at least 1/week ave.
10. He doesn't state that PB is 1,5 hours from Jo'burg - Michael Schumaker is a guide?

 

You might think I 'm warning you not to use anyone else - this is not the case. You will have a decent time with many of them, even sometimes with drivers as Pilanesberg is an excellent Park. Like I said; you normally get what you pay for. Most important, you might not realise that you are actually putting your life in your guides' hands. Your guide needs to know when a bull elephant shows signs of musth, and keep his distance. An angry elephant can charge 10 m in 0,9 seconds flat from a standing start..... Sorry, but drivers just don't do it for me.

And I am warning you against 1 specific operator - points 1 - 6 and 8 applies in his case. There is nothing that ticks me off as much as someone who tries to copycat me, undercuts me, then phoning me at 3h30 in the morning to take the trip at his price, and still wanting a commission.... And when I laugh at his stupidity, he doesn't honor his quote, but drops his 2 clients cold. And as the were flying out the next morning they missed the Park.

Alternative - With a rental car:

You can of course go yourself with a rental car. It's your cheapest option but you might wonder why Pilanesberg is rated so highly by South Africans. It must be the landscape or maybe the plants - 'cause you couldn't see the buffalo on the left over the grass! 4 Cars actually passed without seeing them or even asking us what we were looking at. There are other disadvantages as well. If you go this way make sure you read the park rules on the back of your receipt. And don't get out the vehicle!

 

Alternative - Do you have a tick list?: From Pilanesberg & Sun City:
In this case you should go with the Sun City or Various Camps' guides. They are in radio contact and they will try their best to show you as much as possible in their 2,5 hours, stopping on ave about 2 - 6 minutes/sighting. See below. Book through us, or book once you are at the Park.

Maintenance tips for other operators

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Other Operators - Rates are valid from 1st January 2010 until 31st December 2010 - but subject to change without notice. - We will book it for you !

DAILY DRIVES
Scheduled daily game drives depart in the early morning and afternoon into the Pilanesberg National Park. (Please contact us for departure times)
Duration: 2hrs 30mins
Rate: Rate: R395p.p - adults / R230p.p - U16 / R145p.p - U10------------------------

NIGHT DRIVES
Scheduled night drives are offered every evening; alternatively guests can take a private night drive. The objective of a night drive is to view the park’s nocturnal wildlife.
Duration: 2hrs 30mins
Rate: R410p.p - adults / R255p.p - U16 / R155p.p - U10------------------------

GROUP GAME DRIVES
Group game drives are available daily in our 25 seater open game drive vehicles to explore the Pilanesberg National Park. The group can decide on a departure time to suit their needs.
Duration: 2hrs 30mins
Minimum 20 pax - Maximum 450 pax
Rate: Rate: R325p.p------------------------

EXCLUSIVE SAFARIS
These safaris depart daily, either in the early morning or afternoon. This includes beverages,snacks and a hat & shirt souvenir. The emphasis of this tour is to locate as many of the natural inhabitants of the park as possible.
Duration: 3-5hrs
Minimum 4 pax - Maximum 7 pax
Rate: R1425p.p - Game Drive - Game Drive or RR1550p.p - Game Drive & Bush Braai or Breakfast (min 6 pax)------------------------

HIKING TRAIL
Our hiking trails focus on locating and observing the inhabitants of the Pilanesberg National Park from a different angle - on foot. Guests are accompanied by a qualified guide who will share his/her extensive knowledge and experience on both fauna and flora. Excursions depart in the early morning.
Duration: 4hrs
Minimum 6 pax - Maximum 8 pax
Rate: R450p.p------------------------



PREDATOR PARK TOURS
This tour is offered daily where guests can enjoy the excitement of viewing carnivores, reptiles and ratites from up close, a unique experience not to be missed.
Duration: 1hr
Minimum 4 pax - Maximum 100 pax
Rate: R240p.p - adults / R160p.p - under 12------------------------

GAME DRIVE & BUSH BRAAI OR BREAKFAST
Join us for a safari adventure including a bush breakfast or dinner at a venue within the Pilanesberg National Park. The return journey after the dinner experience is aided with spot lights allowing guests the opportunity to view some nocturnal wildlife.
Duration: 4hrs
Minimum 6 pax - Maximum 14 pax
Rate: R990p.p - Breakfast or R1035p.p - Bush Braai
Minimum 15 pax - Maximum 50 pax
Rate: R650p.p - Breakfast or R770p.p - Bush Braai------------------------

GAME DRIVE & BUSH LODGE BREAKFAST OR DINNER
Morning or afternoon game drives are available which include an English breakfast or Buffet dinner at a lodge within the Park.
Duration: 4hrs
Minimum 6 pax - Maximum 10 pax
Rate: R950p.p - Breakfast or R995p.p - Dinner------------------------

PRIVATE GAME DRIVES
Groups or individuals can request a private vehicle, which can depart whenever the party requires. Snacks, picnic baskets and beverages can be requested at an additional cost and will be arranged by your hotel.
Duration: 2hrs 30mins
Rate: R4300 (1-10 pax per vehicle) R7050 (11 - 25 pax per vehicle)------------------------
Subject to availability - Wednesdays & Saturdays only

BALLOON SAFARIS
Our Hot Air Balloon Safaris are offered every morning, depending on the weather and number of passengers. Guest are collected at their hotel and are taken into the park to rendezvous with the balloon crew. The flight is approximately an hour in duration and on landing sparkling wine is served. A leisurely game drive is then taken through the park to a game lodge where breakfast is served, after which guest are returned to their hotel. Flights are early in the morning and you will need to allow some 4 hours for the full activity which includes the following:
* Early morning collection from your hotel by safari vehicle.
* Launch of the balloon from the centre of Pilanesberg National Park
* An hour drifting serenely over the Park
* A sparkling wine celebration on landing, a time-honored tradition in ballooning
* A Full English breakfast at a Game Lodge
* A First Flight certificate signed by your Pilot
* Return transfer to your hotel
Duration: 1hr flight, +/- 4 hrs in total
Rate: R3500p.p (1 hour flight) R2700p.p (2 x half hour flights - groups of 20 pax plus)
PLEASE NOTE: Booking is essential and a minimum number of guests (8) are required to conduct a flight.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER
Events are scheduled at 9a.m, 11a.m, and 3p.m daily

QUAD BIKING
Join us for a quad biking adventure trail through the Letsatsing Game Park accompanied by experienced guides, with the possibility of seeing Rhino, Giraffe and other animal species en route.
Duration: 1 hr ride, total 2 hrs
Maximum 10 pax
Rate: Adults - R645p.p / Children R410p.p (8-16 years)------------------------

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING
Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, no experience necessary as our instructors will help you become acquainted with the 12 gauge shotguns used in this activity.
Duration: 1 hr activity, total 2 hrs
Maximum 20 pax
Rate: R630p.p------------------------

ARCHERY
Experience the ancient art of archery with the help of modern day equipment. Competent instructors will help you master the technique of shooting a re-curve bow, a powerful crossbow and if you are up to a challenge,the modern compound bow.
Duration: 1 hr activity, total 2 hrs
Maximum 20 pax
Rate: R230p.p------------------------

COMBINATION
Experience the ultimate excitement of a combination of all three activities, Quad Biking, Archery and Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Duration: 3 hr activity, total 4 hrs
Maximum 40 pax (Larger groups can be accommodated on request)
Rate: R1270p.p------------------------

DRUMMING
Join in one of the oldest forms of communication known to man, enjoy the interactive rhythms of Africa by taking part in a drum circle and learn to play the Djembe Drum.
Duration: 1 hr activity, total 2 hrs
Maximum 200 pax, circles must be a minimum of 5 pax
Rate: R165p.p------------------------

PILANESBERG ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS
An Age Old Concept: A New Adventure
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI Pick up from the Welcome Centre. Transfer to “The Elephant Wallow” will be approximately 20 minutes through the Letsatsing Game Reserve giving guests an opportunity to view game along the way. On arrival, welcome drinks are served and guests are given an introductory talk and introduced to the elephants and their handlers. The elephants are then saddled and the safari commences. After approximately an hour on elephant back guests return to “The Elephant Wallow” for light snacks. Guests are returned to the Welcome Centre, Sun City.
DURATION: approximately 2-3 hours
MAX 10 people – No under 5 years
RATE: R 1600 p.p.

SUNRISE ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 06.00 summer 1 Sept – 30 April, 08.00 winter 1 May – 31 August

MIDMORNING ELEPHANT-BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 08.00 summer 1 Sept – 30 April, 10.00 winter 1 May – 31 August

SUNSET ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 15.30 summer 1 Sept – 30 April, 15.30 winter 1 May – 31 August

EXCLUSIVE ELEPHANT SAFARI
Any of the above may be booked on an exclusive basis. Pay for 10 and walk with the entire herd yourself!

DAILY ELEPHANT INTERACTION EXPERIENCE
Lunch Included - Available throughout the year. Join Chikwenya, Sharu, Mana, Sapi and Michael at their home in the Letsatsing Game Reserve, only 20 minutes from Sun City. Join these five for an interaction - filled Elephant Experience. Guests will be collected from the Welcome Centre at 12.30 and transferred to “The Elephant Wallow” where they are met by their hosts and offered a welcome drink. Take time to touch, feed and photograph these truly amazing animals, Marvel at their intelligence, diversity and majesty, or simply sit back and reflect on this unusually harmonious relationship in a beautiful, secure and pristine environment. Guests will be returned to the Welcome Centre at 14.00.
DURATION: approx. one and a half hours/minimum 2 pax
RATE: R580 p.p. adults / R290 p.p children U16 (inclusive of transfer, welcome drink & lunch)------------------------

GROUP ELEPHANT INTERACTION EXPERIENCE
Available Throughout the year. Situated only 20 minutes from Sun City is “The Elephant Wallow”, a large thatched boma overlooking a magnificent waterhole catering for up to 65 guests under thatch. Bush dinners and finger lunches can be taken with the elephants themselves providing the main attraction. A presentation will be given on the elephants, their lifestyle and history. Have a chance to interact with these gentle giants on a personal level. Afterwards, sit down and relax whilst enjoying your meal with the elephants in the background mud wallowing, swimming or just settling down to a meal themselves.
DURATION: one and a half hours, interaction only 2 – 3 hours with interaction and meal
Interaction only - R520-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 150)
Interaction & Pre-Dinner Cocktails - R640-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 100)
Interaction & Stand Up Lite Sandwich Menu - R670-00p.p..------------------------. - (Min 20 - Max 100)

Interaction & Stand Up Hot & Cold Finger Fork Menu - R790-00p.p.. - (Min 20 - Max 100)
Interaction & Hot & Cold Buffet Menu (seated) - R790-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 72)
Elephant Interaction & Braai Menu (seated) - R980-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 72)

The above group rates include the exclusive use of the facility, transfers and welcome drinks. The above prices exclude costs of beverages however a bar can be provided.

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Why go to Pilanesberg with me?

My Prices for day visits and 2 day safaris to Pilanesberg: Also Sun City.

Next Definite Dates 2010: Most dates not here are available.

Picture Gallery 2010
Picture Gallery 2009
Picture Gallery 2008
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004

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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.

Accommodation Specials at Pilanesberg

Accommodation Specials at Sun City

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 -  R3 500pp - 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