Pilanesberg
National Park
Tips for
Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg
Very basic, but something might
help you one day. If it does, you owe me a case of Tafel Lager!
I drive 2 VW Kombi's - some applies just on the Kombi's, some advice applies
to everyone.
1. Dust: Thanks to yahoo yuppie & mates I have to change my air filters every 5000 Km's. Though I don't just blow it out with a compressor you can probably get away with it in rainy season. It's very simple making less dust. Just take your foot off the pedal slightly when another vehicle approaches and there will be less torque.
2. Battery: It should be @ 12,4 - 12,8 Volts when engine is not running. 11,1 - 12,3 V means flat but chargeble. 9,9 - 11, 1V normally points to dead cell. Under 9V could be flat but chargeble, but sulfation could cause the charge not to last too long. To avoid sulfation a battery has to run 15 minutes non stop every 10 days.
3. Alternator: They do go without warning. Sometimes the warning light doesn't come on at all, personal experience. You might make it back to Gauteng in daytime, but probably not. If you try don't use your aircon, radio or even indicators & have a backup ready on the other side, preferably coming through already. From personal experience once a fully charged spare battery lasted exactly 150 km's. Store spare batteries for charging on a wooden plank if you have to & don't earth them. The best place to store a spare is in it's place - a vehicle that runs! A possible sign of a fault is if both little red lights doesn't come on as you switch on.
4. Regulator plate on alternators: They tend to go, but should last at least 1 year. If wrongly replaced by a bad auto electrician like that F&&*^ in Soutter street, they might generate an overcharge. The battery starts boiling and can explode. In the kombi's you can feel the heat from under your seat. A tempory solution is to run with your headlights on, but this might draw too much power, so make sure you have enough juice to start up. Alternatively/Complimentary switch off as much as possible - on a slope :)
5. Auto Electricians: There are really bad ones, but then when you get someone good, stick with them. My guy I used for 20 years emigrated & I really got shafted by 2 shysters, both with huge shops. I now use Caelex in Soutter Street & have for the last 2 years. They are probably the most expensive, however their quality work is superb.
6. Tyres: I had 9 flats in 7 years, 2 outside the park. 1 from careless thatchers at Bakubung Lodge, 1 nail at Manyane, 1 broken balancing weight on Mankwe drive, and 6 x sicklebush sidewalling my tyres. Sicklebush is a menace, and common in the Park. You will probably get nailed when you turn around. So after years and years I'm far more careful & always turn where I have 100% visibility. So don't even touch the grass! Your front tyres will run off on the outsides so rotate
7. Roads after rain: Keep your traction wheels on the hard surface when turning as it's very deceptive.
Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun CityPicture Gallery 2011
Picture Gallery 2010
Picture Gallery 2009
Picture Gallery 2008
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004
It's alphabetical - so save us both time.... and if 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 PilanesbergAnimal 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
Black Rhino Game Lodge
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
Commission offered to booking agentsCondition 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 8 years in Pilanesberg.
Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.
Reading - other re Pilanesberg.
Safety in Pilanesberg
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
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
806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg, Office 081 354 5210
PO Box 250 Sun City, 0316 - Updated March 2011
All Pilanesberg queries - travelinafrica@gmail.com