The Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers a taste of an African safari with malaria-free game viewing. The Sun City resort offers plenty of action for families, keen golfers and sports enthusiasts.
January to November
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Sun CityΒ and Pilanesberg Game Reserve are set in an ancient volcanic ridge only 2 hours north of Johannesburg, and about 1.5 hours from Pretoria.Β
Right next door is Sun City, which offers an altogether different interpretation of the African holiday: golf courses, swimming pools, a water park,Β restaurantsΒ and plenty to keep active families occupied. The proximity of the two makes for an easy combination. Stay at Sun City and add a game drive intoΒ Pilanesberg, orΒ base yourself at a safari lodge and dip into Sun City for golf or family activities.Β
The natural bushveld of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers malaria-free game viewing.Β
Its malaria-free location is a particular advantage for families with younger children and travellers who prefer to avoid malarial areas.Β Game drives are the main attraction, but depending on where you stay, other possibilities can include guided walks and hot-air ballooning.Β
Its accessibility is both Pilanesbergβs strength and its limitation. This is not a remote wilderness: the reserve is within easy reach of Johannesburg and can become busy, particularly around popular roads and during weekends and holiday periods.Β
For travellers wanting their safari to be the central focus of a South African holiday, we may recommend other reserves. But if you want a few days of malaria-free game viewing close to Johannesburg,Β perhaps combined with Sun City, Pilanesberg makes considerable sense.Β
Sun City is a resort rather than a safari destination, and it makes no attempt to pretend otherwise.Β
Its appeal lies in the sheer range of things to do. There are swimming pools and water activities, restaurants, children's entertainment and two renowned golf courses. The Gary Player Country Club is the better-known name, while the Lost City Golf Course addsΒ rather moreΒ theatre to proceedings.Β
Families can happily spend several days here, while golfers have an obvious reason to linger. Pilanesberg next door means you can also head out on a morning or afternoon game drive without committing to a full safari stay.Β
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