Sun City & Pilanesberg

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.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Jan to Nov

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Overview

Sun City & Pilanesberg Game Reserve are set in an ancient volcanic ridge only 1½ to 2 hours north of Johannesburg.

The malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers a taster of an African safari with game viewing in open 4x4 vehicles. It encircles the Sun City resort with its family-friendly activities, golf courses, water park and water sports. So you can easily combine a Pilanesberg safari with the razzle & dazzle of Sun City.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

The natural bushveld of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers malaria-free game viewing. It’s a popular choice for families. Or for people who are unsure about a full-on safari.

Pilanesberg is the most accessible game reserve from Johannesburg and so it’s busier than most reserves, especially in the southern parts.
There are different ways to enjoy a safari experience in the Pilanesberg.

Leopard seen in Pilanesberg National Park safari

Features

Why you may love it

  • Some of South Africa's best golf courses
  • Pilanesberg is a good malaria-free game reserve, close to Johannesburg, ideal for families with younger children
  • Stay at Sun City and simply take a morning or evening game drive into the Pilanesberg, booked when you arrive in Sun City.
  • Another option is to stay at one of the large game lodges in the Pilanesberg. They don’t offer a very intimate safari experience. But they’re well-suited to families with younger children. Plus they are sufficiently close that you could head to Sun City as a day visitor.

When to visit Sun City & Pilanesberg

 

Pilanesberg Climate

Dry season is best for safari

The Pilanesburg & Sun City share the same summer rainfall climate of Johannesburg. But it is a little bit warmer in both summer and winter. Summer max can be up to 29C whereas winter remains a pleasant 20-21C. However there's a big difference in night-time temperatures with winter months getting very chilly so pack accordingly.
TALK TO US
AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL From 101mm in summer to 7mm in winter
MAX TEMP 21-29 ℃ / 70 to 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 2-17 ℃ / 37 to 63 ℉

Popular tours & safaris

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Sun City Golf tour

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Accommodation

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Black Rhino Game Lodge

Black Rhino Game Lodge is a hidden treasure set amongst the trees of an old Tamboti forest in Pilanesberg National Park. Pilanesberg lies at the foot of an ancient volcanic crater and is home to a...

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Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge lies within the heart of the malaria free Pilanesberg Game Reserve, only two hour’s drive from Johannesburg. This 4 star contemporary game lodge offers a gourmet...

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Sun City & Pilanesberg

The Palace at the Lost City

The Palace at the Lost City is considered one of the finest hotels in Africa - built in the style of an ancient palace. The sheer scale of the hotel is complemented by the amazing craftsmanship...

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Sun City Cascades Hotel

The Sun City Cascades Hotel is a sophisticated and elegant hotel with lush gardens, tropical birds and water features. The Cascades is the grand old lady of Sun City, and still retains a timeless...

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Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Ivory Tree Game Lodge is situated in the north eastern region of the Pilanesberg National Park. The main lodge includes a stunning rock swimming pool and pool, bar, dining room, boma and reception...

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Did you know
  • LocationSits in the crater of an extinct volcano, which erupted more than 1,300 million years ago
  • History of Sun City1st & only fantasy holiday & theme park in South Africa

Sun City & Pilanesberg Articles

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Top 10 Golf Courses in South Africa - Kwazulu Natal, Eastern Cape & Rest of SA

Here we focus on the Top 10 golf courses in South Africa outside of the Western Cape. These courses are situated primarily in KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape and Johannesburg. Though some of our...

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Malaria Free Game Reserves in South Africa

South Africa is unique in Africa in offering several malaria free Game Reserves and parks. These are ideal if you have young children under six, or you cannot take anti-malaria medication. There...

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Milandi Joubert

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Milandi, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
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