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

Pilanesberg elephant at sunrise Sun City & Pilanesberg Game Reserve are set in an ancient volcanic ridge only 2 hours north of Johannesburg, and about 1½ hours from Pretoria.

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. Especially appealing for families, or perhaps the keen golfer

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 a little busier than most reserves, especially in the southern parts.
There are different ways to enjoy a safari experience in the Pilanesberg including horse-riding and even hot air ballooning.

Why We 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.

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When to visit Sun City & Pilanesberg

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.

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 ℉

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Accommodation

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