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 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.

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.

Pilanesburg game drive

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.

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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Kate Bergh

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Kate, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH