×

South Africa🇿🇦 | national parksPilanesberg National ParkCrater rim hills, Mankwe Dam hides, wild dogs, malaria-free Big Five | things to do and best time to go

Explore Garden Route National ParkExplore De Hoop Nature Reserve

Backpacking in Pilanesberg
🌟 Highlightnational park ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Pilanesberg is a Big Five park with no malaria, so you can self-drive it in an ordinary rental car without a guide. It sits in the north of South Africa, in North West Province, roughly two hours by road from Johannesburg and Pretoria, inside the crater of an extinct alkaline volcano. The ring hills make for sweeping views, and rhino, elephant, lion and leopard share it with wild dogs and giraffe. Trails on foot are almost nonexistent, since this is a drive-yourself park, so skip it if you want multi-day hiking. The roads are gravel and tar, and weekends fill with cars near Sun City. I took a rental from Johannesburg, and on the dirt road to Manyane Gate a troop of baboons sat on the verge and watched me pass like customs officers. Self-drivers and wildlife photographers will love it most. Hardcore hikers and anyone without a car will struggle.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 South Africa Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 national park in South AfricaThe unique appeal for travelers

Pilanesberg National Park suits backpackers who want a real safari without paying for a lodge package. You drive yourself, set your own pace and stop wherever a sighting justifies it. That freedom is the main draw, and a rental car split between three or four people makes it affordable. Hire one in Johannesburg and you control the day.

The second reason is the density of animals. The Big Five in a malaria-free park means you skip the pills and the long drives of Kruger, and the roughly 55 km wide volcanic crater keeps distances short. A dawn loop past waterholes like Mankwe Lake can deliver rhino and elephant before breakfast.

The third is the camping. Manyane and Bakgatla sites let you sleep inside or beside the park on a tight budget. Guided drives exist, but I would only book one for … read more 👉
Pilanesberg National Park suits backpackers who want a real safari without paying for a lodge package. You drive yourself, set your own pace and stop wherever a sighting justifies it. That freedom is the main draw, and a rental car split between three or four people makes it affordable. Hire one in Johannesburg and you control the day.

The second reason is the density of animals. The Big Five in a malaria-free park means you skip the pills and the long drives of Kruger, and the roughly 55 km wide volcanic crater keeps distances short. A dawn loop past waterholes like Mankwe Lake can deliver rhino and elephant before breakfast.

The third is the camping. Manyane and Bakgatla sites let you sleep inside or beside the park on a tight budget. Guided drives exist, but I would only book one for night sightings, since the daytime roads are easy to read with a map.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Big Five game drives: The park’s main claim. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and both rhino species live here, and sightings come from your own car on gravel loops.
  2. Mankwe Dam and Lake: The central water body draws hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles, with several hides where you can sit quietly and watch.
  3. Kgabo Hide: A wooden hide on the water’s edge where elephants, zebra and waterbirds come to drink, and where you can leave the car legally.
  4. Lion and cheetah areas near Tshwene Drive: Open grassland gives clear views of predators and plains game, especially when lions rest by the road.
  5. Pilanesberg Centre viewpoint: A lookout with a restaurant and curio shop, useful for orienting yourself in the old crater.
  6. Wild dog sightings: The park holds a small pack of African wild dogs, among the continent’s
… read more 👉
  1. Big Five game drives: The park’s main claim. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and both rhino species live here, and sightings come from your own car on gravel loops.
  2. Mankwe Dam and Lake: The central water body draws hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles, with several hides where you can sit quietly and watch.
  3. Kgabo Hide: A wooden hide on the water’s edge where elephants, zebra and waterbirds come to drink, and where you can leave the car legally.
  4. Lion and cheetah areas near Tshwene Drive: Open grassland gives clear views of predators and plains game, especially when lions rest by the road.
  5. Pilanesberg Centre viewpoint: A lookout with a restaurant and curio shop, useful for orienting yourself in the old crater.
  6. Wild dog sightings: The park holds a small pack of African wild dogs, among the continent’s rarest predators. Ask staff at the gate where they were last seen.
  7. Bird life: Over 350 species include vultures, fish eagles and lilac-breasted rollers, plus the hornbill that raids picnic sites.
  8. Night drives: Guided drives reveal civets, genets and sometimes leopard, which self-drivers cannot do after the gates close.
Give it a full day for the main loops and two days if you want dawn and dusk drives plus a night tour.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Pilanesberg National Park

Full Day Pilanesberg Safari Adventure

Full Day Pilanesberg Safari Adventure

4.9(173) 6h
From €117
per personViator
3-Hour Private Game Drive of Pilanesberg National Park

3-Hour Private Game Drive of Pilanesberg National Park

4.6(75) 3h
From €897
per personViator
Private Transfer in Johannesburg OR Tambo and Lanseria

Private Transfer in Johannesburg OR Tambo and Lanseria

4.2(10) 1h
From €33
per personViator
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private

Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private

4.2(6) 10h
From €211
per personViator
3 Hour Pilanesberg Afternoon Open Vehicle safari drive (Self drive)

3 Hour Pilanesberg Afternoon Open Vehicle safari drive (Self drive)

5.0(3) 3h
From €70
per personViator
Pilanesberg Transfer from Johannesburg and Pretoria

Pilanesberg Transfer from Johannesburg and Pretoria

5.0(1) 3h
From €222
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Winter (May to September): Days run 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), nights can fall to 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F). Grass is thin and waterholes draw big herds, so game viewing is at its sharpest. Daylight is shortest, with gates open roughly 6 am to 6 pm.
  • Hot Wet Summer (October to March): Highs reach 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F), with afternoon thunderstorms. Vegetation is thick, animals scatter, but birding peaks and baby animals appear. Days stretch to about 13 to 14 hours of light.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Mild 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F) days, fewer cars, and lodge rates that dip below winter levels.
  • Crowds and Prices: South African school holidays and long weekends fill campsites and lift rates by 20 to 40 percent. Midweek is calmer year-round.
Book winter weekends weeks ahead and bring a warm layer for dawn drives.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutSouth Africa Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for South Africa
The digital guide (457 pages) contains:
✅ 125 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Pilanesberg National Park has places to sleep inside the gates, but the cheapest beds are in the gateway towns. Inside, Manyane Resort near Manyane Gate and Bakgatla Resort near Bakgatla Gate offer camping from roughly US$25 to 40 per site and basic chalets from about US$80. Both have pools, shops and restaurants. Kwa Maritane and Bakubung are pricier lodges, usually US$150 and up per room, so they suit a splurge rather than a backpacking budget.

Outside, Sun City and the Mogwase area sit by the main gates and have guesthouses and self-catering units from about US$35 to 70. Rustenburg, about … read more 👉
Pilanesberg National Park has places to sleep inside the gates, but the cheapest beds are in the gateway towns. Inside, Manyane Resort near Manyane Gate and Bakgatla Resort near Bakgatla Gate offer camping from roughly US$25 to 40 per site and basic chalets from about US$80. Both have pools, shops and restaurants. Kwa Maritane and Bakubung are pricier lodges, usually US$150 and up per room, so they suit a splurge rather than a backpacking budget.

Outside, Sun City and the Mogwase area sit by the main gates and have guesthouses and self-catering units from about US$35 to 70. Rustenburg, about an hour away by road, has the widest choice of budget guesthouses and supermarkets. Many travelers also sleep in Johannesburg or Pretoria and drive in, roughly 2 to 3 hours each way.

Campsites inside are the best value if you have a tent and a rental car, because you wake up already in the park when the gates open.
Best hostels in South Africa


Best quality hotels in South Africa

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

A budget day in Pilanesberg National Park runs about US$75 to 110 per person, with a self-drive and camping. Rand is the local currency, and cards work at the gates and resort shops.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$10 to 15Daily conservation fee for international adults, plus a small per-vehicle charge at the gate.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 40Campsite at Manyane or Bakgatla, per site. Chalets start near US$80.
Car rental and fuelUS$30 to 45Small rental from Johannesburg, shared between travelers, plus fuel for the long drive.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 20Self-catering from Rustenburg or Mogwase supermarkets is cheapest. Resort restaurants cost more.
Guided activitiesUS$0 to 60Sunrise or night game drives from roughly US$35 to 60. Self-driving costs nothing extra.
Total Daily
… read more 👉
A budget day in Pilanesberg National Park runs about US$75 to 110 per person, with a self-drive and camping. Rand is the local currency, and cards work at the gates and resort shops.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$10 to 15Daily conservation fee for international adults, plus a small per-vehicle charge at the gate.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 40Campsite at Manyane or Bakgatla, per site. Chalets start near US$80.
Car rental and fuelUS$30 to 45Small rental from Johannesburg, shared between travelers, plus fuel for the long drive.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 20Self-catering from Rustenburg or Mogwase supermarkets is cheapest. Resort restaurants cost more.
Guided activitiesUS$0 to 60Sunrise or night game drives from roughly US$35 to 60. Self-driving costs nothing extra.
Total Daily BudgetUS$75 to 110Based on camping, self-catering and one shared car.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Pilanesberg national park

Pilanesberg National Park has no marked multi-day hiking trails, so most exploring happens from a car, with short walks at hides and picnic sites. Guided bush walks run with armed rangers on request.

  • Guided bush walks: Led by rangers, roughly 2 to 3 hours, easy terrain across grassland and acacia, tracking tracks, dung and smaller game. Rhino and elephant may appear at a safe distance.
  • Kgabo Hide walk: A short stroll from the parking area to the hide, under 10 minutes, flat and easy.
  • Mankwe Lake hides: Brief boardwalk and path sections beside the water, flat, good for hippos and waterbirds.
  • Picnic
… read more 👉
Pilanesberg National Park has no marked multi-day hiking trails, so most exploring happens from a car, with short walks at hides and picnic sites. Guided bush walks run with armed rangers on request.

  • Guided bush walks: Led by rangers, roughly 2 to 3 hours, easy terrain across grassland and acacia, tracking tracks, dung and smaller game. Rhino and elephant may appear at a safe distance.
  • Kgabo Hide walk: A short stroll from the parking area to the hide, under 10 minutes, flat and easy.
  • Mankwe Lake hides: Brief boardwalk and path sections beside the water, flat, good for hippos and waterbirds.
  • Picnic site walks: Fenced sites such as Bakubung allow you to step out and stretch your legs, though wandering outside the fence is not allowed.
Wildlife is the highlight, with elephant herds near the dams, white rhino on the open plains and leopard in the rocky hills. Terrain is rolling bushveld with ridges, and tar and gravel roads are passable in a regular car.

Pilanesberg National Park lies close to Sun City, and public transport is thin, so most visitors arrive by rental car or on a tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Weekends and school holidays bring many cars, so weekdays are quieter. An entry fee applies per person and per vehicle at the gates, payable by card, and you must leave before closing time.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Pilanesberg is a well-managed, malaria-free reserve where the main risks are heat, wildlife and your own driving. Elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards live here, and self-drivers share the roads with them. Stay in your vehicle except at marked picnic sites and hides, keep windows mostly up near predators, and give elephants space. If a bull flaps its ears or mock charges, reverse slowly rather than rushing past.

Most visitors cover the park by car, and gravel roads can be slick after summer storms, so check conditions at the gate. Obey the speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph) on gravel. Carry plenty of water, sun protection and a hat, as summer afternoons are hot. Be back at your camp or out through the gate before closing time, because late arrivals can be fined.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Two days is enough for Pilanesberg National Park, with three if you want night drives and time at the hides. A full day covers the main loops around Mankwe Lake and the Kgabo and Tau dams. Game drives of 3 to 4 hours at dawn and again in the afternoon give the best chance of the Big Five.
Visiting Pilanesberg National Park without a car is possible but limited. Most backpackers book guided game drives from Sun City, Manyane or Bakgatla, costing roughly US$35 to 60. Johannesburg tour operators run day trips and shuttles, with the drive taking 2 to 3 hours each way. Self-driving a rental is cheaper for groups.
Pilanesberg National Park charges a daily conservation fee, about US$10 to 15 per international adult, plus a small fee for your vehicle at the gate. No separate permit is needed for a self-drive visit. Overnight guests pay the fee on top of campsite or chalet rates, and gates open roughly 6 am to 6 pm depending on season.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other South African national parks near Pilanesberg

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for South Africa including Pilanesberg and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all South Africa has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore South Africa
Country photo of South Africa
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Pilanesberg National Park works best in the dry winter months, when thin bush and shrinking waterholes push animals into plain view. I would be at the gate when it opens and drive straight to a dam, then rest through the midday heat and return for the last hours before closing.

✈️ When did I visit South Africa?
I have visited South Africa, before and after my Zimbabwe trip in 2001.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in South Africa, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story