During our Sun City resort review, we also had an opportunity to go on a game drive with Mankwe Gametrackers at the Pilanesberg National Park, a home to the largest collection of animals indigenous to Southern Africa. Known as ‘Big 5 Country’, the park spans 55 hectares of dormant volcanic terrain, and offers uninterrupted game viewing for wildlife enthusiasts and those wanting a slice of the African bush on their Sun City holiday.
The Pilanesberg was officially opened in 1979, which coincided with the launch of Sun City after its founder Sol Kerzner secured the rights to build the resort adjacent to the park. Shortly after opening, over 6 000 species of game were expropriated to the park which today remains one of the largest game resettlement projects in South Africa.
The park is home to over 7 000 animals and 300 bird species. Wildlife lovers can view all of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard) and a myriad game – including zebra, hyena, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, crocodile, antelope, springbok and many other types of Southern African buck.
The Pilanesberg National Park is a haven for bird-watchers who have the chance to view over 300 recorded bird species on their bird-spotting expeditions, and the park offers the choice of self-drive tours or guided safari trips with Mankwe Gametrackers.
Mankwe Gametrackers is the largest outdoor adventure activity business based at the resort. They conduct game drives, bush walks and hot air balloon safaris inside the Pilanesberg National Park; as well as quad biking, archery, team building activities, family bush walks and a catered venue inside a private game park.
