The North West Province is a premier wildlife destination in its own right. These are the top five game reserves you should visit for a memorable Bush Break.
Grasslands and savannahs characterise this province, and its beautiful panoramas and vibrant colours make it a safari and wildlife photographer's delight.
Plan your next Bush Break, with these suggestions.
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is one of South Africa's most popular and accessible game parks. Gautengers can take a 2-3hr drive or a 40-minute flight from OR Tambo and find themselves in the 550km2 landscape of a long extinct volcano.
Being a small park means your chances of spotting the Big 5 are good. South Africa's casino royale, Sun City, is a 20min drive from Pilanesberg.
If you go:
- Website: Pilanesbergnationalpark.org
- Operating Times: March and April: 06h00-18h30 | May to September: 06h30-18h00 | September and October: 06h00-18h30 | November to February: 05h30-19h00
- Entrance Fee: Adults: R80 | Children (6-12 yrs): R30 | Pensioners (SA only): R40 | Vehicles (Sedan/LDV/SUV): R40
- Contact Details: [email protected] | Instagram: @pilanesberg_national_park
SEE: Latest Madikwe, North West Getaways
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is a hidden gem, regarded as one of the most exclusive reserves in South Africa.
Here you have a spectacular selection of luxury lodges in a malaria-free zone, in a reserve highly regarded for its conservation efforts.
If you go:
- Website: madikwereserve.org
- Operating Times: Daily 06h00 to 18h00. If you arrive later you must be escorted from the gate to your lodge. No access is allowed after 21h00
- Entrance Fees: R180 per person per stay and R 80 per child per stay.
- Contact: Submit an Enquiry | Instagram: @madikwe_game_reserve/
Kalahari Conservation Reserve
Kalahari Conservation Reserve is a Big 5 reserve revered for its Wild Dog packs. It is also a breeding ground for two species of vultures.
This 90,000 ha reserve aims to be a premier conservation area for wildlife typical of the eastern Kalahari Bushveld.
If you go:
- Website: khamab.co.za
- Contact khamab.co.za/contact
The Black Rhino Game Reserve
Recently incorporated into the Pilanesberg National Park, the Black Rhino Game Reserve boasts one of the continent's richest diversities of African Fauna & Flora.
With a large elephant population and over 350 bird species, this is bound to be a top nature experience.
This Malaria Free game reserve is noted for its effortless road access, making it an easy experience for a family road trip or small-group getaway.
If you go:
- Website: blackrhinogamereserve.co.za
- Entrance Fee: Adults: R80, Children (6-12yrs) : R30 | Vehicles (Sedan/LDV/SUV) : R40.00
- Gate Times: March & April 06h00 - 18h30 | May - September 06h30 - 18h00 | September & October 06h00 - 18h30 | November - February 05h30 - 19h00
Molopo Game Reserve
The reserve is located on 24 000 hectares against the Botswana border in the far west of the province.
Made up of the extreme Kalahari grassland and thornveld, Molopo is an arid savannah region offering a unique wilderness experience.
The endemic desert region creatures spotted here are unlikely to be seen in many other reserves around South Africa.
If you go:
- Website: http://ho.org.za/parks/molopo-game-reserve/
- Gate Times: 08:00 – 16:30 Monday – Friday
- Contact: Park Manager: Dionne Dinale - 076 429 3978 and 083 770 6127 | E-mail: [email protected]
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