Managed by North West Parks (tel. 014/555-5354; www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za), the main entrance and reception are at the Manyane Gate on the park's eastern side. From Sun City, the nearest entrance is Bakubung Gate. Gates open from 5:30am to 7pm November through February, 6am to 6:30pm March to April and September to October, and 6:30am to 6pm May to August. The park can be easily explored in your own car. Entry costs R20 ($2.80/£1.45) per adult (R15/$2.12/£1.05 children); you can purchase a map as you enter, and the roads are in good condition and well signposted.
To organize 2 1/2-hour safari trips in elevated open-topped vehicles into Pilanesberg from neighboring Sun City, contact Gametrackers Outdoor Adventures (tel. 014/552-1561) or book at their safari desk (tel] 014/552-5020) at the Sun City hotel; Gametrackers also offers 4-hour walking safaris accompanied by armed rangers, as well as 3-hour elephant-back safaris, costing R1,250 ($176/£90) per person; these happen at sunrise, midmorning or sunset. An elephant "interaction safari" costs R520 ($74/£38) and lasts 90 minutes; this includes a buffet lunch and an opportunity to touch and feed the elephants, but there's no riding. The most expensive (and potentially exhilarating) way to see the Pilanesberg is on a hot-air-balloon safari, also offered by Gametrackers; the 4-hour experience includes hotel pickup, guided transfers through the reserve, a 1-hour balloon trip, sparkling wine, and a full breakfast at a cost of R2,500 ($352/£180). If you prefer to get your thrills on the ground, inquire about quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, and archery, which are also now offered. To book, call tel. 014/552-1561 or visit www.gametrac.co.za.
