PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK

Adjacent to Sun City is the beautiful Pilanesberg National Park - one of the largest in South Africa and also a malaria free zone. The park covers an area of 55 000-hectares and its plains are rich and fertile as they were once part of a now extinct volcanic crater.

Majestic hills encircle the park and a large central watering hole is ideal for game viewing. The park is found in the transition zone of the Kalahari and the Lowveld, and therefore both types of vegetation are found.

Pilanesberg National Park is home to all of the Big Five and other large game including giraffe, hippo, zebra and crocodile- as well as an extreme diversity of birdlife - over 300 species have been recorded. A visit to the park is always rewarding - guided excursions from Sun City can be taken, and due to the parks' extended gate hours - both dusk and dawn game drives can be enjoyed.

In addition, guests can take their own vehicles into the park and explore at their leisure using the excellent network of maintained roads within the park. There are a number of hides and picnic spots to stop and stretch your legs.

While staying at Sun City it is well worth taking part in a guided game drive or excursion into the Pilanesberg National Park. A variety of game drives are on offer through GameTrackers - including early morning and night drives either privately or as part of a group. Daily game drives are between 2 1/2 and 3 hours in duration and your expert guide will be able to offer insight and interesting information into the areas you will visit and the animals you will view.

For a truly breath-taking experience, an early morning hot air balloon safari is a must. The Pilanesberg is one of the few parks in South Africa were conditions are ideal for ballooning. Flights take place in the very early morning and gliding silently over the bushveld at sunrise offers a unique perspective - then touch down to champagne and a hearty cooked breakfast.

Also on offer, and an experience of a lifetime, are elephant back safaris and elephant interaction at the Elephant Wallow. Guests are able to feed, touch and interact with these amazing and highly intelligent animals.

Game Drives - The emphasis of the Exclusive Safari is to locate the Big 5. Specialist guides guarantee a true African Safari aboard a specially equipped 6-seater Landcruiser.

Guests can view Rhino's wallowing in cool mud baths and Bull Elephants fighting for supremacy in the clarity of daylight. Be a silent witness to a Lion kill, as antelopes graze unsuspecting of the danger lurking in the volcanic landscape. Amid the hills far from the Maddened Crowd, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Buffalo as they wander unrestricted and free.

The Landcruisers are equipped with warm flannels and blankets for those cold, blustery night game drives. Experience the night adventure of nocturnal wildlife when Leopards are spotlighted beneath the stark moonlight of this arid landscape.

Bush Walks - Take a walk on the wild side - If you're intent on specific game viewing, then the Rhino Hiking Trail will appeal to adventurous guests. Track the White Rhino on foot within the Letsatsing Game Park.

A guide will convey his substantial knowledge of these imposing creatures - feel at one with this primitive African creature. There is simply nothing that will compare with an up-close and personal encounter with a wild animal.