North West, South Africa · Africa
The best of Pilanesberg (2026)
The closest Big Five park to Johannesburg — a malaria-free reserve in an extinct volcano.
Pilanesberg National Park fills the crater of an ancient volcano about two and a half hours from Johannesburg, next to Sun City. It is malaria-free, has the Big Five and allows self-drive, so it is the easiest safari from Gauteng and popular with families.
Where to Stay in Pilanesberg
Where to Stay across AfricaPilanesberg picks on our Africa-wide lists
All Africa-wide listsEvery place in Pilanesberg that made one of our Africa-wide guides, with its position on that list.
Parks & Reserves
The 8 Best National Parks and Game Reserves for Safari in South Africa (2026)
- #3 Pilanesberg National Park North West
The 12 Best Malaria-Free Game Reserves in South Africa (2026)
- #2 Pilanesberg National Park North West, next to Sun City
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