The best lodges in Pilanesberg National Park in 2026 are Tshukudu Bush Lodge, perched high above the park, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, with a hide and live hide camera, and Bakubung Bush Lodge at Bakubung Gate — all run by Legacy Hotels — with Sun City resort next to the park for families who want pools and entertainment.
Pilanesberg is a malaria-free Big Five park in the crater of an extinct volcano, about two and a half hours from Johannesburg, next to Sun City. It has nearly 200 km of roads for self-drives and guided drives, and accommodation from upmarket lodges to campsites. Rates per person sharing per night: $$ $150–400 · $$$ $400–1,000 · $$$$ over $1,000.
Perched high above the park, with high tea over the plains.
Tshukudu, run by Legacy Hotels, sits high above the Pilanesberg landscape, with a pool, spa treatments and high tea overlooking the plains between guided safaris.
It is the most intimate of the park's main lodges.
Good to know: Book it for couples; the view is the draw.
Tshukudu Bush Lodge, Pilanesberg National Park, North West, South Africa
A family-friendly bush lodge with a game-viewing hide.
Kwa Maritane sits at the Kwa Maritane Gate of Pilanesberg, with air-conditioned rooms and a hide for watching game; its live hide camera streams the view online.
It suits families who want easy park access.
Good to know: Spend time in the hide at midday.
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, Kwa Maritane Gate, Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
A large lodge at Bakubung Gate, with villas and easy park access.
Bakubung Bush Lodge is at Bakubung Gate on the edge of Pilanesberg, with lodge rooms and villas and guided drives into the park.
It is a comfortable base close to Sun City.
Good to know: Self-drive into the park from the gate at opening.
Bakubung Bush Lodge, Bakubung Gate, Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
Sun International's resort, for families who want pools and entertainment too.
Sun City, run by Sun International, is a large resort and entertainment destination right next to Pilanesberg, with hotels, pools and activities.
Many families combine a few nights here with game drives in the park.
Good to know: Book a guided Pilanesberg drive from Sun City for an easy safari morning.
Sun City Resort, North West, South Africa
Yes. Pilanesberg has nearly 200 km of good roads for self-drive, and lodges also run guided drives.
Yes, it is in a malaria-free area, which makes it popular with families.
About two and a half hours by road, next to Sun City.