Pilanesberg National Park Gate Times
The Pilanesberg National Park is one of the most interesting wildlife reserves in Southern Africa, and it is also one of the most accessible for a safari. This expansive area, which is free of malaria and is located in an ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, delivers exhilarating big game watching during even a short excursion.
The Pilanesberg National Park is accessible every single day of the year. There is one private gate to the Black Rhino Reserve in addition to the five public gates that give access to different parts of Pilanesberg National Park.
The Pilanesberg National Park gate times between which one can enter or leave the park, differ from season to season, with 6:00 being the earliest one can enter and 19:00 the latest one can leave the park again, depending on the relevant season of the year.
There are many things to do in Pilanesberg and a range of Pilanesberg accommodation options to choose from during your private-guided trip.
How to get there
Take the N4 west from Johannesburg or Pretoria, and then exit onto the R556 north toward Sun City. Sun City is located around an hour’s drive from either city. As you get closer to Sun City, the R510 will lead you to the entrances of the Pilanesberg National Park that are located to the east.
To reach the western gates of the park, continue on the R556 until you reach Sun City. It should take you little longer than two hours to get to the entrance gates of the park; however, you should give enough time to drive to your lodge before dark.
Entrance Gates
The different entrance gates can be used to get quicker access to certain resorts in the park.
Black Rhino Reserve Gate
The private Black Rhino Reserve has its own entrance, which can be accessed from the R565 when travelling in the northern direction. After registering at the entrance gate, you will either drive to your lodge or if you are on a guidedtour, your host or chauffeurwilltake you there.
Lodges that can be reached through the Black Rhino Gate include Buffalo Thorn Lodge, Black Rhino Game Lodge and Morokolo Game Lodge.
Babukung Gate
The Babukung Gate can be found to the west and in relatively close proximityof Sun City. From Johannesburg, hop on the R556 and continue it as it goes past Sun City to bring you to that entrance.
Lodges that can be reached from the Babukung Gate include Babukung Bush Lodge and Tshukudu Bush Lodge.
Bakgatla Gate
The Bakgatla Gate can be found in the north-eastern corner of Pilanesberg, not far from Saulspoort. Take the R510 to Mogwase from Sun City, and then follow the signs to Pilanesberg National Park. Continue straight ahead until you reach a T-junction and the Bakgatla Gatewill be on your left after you pass the Manyane Gate.
Lodges accessible from the Bakgatla Gate are Ivory Tree Lodge and Bakgatla Resort.
Kwa Maritane Gate
The Kwa Maritane Gate is handily located between the Sun City Resort and the Pilanesberg Airport, making it easily accessible to both of these destinations. Both the Sun Vacation Club gate and the Kwa Maritane gate, which is located seven kilometres away from Sun City Resort, provide access to the Pilanesberg National Park from Sun City.
The lodge accessible from the Kwa Maritane Gate is Kwa Maritane Game Lodge.
Manyane Gate
Pilanesberg’s Manyane Gate can be found on the eastern side of the Pilanesberg Park. Take the R510 from Sun Cityin the direction of Mogwase, then continue through the town until you reach the point where you turn left toward the gate.
The Manyane Resort is accessible from the Manyane Gate:
Visitors should note that Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge also has itsprivate entrance to the park, which can be reached when travelling northon the R565.
Entrance Rates
Pilanesberg tariffs are charged per person and per vehicle and amounts to the following:
South African adults pay R80
Foreign nationals adults pay R110
Children (6-12 years) pay R30
South African pensioners pay R40
The fee per vehicle (Sedan, LDV or SUV) is R40.
SA citizens must produce their identity documents to prove citizenship.
Gate Times
Pilanesberg is open all year round for safaritrips, but access is only possible during the following hours of the day:
During March and April from 6:00 to 18:30
During May and September from 6:30 to 18:00
During September and October from 6:00 to 18:30
From November to February from 5:30 to 19:00
FAQ
How early can one get through the gates into Pilanesberg National Park?
The earliest time one can get into the park is 5:30, and that can only happen from November to February. During March, April, September and October one can enter from 6:00 and during May and September one can enter from 6:30.
Until what time can a day visitor stay in Pilanesberg National Park?
From November to February the Pilanesberg gates stay open until 19:00; during March, April, September and October the gates are open until 18:30 and during May and September the gates are open until 18:00.
How many entrance gates does the Pilanesberg National Park have?
There are five public entrance gates that give access to different parts of Pilanesberg National Parkland one private gate to the Black Rhino Reserve.
Do you pay gate entrance to Pilanesberg National Park per person or per vehicle?
Entrance is paid per person, with an additional fee per vehicle.
Is it cheaper for a pensioner to visit Pilanesberg National Park?
Gate entrance is only cheaper for South African pensioners.
