The Pilanesberg is a beautiful place with a lot of wildlife, including the Big Five because it is made up of the eroded remains of an old volcano.
The park is only a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, so it's a great place to go on a weekend.
Depending on the time of the year, you may have a completely different experience, therefore you may appreciate this article as a guideline for your visit:
Pilanesberg National Park experiences two very distinct seasonal periods – summer and late winter to early summer.
Late winter to early summer (July to October)
The best time for Pilanesberg Safaris is from the middle of July to the middle of October (during late winter, spring or early summer).
This is because animals take longer to feed in the winter because there is less food available.
From January on, it's hard to see through the thick bush.
The days are clear and warm in the winter. The evenings, on the other hand, tend to be very cold. Some parts of the park have to be burned in the winter by controlled fires, an important part of taking care of the veld.
Winter is a great time to see lions. They don't pay as much attention to cars and tourists as they would during another time of year.
Summer (October to March)
Between October and March, during the summer, it rains more often. During this time, about 622mm of rain falls in the Pilanesberg.
Summer temperatures are usually between 26°C and 30°C.
The wet season lasts from October to April with regular rains - usually in the form of afternoon storms - that break up the heat.
Average daytime temperatures are around 29°C/84°F but due to the low humidity, the heat is more bearable than at the coast.
A Month by Month Guide
May
From May temperatures gradually drop, marking the beginning of winter.
Average temperatures vary from 7°C/45°F in the mornings to 23°C/73°F in the afternoons.
June, July & August
Skies are usually sunny and clear with daytime temperatures averaging 22°C/72°F.
Warm clothes are essential for the freezing mornings (4°C/40°F on average).
September
Average day temperatures are mild and pleasant at 27°C/81°F, with mornings cooler at 10°C/50°F.
October & November
From October it gets warmer, and the first rains appear. Temperatures may range from 15°C/59°F in the morning to 29°C/84°F later in the day.
December, January & February
These are the wettest months, often with torrential downpours in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures may vary around 30°C/86°F.
March & April
Rainfall starts to decrease and it gets colder. This continues in April, when you can expect lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The nights get colder (about 13°C/55°F) while daytime temperatures are at a pleasant 27°C/81°F.
Conclusion
The best way to go about a Pilanesberg Safari is to enjoy every minute of it, no matter what time of the year you go.
May to September remains the best time for wildlife viewing, with virtually no rainfall, and very low humidity. These conditions cause foliage to thin and animals are flocked around permanent water sources, making them easier to see.
From October to April is is high season and the park is busier, especially during school holidays.
From December to February you can expect very hot days and afternoon rain.You might also be interested in: The Lion & Safari Park Is A Must-Visit For The Whole Family!
