Jaunted

Safaris

Destination: Pilanesberg National Park

May 29, 2007 at 3:24 PM | 1 Comment

Forget your standard Busch Gardens Animal theme parks and get yourself to see the real thing, in South Africa. One of the best places to see "the big five"? Pilanesberg National Park, in the country's North-West province. Covering a space occupied 1200 years ago by a volcanic crater, the park itself is conveniently round (making getting lost difficult) and holds a small lake at its center (an ideal spot for watching the animals get a drink).

Opened in 1979, the majority of its residents (elephants, rhinos, giraffes, impalas, zebras) were relocated from other areas in Africa for protection and preservation purposes. Options for exploration are pretty endless - you can stay and camp, take a ranger-led ride, or even a hot air balloon ride above the park. Just beware when picnicking-- the animals are used to humans, and its not uncommon for a baboon to come swipe a sandwich or two.

[Photo: Jen&Co]

Related Stories:
· World's Best National Parks Map [Jaunted]
· Pilanesberg National Park [southafrica-travel.net]