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The Pilanesberg National Park is located in North West Province, west of Pretoria. The park borders with the entertainment complex Sun City, and has an area of 572 sq km (220 sq mi), making it the fourth largest in South Africa. The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of the park, the crater is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world.
The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble. Off the center of the park is Thabayadiotso, "the Proud Mountain". The very topography makes the area a feast for the eye. Here are syenite koppies, thickly forested ravines, typical bushweld and also rolling grasslands and lightly wooded areas. The beauty of Pilanesberg is furthermore reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam.
The Pilanesberg National Park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari desert and the wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as Bushwels. Unlike any other park, there is a unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation because of this transition zone. As a consequence, Pilanesberg accommodates virtually every mammal of southern Africa, including the "Big Five", although they have been brought into the park since Pilanesberg is not in a location which the "Big Five" animals would naturally inhabit.
The Bird life diversity of Pilanesberg is excellent with over 360 species having been recorded. Though some are migrants, most others are permanent inhabitants.
Visitors can explore nearly 200 km (124 mi) of excellent roads on self-drives or guided game drives. For out-of-car experience there are a number of hides and scenic picnic sites available, also game walks are available. Pilanesberg furthermore operates balloon safaris, and elephant back safaris.
There are several camps serving the park from the outside, and several stops on the inside where there are bars and gift shops. On the inside there is also self-catering accommodation at the Manyane, Bakgatla and Metswedi camps. The Tshukudu, Kwa Maritane and Bakubund game lodges are also situated in the reserve.
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