Safari in North West & Central Bushveld
Venture into the accessible bushveld reserves of North West, Limpopo, Gauteng, and central Mpumalanga, including Madikwe and Pilanesberg, for excellent wildlife viewing close to major cities.
North West & Central Bushveld Parks Map
Explore safari parks across North West & Central Bushveld
North West & Central Bushveld Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in North West & Central Bushveld
Botsalano Game Reserve
Botsalano Game Reserve is a protected area in South Africa.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
The only Big Five game reserve in Gauteng, Dinokeng offers a convenient safari experience close to Pretoria and Johannesburg. It's a developing reserve with a mix of private and public sections, providing accessible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kgaswane Mountain Nature Reserve
Kgaswane Mountain Nature Reserve is a protected area in South Africa.
Lichtenburg Game Breeding Station
Lichtenburg Game Breeding Station is a protected area in South Africa.
Mabalingwe Nature Reserve
Mabalingwe , is located 28 km west of Bela Bela, in the Limpopo province of South Africa, and is about 8 800 hectare in area. It is in an easily accessible, malaria-free area of the Transvaal bushveld, around an hour-and-a-half drive from Johannesburg. Mabalingwe means "Spots of the leopard." The name comes from the phrase "mabala ya ingwe" - mabala means "spot" in Tswana and ingwe is Zulu for "leopard.
Madikwe Game Reserve
A premier malaria-free Big Five reserve in the North West Province, Madikwe is known for its successful reintroduction of endangered species, including wild dog. It offers exclusive, high-end safari experiences with excellent chances of seeing rare and elusive animals.
Mafikeng Game Reserve
Mafikeng Game Reserve is a protected area in South Africa.
Marakele National Park
Located in the Waterberg Mountains, Marakele is characterized by its dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. It's home to the Big Five, a significant population of Cape Vultures, and offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Pilanesberg National Park
Located in an extinct volcanic crater in the North West Province, Pilanesberg is a malaria-free Big Five destination easily accessible from Johannesburg. Its unique geology creates diverse habitats, supporting a wide array of wildlife and birds in a relatively compact area.
Welgevonden Game Reserve
Located in the Waterberg Biosphere, Welgevonden is a malaria-free Big Five reserve offering a pristine wilderness experience. Its mountainous terrain and diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife, with strict vehicle limits ensuring an exclusive safari.
Compare Parks in North West & Central Bushveld
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in North West & Central Bushveld
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madikwe Game Reserve | - | 354 | - | Busy | Free | ZA-0297 (8km) |
| Pilanesberg National Park | - | 382 | - | Busy | Free | NTY (13km) |
| Welgevonden Game Reserve | - | 334 | - | Moderate | Free | ZA-0232 (4km) |
| Dinokeng Game Reserve | - | 406 | - | Busy | Free | FAFW (16km) |
| Marakele National Park | - | 334 | - | Quiet | Free | ZA-0232 (19km) |
| Botsalano Game Reserve | - | 244 | - | Moderate | Free | ZA-0087 (4km) |
| Kgaswane Mountain Nature Reserve | - | 382 | - | Busy | Free | FARG (11km) |
| Lichtenburg Game Breeding Station | - | 56 | - | Quiet | Free | FALI (11km) |
| Mabalingwe Nature Reserve | - | 406 | - | Moderate | Free | ZA-0068 (9km) |
| Mafikeng Game Reserve | - | 244 | - | Moderate | Free | FAML (6km) |
165 species recorded in North West & Central Bushveld14 threatened
We love the North West and Central Bushveld for its sheer accessibility and reliable game viewing. The landscape here is classic South African savanna, easy to navigate and offering incredible photographic opportunities. We recommend venturing into reserves like Madikwe for its malaria-free status and excellent predator sightings. The sunsets are sensational, painting the acacia-dotted plains in hues of orange and purple.
Terrain & Altitude
Gently rolling hills and open plains are characteristic of this accessible bushveld.
1,000-1,500m above sea level
Vegetation
Acacia and marula trees dominate the landscape, interspersed with dense thorny thickets and open grasslands.
Water Sources
Permanent rivers like the Limpopo and Olifants are crucial, supplemented by numerous man-made waterholes that concentrate wildlife.
Unique Features
The dramatic igneous intrusions of the Pilanesberg, a fossilized volcanic crater, create a striking and biodiverse landscape.
For ease of access, we love flying into Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo or Lanseria and driving. The roads are excellent, making it a simple transfer. If you're heading to a luxury lodge, they often arrange seamless road transfers or charter flights directly to their airstrips, which we find is the most comfortable way to arrive.
Nearest Airports
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg
250km / 3hr drive to Pilanesberg
Daily international and domestic connections
Lanseria International Airport (HLA), Johannesburg
180km / 2.5hr drive to Pilanesberg
Frequent domestic connections from Cape Town and other SA cities
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Johannesburg
Direct routes to both Pilanesberg and Madikwe are well maintained tarmac roads. We recommend leaving early to avoid city traffic and maximize your first afternoon on safari.
From Pretoria
Similar to Johannesburg routes, these are straightforward drives. Consider stopping in the Magaliesberg region for lunch if you have time.
Temperature
22.6°C
73°F
Rainfall
103.5 mm
Wet season
Humidity
63.6%
Sunshine
11.5 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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