Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve in South Africa's North West province is accessible and its malaria-free. Just 15 km (9 miles) from Sun City and an easy 2-hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Pilanesberg is ideal for families not wanting to travel to a remote game park. But don't let the proximity to one of the world's most unique resorts or its malaria-free status dissuade you, wildlife viewing in Pilanesberg is first rate and it includes the African Big Five (lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, leopard). And the scenery is breathtaking. Situated in the remnants of a long extinct alkaline volcanic crater and surrounded by three rings of hills, the reserve's 55 000 hectares unfold over 200 km (124 miles) of well-groomed roads. Whether you explore the game park on a self-drive African safari, hire a guide or take in the view from the back of an elephant or high above in a hot air balloon, a wildlife safari in Pilanesberg is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. Don't forget to pack binoculars, camera and plenty of film for the kids!
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History & Culture
A trip to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve provides an opportunity to introduce kids to the history of South Africa's North West province and the culture of the BaTswana people.
Maps
Maps are a great way to get the kids involved in family vacation planning. Use online maps of the North West Province to locate a city, street or attraction and plot a route to a desired family travel destination. What's more, online maps are great tools for studying South Africa's political geography in detail.
Books
The breath of South African literature goes beyond Nadine Gordimer and JM Coetzee, awarded the coveted Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991 and 2003 respectively. Find books by South African authors whether your interest is guidebooks, novels or history. Learn about the history of black literature in South Africa. Find books for kids and read reviews on South African literature for children. Get recommended reading lists for travel to South Africa and in addition to introducing younger children to your family vacation destination and getting teens and tweens ready for a family trip embark on a journey through books.
South African Authors
The Postcolonial Web History of Black South African Literature South African History online South African Children's Literature University of South Africa Reading Lists kids can travel recommends 
Longitude Music & Sound
South African music is all about a coming together of ideas. From the Dutch colonial era to modern times South Africans have blended local music and Western song to create unique styles such as mbaqanga, bubblegum and kwaito. Learn more about the history of South African music and explore South African song online. Don't limit your exploration of sound to music. Explore wildlife through sound. Listen to an elephant trumpet and a lion snarl and roar. Learn to identify birdcalls before you depart on a bird watching tour.
South African Music
Music.org.za South African Rock Digest Ukhozi FM South African Wildlife Sounds The British Library News
Read South African news online and brush up on South African current events from politics to economics and sports to entertainment. Discover what South Africans are reading.
Kids' stuff
Did you know that South Africa is home to both the largest and smallest land mammals? Discover South African trivia and find fun facts about South Africa. Introduce your children to conservation and wildlife, test their knowledge, and play wildlife games online before you depart on a wildlife safari or birdwatching tour. How many mammals and birds can the children identify? Print a safari and birdwatching checklist and enhance the adventure of a family safari or birding excursion.
Trivia & Fun Facts about South Africa
ZAR.co.za Wildlife Facts and Games Kid's planet Species Checklist Pilanesberg Game Reserve Organizations
Associations and non-profit organizations can be a valuable resource as well as means to get involved. Wildlife conservation may be the principle focus of non-profit organizations in South Africa but it is not the only. Find out more about a few of the organizations involved in conservation matters ranging from South Africa's marine and animal life to cultural and natural treasures and the environment.
Wildlife Conservation and the Environment
Endangered Wildlife Trust Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa BirdLife South Africa World Heritage Sites UNESCO World Heritage Centre |
