South Africa: Safari

Pilanesberg National Park is about two hours by car in the north direction from Johannesburg. This place was actually an active volcano some 1.2 billion years ago, and now a complex of hills and valleys is all that remains of the eroded dome. Fertile volcanic soil has given birth to a vivid plant life, especially a large number of grass varieties. Except for one natural lake, other have been man made to provide nourishment for the animals. Most of the wildlife here has been brought in from other areas, but since than it has been living and breeding completely on its own, like in real wilderness. The park has a lot of trails that you can drive with your car, and safe locations like hides and viewpoints where you can come out. Most of the well known African animals live in this park, but it would take more than a few visits to spot them all. Anyway, even a single visit would give you a good safari here.

R556 Road to PilanesbergSafari tent at the Manyane resortSafari tent insideCamping siteAcacia treesAcacia treesPilanesberg ParkPilanesberg ParkPilanesberg ParkPilanesberg ParkWildebeestPilanesberg ParkSpringbokWarthogPilanesberg ParkWarthogWarthogPilanesberg ParkTermite MoundAn elephant chasing us down the roadAn elephant chasing us down the roadPilanesberg ParkPlains ZebraPlains ZebraPilanesberg ParkPilanesberg ParkPilanesberg ParkPilanesberg ParkPlains ZebraWater LillyPilanesberg ParkLenong ViewGiraffeGirrafeLenong View
Lenong View Panorama

Lenong View Panorama

Lenong is the name of a hill in Pilanesberg on which you can climb with your car. Once on top, you can exit the vehicle and enjoy the panorama of the plains with lakes below.

Lenong View Panorama (VR)

Lenong View Panorama (VR)

If you're not afraid of the lions, you can climb to the actual top of the Lenong hill, which offers a wider view.

Moloto View Panorama (VR)

Moloto View Panorama (VR)

Moloto drive is a trail that leads to the west, more wilder part of the park. Low trees are denser here and there are not so many grass plains, except for that large one in this panorama. In this area hyenas live, but due to their nocturnal activity, they are not easy to spot while hiding during the day.


ElephantWildebeest
Tshwene Road Panorama

Tshwene Road Panorama

Late afternoon shadows start to grow long across the african plains.


Lenong ViewPilanesberg ParkImpalaImpalaWhite RhinoImpalaPilanesberg ParkWildebeestGuinea HenGuinea HenPilanesberg ParkSlender MongooseSlender MongooseSlender MongooseWarthogPilanesberg ParkBlue-eared Glossy StarlingBlue-eared Glossy StarlingComplete wash of the dusty car that took 2 hoursComplete wash of the dusty car that took 2 hoursVervet MonkeyVervet MonkeyImpalaMankwe Lake from Lenong ViewLenong ViewLenong ViewHippo in the Ratlhogo LakeRatlhogo LakeGirrafePlains ZebraPlains ZebraPlains ZebraPlains ZebraPlains ZebraPlains ZebraHippopotamusHippopotamusHippopotamusHippopotamusHippopotamusPilanesberg ParkJackalElephantElephantWhite RhinoWhite RhinoWhite Rhino
Noga Road Panorama

Noga Road Panorama

A cloudy morning in the southern parts of the park.
Larger size image


GirrafeGirrafeGirrafeWater LillyLake wildlifeLake wildlifeLake wildlifeAfrica_Safari_2009_107_3689Africa_Safari_2009_108_3696Africa_Safari_2009_109_3699Africa_Safari_2009_110_3702Slender MungooseSlender MungooseSlender MungoosePilanesberg Park
Rathlogo Hide Panorama

Rathlogo Hide Panorama

Lake hides are really great features of this park. These wooden cabins are usually mounted on pillars and above the surface of the water, offering a wide view. Inside you can sit on a cosy bench and observe birds, hippos bathing in the water, or other wildlife that comes to get rid of the thirst.

Dithabaneng Panorama

Dithabaneng Panorama

Autumn colors of Africa.

Lenong Panorama

Lenong Panorama

Another african landscape.


Africa_Safari_2009_120_3737ElephantElephantAfrica_Safari_2009_123_3764Plains ZebraPlains ZebraPlains ZebraPlains ZebraWarthogSpringbokSpringbokVervet MonkeyVervet MonkeyVervet MonkeyVervet Monkey