We awoke before dawn and picked up a quick prepackaged breakfast of quick oats and fruit. I could hear the Afrikaans language as our drivers discussed where we should begin our trek, deciding to take us to a geological site with an incredible view. With our safari jeeps gassed up and warm blankets on board, we were excited to venture out for a few hours before lunch.
Animals were already on the move as we passed by a herd of zebras. The lookout was not much further, but the terrain was beginning to become a little rough with potholes and large brush for our drivers to avoid. The road took a detour and began to incline until we finally reached a parking space.
It was a short walk from our parking space to Pilanesberg Site G52. The views from here were outstanding having not known what to expect. According to the placard, “the entire landscape seen at this site constitutes the deeper part of the ancient Pilanesberg “volcano”.
The hills, rising above the Bushveld plains surrounding the Park are remnants of many years of weathering and erosion that have removed the volcanic core.”
About ten minutes into our drive, our guide pointed out fresh lion tracks on the right side of the vehicle. He was ready to follow the tracks in hopes of another lion sighting. The weather was becoming more cold as we continued down into the volcanic crater. Snuggled up in our blankets, we were all trying to stay warm.
The zebra hardly noticed that we were nearby, continuing to eat as our jeep pulled over to watch them graze. Our guide explained that these are Plains Zebras and can be distinguished by the stripes on their bellies and are the most populous of the three zebra types.
Our next encounter was that of a bloat of hippopotamus. Lazing around in the sun, these animals are semi-aquatic and are native to sub-Saharan Africa. While their name means “river horse” in the Greek language, they are unable to swim or float. I was surprised to learn that they are one of the most dangerous of animals on the Game Reserve and was happy to see them from a distance.
It was our last stop for the day before making our way back to collect our belongings to catch a flight to Windhoek, Namibia where we will stay at the beautiful Na’ankuse Lodge and Wildlife Sanctuary.
What to See and What to Do:
Pilanesberg National Park
North West Province, South Africa
Telephone: +27 14 555 1600
Where to Stay:
Kwa Maritane Lodge
Telephone: +27 14 555 1600
Where to Eat:
Kwa Maritane Lodge
Telephone: +27 14 555 1600
What to Eat:
- Biltong: salty dried meat of hamburger or kudu
- Bobotie: meatloaf with raisins
- Boerewors: South African sausage
- Bokkoms: salted, dry fish
- Bunny Chow: a bread bowl, seasoned with curry and topped with meat (sometimes rabbit)
- Chakalaka: spicy South African vegetarian dish served with bread
- Denningvleis: lamb stew with a sweet and sour flavor; one of the most delicious dishes in South Africa
- Gatsby: footlong sandwich topped with fries
- Koeksisters: South African donut
- Malva Pudding: pudding with apricots
- Melktert: sweet milk tarts
- Potjiekos: stew of meat and vegetables
- Pap en Sous: corn pie topped with tomato and onion
- Snoek: type of mackerel
- Peppermint Crisp Tart: dessert made with bread rolls, caramel, chocolate, whipped cream and peppermint chocolate bars
What to Read:
- Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen
- The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver
- Cry, The Beloved Country, by Alan Paton
- Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Born Free, by Joy Adamson
Photo Guide for Pilanesberg:
- Animals on Safari
- Mankwe Way
- Sun City
