We’ve just entered the Pilanesberg National Park through the Kwa Maritane Gate and following Tshepe Drive deeper into the Park.
As happens more often than not, the first animals we encounter are impala, followed soon after by a small herd of blue wildebeest. We notice that the winter fire season burned large tracts of land, but take heart from the flush of new green shoots poking through the blackened earth, and have no doubt that the continued drizzle we were driving through would boost the new growth enormously. Next sighting is the first of Africa’s “Big Five“: a nice big elephant bull and, not half-a-kilometre further, three more. Before we reach the junction of Tshepe Drive with the Nkakane road, 10km from the gate, a small herd of plains zebra, mixing with more impala, is our next “tick” before seeing yet another elephant, this one scaling a rocky hillside some distance from the road.
It’s a further 3km to the left turn into the Kwalata road, during which we’re not only excited by beautiful scenery (despite the gloomy weather), lots of birds beginning to appear and the sight of a small herd of rare tsessebe but also by fresh lion tracks appearing in the wet sand on the road every so often. This particular lion however did not want to be seen…
As we’re merrily driving along Kwalata road, enjoying each other’s company and regular sightings of more impala, we’re flagged down by the driver of a safari vehicle with some very wet tourists in the back. He wants to know whether we’ve come from Kwa Maritane’s side. “Yes”, we answer. “Any cats?” he asks, obviously desperate to make his shivering clients’ ordeal worth their while (and money). “Not yet!”, we answer. Turns out all he should have done was to follow Joubert and me around the rest of the day…
If you’d like to follow along as we explore the Pilanesberg, a map may come in handy (for a large format version click here)
Kwa Maritane Gate to Mankwe Way via Tshepe and Kwalata
To be continued tomorrow.
DeWetsWild 
The rain and mist add an interesting atmosphere to the place as shown in your photos.
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We’ve never experienced Pilanesberg in weather like this, Carol, and it was remarkable seeing the peaks covered in clouds.
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If I ever get to visit Africa, this Pilanesberg National Park would be at the top of the list of places to visit. You have described in such exciting details and exquisite photos.
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That’s very kind of you, Hien, and I honestly hope that you will come to visit us, and soon. And when you do we’d be glad to share all our tips of must-see places with you. Pilanesberg certainly belongs in the list.
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Wow! Looks like a very productive trip. I liked your shot of the goose sticking its neck out.
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Thanks Siobhan. It really was a most memorable day and I hope you’re coming along for our drive..
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Thanks for sharing some scenery, I have never been to Pilansberg yet. Would love to get around there at some point.
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It’s a reserve that’s really starting to come into its own now, Cal, and well worth a visit.
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Having been there in March, I am right with the two of you: the dull light thanks to the weather, the fresh damp smell mingled with the acrid scent of wet burned grass. We were there to witness the arrival of the first elephants in the park – how that population has grown!
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I would have loved to see Pilanesberg in its formative years, Anne. We visited for the first time in 1999 and the changes we’ve seen over the 21 years since as nature slowly reclaims what agriculture and human settlements stole and damaged is remarkable. The positive change must be even more pronounced for you who saw the Park being born.
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Very interesting! I guess everybody is looking for the big felines. They might like to watch “the kills”.
I do not enjoy that, I love all animals, years ago I was in for hunting, shooting, etc. Now since I care for birds, I appreciate all animal’s lives. Thanks, D. 🙂
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There’s no denying that Africa’s big cats have a special allure, H.J, and are at the top of most local and international visitors to South Africa’s wildlife reserves. Though seeing a “kill”, as natural and necessary for the survival of predator and prey as it is, is understandably not in everyone’s taste.
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I’m not against it, I just don’t enjoy it. They are wild animals I understand, they have to eat to survive.
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