It’s 2pm when we see our first warthogs for the day at the junction of Tau Link with Tshwene Drive. These plucky pigs are usually a common sight in the Pilanesberg National Park but as they do not like cold or wet weather they probably stayed in their burrows for as long as they could before being forced to venture out in search of food. A kori bustard striding the plains near Mankwe Dam is another unexpected and very welcome sight. At the dam itself, seen from the aptly named Hippo Loop, the chubby denizens of the water have taken advantage of the overcast conditions to start grazing early, while an elephant munches leisurely on a tree at the side of the road.
Heading onwards again we opt to go see what’s happening at Mavuso’s carcass, and find that the black-backed jackals and brown hyena are still in attendance at the feast.
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)
Tau Link to Mankwe Way
If you need to catch up on our drive through the Pilanesberg National Park, you can read all the previous posts here.
To be continued tomorrow.
DeWetsWild 
The warthog sports an impressive set of whiskers! Hippos grazing during the day is always rather a surprising sight although understandable in the rain. You were lucky with your brown hyena sightings.
We’ve never had such good fortune with the brown hyenas, previously our sightings were few and far between and usually at a distance or of them running away at speed.
Great to have such good sightings – it is so interesting to see these unique animals.
I didn’t know warthogs didn’t like water. Their domesticated relatives don’t seem to mind it. Loved the strutting bustard!
I think their hairless hides make the poor warthogs very prone to cold – a cold spell in the birthing season is often catastrophic for the newborns.
I am catching up on your tour through the park now that I have returned from my travels. I always enjoy your wildlife photos!
We’re glad that you’ve joined us, John, and hope it was worth your while reading through all the previous posts about our day in the Pilanesberg
That warthog is kind of cute.
We think so too, Tracy
I love the name “bustard” and of course, elephants. 🙂 Warthogs are interesting but certainly not going to win any awards for beauty.
janet
Regrettably you are very right there, Janet. Beautification wasn’t high on the list of to-do’s when the warthog was created.
It’s amazing how fast the scavenges have devoured the Mavuso’s carcass! Nothing goes to waste in the African jungle. Good post, D. 🙂
That is very true, H.J. Proof of the importance of a healthy ecosystem.
Warthogs! When we were in Kenya with both our children our son ,who was only 12 at the time, was fascinated with the warthogs. He said they were his favorite animals in Kenya. I am enjoying your photos of this trip.
Warthogs really are endearing creatures, Anne, even before Disney made them world famous.
I think my son liked them before Disney’s fame. We were there a long time ago 🙂
Time to come visit again!