Pilanesberg National Park
There is no Buffalo
in Pilanesberg right?
Pilanesberg National Park
There is no Buffalo
in Pilanesberg right?
In 240 days in Pilanesberg, we have seen buffalo 17 times, so 7% of the time. So if you don't see them you are just not looking in the right places! You HAVE to consciencly go look for them. You have to know their habits & you have to know the Park really well. If you have the time and patience you can certain times of the year go sit and wait for them, but you will need at least 3 days, and it's never the same time of the year - it's totally rain dependent.
58 were moved to another Reserve May 2004 duo to predation by lions, leaving an estimated 80 now. At R180 000 a TB free female, it is no laughing matter when the Western Pride takes out one. Like the buffalo, the Western Pride lives in the wilderness area. They apparently have taken out buffalo on a regular basis, hence the decision to move some. Though rarely seen close up, I saw the whole herd myself at a distance in Oct 2004, and then again on 4 Nov 2004, where upon counting I swear there were about 80. This adds up as I estimated 15 youngsters, but they shouldn't have been born yet! We might have been one of the 1st(or the 1st!) that have seen that years arrival!! Oct 2005 I saw them 3 times and at odd times here and there, normally at a distance as they are quite skittish. 31 July 2006 I saw an unsuccessful chase by 2 females 70 m from us. 1 Aug 06 I found the same herd at 7h20, a male lion 2 min later and saw the kill 10 minutes later - 30 m from me! Unfortunately in all the excitement 2/3's of my photos blurred....
Buffalo just after the kill - 1 Aug 2006
Buffalo outrunning 2 lionesses previous afternoon
Same Buffalo next morning 7h20 - 1 km away
Male lion already herding Buffalo - 500m away
1 min before the kill - going for the calf in the back
Rearguard watching the lion after kill
Lion killing young Buffalo calf - 30 m away
Lion dragging buffalo calf off & disappearing
Buffalo moving away after kill
Buffalo passing 7 m from me
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Saw the whole herd together - 6 Oct 2004 - about 60 but 1km away from the Sefara road.
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On Moloto - 14 May 2005 - the reason you shouldn't travel in a normal car!
Though 300m away way could see them clearly with our binoculars, and we were the only ones to do so.
This group was 60 minimum, probably 80. There was a miscount with buffalo in PNP, there are probably about 80.
From: BRIAN SANKEY [mailto:bandaasankey@btinternet.com]
Sent: 21 February 2007 09:21 PM
To: Jaco Rautenbach
Subject: Photo competition
Hi Jaco
How are things with you and your house move. We hope all is progressing well. We have sold our present house and purchased another one. We are just waiting for all the paperwork to be completed and to be given a date for moving. Once we have got the new place to our liking we will be seeing you again. Can't wait!
The main purpose of sending this email now was to tell you that Brian entered the photo of the charging cape buffalo in a competition and it won!! I came second with a very sedate but beautiful shot of ducks flying in to try and land on a frozen English pond. No contest, the judge was truly inspired by the power of Brian's print.
Do hope your lovely new lady and all the impala are well.
Kindest regards
Alma and BrianNote - the pic would be similar to the small pic top left with the buffalo outrunning the lionesses - i will add it asap
Why go to Pilanesberg with me?
My Prices for day visits and 2 day safaris to Pilanesberg: Also Sun City.
Next Definite Dates 2008: Most dates not here are available.
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004
The rest is alphabetical - if you look here before you ask you will save time - mine and yours.... and if you ask something that is not on here I will put it up!Accommodation in the Park only: Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.
Accommodation in and around Sun City. Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.
Airport at Pilanesberg
Animal studies in Pilanesberg
Backpacker accommodation near Sun City and Pilanesberg
Bakgatla Resort
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Balloon Safaris: In Pilanesberg National Park - R2 950pp - 1 hour, minimum 8 pax!
Bird list
Brochure request - you need a DNL reader
Buffalo in the Park
Camping - book direct at 014 555 1000, don't be surprised if you hold 15 minutes and then get cut off.
Cancellation Terms and Conditions
Condition of the Veld
Dangers in Pilanesberg
Disclosures: About vehicles used for Pilanesberg and other
Directions - see map
Elephant Back safaris in Pilanesberg.
Entrance fee - see gate times
Etiquette in Game Parks like Pilanesberg for self drives
Friends of Pilanesberg Society - Volunteers helping to maintain the Park.
Gate Times for Pilanesberg National Park
Geology of Pilanesberg National Park
Highlights seen in Pilanesberg the last 2 years:
Don't expect something like this or the animals to stand next to the road waiting. It's not a Zoo!History of Pilanesberg National Park
Idiot Gallery - Stunts pulled in Pilanesberg National Park by the mentally challenged. Other tour operators are welcome to contribute - I will give you recognition except if you don't want it!Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Kids on Safari. in Pilanesberg or other parks
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Manyane Resort
Map and directions to Pilanesberg
Other Parks near Pilanesberg
Other Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg
Packages to Lodges
Picture Gallery - taken by us over the last 2 years in Pilanesberg.
Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.
Reading - other re Pilanesberg.
Safety in Pilanesberg
Schedule - tour schedule for Pilanesberg
Seen one of the day trips to Pilanesberg - 19 Sept 2007:
Seen on a 2 day safari to Pilanesberg - 9&10 August 2004:
Testimonials from clients we have taken to Pilanesberg
Things to do in and around Pilanesberg
Transfers only to Pilanesberg and Sun City - one way: charged per vehicle:
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Veld Condition in the Park
Weather and Climate for Pilanesberg area
What can you hope to see in Pilanesberg?
When to go to Pilanesberg: best time etc.
