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adventure travel africa

Pilanesberg National Park
No Buffalo in Pilanesberg right?

10/3/2018 - This is an old page, but still totally relevant. In about 12 000 hours  in Pilanesberg, I have seen buffalo about 140 times, so 12% of the time. In my rookie years, it was far less. If you don't see them you are just not looking in the right places! You HAVE to consciously go look for them. You have to know their habits & you have to know the Park really well...this took me years to figure out, and then when the Black Rhino part of the Park got added, their browsing pattern changed as 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. More sightings in 2012, 2015 & 2017 than in other years, as it was really dry. Buffalo has to drink twice a day, to my knowledge they have only crossed twice to the east of the North South roads; Kubu and Kgabo. Normally they are only seen at the end of the dry season. Anpther 2 mentions, They PB buffs are very skittish, and you normally see them at a distance. If you really want to see buffalo up close, just go to Kruger where they are all over the place. You will need a few days though, as you might not find them on day 1 or 2 :) We normally do 7 - 8 nights in Kruger - you should do a minimum of 4 nights.



58 were moved to another Reserve May 2004 duo to predation by lions, leaving an estimated 100 now, end 2015. 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, You do get them about 10% of the time pretty close. On 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 15 minutes later - 30 m from me!
Unfortunately in all the excitement 2/3's of my photos blurred....

Buffalo just after the kill
Buffalo just after the kill - 1 Aug 2006

Buffalo running
Buffalo outrunning 2 lionesses previous afternoon


Buffalo still running
Same Buffalo next morning 7h20 - 1 km away

Buffalo still running
Male lion already herding Buffalo - 500m away
Lion going for Buffalo calf
1 min before the kill - going for the calf in the back
Buffalo Rearguard watching the lion after kill
Rearguard watching the lion after kill
Lion killing young Buffalo calf
Lion killing young Buffalo calf - 30 m away
Lion dragging buffalo calf off & disappearing
Lion dragging buffalo calf off & disappearing
Buffalo moving away after kill
Buffalo moving away after kill

Buffalo passing 7 m from me
Same buffalo passing 7 m from me


12 buffalo at Ratlogo in Pilanesberg Aug 2004
.
Saw the whole herd together - 6 Oct 2004 - about 60 but 1km away from the Sefara road.


Buffalo about 300m away Normal cars see very little game

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.

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 Brian

Note - the pic would be similar to the small pic top left with the buffalo outrunning the lionesses - i will add it asap


Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun City

Working with new pics are just too time consuming, so I only do it when I have free time! May 2019
Picture Gallery up to 2019
Picture Gallery 2010
Picture Gallery 2009
Picture Gallery 2008
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004


It's alphabetical - so save us both time.... and if 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.

Accommodation Specials at Pilanesberg

Accommodation at Sun City Vacation Club

Airport at Pilanesberg

Animal studies in Pilanesberg

Bakgatla Resort

Bakubung Bush Lodge

Balloon Safaris: In Pilanesberg National Park -  R5 000pp - 1 hour, minimum 4 pax!

Binoculars needed

Bird list

Black Rhino Game Lodge

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

Commission offered to booking agents

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 8 years in Pilanesberg.

Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.

Reading - other re Pilanesberg.

Safety in Pilanesberg

Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

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


adventure travel africa
806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg, Office - Please mail only
PO Box 250 Sun City, 0316
- Updated March 2018
All Pilanesberg queries -  travelinafrica@gmail.com