How can we ruin your viewing in Pilanesberg National Park??
This page is dedicated to most weekenders.....
How can we ruin your viewing in Pilanesberg National Park??
This page is dedicated to most weekenders.....
14 May 2006 - Hopefully this picture speaks 1000 words.... It took 35 minutes for this rhino to come out from behind the bush to drink thanks to roughly 33 out of 35 idiots that shouldn't be in the Park in the 1st place. There is nothing more frustrating for any serious gameviewer than some obstinate & ignorant nit that keeps his 4x4 diesel engine(80%, 20 % other cars) running when arriving at a viewing, especially one as great as this. In this case the rhino was 10 m back just behind the bush and slightly to the right, the baby was slightly visible most times.
It doesn't take 2 brain cells to figure out that this baby was young.
Another brain cell would tell you that the mother wanted to come drink.
And another that any mammal is naturally protective towards their young.
Another that if you keep your engine running and blah blah blah at the same time as well, she is not going to move.
And if you have one in reserve you might realize that if you actually shut down and shut the hell up, other people won't actually have to sit there for 35 minutes getting fed up with 95% of pax arriving....thinking of 101 ways to waste them instead of focussing on the sighting. Out of about 35 cars that showed up only 2 shut down ....al others had to be spoonfed.
Can anyone tell me why most South Africans (that really should know better) are so ignorant in this regard? I do what I do as I enjoy it, and incidents like the above really suck the pleasure out for guys & girls like me.
The above is what happens constantly on weekends, and is the reason I do not really like to go on weekends and other peak dates. In the above instance we had to wait a total of 40 minutes for the shots where we could have been there only 10 minutes total - so this is 30 minutes we could have spend elsewhere. This is now time we could spend getting passed by Michael Schumakers yuppie cousins's 4x4's; kicking up dust all over the Park. Must be a caveman thing.....Over and above this there is an added danger factor, especially with the ellies. If you get crowded, don't you get nervous?If you are offended by what I said here, you are probably one of the 33/35 drivers. Don't get p*&^ at me though - I really can't help it if you are useless & clueless in the bush. The only person that can help you is you yourself. Go on a game course - there are plenty - look at FGASA. Learning just the basics will make a huge difference to your life. And even if you pay R5000 for a course, you will get it back 100 fold. You will see that your bokkie is not just impressed with your 4x4, but with the way you drive it as well. And your kids will be really impressed with their old man 'cause he is so clever, and just maybe they will want to be a guide when they grow up!
Strangely enough there seems to be a correlation between speed and sightings.... And the more respect you give the animals they more they reward you... Please look at Game etiquette.
I'm going to add why I still do weekend trips. Also 14 May 2004, about 1 hour later - 1000 words again.............
One of my most exciting spots ever; was submerged when I saw it and stayed that way for another 11 minutes before popping out. And to the lady whose daughter or daughter in law was driving the white 4x4, blue waxbills my ass. If you had enough respect for wildlife & didn't actually get get out your car and walked 5 metres to right behind me to check out what we were looking at; I would have told your driver what you were actually standing right next to - 3m from - 1 minute before. And the 3 blokes in the white Toyota; thanks for the laugh when you said loud after 4 minutes :"Rocks, he is looking at rocks". Yea, you were real sharp! Just left out the African and the Python. I might have told you if you asked. But then you were extremely vocal - maybe you thought you were at a rugby game? So maybe I wouldn't have. After all, I am a very expensive guide and my clients pay me a small fortune. Why should I share with you for free? But if you were coming from the front making mega dust, but slowed down on approaching to minimise the effect on me/us, I would have stopped and shared........ DID THE PENNY DROP?
What a cool snake....looks like a stick hey?
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!
Binoculars needed
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
