Pilanesberg Safaris and Tours

10/03/2023

Zebra of nine lives.

During a drive with guests we were incredibly fortunate to witness four cheetahs attempting to hunt this zebra. On various occasions, we thought the cheetahs would be successful as the managed to down the zebra right next to our vehicle a number of times. The zebra would rest while the cubs attempted their throttle holds and to disembowel their prey and most likely due to their lack of technique or confidence, the zebra would manage to stand up and the chase would continue.

We're not sure who used more lives but the zebra finally escaped into a thicket.

23/12/2021

12/02/2021

The valleys are a shade darker, bird calls slightly mummed, the wildlife and rhinos will surely shed a tear as a hero for the wilderness is laid to rest today.

Rest in peace Kobus!

You will be deeply missed.

Today we put Kobus our husband, colleague, family member and friend to rest.
Rest easy soldier. You are so deeply loved and you will be so sadly missed. Watch over us from above ❤️

Those that missed the tribute to Kobus om Radio Mix FM 93.8FM please go to this link:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DeqKJ4E69lQ&feature=youtu.be

22/09/2020

Celebrating today. This year's theme is "5 rhino species forever" and aims to bring awareness and debunk myths surrounding the remaining species of African and Asian Rhinoceros.

This was a magical experience with a Black Rhinoceros sometime ago with in the .

Show your support and get involved

Let's save these incredible animals.

16/06/2020

For nearly 20 years, I have had the incredible opportunity to guide guests from all walks of life and many nations across our globe into the wilds and beautiful landscapes of Africa.

Since 2007 myself and a close knit group of guides have enjoyed the company of thousands of more mostly international guests and with great pride introduced many, some on more than one occasion, to our "home from home" the Pilanesberg National Park.

How privileged we were to live this lifestyle and follow this career path. We certainly miss all of you, our guests and friends, as well as what us guides knew to be our occupation, or rather, our passion!

Our thoughts currently are with the many millions across the globe that have been affected by this global shutdown. A global "reset" as termed by many. Some more affected than others but nearly all affected in some way.

This has however been good for our planet.

Perhaps a chance for earth to catch its breath. A chance for mankind to reevaluate how we interact with our natural environment, to learn from past mistakes and plan a new path forward.

At the end of the day, life goes on and when you are able to visit again, we will be here providing the same high quality private safaris as we have done, always.

We are travel ready! Stay safe and see you soon!

Ryan

06/02/2020

Last week our clients were fascinated by the annual migration of the Pioneer Caper White, a butterfly species, that by the thousands, move in a North-easterly direction from the dry central plains and deserts of South Africa.

Asked how many migrate, we weren't able to provide an exact answer but can confirm that it was probably millions, minus at least this one, here being devoured by a beautiful Flower Crab Spider.

04/02/2020

Baboon's got the benz.

22/01/2020

Amarula, is probably one of the world's most famous elephants. Introduced to the Pilanesberg in 1998, he is the oldest elephant in the park. His missing tail and impressive tusks make him unmistakable and typically a wide berth is advised. He's been seen regularly this week which is a humbling experience.

19/01/2020

Lepidopterist's delight! Beautiful Citrus Swallowtails (Papilio demodocus) and a guest appearance from the Brown-veined White feeding and courting in fields of Wild Scabious, a common perennial on rocky slopes throughout South Africa and the Pilanesberg

18/01/2020

Learn about crocs and rocks with pilanesbergsafaris.com

10/12/2019

It's been raining for a good few days and the rivers and dams are full to the brim. Great for wildlife but does make sightings a little bit more work. Driving Mankwe Way we found this leopard marking his territory. We watched him for some time and moved forward to get a clear visual. Suddenly out of nowhere a young cub darted across the road like it had seen ghost. This leopard was hot on his tail. Infanticide which is rarely observed in leopards is high with up to a third of all offspring being killed by territorial males and on occasion other females.

28/11/2019

Did someone say ? Well then here's a crazy ! The first of our followers to correctly identify these critters order, family and most likely common name will get an awesome new cap or hat for !!! Delivery included.
(Offer not valid for pilanesbergsafaris.com guides)

30/10/2019

Safety is probably the most important and often overlooked aspect of a safari. Our vehicles are all equipped with comprehensive first aid kits to treat anything from minor scratches to real, life threatening conditions. Ryan here completed his Level 3 Wilderness First Aid training this week, but it's something he sincerely hopes never to need to put into practice.

18/10/2019

"Spirit" A beautiful photo recently by our guide Darryl. This young lion had been feasting on a black rhino calf that had sadly died close to one of the Pilanesberg's photographic hides. When the wind picked up this dust devil formed and Darryl was there to capture it.

22/09/2019

It's another World Rhino Day and the onslaught doesn't seem to be stopping. In the last 100 years rhino populations have dropped to just 4% whilst some subspecies have gone extinct. The war is real and not just for these iconic species- flora and fauna are disappearing at rates never seen before. We all need to stand up and do something- especially our governments!

02/09/2019

To celebrate Spring Day we decided to do a bit of a "Spring Clean" along a local waterway. Everyone seems to focus on single use plastics which is correct but by far the most plentiful trash and most difficult to collect was polystyrene which had corroded and become brittle in the sun. Second were drink bottles, plastic packets and various personal hygiene products.

01/08/2019

We've made a donation of R 5000 to the .wildlife.trust and challenge all other operators and lodges to do the same. Any amount is welcome as it all makes a difference in the end.... Please note that the PWT is a registered PBO and can issue 18 A tax certificates for donations.
For every R500 donated the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust will put up a plaque with the donors name embedded on the walkway!
The link below gives more details ....
Thank you.
http://www.pilanesbergwildlifetrust.co.za/campaigns/mankwe-hide/

13/07/2019

As quickly as she appeared, she melted back into the long grass.

12/07/2019

The Cape Buffalo are typically more difficult to see during the summer months as they tend to spend their time grazing in the north western reaches and wilderness areas of the Pilanesberg. We had 4 old bulls cross the road right in front of us before they disappeared into a drainage line. Unfortunately many visitors struggle to get to see these less famous, but equally infamous, members of the the big 5.

04/07/2019

We were recently fortunate to find this beautiful cat stalking crocodiles and monitor lizards around midday while on safari. The agility and grace was something to truelly admire. Our guests fortunately got better pics and this was shot off a phone.

12/06/2019

We simply do not offer captive wildlife interactions and so when it's their desire to move on, we respect that. That's the way it is, and the way it should be.

10/12/2018

Timeline Photos

13/09/2018

We were so proud to receive a review like this from recent guests a few days ago. Thanks again Darryl! Another sterling job!

"Hi Holly

Just wanted to say thanks to Pilanesberg Safaris and Darryl for an incredible weekend! As a conservation biologist I know how fickle wildlife can be to spot but Darryl took every opportunity to show us as much wildlife - not just the 'Big 5', but birds and everything else - and every corner of the park. He was very informative and knowledgeable, answering my (probably very scientific!) questions. We saw a huge list of species over the 4 days; Certainly it kept this wildlife geek happy!!

I'll definitly be recommending Pilanesberg Safaris to friends :)

Thanks again and warm wishes
Sarah"

10/07/2018

"When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers" African Proverb. Another cracker of a shot by Darryl on a recent privately guided safari # photographic safaris

04/07/2018

Sightings have been amazing recently and our professional field guide Darryl has been finding himself in all the right places at all the right times! Join him on his

04/06/2018

The rules of mass always apply in the wild! He's bigger.
A well handled and great sighting over the weekend with Craig and James!

02/11/2017

We recently achieved 1000 likes and would like to thank you all. We had hoped to share some more positive news from this wonderful paradise we love so much. Sadly, this is the reality. Please follow this link and support the Pilanesberg National Park and Wildlife Trust. We are only brief visitors on this earth. Make it count. Extinction is forever.

There are no words. 💔 Mom and calf shot and killed by poachers. Horns are still on as the murderers fled the scene when they heard a game drive approach.
Mom looks very pregnant as well. We are devastated ....💔🦏💔

A reward will be issued for any information leading to an arrest and prosecution of these murderers. 😡

Photos courtesy Shaunté Palmer and Gavin Stewart - thank you.

07/10/2017

It's not common knowledge that the king of beasts isn't above scavenging and will frequently rob other predators of their kills. This impressive male lion has been spending a lot of time on a rhino carcass recently.

01/09/2017

We'd like to wish all of our southern hemisphere friends, fans, followers and of course all of the flowers and their pollinators a brilliant spring day. Have a blooming great weekend!

01/08/2017

My how conservation has changed in the last few years. There is an onslaught on our wildlife and these brave people and organisations are often times the wilderness' last line of defence. Strength to all those involved for the difficult task at hand.

World Ranger Day, in the times we live in, is so different to what it was 10 years ago. Rangers today have to be trained to carry weapons and survive in the field, against the most difficult of odds. Facing armed criminals who fear nothing. Poachers whose only goal is to find and kill the very animals our Rangers have to protect. There is no danger pay, yet the dangers our Rangers face are real and ongoing each time they go out on patrol.
To all the Rangers out there protecting our wildlife, our heritage and the nature we love, we say thank you! Thank you!
Wishing you all a wonderful ranger day. 👨🏿‍🎨👨🏻‍🎨👨🏾‍🎨👨🏼‍🎨