Pilanesberg National Park
No Buffalo in Pilanesberg
right?
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 - 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
Same 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.
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
Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun CityWorking 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 ClubAirport 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 agentsCondition 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
806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg, Office - Please mail only
PO Box 250 Sun City, 0316 - Updated March 2018
All Pilanesberg queries - travelinafrica@gmail.com
