Table of Contents
The Road to Pilanesberg
I’m on my way to the Pilanesberg National Park for a wildlife photography experience. Through the car window, the scenery is lush and vibrant, tall grass and trees flourishing after recent rains. Everything is painted in different shades of green, the colours vivid under the soft light of an overcast sky.
I notice the details of the passing landscape. Abandoned buildings stand as silent reminders of lives once lived, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Telephone poles without cables dot the roadside, while an endless variety of trees and grass sway in the breeze. Occasionally, a small airfield appears, breaking the monotony. Then, platinum mines begin to emerge on the right. In 1924, a significant platinum deposit is discovered here, forever marking the region’s history.
People, Places, and Perspectives
Along the journey towards the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, I observe people and scenes that make me reflect on life’s journey. I pass a bus full of travellers, each carrying their own story. Some are joyful, others perhaps weighed down by sorrow, all shaped by memories that linger. It makes me wonder about the roads we take, the stories we share, and those that will forever remain untold.
A man on a bicycle catches my eye. His load is simple — just a few poles strapped to the frame, the clothes on his back, and whatever else he can carry. Only the essentials for the journey ahead. There is a quiet resilience in the way he pedals forward.
Stopping for a quick coffee break at a roadside garage, I step out into thick, humid air, a stark contrast to the cooler climate I left behind. The coffee is unremarkable, as one can expect from an unassuming roadside stop, but it’s a welcome pause. Across the road, towering transport trucks sit beneath even taller trees, their sheer size dwarfed by the immensity of nature.
Back on the road, the scenery shifts. Small communities line both sides — homes built from scrap metal, with a single sheet of metal acting as a door and one or two windows. Each structure is unique. Some have fenced gardens, others have abandoned vehicles resting in the yard. A few lucky ones have brick houses, some even two stories tall, complete with fences, dogs, and a handful of chickens scratching at the ground.
The people are strikingly friendly, their smiles contrasting their surroundings. They seem content despite having little material wealth, perhaps they are rich in heart and spirit. Along the roadside, life unfolds in its simplest form. One person styles hair, another works as a mechanic, fixing cars. Small grocery shops stand with hand-painted signs on tin sheets or building walls, advertising humble offerings. There are no digital billboards here, just brushstrokes and necessity.
Further along, I spot a small white church nestled against the backdrop of the Pilanesberg mountains. A cross symbol hangs above a wooden door, flanked by two small windows. A sign reads “The United Church.” There is no fence, only scattered thorn bushes and a rusting wire gate for vehicles to pass through, long since fallen into disuse. It stands alone, framed by rocks and sky, exuding quiet peace — perhaps a place of hope for those who enter.
Approaching the Pilanesberg Mountains
These ancient formations, remnants of a long-extinct volcano that last erupted 1,200 million years ago, testify to Earth’s geological wonders. The landscape transforms into the quintessential African bushveld I know and love. Pilanesberg National Park is one of the most breathtaking destinations within South Africa’s national parks, showcasing rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.
Arrival at Pilanesberg Private Lodge
After about twenty more minutes of driving, I arrive at the entrance to the Black Rhino Reserve for my stay at Pilanesberg Private Lodge, a game lodge in the Pilanesberg. A boomed gate marks the start of the property, leading to a gravel road winding towards the chalets.
The accommodations are lovely, with comfortable beds, ample storage, and a bathroom featuring both indoor and outdoor showers. Taking a warm outdoor shower after a day in the African bush, with stars overhead, must be magical — though the clouds obscure them during my visit. The tranquillity of the lodge is unmatched, with birds and nocturnal animals filling the night air with their calls.
Africa Wildlife Encounters in the Pilanesberg National Park
That first afternoon, after settling in at the lodge within the Black Rhino Reserve, I head out on a game drive. The overcast sky keeps the climate cooler, though still humid and stuffy — perfect for spotting wildlife and immersing myself in Africa’s nature. It feels good to be back in the bushveld. I see plenty of elephants, some playing, others showing affection, while the younger ones stay closely protected by the herd. Other wildlife sightings include rhinos and buffalo. That night, after dinner, a warm shower, and some tea, I try to fall asleep but can’t. Instead, I close my eyes and listen to the nightly sounds. Somewhere in the distance, baboons—probably frightened by a nearby leopard—make a commotion. Their alarm calls rise above the gentle sound of rain falling softly through the night.
Mornings in the African Bushveld
The next morning, my alarm wakes me before dawn. Another safari game drive awaits in Pilanesberg National Park. It is still cloudy and dark. After waking and gathering my thoughts, I make a cup of coffee and sit on the stoep, listening to the chorus of birds welcoming the new day. Bit by bit, the darkness fades, revealing the veld and everything around me in more detail. This drive is longer than the previous evening’s, lasting half a day. The rains from the night before have left the roads muddy and slick, but the scenery is breathtaking. Low-hanging clouds and patches of fog add a dramatic touch to the landscape as soft light filters through the mountain peaks. The mist, clouds, and crisp air create a dreamlike atmosphere. Surrounded by Africa’s fauna and flora, with the scent of wet earth lingering in the air, it feels truly magical.
During the long drive, I see giraffes, impalas, zebras, kudu, another herd of elephants, and a variety of bird species.
One particularly memorable moment was encountering an elephant bull in musth. His assertive behaviour, a vivid reminder of the power and grace of these magnificent creatures.
On the way back to the lodge, after many hours of driving, we stop at a well-known spot called Apiesdoring (‘Monkey Thorn’), named after the apiesdoring trees surrounding the area where guests can step out of their vehicles.
The Magic of the Pilanesberg National Park & Game Reserve
My visit to Pilanesberg National Park in North West is unforgettable. As a photographer, I cherish the opportunity to capture the raw beauty of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. Though my stay is brief, it leaves me with cherished memories. If you’d like to see more of my wildlife photography, view my Wildlife Gallery.
Wildlife photographs were taken using the following equipment:
Nikon Z6ii & Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Nikon D810 & Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II