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The Road to Pilanesberg National Park
I was on my way to the Black Rhino Game Reserve for a safari experience, driving towards Pilanesberg National Park. The scenery through the car window was lush and vibrant, with tall grasses and trees flourishing after the recent rains. Everything was painted in shades of green, the colours vivid under the soft light of an overcast sky.
I couldn’t help but notice the details of the landscape passing by. Abandoned buildings stood as silent reminders of lives once lived, now slowly being reclaimed by nature. Telephone poles without cables dotted the roadside, while endless varieties of trees and grasses swayed in the breeze. Occasionally, a small airfield appeared out of nowhere, breaking the monotony. Then the mines began to emerge, platinum mines on the right. In 1924, a significant platinum deposit was discovered here, forever marking the region’s history.
People, Places, and Perspectives Along the Way
Along the journey towards Pilanesberg game park, I observed people and scenes that made me reflect on life’s paths. I passed a bus full of travellers, each carrying their own story. Some joyful, others sorrowful, each with memories that had shaped their lives. It made me wonder about the roads we take, the stories we share, and those that remain forever untold.
A man on a bicycle caught my eye. His load was simple, just a few poles strapped to the frame, the clothes on his back, and whatever he could carry. Only the essentials for the journey ahead. There was a quiet resilience in the way he pedalled forward.
Stopping for a quick coffee break at a roadside garage, I stepped out into the thick, humid air, a stark contrast to the cooler climate I had left behind. The coffee was unremarkable, as one might expect from an unassuming roadside stop, but it was a welcome pause. Across the road, towering transport trucks sat beneath even taller trees, their sheer size dwarfed by the immensity of nature.
Back on the road, the scenery shifted. Small communities lined both sides, homes built from scrap metal, with a single sheet of metal acting as a door and one or two windows. Each structure was unique. Some had fenced gardens, others had abandoned vehicles resting in the yard. A few lucky ones had brick houses, some even two stories tall, complete with fences, dogs, and a handful of chickens scratching at the ground.
The people were strikingly friendly, their smiles a contrast to their surroundings. They seemed content despite having so little in material wealth, perhaps carrying richness in heart and spirit. Along the roadside, life unfolded in its simplest form. One-person styled hair, another worked as a mechanic, fixing cars. Small grocery shops stood with hand-painted signs on tin sheets or building walls, advertising their humble offerings. There were no digital billboards here, just brushstrokes and necessity.
Further along, I spotted a small white church nestled against the ridge of a koppie. A cross symbol above the wooden door, two small windows at the front, and a sign that read The United Church. There was no fence, only scattered thorn bushes and a rusting wire gate for vehicles to pass through, long since fallen into disuse. It stood alone, framed by rocks and sky, exuding a quiet peace. Perhaps a place of hope for those who entered.
Approaching the Pilanesberg Mountains
These ancient formations, a reminder of a long-extinct volcano that last erupted 1,200 million years ago, are a testament to the Earth’s geological wonders. The landscape transformed into the quintessential African bushveld I know and love. Pilanesberg National Park is one of the most breathtaking destinations within a South Africa national park, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.
Arrival at Pilanesberg Private Lodge, Black Rhino Game Reserve.
After about 20 more minutes of driving, I finally arrived at the entrance to the Black Rhino Game Reserve, for my stay at the Pilanesberg Private Lodge, one of the best game lodges in the Pilanesberg. A boomed gate marked the start of the property, leading to a gravel road that wound towards the chalets.
The accommodations were 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 the stars above, must be a magical experience, though obscured by clouds during my visit. The tranquillity of the lodge was unmatched, with the sounds of birds and nocturnal animals filling the night air.
Evening Game Drive: Wildlife Encounters in Black Rhino Game Reserve
That first afternoon, after settling in at the lodge within the Black Rhino Game Reserve, I went on a game drive. The overcast sky provided a cooler climate, although still humid and stuffy, perfect for spotting wildlife and immersing myself in Africa’s nature. It was great to be back in the bushveld.
I saw plenty of elephants, some playing, others showing affection, while the younger ones remained closely protected by the herd. Other wildlife sightings included rhinos and buffalo.
That night, after dinner, a warm shower, and some tea, I tried to fall asleep to no avail. Instead, I kept my eyes shut and simply listened to the nightly sounds. Somewhere in the distance, baboons, probably frightened by a nearby leopard, made a commotion. Their alarm calls rose above the gentle sound of rain falling softly through the night.
Mornings in the African Bush: Another Game Drive
The next morning, my alarm woke me before dawn. Another safari game drive awaited in the Pilanesberg National Park South Africa. It was still cloudy and dark. After waking up and gathering my thoughts, I made a cup of coffee and sat on the stoep, listening to the chorus of birds welcoming the new day. Bit by bit, the darkness faded, revealing the veld and everything around me in more detail.
This drive was longer than the previous evening’s, lasting half a day. The rains from the night before had left the roads muddy and slick, but the scenery was breathtaking. Low-hanging clouds and patches of fog added a dramatic touch to the landscape as soft light filtered through the mountain peaks.
The mist, clouds, and crisp air created a dreamlike atmosphere. Surrounded by Africa’s fauna and flora, with the scent of wet earth lingering in the air, it was truly magical.
During the long drive, I saw giraffes, impalas, zebras, kudu, another herd of elephants, and a variety of bird species.
One particularly memorable moment was encountering a bull elephant in musth. His assertive behaviour and sheer size were awe-inspiring, a vivid reminder of the power and grace of these magnificent creatures.
On my way back to the lodge, after many hours of driving, we stopped at a well-known spot called Apiesdoring (‘Monkey Thorn’), named after the apiesdoring trees that surrounded the area where guests could step out of their vehicles.
The Magic of Pilanesberg National Park and Black Rhino Game Reserve
My visit to the Pilanesberg Private Lodge in the Black Rhino Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park in North West was unforgettable. As a photographer, I cherished the opportunity to capture the raw beauty of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. Though my stay was brief, it left me with cherished memories.
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