Pilanesberg Game Reserve has healthy populations of all the Big Five. Elephant and white rhino are common. Black rhino and buffalo are less so, as these animals tend to stick to dense thickets, so sightings are unusual. As in any thickly vegetated reserve that doesn’t allow off-road driving, big cat sightings are hit-and-miss. A noteworthy feature of Pilanesberg is a network of five photographic , all overlooking that attract plenty of thirsty wildlife in the afternoon heat.
Wildlife Highlights
Pilanesberg is one of the most reliable places in Africa for white rhino sightings. You’re also almost certain to see elephant, giraffe, zebra, warthog and hippo. Most common among the 14 antelope species are impala, springbok, wildebeest, greater kudu and waterbuck. Also look out for tsessebe, Africa’s fastest antelope. Lion, leopard and cheetah sightings are quite regular but far from certain. Night drives offer the opportunity to spot nocturnal hunters such as serval, genet and the rare brown hyena.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Pilanesberg is not strongly seasonal and tends to be good throughout the year. However, the best months are during the Dry season from May to September. During this period the drought thins the foliage creating a better view, and animals gather at permanent water sources to drink.
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