It was a great one day trip and the Pilanesberg National Park really delivered great sightings. I counted 14 species of mammals which included Lion, White Rhino and Elephant. We also saw Crocodile and Ostrich and a multitude of other interesting and colourful birds.

The day started early with the first group of guests being collected from their hotel in Sandton at around 06h00. We reached the park at about 08h30 and before even entering we saw a woodpecker tapping the branch of a large tree growing next to the reception area.

We haven’t gone far before one of the tourists spotted a Swainson’s Spurfowl and our game drive officially started. Not far from there we spotted our first harem of Zebra accompanied by a lone Blue Wildebeest. We saw many of these mammals throughout the day.

At about 09h30 we spotted a lone male Lion with a huge black mane. We came to the conclusion that he was either the leader of a pride busy marking the boundary of his territory or a nomad lying low between the territories of dominant males.

No more than 500 meters from the lion, we spotted a pair of Klipspinger who were clearly very alert due to the lion being so close.

While viewing a small herd of Blue Wildebeest, we spotted a Black-backed Jackal crossing the road not far from where we were so we slowly approached him in the hopes of getting some nice photographs. We only drove about five meters when the Jackal spun around and stared into the bush.

Two large White Rhinos then strolled across the gravel road and the Jackal had to give way. We all sat very still and got some very impressive photos of the two giants strolling along.

Before lunch we also saw a few Giraffes, some Hippos and a large Elephant bull.

Our guests were very fascinated with how close the Groundscraper Thrush and Fork tailed Drongos came to us whilst we were having lunch at Bakubung Lodge which is situated in the park.

After lunch we headed towards Mankwe dam with hopes of seeing more Elephant and we were indeed treated with a spectacular sighting. An Elephant was busy drinking on the opposite bank and before he left he suck up some water and sprayed it over his back to cool off.

Our time to leave the park and head back to Johannesburg was approaching so we made our way back to the gate, but not without getting a proper goodbye greeting. On our way to the gate we got to see another Elephant, but this time within ten meters from the road and a Giraffe so close that we could almost touch it.

We left the park very satisfied with the day's safari and I was once again touched by the magnificence of the African bush!

Thank you to Ryan from Pilanesberg Safaris and Tours for affording me the opportunity to lead your group on a one day safari to Pilanesberg National Park!!!