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Pilanesberg Game Reserve - a full day Safari |
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A Day On the Wild Side in a unique, Big-5 Nature Reserve situated in the crater of an extinct volcano. |
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tour unrated (all ratings for this guide)
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The early sun bathes a landscape of rocky hills and tilted strata, shaped by violent volcanic activity and aeons of wind and water, in hues of orange and gold. Tree-lined river beds wind through slopes of grass and bush, drenched in subtle colour.
Watch great grey ghosts emerge suddenly from the untamed bush, towering above all around them then vanish mysteriously. Solid, tank-like rhino graze. Footfalls in crisp grasses, breathing and steady chewing are the only sounds to disturb the silence. Beautiful song is followed by a flash of colour as one of the many birds dart away. Slender, elegant impala graze then leap away on spindly legs, seeming to fly. A giraffe's long neck, swaying above the trees, towers above zebra grazing nearby, mixed with the odd shapes of wildebeest.
Tranquil quiet next to a dam is broken by the abrupt, loud snorting of a hippo as it erupts from the water, then submerges leaving only ripples. A crocodile glides by as the setting sun tints the landscape gold at the end of the day. |
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We leave Johannesburg/Pretoria and drive to Pilanesberg Game Reserve. There is a short stop at the gate for tea/coffe and rusks/muffins before starting the drive.
This is a large game reserve, only half of which has access roads. Where we go and what we see depends on conditions, known sightings and how we feel on the day. The animals are wild and live naturally to the extent that a fenced reserve will allow. This is their environment, and we are the interlopers. Therefore, care must be taken not to impose on the wildlife, especially the larger animals that can be dangerous. If necessary, other routes will be taken to avoid conflict situations.
When ready, brunch is eaten under the trees at a picnic site. The stop is very pleasant, and can be as long as desired. Stops at other picnic sites and hides will allow for bathroom breaks and any other refreshment wanted during the day. Depending on the weather and the guest requirements, we can stay until the reserve closes. We then drive back. |
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| Meet up location: I fetch the group from their accommodation in the Northern Johannesburg or Western Pretoria area. |
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| End location: Return to pickip location, or another similar location if desired. |
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| Duration: 14 hours |
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| Duration depends on time of year - shorter in winter due to fewer hours of daylight. Rainy weather can inhibit game viewing, but cancelling the tour should not be necessary. |
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meet your tour guide...
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| Transportation, guide and ranger fee, all food and soft drinks. |
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| Any purchases such as curios you may wish to make. If you decide to leave earlier and stop at Sun City Resort, the entry to the resort is extra. |
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| Tour #: 15342 |
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| Tour Type: Nature & Wildlife |
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| Transportation Method: I use a 8-seater Volkswagen Microbus. This vehicle is high off the ground offering good game viewing. It is airconditioned. My preferred maximum group size is 5, but I can take 7. |
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| Activity Level: Minimal |
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 Friendly: No. |
| There is a small amount of walking required, and not all places would be wheelchair-accessible. |
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| Kid Friendly: Yes. Children are welcome, but do remember that we are confined for fairly long periods in a vehicle. I will adjust the tour to suit each group's requirements as far as 'car breaks' are concerned. |
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| Language(s): English (fluent) explanation |
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| Maximum travelers: 7 |
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| Web address (URL) of this page: http://www.ToursByLocals.com/Pilanesberg |
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