SAFARI: Pilanesberg Game Reserve South Africa

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is located in North West Province in South Africa, west of Pretoria.  This is no ordinary National Park... it is uniquely located in a vastly beautiful ancient volcanic crater.

Having visited this reserve several times I can honestly say it is well worth a visit.  The entrance fees are very low and gives you the fantastic oppurtunity to view wild animals, including South Africa's Big 5!

I have visited here over 10 times, and can honestly say this place will never lose it's appeal.  Game Drives through the rugged volcanic land scape are extremely serene, and a favourite place for avid birdwatchers too. 

On one occasion I witnessed a large Bull (Male) Elephant charge a car in front of us, the adrenaline was amazing.  Luckily no one got hurt but it's these little reminders that tell us mere mortals we must never interfere with mother nature or her wild beasts! 

Pilanesberg is very centrally located so anyone who is in or around the Johannesburg or Pretoria areas can get there easily, it takes about 2 hours to get there, and it is well worth it. 

Many local tourguides offer 1 day safari packages, so if you are stuck for time it is always best to go with a guide... this will optimise your chances of seeing as many of the amazing animals as possible.  (Activities include game drives, either self-driven or guided, game walks and birding. Pilanesberg also operates balloon safaris!)

*All photos on this blog were taken by me.

Swimming With Jaguars!

One of the truly most amazing experiences I have had to date so far in South Africa was taking our two young Jaguars for a swim in our natural waterhole...and boy did they love it!

These Jaguars were about 5 months old at the time and they were siblings called Tia and Tiago.  

The Jags loved the experience and they were really great swimmers.  They were even capable of swimming underwater for quite some time.  It is so amazing to see captive bred animals like these who are so trusting of the people they work with and being so friendly and playfull with us!  Was definitely one of the best things I have ever gotten to do in South Africa so far...  

Top Tip's for Lone Travellers

*Meet New People! Get out there, make friends, you won't regret it...
*Get to Know Local Lifestyle/Cultures! The best way to get a real sense of a place is by getting to know its culture and it's history. Find out where the local's hang out, get off the beaten track a bit. Eat (or at least try) local food!
*Limit The Valuables/Cash You Carry! Only carry the necessary items with you, don't be too flash with the cash and just use common sense when out and about by yourself.
*Document Everything! You're having the time of your life right? Exactly! So make sure to take lots of pictures, these memories are great for sharing with family, friends and co-workers when you get home.
*Travel Light! As someone who usually packs too much I can assure you that less is more! When travelling it's always important to remember, items you can layer are a lifesaver. Always bring something warm and something for wind/rain. The day you decide to go on a trek will be the day it decides to rain-trust me! Always pack comfortable clothing that you can either dress up or dress down. Accessories take up little room... limit the numbers of jeans shoes etc... switch up your tops and jewellery for different looks!

For the love of Lions

I've been working with Lions now for almost a year and a half and can honestly say they teach me new things everyday. I would have never imagined them to be so loyal, trusting and so deeply affectionate.

I have a very special bond with one lion in particular called 'Elbows'! You will probably hear him mentioned alot in the future of this blog. Elbows is a special lion... I first met him when he was already 4 months old. He was an extremely affectionate cub and I spent alot of time with him. Everyday when I had some free time I would just go and sit with him. Watching him grow little by little everyday has been extremely satisfying for me. As he grew bigger his temperment has not changed.

He is now a year and a half old and I still love him just as much as I did when he was a naughty little cub. Last year I even had the pleasure of swimming with him in a dam. Although he is big enough to do some serious damage I trust him with my life. The way I see it is if you are always respectfull to your animals , they will love and respect you back.

Enjoy the pics!

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welcome to My Blog

Okay you guys, here goes, my first ever blog!

In this blog you guys can find all sorts of things about travel, life in general and animals. Basically all the things I love. You'll also find personal stories and photos from my job (I work with Wild Animals) and you will find lots of information and reviews on places I have been to and places I plan to visit...

Hope you enjoy!

Ali