The Manyane Wildlife Gem

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Instead of diving straight into the Pilanesberg National Park, we decide to circle the centre of this wildlife gem. We’ve been to Mankwe dam, which is quite central and came back home and no regrets, our wildlife experience there was absolutely perfect! We decide to move along the escarpment to Manyane resort. With all resorts and establishments opening @ 08h00 closing @ 17h00 there is enough time for unpacking, settling in and relaxing and even enough time to hit that emergency number, should you hit a bump.

Oh wow! The service… (once again), and the absolute hygiene of the facilities is excellent! Here you can camp, caravan or self-cater to your heart’s desire. Self-cater also secures your privacy while eating from delicious buffets, served with a smile. We don’t have kids anymore but noticed playparks, trampolines and not having children does not mean we cannot sample the four pools provided, all in excellent condition. Mini golf for families, trampolines (strictly for the kids in my case), could fill your whole day. Every camping spot and caravanning spot boasts a fireplace (barbeque) if needed. This time we decided on the “hot air balloon safari”

I do not think anyone can describe the experience in simple words. Seeing the countryside from up in the air, and now all animals seem serene, oblivious to our gawking eyes. The scene, in a sense wants to encourage gently stroking these wild animals, but alas – once on the ground, the view is somewhat different. It was very clear that they were well cared for and living their best lives, as nature intended.

After landing we were transported back to our base and leisured in a pool of our choice until dusk, reminiscing about another breath-taking day in this wildlife heaven called Manyane Resort. Gloria and I now realised our four-day safari is over and we will have to decide, do we go home, or do we explore this spot of beauty, untouched by human interference?

Next Time You are In A Safari Game Park

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Did you know, the Cheeta, as it is most commonly known, is the fastest land-speed mammal on earth (up to 60km/h). During our stay in this paradise of wild and wildlife we had hoped to just sight one, or maybe two. Little had we known what nature could bring on our second day. Late in the afternoon, just returning from a safari drive just off Mankwe dam, our driver stopped and pointed to two conspicuous spotted ears just visible in long ageing grass only high enough for the owner of these ears to see, as with wild drives, most of us were equipped with binoculars and easily spotted the spots. As we started oohing and aahing, an explosion of dust erupted and this sleek spotted thunderflash speeded towards it’s prey. I could only exhale a sigh of wonder at this beautiful animal in full flight closing in on dinner. The wee victim animal did not stand a chance and was quickly dispersed with. The kill took about two minutes. As nature intended, this was dinner, not a Roman feast or anything to be messed about. The Lady Leopard had brought the kids, two handsome young ones intent on filling themselves as soon as possible. We had to learn that different from Lions, the Lady Cheeta was first allowed to the food, thereafter dad, and then the kids could pick the bones for their fill. With both parents ever vigilant for any scavengers. Really awesome.

So with this “once in a lifetime” experience we bedded down after dinner and nightcaps at the pool and I was wondering where the catch is going to be on pricing as I have never experienced this much for so little.

Watch this space.

The Story Of Pilanesberg National Parks

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Upon the decision of my getaway I normally plan a trip as meticulous as possible, using Google Earth and any other resource to get as much information as possible about the trip, area and establishment  I plan to occupy. Even in the planning stage I was very surprised to discover I was planning on staying in a historic volcano crater created 1,3 million years ago. On Google Earth it actually appears as a round marble from a certain distance out of space.

Interesting also was that it is situated in the vicinity of the Sun City resort and if you have experienced the resort, you will have a good idea of the kind of landscape you are approaching. Excited we packed for “just another game reserve” we now know was not to be.

I was simply astonished to experience so much courtesy in such a tranquil environment, each camp trying to outdo the other in their determination to make our experience the absolute best.  Arriving at Bakgatla Gate and subsequently Bakgatla Resort, we were welcomed as VIP guests (or it felt that way) and escorted to accommodation par excellence. Accommodation consists of self catering, camping, lodging with high taste pampering and bed and breakfast establishment at your leisure and choice.

Activities are too many to describe but what stood out was the Air Balloon Safari, Watering Time for the animals during late afternoon at the Mankwe dam as well as the Night Drives where you cannot believe the number of different species of animals to be observed.

Next time I will elaborate on the vast fauna and flora to be experienced in this Gem of a park.