MY SAFARI ADVENTURES: THE PILANESBERG PARK

There are regular trips all around the world and then, there's Africa.

Every trip I take is unique, every new destination is different and each time, I return home filled with wonderful memories and amazing, new experiences. My trips in Africa are something else completely; they are one-of-a-kind, Africa has managed to change the way I see the world in many levels. From the moment you set foot at the African continent with those exotic pristine landscapes, you will almost immediately realize how DIFFERENT our world is and how DIFFERENT are the experiences you'll live there - you'll never get the chance to find anything similar anywhere in the world.

While visiting South Africa a few days ago, I decided to visit Pilanesberg Park, one of the biggest national parks in South Africa. The Pilanesberg Park is located northwest of Johanesburg, 3 hours outside of the city. I joined an incredible Safari Tour, perfectly organized by MoAfrika Tours - they picked me up from my hotel early in the morning and offered me a lifetime experience, an experience I'll try putting into words for you in this post.

The Pilanesberg Park is a vast game reserve with parts of it located inside a long extinct volcanic crater. The park's location is magnificent, situated in the transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, that supports populations of the BIG 5 (lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and cape buffalos), a variety of wild species and over 300 bird species.

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The park features an artificilly constructed lake, the Mankwe Dam, where the view is mesmerizing - this is where most of the wildlife stops for water on the daily. I was really lucky, since I "stumbled upon" a family of hippos with the mothers of the family being super-protective! Τhe Highlight of the day was when a beautiful giraffe walked right in front of me - with giraffes being the rarest species you can spot while on a safari!

Lions are also rare to spot, but this time, we got extra lucky and saw a pack!

Around noon, we took a short break for lunch at the Pilanesberg Center and enjoyed an amazing meal! Apart from the great food at the Center, we enjoyed the stunning views - with a giraffe joining us for lunch in the amazing Pilanesberg savannah! I can't find the words to describe this unbelievable experience!

I wish you'll get to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Safari yourself - you'll love it, I promise!

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