Day 6 – Pilanesberg Safari: A Big Five Adventure to Remember

Running on Adrenaline (and Maybe a Bit of Wine)

After an incredible Tribal Night, full of energy, dance, and a few too many glasses of wine, the early morning wake-up for our full-day Pilanesberg Safari wasn’t the easiest—some of us were nursing sore heads! But the buzz from the night before rolled into the excitement of the day ahead. This day turned out to be the most thrilling of the entire trip. We saw not one, not two, but four out of the Big Five—a bucket list dream for any safari lover!

Our jeep today

Into the Wild Heart of Pilanesberg

Located in the North West Province of South Africa, Pilanesberg National Park is the fourth-largest park in the country, spanning an impressive 50,000 hectares. Set within the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic crater, it offers a diverse range of landscapes—from rocky outcrops and grasslands to dense bushveld. Pilanesberg is a prime safari destination and home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo, along with over 7,000 animals and 300 bird species. It’s malaria-free and perfect for family and first-time safaris.

Moments That Took Our Breath Away

Big Five Safari Begins
Arriving around 8:30 AM, we transferred to our open jeeps (different to those at Sebatana) and met our local guides. The adventure began quickly as we spotted giraffes and a white rhino. Soon after, we were alerted to a leopard sighting—one of the rarest and most elusive of the Big Five. The leopard was perched high in a tree, relaxing in the early morning heat. Thanks to someone’s binoculars, we got a good look.

🐆 First Cat of the Trip: The Elusive Leopard
As we settled into our new jeeps with fresh guides, the day kicked off with an exciting sighting—a leopard lounging in a distant tree. A rare find and our first cat of the Big Five, it set the tone for the rest of the drive.

Photo credit to one of our Sebatana game drivers Janko Coetzee

👑 A Lioness and Her Cubs
Moments later, another tip-off led us to a breathtaking sight: a lioness with her cubs, and in the distance, a male lion waiting as she prepared to hunt. We watched this incredible interaction unfold for nearly an hour—one of those safari moments you never forget.

🐘 Elephant Encounter Up Close
The excitement didn’t stop. After hearing of an elephant herd nearby, we drove to a location where they were expected to cross. The herd slowly emerged and walked directly toward—and then around—our vehicle. The silence, awe, and emotion in the jeep were indescribable. Many of us were moved to tears.

🦏 White Rhino – Up Close This Time
Later in the day, we had a much better view of a group of white rhinos, rounding out four of the Big Five in one day. Although we didn’t see the elusive buffalo, the experience felt complete.

Refueling with Food & Memories

🍽️ Lunch Stop & Journey Back
After the safari, we reboarded the van and made a surprise stop at a nearby restaurant (included in the excursion). It had a laid-back, TGI Fridays-style vibe. My husband and I both had the steak sandwich, and it was full of flavour. We returned to Sebatana between 4-5 PM and were welcomed back with cool towels and warm smiles.

Dinner was served at the lodge’s boma—a delicious 3-course meal as always, although I didn’t snap any pictures (of all nights!). After such a full day, we went straight to bed—exhausted but deeply fulfilled.

As always beautiful table set

What You Should Know Before You Go

🌄 It’s an Early One
Try not to party too hard the night before—your alarm will be going off around 4:30 AM!

📸 Binoculars Are a Game-Changer
For distant animals, especially leopards in trees, binoculars really helped make the moment count.

🧥 Dress Smart
Layer up for the chilly morning, but prepare for the heat by midday.

🕒 Be Patient
Sometimes the best moments—like seeing a lioness stalk prey—require time and stillness.

🥪 Yes, You’ll Eat Well
Pack snacks from breakfast, enjoy your lunch box, but save room for the surprise restaurant stop!

This was hands down our best day yet. From leopard to lion, elephant to rhino, Pilanesberg gave us everything we dreamed a safari could be.

Until next time—keep dreaming big, traveling far, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
See you soon!
Sarah x