Exploring the Pilanesberg with a baby MzansiBride

Winona Griggs

Exploring the Pilanesberg with a baby

Living in Africa and not going on safari every once in a while would be a real shame, especially if you have kids. But what do you do when you have a young baby? What are your options then?

Just six months ago, my partner and I faced this exact problem. We wanted to go out and experience South Africa’s incredible wildlife, but our eight-month-old baby made it challenging. Most guided game drives don’t allow young children, and let’s be honest, you don’t want to be stuck out there with a fussy, crying baby, ruining everyone else’s experience.

Hey, guess what? Instead of settling for a run-of-the-mill family vacation, we had a big idea. We hopped on a plane to Pretoria, and from there, we hit the road to explore the provinces up north. Our ultimate destination? The amazing Pilanesberg for a one-of-a-kind safari experience.

When it comes to our camping adventure, we decided to go for a more rustic experience and set up camp at the Manyane Resort’s camping area. We brought our own tent and I have to admit, the campsite itself wasn’t anything extraordinary. It lacked green grass and was mostly covered in dust. Finding shade from the sun was a challenge, and we had to constantly watch out for ants that could give a nasty bite. But despite these inconveniences, we still managed to have a great time!

The facilities at the campsite were adequate. We had access to hot showers, which was a luxury in the outdoors. There was even a bathtub available for us to give our baby a proper wash. The toilets and sinks were clean and well-maintained. And when we needed to cool off, we could take a dip in the pool. Throughout the day, we could also escape to the tables and chairs with umbrellas set up near the restaurant. It was a nice place to relax and take a break from the sun. And if we needed any essentials, there was a convenient corner store nearby.

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Every morning, me and my family would hop in our car and head out early. We always made sure to pack everything we needed for the baby – snacks, extra bottles, diapers, toys – you name it. And of course, we couldn’t forget the CD case filled with those catchy, repetitive children’s tunes. Trust me, those songs are a necessity for any parent!

As we drove through the gates of the park, the familiar sounds of “The wheels on the bus go round and round” filled the air (for what felt like the millionth time). It was sort of surreal, you know? Being surrounded by 580 kilometers of breathtaking bushveld and all these incredible wild animals in their natural habitat. It made me wonder, what did they think of us? And what about our choice of music?

Wow, let me tell you about the incredible Pilanesberg. It’s home to so many animals, including the famous big five, and over 300 types of birds. You won’t believe what I saw on our drives – elephants, zebras, all kinds of bucks, and even a lion chowing down on a baby rhino. It’s a bit sad to think about the poaching issues, but I have to admit, it’s not something you see every day!

The scenery was absolutely jaw-dropping. The rolling hills, the natural countryside, the vast lakes – it was like being in a dream. And the plant life? Pure magic. Everything felt so alive and vibrant.

One of the things I really appreciated about the park was the well-maintained roads. We drove a good 200 kilometers without any sudden jerks or bumps. It was smooth sailing all the way, and even the baby slept peacefully through the entire journey. It was such a relief!

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Throughout the park, there were areas where we could step out of the car, stretch our legs, and give our baby a fresh view: cozy cafes, gift shops, and peaceful viewing spots that were perfect for capturing precious moments with a few quick snapshots. Inside the car, we had the luxury of stopping and feeding the baby whenever we pleased, without the pressure of a strict timetable or the fear of inconveniencing others. We could even sing to soothe him into slumber.

When my family and I returned to camp, we wasted no time in getting our son cleaned up and settled into bed. Then, we would gather together and savor the peacefulness of the night while grilling some delicious food under a magnificent blanket of stars. We did have a few braais that got cut short because of the stormy weather, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We managed to capture some breathtaking pictures and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you love the outdoors like we do, we highly recommend the self-drive option at Pilanesberg.

Contact

Manyane Resort
Phone: 014-555-1000
Email: [email protected]

Manyane Resort
Phone: 014-555-1000
Email: [email protected]

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