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Monday, March 10, 2025

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Dr Norman Cahi takes the Pilanesberg 0803

Published Mar 5, 2025

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The Pilanesberg is nestled in a crater of an extinct volcano that existed 1500 million years ago. Before Pilanesberg was proclaimed a reserve in 1979, the land was inhabited by the Tswana tribes.

The thrill of being up close to my favourite animal is evident in this grinning pic of me last week on a game drive through the 55 000 ha bush. PIctures: Dr Norman Cahi
Giraffe are predominantly browsers , feeding off leaves , but they also suck and chew bones from which they get calcium and other minerals. This unique behaviour is called Ostoephagia.
I was indeed lucky enough to see an entire pride of Lions resting after a kill. One male, two females and three cubs. There are only about 20 to 40 lions in the reserve so this sighting was indeed a great experience. I learnt from the highly trained ranger that these strong carnivores can eat as much as a quarter of its body mass in one sitting and can go for days without eating.
Kwa Maritane bush lodge is a tranquil place in which to enjoy luxury in the wild. It's situated only 10 minutes from Sun City on the south west corner of the Pilanesberg.
En route from Johannesburg local villages pass by, which always gives me a sense of deep gratitude for my privileged lifestyle and an added sense of empathy for those less fortunate than me.
The reserve is home to both Africa's rare black rhino and the more common white rhino . Rhinos are territorial and demarcate their territories by regularly defaecating in the same location. These dung hills are called middens.
The Pilanesberg is situated in a transition zone between the dry Kalahari thornveld and Lowveld bush. There is therefore a diverse variety of fauna and flora.
The magic of an African sunset is best enjoyed with a glass of chilled Chardonnay. Simply sublime.
The resort boasts the most romantic heated pool at the spa. offering a host of self care therapies.
A lone male elephant, a teen , I learnt is eventually kicked out by its own mother to fend for himself once his tusks become long enough to hurt her if he tries to suckle.

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