Luggage and bags: Leave those Louis Vuittons at home (Unless you're residing in a Sun City hotel). One's bags tend to get dirty and dusty in the bush, even if you're staying at one of the upmarket hotels in the Park, such as Kwa Maritane and Bakubung.
Rather bring your less-expensive luggage (preferably not black).
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It tends to get extremely hot during both the summer and winter months in the Pilanesberg. I suggest you bring the following clothing:
WINTER:
Jeans
Boots
Long sleeved shirt
Short sleeved shirt or T-shirt
Jersey or jacket
Sunglasses
Hat or a cap
Long sleeve pajamas, slppers and bathrobe
You can leave the scarves, beanies, balaclavas and gloves at home. It rarely gets that cold.
SUMMER:
Hat
Sunglasses
Jeans
Short pants
T-shirts/ short sleeved shirts
Jeans and a thin jersey/jacket for it may get chilly at night or early mornings
Short sleeve pajamas, slippers and bathrobe
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo & Conditioner (The ones that the hotels supply are not of good quality)
Facial wash, toner, moisturiser, etc. (incl. cotton wool to apply, as these aren't provided)
Deodorant (it can get hot, and thus you may perspire excessivly)
Shaver and cream/foam
Extra pair of contact lenses (Without them you won't be able to spot that leopard!)
Lense lubricant
Sunblock (Preferably SPF40 or higher)
Mosquito repellent
Anthistamine pills (Abundance of spiders and other nasty insects in the bush)
Aspirin
Gel, moose, was, hairspray, etc
The rest are pretty much provided by the hotels and resorts, eg. facecloths, towels, body cream, hand cream, etc.
Photo Equipment: Camera is very important! Duh!
Camcorder (If you have one, this is an incredible method to capture your safari memories)
Camcorder's charger
3 pairs of extra batteries
A pouch to keep your recording equipment in, as these may pick up dust during your trip
Extra memory stick/film
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you plan on taking a hike or walk, remember to pack in some comfortable walking boots and socks. (Give the Jimmy Choo's a rest) ;-)
A water bottle may come in handy (especially when hiking)
To be quite honest, I don't know much about camping gear, so thus I can't advise you on these.
I'm guessing if you're going camping in the Pilanesberg, take a tent, sleeping bag, torch, mosquito net, stretcher, camping chairs and a shotgun for when a lion wants to accompany you in your tent... (kidding) :-P
Miscellaneous: YOU CANNOT FORGET YOUR BINOCULARS!!! These must be ontop of your list and packed in first! If you have a few, take them all, then everyone in the car can see the pride of lions a mile away from your location.
Updated Apr 30, 2008
While we were galavanting around the park, we came across an old bridge-like ramp, which leads to the highest point in the park.
Although we were driving in a Mercedes (low body), we managed to climb the old ramp with ease, and were rewarded with magnificent views of the entire Pilanesberg once we reached the top.
The ramp was paved with bricks to allow for an easy drive upward even if you're not in a 4x4.
So don't worry about damaging your car.
To discover this "hidden track," follow the TLOU road on your map, off the KGABO paved road. Continue until you come to the SEFARA road. Travel along this path (between low-lying grassland while trying to spot lion), and then turn onto the LENONG VIEW road. This will lead you up the mountain. There is a viewpoint and toilets once you've reached the top.
Written Apr 28, 2008
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