During the past few weeks of lockdown under Alert Level 3 we, as guides here at Buffalo Thorn Lodge, have been treated to some phenomenal leopard sightings. The animals seem to be a lot more relaxed without our regular stream of visitors, and this month has been all about the leopards of Pilanesberg. To some…
01
Jul
Jul
The one advantage of being locked down at Buffalo Thorn Lodge over the past few months is that our live-in game rangers, Evan van Niekerk and Jumari Nel, have had uninterrupted opportunities to take some amazing photographs of the real residents of Black Rhino Game Reserve. Together we have chosen some of the best photographs…
02
Jun
Jun
The one advantage of being locked down at Buffalo Thorn Lodge over the past few months is that our live-in game rangers, Evan van Niekerk and Jumari Nel, have had uninterrupted opportunities to take some amazing photographs of the real residents of Black Rhino Game Reserve. Together we have chosen some of the best photographs…
11
May
May
During the past month or so, the lions of lockdown (as we call them) have probably been the most entertaining, with constant sightings of them at the lodge, patrolling their territory and vocalising. The original coalition of males, all related from the same pride, have split into two groups: a pair of four-to-five-year-old males with…
06
Apr
Apr
March has been an interesting time in the bush. As the whole world unite against a common enemy, Mother nature is reaping the benefits. With the lowered emissions of day to day commute, the air is becoming cleaner and Rivers are clearer. Fauna and flora are coming out and certain animals have been sighted for…
20
Feb
Feb
Over the last few weeks the black Rhino game reserve have truly changed into a green and lush environment. Thanks to almost 200mm of beautiful rain. Sightings have been plentiful, with frequent Big 5 sightings and our resident female Cheetah, known as “Tale” (which means Royalty in the local Tswana language) on numerous occasions. Being…
18
Feb
Feb
The days are growing shorter and the nights colder and longer. After a strong cup of Buffalo thorn filter coffee, we set out on the morning game drive from the lodge. Not even 2 minutes out the gate we bumped into a herd of more than 60 Elephants. They popped into the lodge waterhole for…
06
Aug
Aug
Saturday the 20th April was a memorable day indeed. Two of the wild dogs had been seen in the morning but had later disappeared into the Tambotie forest area. We left for our drive at 16:30 and made our way out down Thabo’s loop. Ruan from Lodge #2 called in the sighting of the wild…
18
Dec
Dec
We love all aspects of Christmas including tree decorating, shopping, wrapping of gifts and the delicious meals. Even though situated in a wild life reserve, we are close enough to shops and towns to still feel the exciting build up for this time of the year, and can then escape back to the peace, quiet…
18
Dec
Dec
Cliff and Trish Jackson – on behalf of the Owners Looking back at our 2018 Buffalo Thorn year, we have to agree that it has been eventful: filled with exciting successes; some challenges as well as the inevitable changes; not to mention the amazing sightings enjoyed by our fabulous guests! One highlight that is definitely…