The North West Parks Board has confirmed that Pilanesberg will open tomorrow [Friday, 12 June]. Under Level 3 restrictions, only day visitors are allowed.
The Pilanesberg National Park & Wildlife Trust announced on Facebook that only two gates will be opening: Bakubung and Manyane. The gates will open at 6:30 and close at 18:00.
Gate entrance fees for an SA national is R80, SA pensioner is R40, and children age 6-12 is R30 per child. The car levy is R40 and for foreign nationals the entrance fee is R110 and ID documents will need to be brought along. The Trust has stated that no pre-booking is necessary.
Dinah Rangaka from the North West Parks Board spoke to Getaway Magazine and said that upon arrival, visitors will have to fill out a register.
‘Not everybody has a permit, so most will be expected to fill in a register and are expected to be truthful about their place of residence.’
Cross-border travel is prohibited under Level 3.
‘The park will supply hand sanitisers but you are requested and recommended to bring your own in case those placed at the hides are stolen. No braaing at any point in the park. Bring picnic stuff if you want to eat in the park, but no fires allowed,’ said the statement.
The Trust has stressed the importance of maintaining social distancing. While toilets and hides will be open, if there are too many cars it’s best to move on.
Many of the animals have gotten used to the absence of humans and so drivers need to remain vigilant and patient.
‘The animals, especially the elephants, have made the roads their own. Please give them room and be patient with them. They are not used to you anymore.’
The park has also recently dehorned all their rhinos, a decision that was not made lightly.
Pilanesberg suffered a string of horrific rhino poaching incidents over the past 7 years and to avoid a repeat of history, the reserve has taken this precautionary measure.
In a statement on Facebook, The North West Parks Board said:
‘The North-West Parks Board decided to trim the horns of all rhinos in the reserve with the help of a veterinary services experts who arrived in Pilanesberg on the 12th May 2020. The team worked through the park trimming horns of all black and white rhinos, males, and females, and calves they found in the parks. Including treating old gunshot wounds and injuries of other animals.
‘Over the years, the procedure of trimming the horns of rhinos has been developed into a detailed protocol with almost no risk to the animal. It has been proven that the risk of loss of an animal, as well as injuries or improper removal of the horn is eliminated when it is conducted by a qualified and experienced veterinarian.’
‘If you do see a rhino with a horn please advise the closest Park Official or myself. Some may have slipped through the process and will be at risk. Any injured or disturbing sighting can please be reported as well. We will rely on you to keep us informed on anything you think is out of the ordinary,’ said the statement.
The number to call to report is 014 555 1600. Provide the officer on duty with precise information, as well as your name and number in case a follow up is needed. Inform gate attendants too.
Level 3 Regulations for visits to the North West Parks Board nature reserves include:
Image credit: Instagram/ @pilanesberg_national_park
