The Pilanesberg is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble.
Landscape & Hippos - Pilanesberg
The Pilanesberg Park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone.
Hippos are the most feared animals in southern Africa. Each year more people are killed by them than by all the other animals together.
Hippos weigh up to two tons and can be four metres long (the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos). They are vegetarians and feed exclusively on grass.
Hippos watch strictly over their territories and threaten anybody invading it by what looks like yawning. If the invader does not withdraw, they usually attack without any further hesitation.
Smaller boats are particularly at risk, because hippos can easily topple it over, and as their front teeth are as sharp as razorblades, chances of survival are slim.