Nelson Mandela Square

I didn't have much time to see Johannesburg but I did get to Nelson Mandela square a couple of times. Lots of restaurants overlooking the square and a big mall inside. It was a good place to pick up something for Vincent and Luisa.

Pilanesburg Birds

These are five of the three hundred species of birds at Pilanesburg. No indentification here as they are not in my birds of North America handbook.

Pilanesburg Panoramas

Views from around the park. I was able to spend a day during by hectic visit to South Africa in Pilanesburg National Park located about a 2h drive from Johannesburg, and next to Sun City. The grass is long this time of the year so anything lurking just a few feet from the road could not be observed. That said there was a lot to see in this fourth largest park (550 square km) in South Africa. The park is completely fenced and the genesis project reintroduced some of the vanished species during the 1970's.

Commorants

These commorants have lots of food in the small lakes in the park.

Pilanesburg Turtles

These turtles hang around the view points overlooking the water. Looking for a handout no doubt.

Rhinoceros

We happened upon this rhinoceros family along our route. This is the closest I have been to these big animals even when visiting a zoo. I didn't risk reaching out and touching them especially with the baby around. My driver was a little afraid for his car. Not sure if these are the white or black species as both exist in the park.

Elephants

You will soon have to travel far from Toronto to see elephants as our mayor has decided they are too expensive.

Impala

The Impala need to keep an eye out for the leopards and the cheetahs.

Burchell's Zebra

The park has a good number of Burchell's Zebras.

Klipspringer

We spotted a little klipspringer sitting on a rock.

Kudu

Kudus hanging around on a warm afternoon.

Black Backed Jackel

A blacked backed jackel was seaching for a meal.