Planning a trip to Pilanesberg National Park? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.
Your chances of seeing Elephant in Pilanesberg National Park
Easy to see. Hard to miss. Most drives in Pilanesberg National Park turn up Elephant.
When to see Elephant in Pilanesberg National Park
Elephant are most active early morning (05:00 to 09:00), during the day (05:00 to 19:00) and late afternoon into dusk (16:00 to 20:00). In the heat of the day (10:00 to 16:00) Elephant usually rest in shade, so scan under trees and in thickets.
Logged in Pilanesberg so far
Park-local time of day for every confirmed sighting. Early numbers follow when people drive as much as when Elephant move.
Logged between July 2026 and October 2026.
Where to look for Elephant in Pilanesberg National Park: best roads and waterholes
Drive
Moruleng, Thlware and Dithabaneng run through mixed bushveld: good country for Elephant.
- Moruleng3.9 km · mixed bushveld
- Thlware2.6 km · mixed bushveld
- Dithabaneng12.5 km · mixed bushveld
Picked from habitat, not from sightings. opspoor shows where Elephant have actually been seen recently.
Wait at water
Elephant are drawn to water, especially in the dry season (May to October), so waiting at a waterhole is one of the best ways to see them.
Recent Elephant sightings in Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-10-25
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-10-25
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-10-23
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-10-02
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-10-02
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-09-25
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-09-25
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-09-25
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-09-25
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-08-16
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-08-15
Pilanesberg National Park · 2026-08-15
How to spot Elephant in Pilanesberg National Park
About the Elephant
The African savanna elephant is the largest living land animal and is recognised by its enormous size, large ears, long trunk and tusks in both males and females. It occurs in a wide range of habitats including savanna, woodland and areas surrounding water. Elephants are herbivores and consume grasses, leaves, bark, roots, fruits and other vegetation. They are highly social, with females and young usually living in matriarchal family groups while adult males are generally more solitary or form temporary bachelor associations.
How to identify the Elephant
The largest living land animal, with a massive body, very large ears, long trunk, column-like legs and tusks in many individuals. African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants and two finger-like projections at the tip of the trunk.
Other species to look for in Pilanesberg National Park
Other parks where you can see Elephant
Easiest first.
Heading to Pilanesberg National Park? opspoor shows where Elephant have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.