Pilanesberg National Park
Hippo Loop, Pilanesberg National Park
The Hippo Loop is a 2.1 km gravel road in Pilanesberg National Park about 7.7 km from Bakgatla Gate. It connects to Tshwene. Here's what lives along it, where to stop.
Hippo Loop is a 2.1 km gravel loop off Tshwene that takes you down toward Mankwe Dam, the largest body of water in Pilanesberg and home to its hippos. The Mankwe Dam hide is nearby. It is a short detour from the tar and worth it for the water views.
Where the Hippo Loop runs
Recent activity on the Hippo Loop
Sightings already logged on the Hippo Loop
See exactly where, which way they're moving, and get alerts here. Works with no signal.
Open in opspoorWildlife you can see on the Hippo Loop
Based on the habitat the road runs through, not on today's sightings.
Habitat along the Hippo Loop
Open grassland: Open plains with few trees. Grazers gather here and predators hunt across it.
Habitat mapped by opspoor. Data sources
Waterholes and stops on the Hippo Loop
- Mankwe DamWaterholeMankwe Dam is the largest body of water in Pilanesberg and one of the park’s most important wildlife-viewing areas. Its permanent water attracts a wide variety of animals and birds, while the nearby…450 m off the road
- Mankwe Dam Bird HideBird HideMankwe Dam is the largest body of water in Pilanesberg and one of the park’s most popular wildlife-viewing areas. Its expansive waters attract a wide variety of birds and animals, while the nearby…700 m off the road
See every waterhole, hide and viewpoint on the map, and navigate to them, in the opspoor app.
Hippo Loop questions
Where is the Hippo Loop in Pilanesberg National Park?
The Hippo Loop is a 2.1 km gravel road in Pilanesberg National Park about 7.7 km from Bakgatla Gate. It connects to Tshwene.
What animals can you see on the Hippo Loop?
The Hippo Loop runs through open grassland, which suits aardwolf, african pipit, bat eared fox, cape hare and cheetah.
Are there waterholes or hides on the Hippo Loop?
Yes. Along the Hippo Loop you'll find Mankwe Dam and Mankwe Dam Bird Hide.
Can I use opspoor on the Hippo Loop without signal?
Yes. Signal in Pilanesberg National Park can be patchy, and opspoor works fully offline: you can see sightings you've already loaded and log your own, which sync when you're back in range.
Roads connecting to the Hippo Loop
Driving the Hippo Loop soon? See recent sightings on this road, alerts when something's spotted nearby, and a map that works with no signal.