Pilanesberg National Park

Phiri Loop, Pilanesberg National Park

The Phiri Loop is a 1.8 km gravel road in Pilanesberg National Park about 4.6 km from Manyane Gate. It connects to Dithabaneng. Here's what lives along it, where to stop.

Phiri Loop is a 1.8 km loop off Dithabaneng that leads to Malatse Dam and its bird hide, which stands on a small island in the dam. African fish eagles, ducks and cormorants are among the birds you may see. Phiri is the Setswana word for hyena.

Where the Phiri Loop runs

DithabanengPhiri Loop
The Phiri Loop and the roads it joins. Waterholes, hides and viewpoints along it are on the map in the opspoor app. Road data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Recent activity on the Phiri Loop

No sightings logged on the Phiri Loop yet

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Wildlife you can see on the Phiri Loop

Based on the habitat the road runs through, not on today's sightings.

Habitat along the Phiri Loop

Mixed bushveld
57%
Open grassland
42%

Mixed bushveld: Mixed woodland with a broken canopy and thicker bush between the trees.

Habitat mapped by opspoor. Data sources

Waterholes and stops on the Phiri Loop

  • Malatse Dam Bird HideBird HideMalatse Dam is a scenic water-based wildlife spot in Pilanesberg, with a hide positioned on a small island overlooking the dam. It is particularly rewarding for birdwatching, with African fish…150 m off the road
  • Malatse DamWaterholeMalatse Dam is a peaceful birding and wildlife stop in Pilanesberg, featuring a hide positioned on a small island in the dam. The area is particularly rewarding for birdwatching, with African fish…250 m off the road

See every waterhole, hide and viewpoint on the map, and navigate to them, in the opspoor app.

Phiri Loop questions

Where is the Phiri Loop in Pilanesberg National Park?

The Phiri Loop is a 1.8 km gravel road in Pilanesberg National Park about 4.6 km from Manyane Gate. It connects to Dithabaneng.

What animals can you see on the Phiri Loop?

The Phiri Loop runs through mixed bushveld and open grassland, which suits cheetah, wildebeest (blue), yellow mongoose, zebra (plains) and aardvark.

Are there waterholes or hides on the Phiri Loop?

Yes. Along the Phiri Loop you'll find Malatse Dam Bird Hide and Malatse Dam.

Can I use opspoor on the Phiri 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 Phiri Loop

Driving the Phiri Loop soon? See recent sightings on this road, alerts when something's spotted nearby, and a map that works with no signal.