Malatse Dam Hide
Observe hippos, birds, and elephants at this scenic dam hide in Pilanesberg National Park. A prime spot for close wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals often gather to drink.
Malatse Dam Hide
Best Time
Animals often gather to drink.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Observe hippos, birds, and elephants at this scenic dam hide in Pilanesberg National Park. A prime spot for close wildlife encounters.
"What a glorious place to spy on game. Bringing my family back."
Bring Binoculars/Zoom Lens
Essential for spotting distant hippos, birds, and other animals. 🔭
Watch for Elephants
Close encounters are possible, especially at the hide. Be alert! 🐘
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Malatse Dam Wildlife Viewing
Malatse Dam
Observe hippos, diverse birdlife like cranes and storks, and potentially elephants and other buck near the water's edge.
The Hide Experience
Malatse Dam Hide
Enjoy a close encounter with wildlife, especially elephants, from the safety and comfort of the viewing hide.
Scenic Dam Vicinity
Malatse Dam area
A beautiful afternoon spot for game viewing, offering pleasant surroundings for spotting animals in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Binoculars are Your Best Friend
Safety First at the Hide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Binoculars/Zoom Lens
Essential for spotting distant hippos, birds, and other animals. 🔭
Watch for Elephants
Close encounters are possible, especially at the hide. Be alert! 🐘
New Foot Bridge
A new foot bridge is being built, improving access to the hide. 🌉
Great for Families
A glorious place to spy on game; families will love it. 👨👩👧
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Binoculars/Zoom Lens
Essential for spotting distant hippos, birds, and other animals. 🔭
Watch for Elephants
Close encounters are possible, especially at the hide. Be alert! 🐘
New Foot Bridge
A new foot bridge is being built, improving access to the hide. 🌉
Great for Families
A glorious place to spy on game; families will love it. 👨👩👧
Drive Safely
Enjoy the park responsibly and be aware of your surroundings. 🚗
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Malatse Dam a pleasant and rewarding spot for wildlife viewing, especially from the hide where close encounters with elephants are a highlight. The dam is praised for its scenic beauty and the variety of animals, including hippos and birds, making it a great family outing. Some mention the need for good optics to fully appreciate distant sightings.
"It's a pleasant place, while you drive around in the Park! You would do well to have decent binoculars with you, for zooming in on water animals like hippo & the cranes/storks & maybe fish eagles & other birds there. Or your zoom lens camera! Drive well, drive safe. Zebras, Wildebeest, other buck & even elephants may be in the dam's vicinity. Be alert & spot those animals too! See what you want to see, & may it be worthwhile telling about when you're back in the campsite with family &/or friends!
#Malatsedam
#Pilansberg
{{I hope the photos I attached with this review are in fact of Malatse dam, not another dam there!}}"
Ernest Loxley-Ford
"A new foot bridge being built by FoPS at Malatse. The old bridge is rickety and needed to be replaced."
Michael Hare
"Saw 3 herds of Ellie's!! Great to watch the Interaction water fun. Really close encounter at the hide....fab."
Felicity Douglas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Malatse Dam is located within Pilanesberg National Park. You'll need to enter the park and follow the signs for Malatse Dam. The hide is situated at the dam itself.
Park entry fees vary, but it's advisable to check the official Pilanesberg National Park website or inquire at the gate for the most current rates.
Yes, roads within Pilanesberg National Park are generally well-maintained, allowing access to Malatse Dam. Drive carefully and be aware of wildlife.
Many guided game drives and lodge packages in Pilanesberg National Park include stops at popular viewing points like Malatse Dam.
The specific route can depend on which gate you enter from. It's recommended to use a park map or GPS, and ask rangers for directions to Malatse Dam.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Malatse Dam Hide is accessible to all visitors within Pilanesberg National Park. Your park entry fee covers access.
Park hours typically vary with sunrise and sunset. It's best to check the official Pilanesberg National Park website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.
There is no additional fee to use the Malatse Dam Hide. It's a free viewing area for all park visitors.
The hide operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no booking systems in place.
Generally, no, but it's important to respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance. The hide is designed for observation.
📸 📸 Photography
The hide itself offers excellent opportunities for close-up shots of animals at the water. The surrounding dam area also provides scenic backdrops.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended to capture details of wildlife from a distance. Binoculars are also useful for spotting subjects.
Yes, elephants are frequently seen at Malatse Dam, and the hide provides a fantastic vantage point for photographing them, especially during their water interactions.
Mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, with softer, warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
No specific photography restrictions apply, but always prioritize safety and respect for the animals and other visitors.
🎫 🦛 Wildlife & Sightings
You can expect to see hippos, various bird species like cranes and storks, fish eagles, zebras, wildebeest, other buck, and often elephants.
Hippos are often visible throughout the day, especially when they come out to graze or cool off in the water. Early mornings and late afternoons can be particularly active times.
Yes, elephants are frequently sighted at Malatse Dam, and visitors have reported close encounters, particularly from the hide.
The dam is a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings of cranes, storks, fish eagles, and many other water-associated bird species.
Absolutely. While known for its dam-specific wildlife, the surrounding areas of the park are excellent for spotting a variety of game.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Reports suggest that the dam is a 'glorious place to spy on game' and that bringing family back is a common sentiment, highlighting its appeal across age groups. The possibility of seeing elephants, zebras, and wildebeest adds an extra layer of excitement for younger visitors. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and ensure children understand the importance of staying quiet and still at the hide to avoid startling the animals.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
It's highly recommended to bring a camera with a powerful zoom lens to get detailed shots of birds, hippos, and other creatures from a distance. The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions for photography, creating atmospheric and visually stunning images. Be prepared for potential elephant sightings, which can offer dramatic photographic moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Malatse Dam Hide Experience
The hide is designed for comfort and safety, allowing visitors to spend extended periods watching the natural behavior of animals without disturbing them. It's a fantastic spot for both casual observers and avid wildlife photographers. Remember to bring your binoculars or zoom lens camera as many sightings can be at a distance, and the right equipment will significantly enhance your viewing pleasure.
Recent updates indicate that a new foot bridge is being constructed by FoPS to replace the older, rickety one, further improving accessibility and safety for visitors heading to the hide. This ongoing development ensures that the viewing experience remains enjoyable and secure for everyone.
Wildlife Spotting at Malatse Dam
Beyond the aquatic and avian life, the vicinity of Malatse Dam is a magnet for larger mammals. Visitors frequently report seeing zebras, wildebeest, and various other buck species grazing in the surrounding grasslands or coming down to the water to drink. The presence of elephants is also a significant draw, with many guests experiencing 'really close encounters' at the hide, making for unforgettable safari moments.
To maximize your chances of spotting a wide array of animals, it's recommended to visit during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons, when animals are often more active. Patience is key, and having good optics like binoculars will greatly enhance your ability to spot and appreciate the wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit