Mankwe Dam

About Mankwe Dam

Mankwe Dam is the biggest body of water in the Pilanesberg National Park. Built by the farmers who originally owned the land, before it was incorporated into the reserve, it looks more like a lake than a dam.

Did you know? Mankwe gets rave reviews from visitors as one of the best places to spot game in the reserve, provided you have the patience to remain in the bird hide for any length of time.

It lies virtually just off centre of the volcanic crater that is Pilanesberg, on the southern edge of Hippo Loop (a good area in which to spot game, particularly hippo, but often lion as well as they use the area to hunt).

The hide at Mankwe Dam is close to a series of dead trees that serve as bird magnets in the water. At the very least you will see kingfishers, but it is not unusual to see fish eagles, and any number of animals use Mankwe dam as a waterhole.

The bird hides at Pilanesberg are well built, provide comfortable seating, and give visitors a chance to unobtrusively spot game. And whilst it is almost impossible to sight a leopard or buffalo at Pilanesberg, you are highly likely to see crocodiles swimming within metres of you, giraffe, zebra, warthog and various antelope.

Fish Eagle Picnic Spot lies on a koppie overlooking Mankwe dam - a perfect space to eat your food whilst keeping an eye out over the park. The views from up there are some of the best in the park.

And Mankwe and Tshepe drives, close to the dam, are great for spotting wildlife.