South Africa · Safari

3-Day Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg with Big Five Game Drives

3 Days Round trip from Johannesburg Easy pace

Wildebeest spotted on safari, Pilanesberg

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Search for Africa's Big Five in Pilanesberg National Park
02 Spot exotic wildlife such as cheetahs, aardwolves, brown hyaenas, and caracals
03 Visit park watering holes where kudu, wildebeest, and warthogs gather
04 Enjoy early morning game drives when big cats are most active

Venture into the dramatic landscape of Pilanesberg Wildlife Park, home to a wide variety of plants, animals, and birds. This 3-day tour offers an ideal opportunity to experience exotic animal sightings, including cheetahs, aardwolves, brown hyaenas, and caracals, while searching for Africa's Big Five. You will enjoy multiple game drives through the park, visits to watering holes where wildlife gathers, and time at the campsite in the heart of nature. There is also the option to visit the Valley of Waves at Sun City to make the most of your trip.

Set out from Johannesburg very early to seek Africa's Big Five - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos - at Pilanesberg National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Johannesburg, Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Early Departure from Johannesburg and Pilanesberg Safari

Set out from Johannesburg very early to seek Africa's Big Five - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos - at Pilanesberg National Park.
Take a packed breakfast from the hotel.
Stop for a coffee break on your way.
Start the game drive as soon as you enter the park at Kwa-Maritane or Bakubung Gate.
Take a break for lunch at one of the park's watering holes, where animals like kudu, wildebeest, and warthogs tend to gather.
After lunch, head to the campsite to assemble your tents.
Spend your time at leisure until the sunset game drive.

Overnight stay and dinner at the campsite.

Day 02

Full-Day Safari in Pilanesberg and Optional Sun City Visit

Embark on an early game drive with your South African safari guide after a quick breakfast.
Try to spot the big cats, as they are still active in the morning.
Take a break at Sun City to avoid the day's heat and have lunch.
Optionally, visit the Valley of Waves park in Sun City, a legendary hub for all kinds of family-friendly water activities that appeal to adventurers of all ages, or spend the afternoon at leisure.
Check out the Crocodile Sanctuary (optional).
Take another drive into the park before returning to the campsite.

Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 03

Final Morning Game Drive and Return to Johannesburg

Set off on an early morning game drive with your guides for the next two to three hours.
You could also opt to do it with the park rangers in an open-roof vehicle (optional) while the guide clears the campsite and prepares breakfast.
After breakfast and packing the equipment, drive inside the park one last time before exiting through a different gate and bidding farewell to nature.

The guide will drop you off in Johannesburg or even at the airport.