South Africa · Safari

1-Day Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg with Big 5 Game Drives

1 Day Round trip from Johannesburg Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, home to South Africa's Big 5
02 Look out for over 7,000 animals and about 360 bird species in the reserve
03 Enjoy a full day of game drives through Pilanesberg's diverse landscapes
04 Travel easily from Johannesburg to one of South Africa's most accessible safari parks

Embark on a full-day safari in malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park with an early morning pickup from Johannesburg. Enjoy game drives through diverse landscapes as you look out for South Africa's iconic wildlife in a Big 5 reserve home to over 7,000 animals and about 360 bird species. Pause for a scenic lunch stop at the Pilanesberg Centre or a picnic spot before continuing with a relaxed afternoon drive through the park. Return to Johannesburg or Pretoria by evening after a rewarding day in one of South Africa's most accessible game reserves.

Embark on a full-day safari in malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park with an early morning pickup from Johannesburg.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Full-Day Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

4:30 am - Pickup from your arranged location and departure from Johannesburg.
6:30 am - Arrival at one of the main entrance gates: Manyane, Bakgatla, Bakubung, or Kwa Maritane.
6:30 am - 9:30 am - Morning drive towards the centre of the park before a morning coffee stop at the picnic spot.
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Midday drive and lunch at the Pilanesberg Centre or a second picnic spot.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Mid-afternoon drive through the park towards the exit gate.
4:00 pm - Departure and travel back to Johannesburg or Pretoria.
6:30 pm - Arrival in Johannesburg at your destination.

Winter departure from Johannesburg will be 5:00 am (June - August).

Where this trip takes you

Pilanesberg National Park, Pilanesberg Centre, Johannesburg

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Johannesburg 3 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Price includes pickup and drop-off in Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as gate entrance fees.
Morning coffee or tea, snacks, water in the car, and cold drinks.

What's Not Included

Lunch and souvenirs.

What to bring

Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
Hat
Chronic medication

Know before you go

Among South Africa's fascinating game reserves, Pilanesberg National Park is possibly the most accessible. Situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld in the Northwest Province of South Africa, this vast area promises thrilling big game viewing in a malaria free environment. Pilanesberg National Park is only a quick 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, which makes it the perfect destination for a one-day safari tour. You will have the opportunity to see fantastic wildlife (over 7000 animals and about 360 bird species) and soak in the incredible scenery in this Big 5 Game Reserve. Boasting great accommodation choices, staying at Pilanesberg National Park for a few nights would be ideal. Should you also want a night out, Sun City is just a stone's throw away.

Logistics