South Africa · PILANESBERG SAFARIS IN JOHANNESBURG

15 Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg to Build a Day Around

33 tours  ·  from $87

Good pilanesberg safaris in Johannesburg fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari - The 5:45 a.m. pickup and long road north
Johannesburg Tours, National Parks, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

1.Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,327 reviews · 12 hours · from $186Our pick

Leave Johannesburg early for two open-vehicle game drives in Pilanesberg, with 4.5 to 5 hours in the reserve. Guides such as Petrus, Martin, and Desmond are praised for sharp animal spotting and lively explanations. Expect elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and a chance at the Big Five.

“I think this was an extremely amazing experience. It was extremely good value the guy who were friendly, informative, and helpful. I enjoyed my experience and would highly recommend this.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria - Your first game drive in the open 4x4
Full-Day, Johannesburg Tours, National Parks, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

2.Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 718 reviews · from $159

Leave Johannesburg or Pretoria early for Pilanesberg National Park, then join a professional ranger for morning and afternoon open-vehicle safaris. You’ll have time for lunch at the Pilanesberg Center beside a waterhole, with a small group capped at 10 people and return transport included.

“My very first Safari experience. The initial drive takes a while but once at the Safari it’s a magical place. Would 100 percent recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Pilanesberg Experience in Open Vehicle - Lunch at a Pilanesberg Rest Camp
Full-Day, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews

Full Day Pilanesberg Experience in Open Vehicle

3.Full Day Pilanesberg Experience in Open Vehicle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 414 reviews · from $137

Leave Johannesburg around 6:00 a.m. for Pilanesberg, where a park guide such as Petrus or Thaboo leads a three-hour open-vehicle safari. After lunch, continue in a closed vehicle for about two hours. Hotel transfers and uncapped WiFi are included.

“Petrus was an excellent tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable on all animals and he was fun and light-hearted. He made the experience wonderful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience - What you might see during the game drive
Full-Day, Johannesburg Tours, National Parks, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience

4.Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · from $155Top rated

Set out from Johannesburg around 6am for an 11 to 12-hour Pilanesberg safari in an open-sided jeep. Your park guide searches for lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, hippos, and more, while lunch, park fees, transfers, and water are included. Breakfast is not.

“This was such an amazing and once in a lifetime experience! We saw 4 out of the big 5. This was just awesome! I would definitely recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg - Five hours in an open safari vehicle
Full-Day, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

5.Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · from $204

Leave Johannesburg at 5:30 am for Pilanesberg with hotel pickup, a scenic Hartbeespoort Dam drive, and about five hours of game viewing. Jason, Elvis, or another registered guide handles the road transfer, while park guides such as Lizzie, Bernie, or SiSi help spot lions, elephants, hippos, cheetahs, and more.

“Started when we got picked up at the hotel our driver Jason Pollard is very accommodating, kind, and informative. He made us feel at ease from the hotel and on the way back with emphasis on safety. Bernard our safari driver is funny and gave us the safety before starteRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Johannesburg: 2-Day 4-Star Pilanesberg Safari - Leaving Johannesburg for Pilanesberg
2-Day Experiences, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

Johannesburg: 2-Day 4-Star Pilanesberg Safari

6.2-Day 4-Star Pilanesberg Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 61 reviews · 2 days · from $609

Leave Johannesburg for Pilanesberg’s volcanic hills and four game drives in two days. You’ll ride in both open 4x4s and a closed minivan, sleep at a 4-star lodge, and may spot four of the Big Five. Guide Moloko has earned special praise for her care and effort.

“Mye for pengene! Nydelig sted og veldig god mat!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2 Day Pilanesberg ultimate Luxury Safari - Choosing between the lodge experience and the game drives
2-Day Experiences, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews, VIP

2 Day Pilanesberg ultimate Luxury Safari

7.2 Day Pilanesberg ultimate Luxury Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · from $507

Leave Johannesburg at 5:30 am for Pilanesberg, less than three hours away. You get three open-vehicle or minivan safari drives, one night at a 4-star lodge, dinner, breakfast, and hotel pickup. A small group of up to nine makes this a practical short safari for couples and busy schedules.

“How fantastic the Ivory Tree Lodge was in service, food, assistance, rooms, and charm. Totally overwhelmed our expectations.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2 Day 4 Star Pilanesberg Safari - Midday at the 4-star safari lodge
2-Day Experiences, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

2 Day 4 Star Pilanesberg Safari

8.2 Day 4 Star Pilanesberg Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $466

Leave Johannesburg at 5:30am for Pilanesberg National Park, then search for lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo on morning, afternoon, and sunrise drives. You’ll sleep at a 4-star safari lodge, eat dinner and breakfast, and travel in a small group of no more than 10. Guide Sunny may be your wildlife spotter.

“The evening drive safari was awesome. The nature beauty of the lodge was so peaceful. I so look forward to going back for a longer visit.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilanesberg Full-Day Shared Safari with Sun City Visit - The 6:00 AM departure from Johannesburg
City Tours, Full-Day, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

Pilanesberg Full-Day Shared Safari with Sun City Visit

9.Pilanesberg Full-Day Shared Safari with Sun City Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · from $290

Leave Johannesburg at 6:00 AM for a 3-hour open-vehicle safari in Pilanesberg, a Sun City orientation and free time, then an afternoon minibus game drive. Guides such as Vincent and Jim speak English, French, or Portuguese.

“Everything was great. The guide was available and provided lots of explanations. I highly recommend it. Thank you for a wonderful day.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3 Day 4 Star Pilanesberg Safari - Day one begins with a closed-vehicle safari
3-Day Experiences, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

3 Day 4 Star Pilanesberg Safari

10.3 Day 4 Star Pilanesberg Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $1,095

Spend three days in Pilanesberg National Park with five game drives, including four in open 4WD vehicles and one in an air-conditioned minivan. You’ll stay two nights at a 4-star lodge, enjoy included breakfasts and dinners, and travel from Johannesburg in a small group of up to 10 people. Guide Ryaan is specifically praised by name.

“From start to finish, this safari experience went beyond all of my expectations. I got to see all of the Big5 as you can see in my review pics. All of the resort staff were warm and friendly, the food and drinks were terrific, and the lodgings were vRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilanesberg and Sun City Tour - Lunch, snacks, and the real value of $202.01
City Tours, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours

Pilanesberg and Sun City Tour

11.Pilanesberg and Sun City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $202

Leave Johannesburg or Pretoria at 6:30 am for a small-group day trip to Pilanesberg and Sun City. Guides such as Mo, Shumba, and Banele handle transfers and game drives, with lunch, snacks, water, and hotel pickup included. Expect wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and time at the Valley of Waves.

“Omggggg. This was definitely a wining experience. My tour guide was awesome, the experience was awesome. Stephenson adventures hands down went all out to make sure i created those memories while my safety was top priority. Thanks to MO and Banele were both awesome and very professional.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Discover the Pilanesberg with a personalized full day safari - Leaving Johannesburg early for the best chance at wildlife
Full-Day, Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

Discover the Pilanesberg with a personalized full day safari

12.Discover the Pilanesberg with a personalized full day safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $219

Join Pranesh of South African Wanderer for a private, full-day Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, search for the Big Five with an experienced field guide, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, park fees, and return transport.

“Pranesh gave us the best day! Upon booking he was very quick to share the day's agenda, and confirmed dietary restrictions/additional needs for our trip. Our day out at the park was so fantastic, I can't say enough good things about it. Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilanesberg: Two-Day Camping Adventure from Johannesburg - The early pickup from Johannesburg
Johannesburg Tours, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews

Pilanesberg: Two-Day Camping Adventure from Johannesburg

13.Pilanesberg: Two-Day Camping Adventure from Johannesburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 19 reviews · 2 days · from $329

Leave Johannesburg early for Pilanesberg, a malaria-free reserve in an ancient volcanic crater. You get three open-vehicle drives, one closed-vehicle drive, and a night at Tlou Tented Safari Camp. Guides such as Vincent, Moloko, Martin, Petrus, and Thapo have been praised for sharp wildlife spotting and friendly care.

“The two day safari and camping at Tlou was a lot of fun! The guides Moloko and Martin are very knowledgeable and friendly. The staff at the camp, Noxy and the chef Jesaja provided excellent care and food”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilanesberg National Park Tour - Key points to know before booking
Johannesburg Tours, National Parks, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours

Pilanesberg National Park Tour

14.Pilanesberg National Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $250

Leave Johannesburg at 6:00 am for Pilanesberg National Park with Xplore Afrika. Expect air-conditioned transport, Wi-Fi, a six-hour safari from 9:00 to 15:00, lunch, park fees, and a group of up to 12 people. Guides such as Ben, Leonard, Charlie, and Bongi may lead the day.

“Ben is an amazing tour guide. We had only two days for Joburh trip. I reached out to Ben around 11 pm the day we arrived. He was very prompt in responding. He created a custom package for us with Pilaensburg, Elephant interactions and UkutRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big 5 Safari Experience at Pilanesberg National Park - Two three-hour drives for better odds
Big Five Game Drives, Big Five Game Drives in Johannesburg, Johannesburg Tours, National Parks, Pilanesberg Safaris, Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg, Safari, Tour Reviews

Big 5 Safari Experience at Pilanesberg National Park

15.Big 5 Safari Experience at Pilanesberg National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $244

Travel from Johannesburg or Pretoria to Pilanesberg National Park for two three-hour game drives with a field guide, then enjoy a three-course South African buffet at a bush restaurant. The day lasts about nine hours, with space for up to 36 people.

“The tour operator was having issues and was not able to do the scheduled tour. So we had to call Viator to get a refund, and then ended up going with another tour operator.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg

★ 5.0Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full DayFrom $1254 reviews
★ 5.0Safari Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Monkey SanctuaryFrom $1526 reviews
★ 5.0Private Pilanesberg Park Game Drive Full Day TourFrom $1795 reviews
★ 5.0Full-day Pilanesberg national park tourFrom $1504 reviews
★ 5.0Pilanesberg Wildlife SafariFrom $1224 reviews
★ 4.0Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion PrivateFrom $2054 reviews
★ 5.02 Days Pilanesberg National Park Luxury SafariFrom $5094 reviews
★ 4.5Pilanesberg National Park Safari from JohannesburgFrom $1983 reviews
★ 5.0Pilanesberg National Park Safari in Open Vehicle from JohannesburgFrom $2156 reviews
★ 5.03-Day Johannesburg Tour with Pilanesberg National Park SafariFrom $4858 reviews
★ 5.02 Day Pilanesberg Camping SafariFrom $2616 reviews
★ 4.1Full Day Sun City & Pilanesberg Nature ReserveFrom $3517 reviews

Keep browsing

Safari441Table Mountain Tours231Cape Town Tours1348Wine Tours213Cruises & Boat Tours141Museums81
Scroll to Top

Explore South Africa

Pick a reserve, a coastline or a cellar.

In the parks

Big Five Game DrivesKruger SafarisPilanesbergAddo ElephantsHluhluwe-iMfolozi

On the water

Whale BoatsShark CagesSunset CruisesBoat TripsDiving

Around Cape Town

Table MountainCape PointBoulders PenguinsRobben IslandLion’s Head

Food and wine

Winelands DaysWine TastingsFood ToursCooking ClassesThe Bo-Kaap