7 Pilanesberg Safaris in Johannesburg to Build a Day Around

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.”

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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.”

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3.Full Day Pilanesberg Experience in Open Vehicle

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

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.”

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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.”

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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”

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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!”

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7.Full Day Sun City & Pilanesberg Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 7 reviews · 11 hours · from $351

You’ll leave Sandton or Rosebank early for a three-hour closed-vehicle game drive in malaria-free Pilanesberg, then tour Sun City with an English-speaking guide. Guides Brian and James have been praised for their animal knowledge and friendly driving. Bring lunch money, sunscreen, binoculars, and patience for the long road home.

“Brian my guide was awesome and great when explaining the area and animals”

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