Full-day safari from Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve

Seven to fourteen hours tracking the Big 5 and African wildlife across an open reserve

A full-day safari tour departing Johannesburg at 7am and returning around 9pm, with private transportation, an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle. The reserve is home to the Big 5 plus giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelope species and birds. Lunch is available at park lodges. A minimum of two people is required to run the trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day safari at Pilanesberg

• Early pickup at 7:00 a.m.
• Stop at bakery for coffee and snack
• Drive 2.5 hours to Pilanesberg
• Full-day safari exploring the park
• Lunch at lodge in the park
• Depart park around 5 or 6 p.m.
• Return to Johannesburg around 9 p.m.

The experience

The day starts with a 7am pickup in Johannesburg and a quick stop at a bakery for coffee and a snack before the 2.5-hour drive to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. Once in the park, you spend the full day on safari searching for wildlife: the Big 5, giraffes, hippopotamus, crocodiles, different antelope species and bird species. The guide navigates the reserve roads while you watch from the air-conditioned vehicle, and you can break for lunch at one of the park's lodges. Departure from the reserve happens around 5 or 6pm when the park closes, with arrival back in Johannesburg around 9pm.

Private transportation means you travel in your own vehicle with your guide rather than sharing a minibus with other groups. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. The early start and full daylight hours maximize your chances of spotting animals, and the long window in the park gives you time to move between different areas rather than rushing through a single circuit.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• English-speaking guide.
• hotel or accommodation pickup in Johannesburg at 7am.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Rent a Tour and Safaris

Is this one for you?The early 7am start and full daylight hours in the reserve maximize wildlife viewing, but the day runs long. Expect to return to Johannesburg around 9pm. Book this tour if you want a complete day in the park and can manage the early morning and late evening return.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What animals can I expect to see in Pilanesberg Nature Reserve?

Pilanesberg is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) plus giraffes, hippopotamus, crocodiles, several antelope species and various bird species. What you see depends on where the animals are on the day you visit.

How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg?

The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours depending on traffic, followed by the return journey of similar length, so plan for roughly 5 hours of driving across the full day.

What's included in the price and what do I need to arrange separately?

The tour includes private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and an English-speaking guide. Lunch is available at lodges inside the park but is not included in the tour price, so you can choose to eat there or bring your own food.

Is there a minimum group size for this tour?

A minimum of two people is required to run the trip, so you cannot book a solo safari on this tour.