Pilanesberg Day Safari: Big 5 Game Drive & Custom Options
Pilanesberg Game Reserve Safari Experience & Flexible Add-Ons
You’ll get close to Africa’s Big 5 on this Pilanesberg safari day tour—plus you can tweak the plan if there’s something extra you want to see. It’s easy-going, wheelchair friendly, and led by guides who really know their stuff.
8h
Step-by-step itinerary
Pilanesberg Game Reserve Safari
- Travel to Pilanesberg Game Reserve and visit KwaBakubung
- Game drive to see Big 5 and other wildlife
The Experience
We left Johannesburg before sunrise—still chilly, coffee in hand, watching the city lights fade behind us. By the time we reached Pilanesberg Game Reserve, the sun was already warming up the bushveld. Our driver, Sipho, chatted about his favorite animal sightings and pointed out the old volcanic hills as we rolled through KwaBakubung’s gate. The air smelled faintly of wild sage and dust.
I’d always wanted to see the Big 5 in their own space, not behind glass. We spotted elephants first—huge and quiet, just off the road. A little later, a pride of lions lounged under a thorn tree, barely glancing at our vehicle. Sipho knew where to look for rhinos (he says early morning is best), and he didn’t rush us when we wanted to watch a herd of buffalo cross right in front of us. If you want better photos or just more wind in your hair, you can ask for an open-air vehicle—they’ll sort it out if you let them know ahead.
What’s included
- Your ride will be in an air-conditioned vehicle (or open-air if requested).
- Wheelchair access is sorted throughout—plus prams or strollers are welcome for little ones.
- All fitness levels can join in; just bring your sense of adventure!.
Operated by Timeline Travel
Traveler reviews
Compare the 11 similar options
Same experience, different operators — compare price, rating and length.
Pilanesberg Day Safari: Big 5 Game Drive & Custom Options★ 5.00 (1)8hEN · FRUS$ 140
Johannesburg Lion Park: Half-Day Safari & White LionsFeel the thrill of a half-day safari at Johannesburg’s Lion Park. See rare white lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and more with a local guide—includes pickup & entry.★ 4.80 (90)4h–5hENUS$ 118View ›
Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg: Full Day Big Five Game DriveFull-day safari from Johannesburg with 5-hour game drive, lunch at lodge, and Hartbeespoort Dam route. Conservation fee included, hotel pickup, small groups.★ 4.90 (105)12h 30mENUS$ 269View ›
Kruger: Big Five Safari, Bush Walks & Blyde Canyon TourWake up to sunrise game drives, walk with rangers, join bush BBQs under stars, and see Blyde River Canyon. Includes pickup, guide, and all meals.★ 4.84 (38)7dENUS$ 1,639View ›
Cradle of Humankind: Balloon Safari Flight & Lodge BreakfastFloat over the Cradle of Humankind on a balloon safari, spot wildlife at sunrise, enjoy sparkling wine, and relax with a buffet breakfast at a luxury lodge. Includes pickup.★ 4.87 (150)1hENUS$ 232View ›
Johannesburg: Lion Park Safari & White Lions Half DayHalf-day safari from Johannesburg with 2-hour game drive, 80+ lions including white lions, and hotel pickup. Malaria-free, 30-45 min drive to Cradle of Humankind.★ 4.80 (367)5hENUS$ 120View ›
Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Sparkling Wine BreakfastEarly morning hot air balloon flight over Magalies River Valley with sparkling wine breakfast. 4 hours, small groups, hotel pickup from Johannesburg area. Weather-dependent.★ 4.89 (432)3h–4hENUS$ 278View ›
Cradle of Humankind Balloon Flight & Champagne BreakfastFloat above the Cradle of Humankind or Magaliesberg at sunrise, sip champagne in the sky, and enjoy a full lodge breakfast—includes pickup and local pilot.★ 4.93 (106)1hENUS$ 210View ›
Kruger & Panorama Route: 2-Night Safari with Private GuideExperience a private safari in Kruger, spot wildlife on full-day game drives, and explore the Panorama Route with a local guide. Includes transport & accommodations.★ 4.95 (21)3dEN · DEUS$ 1,099View ›
Kruger National Park: Safari with lodge & treehouse stayExperience Kruger National Park on safari with a local guide, sunset drives, and unique stays in a chalet and treehouse. Includes pickup and all fees.★ 4.67 (18)3dENUS$ 908View ›
Pilanesberg Safari Tours: 2 Days with Big 5 & LodgePilanesberg safari from Johannesburg with Big 5 game drives, 4-star lodge stay and all meals included. Two days, malaria-free region.★ 4.40 (30)2dENUS$ 698View › 
Top questions
Can I add another stop or attraction to this tour?
Yes! The tour is flexible—you can add one or two more attractions if you’d like. Just mention it when booking or ask your driver on the day.
Is this safari suitable for people with limited mobility?
Absolutely. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible and there are specialized infant seats available too. Let us know your needs when booking.
What happens if I need to cancel last minute?
No worries—if you cancel anytime before departure, you’ll get a full refund.
Do I need to book an open-air vehicle in advance?
If you prefer an open-air game drive for better views and photos, just request it ahead of time so we can arrange it for you.
Pilanesberg Day Safari: Big 5 Game Drive & Custom Options
8h · EN · FR · at your hotel
from US$ 140 per person
★★★★★★★★★★5.001 review