Pilanesberg National Park Big Five Safari from Johannesburg

A full day hunting the Big Five across open bush in an open truck

This private Big Five safari departs Johannesburg for Pilanesberg National Park, where a professional guide and game ranger take you on a 3-hour open-vehicle drive through the reserve to track elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and buffalo in their natural habitat. Hotel pickup and return transport are included. The game ranger shares knowledge of the ecosystem and wildlife at every sighting, and you pass Hartbeespoort Dam on the drive back to the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Big Five Safari and Return Drive

• Pickup from Johannesburg hotel
• Drive 2.5 hours to Pilanesberg Park
• Meet game ranger at park
• 3-hour open game drive safari
• Spot elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo
• Capture wildlife photographs
• Return to park reception
• Drive back 2.5 hours to hotel
• Pass over Hartbeespoort Dam and bridge

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned minivan.
• professional guide for the full day.
• 3-hour open-vehicle game drive with a game ranger.
• one bottled water per person.

Times

• Every day 06:00 10:00

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Before you book

Group Private 10 group tours ›

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to 1d before

Ages Adult (18 to 49 years) · Senior (50 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available

Operated by Trek Jozi

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

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Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 1 verified traveler review

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The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Johannesburg or Pretoria hotel in an air-conditioned minivan for the 2.5-hour drive north to Pilanesberg National Park. Your guide handles the route while you settle in. Once at the park, they hand you over to a game ranger who leads the actual safari. That's when you board an open game viewing truck (no roof, no windows between you and the bush), and spend three hours driving the reserve's roads in search of the Big Five. The ranger stops when animals appear and explains what you're seeing: how lions hunt, why rhinos charge, what elephants are doing at a waterhole. You'll see interactions between species, not just isolated sightings, and the open truck gives you the angle and the light to photograph them.

After the game drive, the ranger delivers you back to the park's reception, where your guide is waiting. The return journey to Johannesburg takes another 2.5 hours, and on the way you cross Hartbeespoort Dam via the Harties Bridge: an arch-style dam with a Roman Triumphal Arch wall that sits on the North West Province border. Your guide points out the views as you pass. It's a moment to decompress and process what you've seen. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What animals will I actually see on the game drive at Pilanesberg?

Pilanesberg is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo), and the game ranger takes you on roads where these animals live and move. Sightings depend on the day and the season, but the ranger knows where to look and will explain animal behavior and ecosystem dynamics at each encounter.

How does the open game viewing truck work, and will I be uncomfortable in it?

The open safari vehicle has no roof or windows, which gives you an unobstructed view and better light for photography. It's designed for game viewing, not shelter, so you're exposed to the elements. The 3-hour drive happens in daylight hours when the temperature is manageable, and your guide can advise on what to wear and bring.

What is Hartbeespoort Dam, and do we stop there?

Hartbeespoort Dam is an arch-style dam on the North West Province border, known for its distinctive Roman Triumphal Arch wall and views across the water. You cross it on the Harties Bridge during the return drive to Johannesburg. Your guide points out the landscape and you can photograph it from the vehicle, but it's a pass-through rather than a stop.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included. You'll want to eat before the drive or bring snacks. The day is structured around the game drive itself, and there's time to eat during the return journey if you've brought food with you.

Do I need to pay anything extra at the park entrance?

Yes. National Park Entry and Conservation Fees are paid directly to the North West Parks Board at the gate when you arrive. Your guide will assist with the transaction and ensure you receive the correct rates. Bring a physical debit or credit card for this payment.