Pilanesberg: Private Game Drive & Big Five Safari Pickup

Summary

Private safari adventure through Pilanesberg’s wild heart with expert field guide

You’ll ride in an open safari vehicle through Pilanesberg with a local guide who knows every story behind those dusty tracks. Spot elephants, rhino, maybe even lions if luck’s with you — plus smaller surprises along the way. Includes pickup at Sun City or Welcome Centre, entry fees, bottled water, and three hours of real wildlife moments you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the Sun City resort when our guide, Sipho, pulled up in this open-sided safari truck — you could smell the bushveld before we even rolled through Pilanesberg’s gates. I thought I’d be nervous about being so exposed, but honestly, the air was cool and earthy and it felt right. Sipho had this way of talking about the park like it was an old friend; he pointed out tracks in the red dirt (I still don’t know how he spotted them) and told us which birds were calling from somewhere in the thorn trees. There was a moment where everything went quiet except for the hum of insects — that weird hush before something big happens. I remember gripping my water bottle a little tighter then.

We saw elephants first — not far off either, just lumbering along with that slow confidence they have. Sipho slowed down and let us just watch. He told us about their family groups and how sometimes they come right up to the vehicles if they’re curious (they didn’t this time, but I kind of hoped). The sun kept shifting behind clouds, so one minute it was gold on their backs and the next everything looked washed out and grey. We drove on and there was this sudden rush as a herd of impala darted across the track. Someone behind me gasped — I think it was me.

I tried to spot all of the “Big Five” like everyone says you should on a Pilanesberg game drive, but honestly I ended up getting distracted by these tiny blue waxbill birds hopping around near a muddy pool. Sipho laughed when I asked if they counted as “big” game — he said they’re his favorite anyway. We never did see a leopard (maybe next time), but we got close enough to rhinos that you could see dust clinging to their skin folds. It’s strange how quiet you feel sitting there, waiting for something wild to move.

The three hours went fast — too fast? Maybe that’s always true for things like this. On the way back Sipho handed out cold bottled water and pointed out some medicinal plants growing by the roadside; he said his grandmother used to make tea from them when he was a kid. I still think about that view over the valley as we left — all those greens and browns under a heavy sky, nothing between us and whatever might be watching from the grass.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private 3-hour game drive in Pilanesberg

• Meet guide at Sun City Resort
• Travel to Pilanesberg National Park
• Enjoy 3-hour open vehicle game drive
• Spot Big Five and other wildlife
• Learn about park and animals

Top questions

How long is the private game drive in Pilanesberg?

The private game drive lasts approximately three hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this safari?

Yes, pickup from Sun City Resort hotels or Welcome Centre is included.

Will we see all of the Big Five on this tour?

Pilanesberg is home to all Big Five animals but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is bottled water provided during the game drive?

Bottled water is included but you can bring your own refreshments too.

What type of vehicle is used for the safari?

An open 10-seater safari vehicle is used for better wildlife viewing.

Are park entry fees included in the tour price?

Yes, national park entry fees are covered in your booking.

Can children join this Pilanesberg game drive?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Does weather affect whether the tour runs?

No, tours operate rain or shine with no weather restrictions.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Sun City Resort or Welcome Centre, all national park entry fees covered, three hours exploring Pilanesberg in an open safari vehicle with a registered field guide sharing stories along the way, plus bottled water to keep you refreshed while searching for wildlife big and small.