Pilanesberg Safari Day Trip: Game Drives & Lunch from Johannesburg

Summary

Early morning drive from Johannesburg, open safari vehicles, wildlife close-ups, lunch overlooking the waterhole, afternoon game spotting and back before sunset

You’ll start early from Johannesburg with hotel pickup and travel to Pilanesberg for two open-vehicle game drives led by a local guide. Watch wildlife up close, enjoy lunch overlooking a waterhole where animals gather, and return before sunset. Expect real moments—quiet anticipation, laughter with your guide, maybe even a surprise animal sighting that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you see that rhino?” our guide whispered, engine off, as we all leaned forward in the open vehicle. I’d barely finished my coffee when they picked me up in Johannesburg — still dark out, city lights fading behind us. The road to Pilanesberg felt longer than I expected (maybe because I was half-asleep), but then the bushveld opened up and suddenly there was nothing but gold grass and those blue hills in every direction. Our guide, Sipho, had this way of pausing mid-sentence whenever he spotted something moving — like he could hear things we couldn’t.

The first game drive started just after nine. It’s hard to explain how quiet it gets out there except for birds and the odd crunch of gravel under tires. We saw elephants almost right away — one young bull blocking the track until Sipho muttered something in Tswana and waited him out. There was this moment where everyone went silent as a herd of zebra crossed in front of us. I kept thinking how different it felt from any zoo or documentary; the air smelled dusty-sweet and you could actually feel the sun warming up your arms as it climbed higher.

Lunch was at Pilanesberg Center, right by a waterhole where impala came down to drink while we ate. The food was simple — chicken salad for me — but honestly I barely noticed what I was eating because a hippo surfaced just beyond the reeds and everyone scrambled for their cameras. Some folks chatted with our guide about lion sightings (“not guaranteed,” he said with a grin), others just watched the water ripple in the heat haze. After that, another drive — shorter this time, but somehow even more intense because we knew we’d be heading back soon.

I didn’t expect to feel sad leaving. On the ride back to Johannesburg (we got dropped at our hotel around six), I kept replaying that zebra crossing in my head. You know how some days stay with you longer than others? This was one of those.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

• Collect from Johannesburg hotel
• Travel to Pilanesberg Nature Park
• Arrive at Pilanesberg Park
• Morning open vehicle safari drive
• Lunch at Pilanesberg Center
• Afternoon open vehicle safari drive
• Depart Pilanesberg Park
• Return to Johannesburg

Top questions

How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg?

It takes about 2–3 hours each way depending on traffic and pickup location.

Are hotel pickups included in this Pilanesberg safari day trip?

Yes, door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in Johannesburg or Pretoria are included.

How many game drives are there during the tour?

You’ll have two open vehicle game drives: one in the morning (about 3 hours) and another after lunch (about 2 hours).

Is lunch provided during the safari?

Yes, a light lunch at Pilanesberg Center overlooking a waterhole is included.

What animals might I see on this day trip to Pilanesberg?

You may see elephants, rhinos, zebras, impala, hippos—and possibly members of the Big 5—but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What kind of vehicles are used for game drives?

The tour uses open safari vehicles driven by professional guides for both game drives.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What’s included

Your day includes door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg or Pretoria, all entry fees for Pilanesberg Park, two guided open vehicle safari drives led by an experienced local ranger, transport by air-conditioned minivan between city and park, plus a light lunch at Pilanesberg Center overlooking a waterhole—so you can watch wildlife while you eat before heading back in time for sunset.