Pilanesberg Safari Day Trip: Open Vehicle Game Drives & Lunch

Summary

Pilanesberg safari day trip with open vehicle drives and lunch

You’ll join a small group at Pilanesberg for open vehicle game drives led by a local guide, with chances to spot elephants, rhinos, and more. Expect pick-up at Bakubung Gate or Sun City Resort, a relaxed lunch inside the reserve, and plenty of time to just watch Africa roll by outside your seat—sometimes quietly, sometimes with laughter.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet it felt when we first rolled through the Bakubung Gate — not silent, just that kind of hush where you notice everything. There was this faint smell of dust and dry grass in the air, and our guide, Themba, grinned as he waved us onto the open safari vehicle. He told us to keep our eyes peeled for elephants, but honestly I was just trying to take in how different the light looked out here compared to Johannesburg. It’s only a couple hours away, but it already felt like another world.

The morning drive was longer than I expected — almost three hours — but it didn’t drag. We saw a herd of zebras crossing right in front of us (one of them had this weirdly floppy ear; I couldn’t stop staring), and at one point Themba pointed out a pair of rhinos half-hidden behind some acacia trees. He made this joke about them being “late for their own breakfast,” which got a laugh from everyone except maybe the rhinos. The wind picked up sometimes and you’d get these little bursts of cool air mixed with sun on your face. I tried to snap photos but mostly ended up just watching.

Lunch was at a restaurant inside the reserve — nothing fancy, but honestly after all that fresh air even a simple sandwich tasted better than usual. There were birds everywhere, hopping around under the tables looking for crumbs. After lunch we piled back into the safari vehicle for another couple hours. The afternoon drive felt different somehow; quieter, maybe because people were tired or just soaking it all in. We spotted giraffes way off in the distance and someone thought they saw a lion’s tail flick through the grass (not sure if that was wishful thinking). By the time we rolled back toward Bosele Camp, my shirt smelled like sunblock and dust and I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Pilanesberg safari adventure

• Meet guide at Bakubung Gate or Sun City
• Take 2-3 hour open vehicle morning drive
• Enjoy light lunch at reserve restaurant
• Take 2 hour open vehicle drive to Bosele Camp
• Arrive for drop-off between 15h00 and 15h15

Top questions

How long is the Pilanesberg safari day trip?

The tour runs from 9:30am to about 3:15pm including both morning and afternoon game drives.

Where does pickup happen for this safari?

You meet your guide at Bakubung Gate or Sun City Resort before starting the tour.

Is lunch included during the Pilanesberg safari?

Yes, a light lunch is served at a restaurant inside Pilanesberg Reserve.

How many game drives are there on this day trip?

You’ll have two open vehicle game drives: one in the morning (2-3 hours) and one in the afternoon (1.5-2 hours).

Can you use public transportation to get there?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby Pilanesberg Reserve.

Is this safari suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since most time is spent seated on the vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide at Bakubung Gate or Sun City Resort for easy pickup, two open vehicle game drives across Pilanesberg (morning and afternoon), soft drinks along the way, plus a light lunch served at a restaurant inside the reserve before heading back in time for an early evening return.