Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg: Big Five in 3 hours

A morning safari in an open vehicle puts you face-to-face with elephants, giraffes and the Big Five.

A full-day safari tour from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park with hotel pickup, a certified guide and 3 hours of wildlife viewing in an air-conditioned or open vehicle. You travel through the park spotting elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, gazelles and the Big Five, then return to your hotel. National park fees and bottled water are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day safari at Pilanesberg Park

• Travel from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg
• 3-hour open vehicle safari with ranger
• Optional lunch at own cost
• Travel back to Johannesburg

The experience

The drive from Johannesburg takes a couple of hours, and the safari itself runs 3 hours with a certified ranger who knows where the animals move. You choose between an air-conditioned van or an open vehicle depending on how close you want to get to the wildlife: the open option trades comfort for an unobstructed view and better light for photos. The guide handles the route and the spotting. Your job is to watch for elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, gazelles and the Big Five moving across the park's landscape.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport to the park entrance. Bottled water comes with you, and national park fees are covered in the price. Lunch is at your own cost and available at the park after the safari ends, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available if you let the operator know when you book. The full day runs about 9 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg.
• bottled water during the tour.
• national park entry fees.
• certified guide and driver for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Senior (91 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Africa Moja Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose the open vehicle if you want an unobstructed view and better photos of the wildlife. Pick the air-conditioned van if you prefer comfort during the long drive and want to stay cool while spotting animals from inside.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What animals can I expect to see on the Pilanesberg safari?

The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) are the main draw, and the guide will navigate the park to find them. You'll also spot giraffes, wildebeests, gazelles and other wildlife depending on the season and time of day.

Do I have to choose between the air-conditioned van and the open vehicle before I book?

Yes, you select your vehicle type at checkout. The air-conditioned van keeps you cool during the drive and safari. The open vehicle gives you an unobstructed 360-degree view and better access for camera angles, though you're exposed to the sun and wind.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included and is at your own cost. The park has facilities where you can eat after the 3-hour safari ends. If you need vegetarian or gluten-free options, let the operator know when you book and they'll arrange it.

How long is the full day from my hotel to returning?

The entire experience runs about 9 hours: roughly 2 hours each way for the drive from Johannesburg, 3 hours for the safari itself, and time at the park before and after. Your guide and driver handle all the navigation.