Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

Two game drives hunt the Big Five across Pilanesberg's open plains

A full-day safari tour from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park featuring two guided game drives in an open-air vehicle, a light lunch overlooking a waterhole, and hotel pickup and drop-off. The morning and afternoon drives total roughly five hours of wildlife viewing, timed to catch animals at the waterhole during the midday break.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Pilanesberg Safari adventure

• Pickup from hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria
• Travel to Pilanesberg National Park
• First guided game drive in open safari vehicle
• Lunch overlooking scenic waterhole
• Second guided game drive in open safari vehicle
• Return to hotel

The experience

Pilanesberg National Park sits about two hours from Johannesburg and holds Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) along with giraffes, hippos, zebras, and antelope species scattered across its open terrain. The tour runs two separate game drives in an open safari vehicle: a morning drive of roughly three hours, then a break for lunch, then an afternoon drive of roughly two hours. An English-speaking guide leads both drives from the vehicle, positioning you for sightings as the day unfolds.

Lunch happens at the Pilanesberg Center in the middle of the park, overlooking one of the popular waterholes where animals gather to drink. You eat while watching the wildlife approach: hippos, zebras, and other species often appear during the midday hours. The vehicle is air-conditioned between drives, giving you a chance to rest before heading back out. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg bookend the day, so the only logistics you handle is being ready at your hotel in the morning.

The full day runs roughly seven hours from pickup to return. The tour suits families and nature enthusiasts of any fitness level, since most of the day is spent sitting in the vehicle. Two separate drives mean you cover more ground and have two chances to spot the animals you came for, rather than one long stretch that might miss the active hours.

What’s included

• Door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg.
• morning open-vehicle safari drive lasting roughly three hours.
• afternoon open-vehicle safari drive lasting roughly two hours.
• light lunch at the Pilanesberg Center overlooking a waterhole.
• air-conditioned vehicle between drives.
• English-speaking guide for both drives.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 31

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Pilanesberg Trackers

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want two separate game drives rather than one long stretch, giving you two chances to spot wildlife at different times of day. The midday lunch at the waterhole is where many animals gather, so you'll watch sightings while you eat instead of missing the active hours in the vehicle.

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Top questions

What are the chances of seeing the Big Five on this safari?

Pilanesberg National Park is home to all five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), and the two guided drives are timed to maximize sightings. The morning and afternoon drives catch animals at different activity levels, and the midday lunch at the waterhole often brings wildlife close while you eat. Sightings are never guaranteed in any safari, but the park's open terrain and two separate drives improve your odds.

How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg?

Pilanesberg National Park is roughly two hours from Johannesburg. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport separately. The driver collects you from your hotel and returns you there at the end of the day.

What happens during the lunch break in the middle of the day?

Lunch is served at the Pilanesberg Center overlooking a waterhole, one of the park's popular gathering spots for wildlife. You eat while watching animals approach to drink: hippos, zebras, and other species often appear during the midday hours. The break gives you time to rest in an air-conditioned space before the afternoon game drive.

Is this tour suitable for children and families?

Yes, the tour is designed for families and is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Most of the day is spent in the open safari vehicle, so children can watch from their seats. The two separate drives and the waterhole lunch break provide variety across the day.

What wildlife might I see besides the Big Five?

Giraffes, hippos, zebras, and various antelope species roam Pilanesberg's open plains. The waterhole during lunch is a reliable spot for hippos and zebras, and the two game drives cover different areas of the park, increasing the range of animals you encounter.