From Johannesburg Full Day Pilanesberg National Park Safari

Pretoria , South Africa

From Johannesburg Full Day Pilanesberg National Park Safari

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About this experience

You don’t need to travel far from Johannesburg to enjoy an authentic Big Five experience. Pilanesberg National Park, set inside a massive extinct volcanic crater near Sun City, is one of the best places to see wildlife in a completely natural environment.

Your day is spent exploring the reserve in an open 4x4 with a skilled guide who knows the terrain and understands the habits of the animals, giving you a real chance of unforgettable sightings. You’ll join two game drives, one in the cool morning hours and another in the afternoon, allowing you to spot a variety of species as they become active at different times of the day.

Between drives, you’ll relax over lunch at Pilanesberg Centre, a spot known for its peaceful views and a waterhole that often attracts passing wildlife. With air-conditioned transfers from Johannesburg, the whole experience stays comfortable, smooth, and enjoyable from the moment you’re picked up to the moment you return.

Available options

Private Tranfer & Safari

Experience Pilanesberg with a private transfer and a guided safari focused on your interests.<br/>Pickup included

Shared Transfer & Safari

Join a shared transfer and enjoy a guided safari with a small group of fellow travelers.

What's included

Door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off

Morning open-vehicle safari drive (about 3 hours)

Afternoon open-vehicle safari drive (about 2 hours)

Professional, passionate safari guide

Light lunch at Pilanesberg Centre

Transport in an air-conditioned minivan

•All Pilanesberg National Park conservation fees included

Detailed itinerary

Visit Pilanesberg Game Reserve from Johannesburg for a full-day safari.
This experience includes return transport to the park and two separate 2.5-hour game drives led by a professional, highly trained ranger in an open safari vehicle.

Upon arrival, your guide will take you on an exciting morning drive through the reserve, exploring the landscapes and searching for the wildlife that calls Pilanesberg home. Our guides know the park well and will share interesting facts about the animals you encounter, while doing their best to spot members of the Big Five.

As the day warms up, you’ll break for lunch at one of the rest camps inside the reserve before heading out again for your afternoon open-vehicle safari.

Our vehicles leave the park between 15:30 and 16:00, aiming to return to Johannesburg before sunset.

What's not included

Breakfast

Alcoholic beverages

Gratuities

Dinner

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will pick you up at Sandton hotel. Your tour guide or driver will be waiting with a sign showing the lead traveler’s name.

About Pretoria

Pretoria, known as the Jacaranda City for its beautiful purple-blossomed trees, is the administrative capital of South Africa. It offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Union Buildings

The Union Buildings are the official seat of the South African government and a significant historical landmark. The buildings are an excellent example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is home to a diverse range of indigenous plants and offers beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife.

Nature 2-3 hours R50 for adults, R25 for children

Voortrekker Monument

This monumental structure commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century. The monument offers a museum and a tower with panoramic views of Pretoria.

Historical 1-2 hours R30 for adults, R15 for children

Melrose House

Melrose House is a historic home that served as the headquarters of the British military during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Today, it houses a museum and a tea garden.

Historical 1 hour R50 for adults, R25 for children

Pretoria Zoo

The Pretoria Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo offers educational programs and conservation initiatives.

Nature 2-3 hours R120 for adults, R60 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Braai

Braai is a traditional South African barbecue, featuring grilled meats such as boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and steak.

Dinner Contains meat, can be adapted for various dietary preferences

Bobotie

Bobotie is a sweet and spicy minced meat dish topped with an egg-based custard. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.

Dinner Contains meat and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for vegetarians

Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, beef, or beans.

Lunch Contains meat, can be made with vegetarian or vegan fillings

Melktert

Melktert is a traditional South African milk tart, featuring a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy, custard-like filling.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for dietary restrictions

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Game drives Picnicking Tea at Melrose House Visiting botanical gardens Museum visits Historical site tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)

Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is also less crowded during these seasons.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho
Widely spoken: English, Afrikaans
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution

Pretoria is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to exercise caution, especially in certain areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

OR Tambo International Airport • 45 km from city center
Lanzeria Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Pretoria Station

By bus

Park Station, Pretoria Station

Getting around

Public transport

The PBS offers an affordable and reliable way to get around the city. Buses are frequent and cover most major areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Pretoria Central Hatfield Menlo Park Sunnyside

Day trips

Cullinan Diamond Mine

40 km from Pretoria • Half day to full day

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is famous for being the source of the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about its history and the diamond mining process.

Hartebeestpoort Dam

60 km from Pretoria • Full day

Hartebeestpoort Dam is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and hiking. The dam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Pilanesberg National Park

150 km from Pretoria • Full day to overnight

Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and a variety of other animals.

Festivals

Pretoria Jazz Festival • September Aardklop National Arts Festival • October Pretoria Open-Air Arts Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in the spring for the best blooms
Explore the city's cultural and historical sites, such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument
Experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant or with a host family
Take a day trip to the Cullinan Diamond Mine or Pilanesberg National Park for a unique and memorable experience
Attend a local festival or event, such as the Pretoria Jazz Festival or the Aardklop National Arts Festival