15 Pilanesberg National Park Safaris Worth the Drive

1.Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,327 reviews · 12 hours · from $186Our pick

Leave Johannesburg early for Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, where guides such as Petrus, Martin, and Desmond track elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and big cats. You get two open-vehicle drives totaling 4.5 to 5 hours, lunch at a reserve rest stop, and hotel pickup. The day is long, but it gives you a real safari without changing hotels.

“I had Simon for a driver and he was excellent getting us there and back safely. Petrus was our tour guide and he was absolutely fantastic. He really must have a connection with the animals because we saw all of the big five ( well 4 1/2 we saw half of a lion through the grass) it was an amazing day”

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2.Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 718 reviews · from $159

Leave Johannesburg or Pretoria early for Pilanesberg National Park, then spend the day on two guided open-vehicle drives with a safari guide such as Clement or Sibu. Look for the Big Five, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and antelope, with lunch overlooking a waterhole between drives. Return transport is included.

“My very first Safari experience. The initial drive takes a while but once at the Safari it’s a magical place. Would 100 percent recommend this tour.”

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3.From Sun City: Pilanesberg National Park 3-Hour Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · from $49Best value

Travel from Sun City into Pilanesberg National Park for a 3-hour drive in a 25-seater open safari vehicle. Guides such as Jeremy, Peter, MK, and BY are known for sharp animal-spotting skills and clear explanations. Expect beautiful crater scenery, possible Big Five sightings, and a bumpy ride on some roads.

“very good guide, provided detailed information about animals. Free snacks and beverages.”

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4.Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · from $155Top rated

Travel from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park in an air-conditioned vehicle, then spend the day in an open safari jeep with a local guide. The park is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, hippos, and more. Lunch, entrance fees, and water are included, while breakfast is not.

“We had a wonderful experience. Excellent guides helped us and we saw wonderful wildlife and landscapes. Can’t recommend this company more!”

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5.Pilanesberg National Park/Sun City Hot Air Balloon Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 63 reviews · 4 hours · from $421

You’ll leave Sun City or a Pilanesberg lodge before dawn, ride an open safari vehicle through the park, then take a 45 to 60-minute balloon flight with an English-speaking pilot. Watch for lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and more before celebrating with sparkling wine and breakfast at a private lodge.

“This was a great experience! Amazing views, great staff and a recommendation to everyone! To see wild life and nature from the hotair balloon is such a unique experience. Loved every minute of it”

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6.3-Hour Shared Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 38 reviews · 3 hours · from $56

Join a certified English-speaking wildlife guide for a three-hour open-vehicle game drive in Pilanesberg National Park. Pick up at Sun City hotels or meet at Manyane Gate, then watch for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and birds. The small group is limited to 10 people.

“Excellent guide, very knowledgeable and good communication. Efficient transfer to and from hotel. Love the smaller group size. Highly recommend”

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7.Pilanesberg Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $229

Leave your hotel at 06:00 for a full-day Pilanesberg safari in a small group of up to 13. Ride in an open game viewer, pause for lunch at Zebra Crossing Restaurant, and finish at Chameleon African Curio Market. Guides may include Tim or Mike, with coffee, biscuits, and mobile-delivered photos sometimes provided.

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8.Pilanesberg National Park Full Day Safari From Johannesburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $225

Leave Johannesburg at 6:00 am for Pilanesberg National Park, where a certified ranger leads a three-hour open-vehicle safari. Look for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, then return to Johannesburg after an optional lunch at your own cost. Hotel pickup, park fees, bottled water, and round-trip transport are included.

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9.Pilanesberg National Park Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 11 reviews · 10 hours · from $221

Travel from Johannesburg or O.R. Tambo Airport to Pilanesberg National Park in a small group of up to 15. Your English-speaking guide explains the bush, then leads a three-hour game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, rhinos, impala, wildebeest, and the Big Five. Guides may include Lethabo, Lizzie, Peter, Ali, or George.

“Loved my experience at the Pilanesberg National Park. The pickup and drop-off service from my hotel was very convenient. Our Tour Guide, Lizzie was absolutely wonderful. She was very welcoming, knowledgeable, and our good luck charm as we saw 4 of the big 5 animals! The tour included lunch which provided a variety of options. My party had the cheeseburgers which came with fries and a drink. They were popular with guests and tasted good. If visiting during colder times of the year be sure to wear something warm and a hat. As the vehicle is open on both sides you will be hit with wind on both sides. All…”

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10.Daily Pilanesberg National Park Private Shuttle Services

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $231 per vehicle (up to 3)

Travel by private vehicle from the airport, hotel, or home to Sun City or Pilanesberg National Park. You get a direct ride, bottled water, luggage help, and pickup times matched to your flight. Drivers such as Nkululeko, Khulekani, and Elvis have earned praise for punctual, friendly service, though airport meeting arrangements need careful confirmation.

“Taxi driver was absolutely amazing couldn’t of asked for a better one. We got all the way to our balloon ride for it to be cancelled and The taxi driver came back early to collect us”

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11.Pilanesberg National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 10 hours · from $248

Set out from Johannesburg or Pretoria for Pilanesberg National Park, about 2.5 hours away. You’ll spend roughly six hours on open 4x4 game drives with a French or English-speaking guide, looking for the Big Five and other wildlife. Hotel pickup, park entry, air-conditioned transport, and a light lunch are included.

“Le guide du parc fait vraiment son maximum pour trouver les fameux big five. 4/5 sur la journée, certains ne font pas mieux à Kruger donc satisfaits de notre journée Repas du midi médiocre et très long dans le parc. 1h30 perdue au grand désarroi de notre guide.”

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12.Full Day Sun City & Pilanesberg Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 7 reviews · 11 hours · from $351

Leave Sandton or Rosebank early for a three-hour Pilanesberg game drive in a closed vehicle, then spend 3.5 hours touring Sun City. An English-speaking guide such as Brian or James handles the day for groups of up to eight. Bring lunch money, water, sunscreen, and binoculars.

“Ein Glücksfall, mehr gesehen in halbtags Safari, wie vorher ganztags Safari. Guide ein guter Fahrer und Begleiter. Die Organisation hat über booking.com super funktioniert. Bin begeistert.”

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13.South Africa Joburg: Pilanesberg National Park Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 12 hours · from $198

You’ll spend a full day at Pilanesberg National Park, an ancient volcanic crater with more than 7,000 animals and 600 bird species. Two guided game drives, park entry, hotel or airport pickup, and drop-off are included. Guides such as Emmanuel and Sam bring local history, wildlife facts, and safe driving to the day.

“Our trip to Pilanesberg Park was an unforgettable experience, and we owe so much of it to our incredible guide, Emmanuel. From start to finish, Emmanuel made the day extraordinary with his deep knowledge of South Africa’s history and culture, his exceptional driving skills, and his constant helpfulness. We were incredibly lucky on our safari! We saw a large herd of impalas, including dozens of adorable baby impalas, which was such a heartwarming sight. Zebras and rhinos seemed to be everywhere, and then came the highlight: a stunning herd of 17 giraffes together. It was breathtaking! The excitement didn’t stop there. We witnessed three cheetahs stalking their prey and, as…”

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14.Pilanesberg National Park 3 Day Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3 days · from $1,152

Travel from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park for two nights at Kwa Maritane or Bakubung Bush Lodge. Your package includes meals, park fees, Johannesburg transfers, two morning drives, and one afternoon drive. Africa Moja drivers handle the road journey, while English-speaking guides lead the safari outings.

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15.Sun City: Pilanesberg National Park Bush Walk

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 3 reviews · from $58

Join Mankwe GAMETRACKERS for a four-hour early morning bush walk in Pilanesberg National Park. Your English-speaking field guide leads you along hiking trails while you watch for wildlife, study plants, and hear practical bush knowledge. The walk costs $58, with a separate R90 park fee, and suits active visitors aged 16 to 75.

“great "crickly" experience (lion roars in the distance). Trustworthy, interesting guide.”

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