7 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 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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6.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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7.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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