Johannesburg to Pilanesberg Private Safari Day Trip
Duration
10 hours
Start
06:00
Group Size
Max 6
Languages
English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Tswana
Difficulty
Easy
At a Glance
Starts
Hotel pickup & drop-off within...
Finishes
Back to Hotel
Stops
8 Locations
Guide
Live Expert Guide
“Private full-day Pilanesberg Big 5 safari with your own vehicle, tracker-guide, open-vehicle game drive, and bush picnic. Hotel pickup from Johannesburg/Sandton.
About This Experience
Experience the thrill of a private Big 5 safari at Pilanesberg National Park, set in the crater of a 1.3-billion-year-old extinct volcano just 2 hours from Johannesburg. Unlike shared group safaris, you get your own La Luonde guide and private vehicle for a personalised wildlife adventure. Pilanesberg is malaria-free and home to the Big 5 — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — plus cheetah, wild dog, hippo, giraffe, and over 360 bird species. Enjoy a morning game drive when predators are most active, a bush picnic brunch, and an afternoon drive focusing on watering holes and the spectacular volcanic landscape. Your expert tracker-guide knows every corner of this 55,000-hectare reserve.
Starting from
Johannesburg Door-to-Door
Complimentary pickup & drop-off included with every booking
Door-to-Door Collection
Our guides collect you from any accommodation within the greater Sandton and Johannesburg area in air-conditioned vehicles.
Within 12 km from Nelson Mandela Square
Up to 30 km from Sandton
Sandton · Rosebank · Melrose · Fourways · Bryanston · Randburg · Midrand · JHB CBD · OR Tambo area
Safe Return Home
At the end of your adventure, we drop you back at your accommodation — the same place we collected you.
Your Journey, Stop by Stop
Every moment planned, every detail considered
Hotel Pickup in Greater Sandton
Your professional guide collects you from your hotel, guest house, Airbnb, or any address within 12 km of Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton. Complimentary pickup covers Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose, Fourways, Bryanston, Randburg, Midrand, Johannesburg CBD, and OR Tambo surrounds. Settle into your air-conditioned luxury vehicle as your guide introduces the day's itinerary.
Stop 2Drive to Pilanesberg
Comfortable 2-hour drive through the Gauteng and North West countryside. Your guide briefs you on Pilanesberg's geology and wildlife.
Stop 3Morning Game Drive
Enter the park at Bakubung or Manyane Gate. Extended morning game drive along the volcanic ridges and valleys — prime time for predator activity.
Stop 4Bush Picnic Brunch
Stop at a scenic picnic spot in the reserve for a freshly prepared brunch with bush views
Stop 5Afternoon Game Drive
Second game drive focusing on watering holes and open plains — excellent for elephant herds, rhino, and birdlife
Stop 6Depart Pilanesberg
Exit the park and begin the drive back to Johannesburg
Return Drive
Comfortable drive back to your accommodation with a stop for refreshments if desired
Return to Your Accommodation
Comfortable drive back to your hotel, guest house, or accommodation in the greater Sandton/Johannesburg area. Your guide can suggest restaurants and evening activities in Sandton, Rosebank, or Maboneng.
Route Map
Route is approximate and may vary based on conditions.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup & drop-off (12 km Nelson Mandela Square radius)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Private La Luonde tracker-guide
- Pilanesberg park entrance fees
- Open-vehicle game drives
- Bush picnic brunch
- Bottled water & snacks
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Personal purchases
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch at reserve restaurant (optional)
What to Bring
Know Before You Go
Confirmation
Instant confirmation. Show your voucher on mobile or print it out.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup & drop-off within 12 km of Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton — includes hotels, guest houses, Airbnb, or any address in Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose, Fourways, Bryanston, Randburg, Midrand, Johannesburg CBD, and OR Tambo area.
Start Time
Departs at 06:00. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Accessibility
Open vehicle with step assistance. Please advise of mobility needs in advance.
Availability
Available daily, subject to weather. We recommend booking 2+ weeks ahead.
Insider Tips from Our Guides
Early departure means the best predator sightings
Ask your guide about Pilanesberg's volcanic origin — it's a fascinating geological story
The Mankwe Dam area is excellent for hippo and crocodile
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Direct With Us
Why Book With Us
Typical conditions · Plan your visit accordingly
Best Time to Go
Winter (May-Oct) is best — vegetation is sparse so animals are easier to spot, and it's malaria-free year-round.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup & drop-off within 12 km of Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton — includes hotels, guest houses, Airbnb, or any address in Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose, Fourways, Bryanston, Randburg, Midrand, Johannesburg CBD, and OR Tambo area.
Open vehicle with step assistance. Please advise of mobility needs in advance.
Need Help Planning?
Our local Cape Town travel experts are available 7 days a week to help you plan the perfect itinerary, combine tours, or arrange private experiences.
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“Absolutely incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate. The views were breathtaking and the whole day was perfectly organized. Best tour we've ever done in South Africa.”
James & Maria
Verified Booking · TripAdvisor
One of 712+ five-star reviews from verified guests
About Johannesburg to Pilanesberg Private Safari Day Trip
The Johannesburg to Pilanesberg Private Safari Day Trip is one of the most popular guided experiences in South Africa, operated by Gray Line South Africa — a Gray Line licensed tour operator based in Cape Town with over 11,000 verified five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide. This 10 hours experience takes you through 8 carefully curated stops, each selected to showcase the best of what this magnificent region has to offer. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off is included from your accommodation in Cape Town.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to South Africa or a returning traveller seeking a deeper experience, our FGASA-certified local guides bring each location to life with expert commentary, insider knowledge, and a genuine passion for conservation and South African culture. All tours include English and Afrikaans and Zulu and Tswana commentary and small group sizes of maximum 6 guests for a personal, intimate experience.
Book directly with Gray Line South Africa for the best guaranteed price — no booking fees, no middlemen, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Secure your spot today and discover why travellers from around the world consistently rate this as one of Cape Town's must-do experiences.
Operated by Gray Line South Africa
Sightseeing Everywhere · Since 1910
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Book direct for the best price — no middlemen, no booking fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.