Pilanesberg Big 5 Day Safari
Duration
12 Hours
Start
05:30
Group Size
Max 10
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
At a Glance
Starts
Hotel pickup in Johannesburg/P...
Finishes
Back to Hotel
Stops
4 Locations
Guide
Live Expert Guide
“Full-day Big 5 safari in Pilanesberg Game Reserve — the closest major reserve to Johannesburg, set in an ancient volcanic crater.
About This Experience
No trip to Johannesburg is complete without a safari, and Pilanesberg is just 2 hours away. This malaria-free reserve sits in the crater of an extinct volcano and is home to the Big 5. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in an open vehicle with expert trackers, bush lunch, and incredible photography opportunities.
Starting from
Pilanesberg Safari Transfers
Complimentary pickup & drop-off included with every booking
Door-to-Door Collection
Pickup from Johannesburg or Sun City area accommodations. The 2.5-hour scenic drive is part of the adventure.
Within 12 km from Sandton
Up to 30 km from Johannesburg
Sandton · JHB CBD · Pretoria · Sun City · Rustenburg
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
Johannesburg Pickup
Early pickup for the 2-hour drive to Pilanesberg.
Stop 2Morning Game Drive
Enter the park for a 3-hour game drive through diverse habitats.
Stop 3Bush Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic spot overlooking a waterhole.
ReturnAfternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring with focus on Big 5 and bird species.
Route Map
Route is approximate and may vary based on conditions.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Johannesburg transfers
- Open vehicle game drives
- Park entrance
- Expert ranger
- Bush lunch
- Water & snacks
Exclusions
- Drinks
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
What to Bring
Know Before You Go
Confirmation
Instant confirmation. Show your voucher on mobile or print it out.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Johannesburg/Pretoria
Start Time
Departs at 05:30. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Accessibility
Contact us for accessibility details.
Availability
Available daily, subject to weather. We recommend booking 2+ weeks ahead.
Insider Tips from Our Guides
Pilanesberg has excellent white rhino populations
The volcanic crater creates unique micro-habitats
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Direct With Us
Why Book With Us
Typical conditions · Plan your visit accordingly
Best Time to Go
Pilanesberg is malaria-free year-round. Winter (May-Aug) is best for game viewing.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Johannesburg/Pretoria
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 436+ five-star reviews from verified guests
About Pilanesberg Big 5 Day Safari
The Pilanesberg Big 5 Day Safari 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 12 Hours experience takes you through 4 carefully curated stops, each selected to showcase the best of what this magnificent region has to offer.
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 commentary and small group sizes of maximum 10 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.