Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari Tours from Johannesburg

Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

Explore Pilanesberg National Park on a safari day trip from Johannesburg with Deeprift Ventours. Your tour includes return accommodation transfers from Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank or Pretoria, guided game viewing in an open safari vehicle, park entry and conservation fees, lunch and bottled water.

Choose the Full Day Open Safari for morning and afternoon game drives with approximately five hours of wildlife viewing. Alternatively, choose the 3 Hour Open Safari for one morning game drive followed by lunch at a lodge. The three-hour option describes the game drive only; transfers and lunch take additional time.

Pilanesberg is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. You may also encounter giraffe, zebra, hippo and antelope. Wildlife sightings vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Prices start from R3,850 per person. Select your date, number of guests and preferred safari option to see the exact total before confirming your booking.

Pilanesberg Safari at a Glance

Departure areas: Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria

Pickup: Your confirmed accommodation address

Full-day duration: Approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes

Usual departure: Around 05:30; exact pickup time confirmed before travel

Full-day return: Usually around 18:00, depending on traffic and arrangements

Safari vehicle: Open safari vehicle inside Pilanesberg

Transfers: Minibus or minivan

Tour format: Shared departures; private arrangements available on request

Minimum age: Six years

Included: Return transfers, selected game drives, park entry and conservation fees, lunch and bottled water

Choose your Pilanesberg safari

Full Day Open Safari

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in an open safari vehicle, with approximately five hours of wildlife viewing. This option suits visitors who want more time exploring Pilanesberg National Park.

Morning and afternoon guided open-vehicle game drives

Approximately five hours of game viewing

Lunch and bottled water included

Park entry and conservation fees included

Return accommodation transfers included

Total excursion: approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes

3 Hour Open Safari

Enjoy one guided morning game drive in an open safari vehicle, followed by lunch at a lodge before returning to your accommodation. This option suits visitors who prefer less time on the safari vehicle.

One guided morning open-vehicle game drive

Approximately three hours of game viewing

Lunch at a lodge and bottled water included

Park entry and conservation fees included

Return accommodation transfers included

No afternoon game drive included

Please note: The three-hour duration refers only to the game drive. Transfers and lunch take additional time. Please confirm the expected return time when booking.

Both options offer pickup from Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. Standard departures are shared, and children must be at least six years old.

Select your date, number of guests and preferred safari option to view the exact price before confirming your booking.

About Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg is in South Africa’s North West province, near Sun City. Its landscape includes rocky hills, open grassland and wooded valleys shaped by an ancient volcanic complex.

The park is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Other wildlife includes giraffe, zebra, hippo and various antelope. These animals roam freely, so every drive is different and particular sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg cost?

Our Pilanesberg safari options start from R3,850 per person. Your exact price depends on the selected safari option, travel date and number of guests. Choose your date and enter all adults and children in the booking calendar to see your group’s total before confirming. Private arrangements require a separate quotation.

What is the difference between the full-day and three-hour safari options?

The Full Day Open Safari includes morning and afternoon open-vehicle game drives, with approximately five hours of game viewing. The 3 Hour Open Safari includes one three-hour morning game drive followed by lunch at a lodge. Both options include return accommodation transfers, park entry and conservation fees, lunch and bottled water.

How long is the Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg?

The Full Day Open Safari lasts approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, transfers, game drives, lunch and drop-off. Departure is usually around 05:30, with return around 18:00. The shorter option includes a three-hour game drive, but transfers and lunch make the complete excursion longer.

Can you visit Pilanesberg in one day from Johannesburg?

Yes. Pilanesberg can be visited on a full-day trip from Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank or Pretoria. Our full-day option combines return accommodation transfers with morning and afternoon open-vehicle game drives and lunch, so an overnight stay is not required.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Return pickup and drop-off are included from hotels, guest houses, Airbnb accommodation and private addresses in Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. Provide your full accommodation address when booking so we can confirm your collection arrangements.

Are Big Five sightings guaranteed?

No. Pilanesberg is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, but the animals roam freely. Your guide searches for wildlife according to conditions on the day, and particular species or sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is the three-hour safari a three-hour trip from Johannesburg?

No. Three hours is the time allocated to the open game drive. You also need to allow for transfers and lunch. Confirm the shorter package’s expected return time before booking.

Where do you collect guests?

Pickup is available from hotels, guest houses, Airbnb accommodation and private addresses in Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. Enter your full address when booking so we can confirm the arrangements.

What time does the tour leave, and when will I return?

Departure is usually around 05:30, with your exact pickup time confirmed before the tour. The full-day package typically returns around 18:00. The shorter package has a different return schedule, which should be confirmed when booking.

How long is the drive to Pilanesberg?

Allow approximately two and a half to three hours each way, depending on your pickup address, the route and traffic. The journey is separate from your time on the open safari vehicle.

What vehicles will I travel in?

Transfers use a minibus or minivan. Inside the park, both advertised safari options use an open safari vehicle. The transfer vehicle is not an additional closed-vehicle safari experience.

Is this a shared or private safari?

Standard departures are shared with other guests. Ask about private arrangements before booking if you want an exclusive experience. A private transfer and a private safari vehicle are separate arrangements and may involve additional charges.

Can children join?

Yes. Children aged six and older can join either option with an adult. Children under six cannot join these packages. Consider the early departure, transfer time and time seated on the safari vehicle when planning a family visit.

Are lunch, drinks and park fees included?

Both packages include lunch, bottled water, park entry and conservation fees. Alcoholic drinks and other drinks ordered with lunch are extra. Gratuities and personal purchases are also excluded.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Tell us about dietary requirements or food allergies before booking so we can confirm what the lunch venue can provide. Specific requirements need confirmation in advance.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing in layers and bring a warm jacket for the early start and open vehicle. Pack a hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a camera, binoculars and your passport or identification.

Is the safari wheelchair accessible?

These packages are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Contact us before booking to explain your mobility needs so we can advise on vehicle boarding and the available arrangements.

Can I book the safari on the day of my flight?

Contact us with your flight details before booking. Return times depend on traffic and the safari schedule. We need to assess the airport arrangements and available time before advising whether the trip fits your flight.

Is Pilanesberg a malaria-free destination?

Pilanesberg is described as malaria-free by South African Tourism. Health advice for any other destinations on your journey should be considered separately.

Should I choose Pilanesberg or Kruger?

Pilanesberg is practical for visitors based in Johannesburg or Pretoria who want a safari without an overnight stay. If you have several days available, an overnight Kruger itinerary offers a different experience. Your available time and travel plans should guide the choice.

What is the cancellation policy?

You may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour start time. Cancellations after that deadline are non-refundable. Cancellation deadlines use South African local time.

About Deeprift Ventours

Deeprift Ventours is a Johannesburg-based tour operator established in 2007. We arrange day tours and safaris for visitors to South Africa, including Pilanesberg safari trips departing from Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria.

For help choosing your safari option or confirming pickup arrangements, contact Jason Pollard on WhatsApp at +27 82 476 4175 or email [email protected].

Reviews of Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg:

Well worth it!!

Reviewed July 8, 2026 via mobile

Jason was extremely informative as a guide and a very safe driver! He drove us to and from Pilansberg from Joburg and we enjoyed a 6 hr safari of Pilansberg in the open jeep . We saw elephants galore, rhinos, hippos, giraffe, zebras and wildebeest and even a lion cub from a distance. Well worth the 3 hr drive each way from Joburg if you have a day to spare!!

Date of experience: July 2026

A day to remember!!!

An amazing day from start to finish thanks to Jason. Great communication from the minute I booked to arrange pick up and give us some helpful tips for the day. On time pick up from our hotel, a great drive to the National Park. Jason took into consideration rest stops and gave us lots of interesting facts on the journey, he managed to find the perfect balance between chat and letting us take it all in - it was an early start so I think we were still half asleep. The company he booked the safari through were great, very informative, went out of their way to make sure we saw as many animals as possible. The lunch at the park was fantastic and who knew we would get to enjoy it with some animal guests. Again the journey home, was filled with facts and a perfect balance between chat and quiet, amazing how exhausting a day in a car is!!!

Endlessly grateful for this experience. If we come back to South Africa we will definitely be booking another tour with Jason.

Date of experience: March 2026

Great Day Safari from Johannesburg!

Booked the Full Day Exquisite Safari from Johannesburg...it was the perfect beginning to our adventures in Africa! Jason took care of everything for us. Our pickup and hotel drop-off was seamless and on time. The van was comfortable, the driving superb, and Jason's commentary was both thoughtful and helpful. The safari was amazing - we saw 3 of the Big 5 (lions, elephants, rhinos) as well as zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos, impala, and kudu. And don't get me started about the many beautiful birds! Two game drives and lunch as well as all travel was included...the experience was reasonably-priced and extremely valuable!

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