Herd of elephants crossing a dust road in front of a game viewing vehicle

Johannesburg Tours

Full Day Pilanesberg National Park Tour

A full day inside the park with morning and afternoon game viewing — the best day-trip odds of a complete Big 5 sighting from Johannesburg.

Duration
12 hours
Group size
1 – 12 guests
Pick-up
Johannesburg, Sandton or Pretoria
From
R2 350 per person

Overview

About this experience

The day visitor's best chance at the Big 5 — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo — inside a malaria-free reserve less than three hours from Johannesburg. Pilanesberg's crater geology concentrates game around a handful of waterholes, and a full day lets your guide work them properly.

You are in the park across both peak activity windows, with a break at a hide or picnic site over the hottest part of the afternoon.

Highlights

  • Two extended game drives in one day
  • All Big 5 species resident in the reserve
  • Mankwe Dam and the park's hides and lookout points
  • Registered field guide with reserve-specific knowledge
  • Malaria-free and family friendly

Your day, hour by hour

  1. 05:30

    Pick-up

    Early collection from your accommodation for the drive north-west.

  2. 08:00

    Morning game drive

    Into the park at Bakubung or Manyane gate, working the central waterholes while predators are still active.

  3. 12:00

    Lunch and hide time

    A break at a picnic site or one of the park's hides overlooking a waterhole — often the day's best photographic opportunity.

  4. 14:00

    Afternoon game drive

    A second drive on a different traverse as temperatures drop and the herds move back toward water.

  5. 16:30

    Return to Johannesburg

    Departure from the park and drop-off at your accommodation.

What’s included

  • Registered field guide
  • Conservation and vehicle entry fees
  • Return transfers from Johannesburg or Pretoria
  • Bottled water and snacks
  • Use of binoculars in the vehicle

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Curio purchases

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

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