Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari Tours from Johannesburg

Experience a Pilanesberg safari with Deeprift Ventours, with accommodation pickup from Johannesburg, Sandton, Rosebank or Pretoria. Travel to the park by minibus or minivan, then join a guided game drive in an open safari vehicle.

Choose between two experiences: a full-day open safari with morning and afternoon game drives, or a three-hour open safari followed by lunch at a lodge. Both packages include return transfers, park entry and conservation fees, lunch and bottled water.

Choose your Pilanesberg safari

Full Day Open Safari

Choose this option for more time exploring the park. Enjoy a morning open-vehicle game drive, a light lunch and an afternoon open-vehicle game drive before returning to your accommodation.

• Scheduled departure: approximately 05:30
• Open-vehicle game drives: approximately five hours in total
• Total trip duration: approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes
• Typical return: around 18:00, depending on traffic and pickup arrangements

3 Hour Open Safari

Choose this option for a shorter wildlife-viewing experience followed by lunch at a lodge. Your guided open-vehicle game drive lasts approximately three hours.

• Scheduled departure: approximately 05:30
• Open-vehicle game drive: approximately three hours
• Lunch at a lodge included
• No afternoon game drive or closed-vehicle game drive included
• Confirm the expected accommodation return time when booking

The three-hour duration refers to the game drive. Transfers and lunch make the complete excursion longer.

Children must be at least six years old for either option. Exact pickup times and the day’s arrangements are confirmed before departure.

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?

Your exact price depends on your selected package, travel date and number of guests. Choose your date, enter all adults and children, and select the safari option in our booking calendar. The calendar displays your group’s total before you confirm. For a private arrangement, contact us for a separate quotation.

Which safari option should I choose?

Choose the Full Day Open Safari if you want morning and afternoon game drives, with approximately five hours of game viewing. Choose the 3 Hour Open Safari if you prefer one morning game drive followed by lunch at a lodge. Both include return transfers. The shorter option’s three-hour duration refers to the game drive; transfers and lunch take additional time.

What is the difference between the two safari options?

The full-day option includes morning and afternoon open-vehicle game drives, with approximately five hours of game viewing. The shorter option includes a three-hour open game drive followed by lodge lunch. Both include return transfers.

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.

Will I see all of the Big Five?

Pilanesberg is home to all five species, but seeing them all in one visit is not guaranteed. Your guide searches for wildlife according to conditions on the day. Sightings and photographic opportunities vary.

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.

Book your Pilanesberg safari

Select your date, number of guests and preferred safari option in the booking calendar. Check the package name and total price before confirming.

For advice, WhatsApp Deeprift Ventours on +27 82 476 4175. Include your preferred date, accommodation address, number of adults and children’s ages.