1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience in Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa

1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience

Outty Ranking 70 4.4 · 26 traveler reviews6.5 hoursFrom $74
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience worth booking?

1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience is a 6.5-hour experience in Pretoria, South Africa, from $74 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (26)
Duration
6.5 hours
From
$74 per person

Our guides are knowledgeable and will give you in-depth information on the animal you are viewing and try their best to find members of the Big 5. you will enjoy lunch (included) at one of the many rest camps before departing on an afternoon open vehicle game drive. Transfers in a comfortable vehicle Pick-up in Johannesburg or O.R Tambo airport 2½ to 3 Hours Morning open vehicle game drive Good chance to spot the BIG 5 2 to 2½ Hours Afternoon open vehicle game drive Lunch Please note : there are 2 options to choose from when you book , the first is "transfer only" which is for people who have booked their own accommodation at the game reserve , the second is the the inclusive option with game drives . Please contact us soon as you make a booking so we can advise you on how much the park entrance fees are which depends on the country you are from . Please also try to make arrangements with your hotel concierge for an early breakfast as departure is at around 6:00am - 6:30am

What you get

    About this experience

    Our guides are knowledgeable and will give you in-depth information on the animal you are viewing and try their best to find members of the Big 5. you will enjoy lunch (included) at one of the many rest camps before departing on an afternoon open vehicle game drive. Transfers in a comfortable vehicle Pick-up in Johannesburg or O.R Tambo airport 2½ to 3 Hours Morning open vehicle game drive Good chance to spot the BIG 5 2 to 2½ Hours Afternoon open vehicle game drive Lunch Please note : there are 2 options to choose from when you book , the first is "transfer only" which is for people who have booked their own accommodation at the game reserve , the second is the the inclusive option with game drives . Please contact us soon as you make a booking so we can advise you on how much the park entrance fees are which depends on the country you are from . Please also try to make arrangements with your hotel concierge for an early breakfast as departure is at around 6:00am - 6:30am

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Access

    Not included

    • Breakfast

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sandton

      Meeting point for our tour.

      30 minutes here

    2. Pilanesberg National Park

      this is where the game drive will happen . Hop on a 4x4 open vehicle for a drive to spot the big 5 and many other animals.We will do 1 game drive for about 2.5 hours then rest for some lunch and then do another game drive of 2.5 hours then we depart for hotel drop off

      360 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Pretoria

    the pick up vehicle will be at the lobby between 05:30 - 05:45am

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    the pick up vehicle will be at the lobby between 05:30 - 05:45am

    Options you can book

    • Transfer only

    • full day Pilanesburg

      Duration: 6 hours: Explore the Big 5 on an open vehicle game drive lunch : full meal.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Honest Travel Experience

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience in Pretoria, photo 21Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience in Pretoria, photo 31Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience in Pretoria, photo 41Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience in Pretoria, photo 51Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience in Pretoria, photo 61Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience in Pretoria, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    26 verified traveler reviews for 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    20
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    719fabiann · August 2026

    Dissapointing

    We were picked up in a 20+ year old car that drove us to Pilanesberg. The car lacked sufficient suspension to sort the speed bumps, was pretty banged up on the outside and didn't even have a working radio. In addition, we were informed only the previous night that we had to pay the entrance fees even though we had previously selected the full day, all fees, experience. We needed to pay about $47 per person on top of the reservation price. We will submit a claim to Viator for this false advertising.

    via Tripadvisor

    Fabian_N · July 2026

    Disappointing experience

    We were picked up in a 20+ year old car that drove us to Pilanesberg. The car lacked sufficient suspension to sort the speed bumps, was pretty banged up on the outside and didn't even have a working radio. In addition, we were informed only the previous night that we had to pay the entrance fees even though we had previously selected the full day, all fees, experience. We needed to pay about $47 per person on top of the reservation price. We will submit a claim to Viator for this false advertising.

    via Viator

    K841MSjohnk · September 2025

    See the normal people

    Great way to see street art and every day people doing their art. Lots of walking. Met a couple artists, would like to have met more. Did not see any other "Tourists" on the neighborhood walk. Street food lunch was delicious. On time and informative.

    via Tripadvisor

    Abe_R · September 2025

    Fabulous tour

    We had an excellent tour guide. He spent way more than 2.5 hours with us and was extremely informative. I don't remember his name but he is exceptional. We were so.pleased A lot.of walking buy all good. We felt very safe with him he knows his way around the city

    via Viator

    Avivasaffer · July 2025

    So good I’d do it again - art walk

    I am a solo traveler and booked a guided art tour in Johannesburg with Honest Travel. My guide was Nkosi and he was by far the best guide I have ever had. He was easy to be with and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the art scene. We spent 3 hours walking and experiencing the vibrant wall art and its meanings as well as galleries. I would highly recommend this company and this guide. The company responded quickly to my inquiries and were incredibly professional. I can’t wait to see more of Johannesburg with them.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $74 to $2,850
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Honest Travel Experience, who run 12 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.1.

    See everything Honest Travel Experience runs

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)69
    Review evidence (18% weight)62
    Booking momentum (14% weight)54
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)23
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Pretoria.

    How much does 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience cost?

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    Prices start at $74 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Pretoria usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience take?

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    Plan for about 6.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Pretoria is not rushed.

    Is 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Pretoria, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience?

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    Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Pretoria can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Pretoria and add a light layer if any part of the 6.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Pretoria within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Pretoria?

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    On Outty we rank every Pretoria experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soweto Cultural Walking Tour with Lunch, Guided Bicycle Tour of Soweto with Lunch, Johannesburg and Soweto tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Pretoria?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Pretoria?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience?

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    Included: Bottled water; and Access. Not included: Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience?

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    the pick up vehicle will be at the lobby between 05:30 - 05:45am Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience?

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    Across 26 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for 1Day Pilanesburg Big 5 safari experience?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Transfer only, full day Pilanesburg. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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