Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve worth booking?
Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve is a 16-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $846 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (14)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $846 per person
There are no real safari venues near Cape Town as it is climatically unsuitable to support a free-roaming wildlife area with large predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. There are some places that are mo
What you get
About this experience
There are no real safari venues near Cape Town as it is climatically unsuitable to support a free-roaming wildlife area with large predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. There are some places that are more like zoos . The Pilanesberg is a National Reserve and has free roaming over 80 lion 1000+ elephant 100's of rhino, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and over 10,000 various antelope and other animals. This is a private safari with our highly experienced wildlife guide. We use a large high seated vehicle with opening large windows which is perfect for animal viewing and photography but still very comfortable for getting you from and back to the airport. If you want to add an open safari vehicle (OSV) then we can arrange this too. Spend at least 5 hours on a safari, reaching distant parts of the reserve. You will see many wild animals, perhaps the Big 5, and eat lunch at a Bakubung safari lodge, with wild animals close by in view. It will complete your real African experience!
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Return flights from Cape Town to Lanseria or Johannesburg.
- National Park fees
- Lunch
- Driver/guide
Not included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Pilanesberg National Park
In Cape Town, or nearby there is, unfortunately, no real African safari experience available. It is impossible for the animals to survive there, free-roaming, in sufficient quantities to feed the predators like lions cheetahs, hyenas. Flying up to Pilanesberg for the day is a great solution. It is a true African wilderness 600 sq km in size situated in the remains of an ancient volcano. There are thousands of animals of all kinds, including all the Big 5 and the iconic animals of Africa. The number of free-roaming lions is in excess of 80 or so and the other big cat's leopard and cheetah are there too. Our guide will meet you at the airport off your flight from Cape Town (included) and take you to Pilanesberg for your 5-hour safari and then back to the airport. The trip includes lunch at a safari lodge with views of a waterhole where the animals drink.It is a long day but worth it rather than a disappointing experience closer to Cape Town. You will get back to Cape Town late but happy.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
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
- Mmilo Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult or youth.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
5 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Private morning tour
Was picked up at 3.00 from my hotel in Johannesburg by Willem. We had a nice chat all the way to Pilanesberg. He told me a lot about South Africa, Johannesburg, Pretoria, mining and politics. We entered the park in dawn and got to see a lot of animals, but of the big 5 the leopard faild us. We came very close to some animals like elephant, zebras and moongooze. When the animals began to slow down and take a rest we had lunch at a nice lodge and then returned to Johannesburg another route than we came. Willems knowledge was really something extra. He could tell a lot about the park and the animals we get to see. To go on a private tour means you can stop wherever you want and stay until you have got your pictures, and Willem ensured that the car was parked so you could get the best angel. Booking and paying was very easy over the internet.
via Tripadvisor
Pilanesberg morning private tour
We are so happy we booked with Mmilo Tours. Willem our guide picked us up from our hotel in Johannesburg at 3:00 AM and drove us to Pilanesberg so we arrived just before the park opened and as sun was rising. Willem was a wealth of information about South Africa history and culture on the trip to and from the park. It was great being on a private tour because we got to go where we wanted and look at what we wanted for as long as we wanted. Willem was a great safari guide and we were able to see all the big and small game except the ellusive cats, they did not want to show themselves on our trip. Willem ensured we got all the pictures we wanted and brought along his own very expensive camera and shared his photos with us after the trip. Willem ensured we knew what we were looking at and would provide information on the animals and birds. We felt lucky that we also got to watch a black rhino. Willem was very professional and always had our safety in mind. After the safari we had a nice lunch and then were returned to our hotel by about 2:30 pm. This was an awesome safari, highly recommend booking the Mmilo Private Safari tour.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Pilanesberg Private Safari Tour – 5 Star
I am so glad that I booked with Mmilo Tour. Patrick was very helpful and provided all the information that I had requested. Booking and paying for the private tour was seamless. My guide (Willem) was incredibly knowledgable regarding the terrain and wildlife. He also helped me capture some amazing photos. Willem was very helpful and persistent in attempting to find as much wildlife as possible. I got to see 4 of the Big 5 that day (only the Leopard evaded us – we checked with other groups and none had seen one that day). All in all a 5 star experience from start to finish and I can’t recommend enough.
via Tripadvisor
One day Safari with Nico
Exceeded all my expectations! It was stunning trip and probably my best day ever. Professional, amazing, very knowledgeable and attentive guide Nico. Thanks to him and all team!
Response from the operator: Good day "InLoveWithGiraffe" Thank you for taking the time to write a review for us of your Pilanesberg Safari with Nico. we passed your comments onto him and he is very thankful for your kind words and your feedback . Hearing from our guests is always great and we are always so happy to hear that they had a good time with our guides. We do hope that you come visit our country again, and if you do we look forward to sharing more of our countryside with you :)
via Tripadvisor
An absolutely AMAZING way to spend a day in South Africa!
I can't rave enough about this company, and my guide Willem! From start to finish, the whole experience was amazing. I was in Pretoria on my own for business, and wanted to take a day Safari on the weekend after I finished my business meetings - however all the websites required more than 2 people to book a tour. I emailed Patrick (the owner) of Mmilo Tours, and he got right back to me with a great price on a private tour with a professional guide. I booked it and was really excited. The day finally came (Nov 17, 2018) and Willem picked me up at my hotel at 3:30 am. Off we went in his super comfortable SUV - we got to Pilanesberg National Park at 5:30 just as the gates were opening, and then spent the better part of the day driving on various roads and tracks looking for animals. Willem really knows this park! We were able to go on roads that the larger vehicles couldn't go on, and being in an SUV with glass windows and air conditioning was absolutely wonderful on this hot, very dusty day. We saw zebras, giraffe, rhinos, lions, elephants,water buffalo, birds of all kinds and many many types of horned animals in the antelope and deer family. Willem is also an accomplished photographer in his own right which made it even more fun as we both snapped pics of the animals in their completely natural habitat. It was TRULY one of the best days of my life and I HIGHLY recommend this tour company, and Willem, as a guide!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 16 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $846 to $15600
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Mmilo Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.5.
See everything Mmilo Tours runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve cost?
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Prices start at $846 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve take?
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Plan for about 16 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 Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve?
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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 Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve?
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Around 5 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 Cape Town 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cape Town Safari Fly in Day Trip to Big 5 Pilanesberg Reserve 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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike, Cape Town Airport Private Transfer, Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town. 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 Cape Town?
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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 Cape Town?
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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?
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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.
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