
One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive worth booking?
One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive is a 11-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $281 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (44)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $281 per person
A DOOR to DOOR service and we make use of qualified tour guides and the transfers are in comfortable vehicles with other guests. This Day Safari from Johannesburg to the big five Pilanesberg National Park is the best one day safari option to experience a big five national park. The day tour includes a five hour open safari vehicle game drive in the Pilanesberg Park driven by an experience game ranger who is in radio contact with other vehicle thus guaranteeing good game sightings . An open vehicle safari is something everyone must do while in South Africa and this safari experience is priceless! This tour is ideal if you are on a business trip and have limited free time or on a short vacation to South Africa. Pilanesberg is only a scenic two hour drive from Johannesburg. Pilanesberg is home to the big five and many other animals and generally offers good animal sightings during a short visit.
What you get
About this experience
A DOOR to DOOR service and we make use of qualified tour guides and the transfers are in comfortable vehicles with other guests. This Day Safari from Johannesburg to the big five Pilanesberg National Park is the best one day safari option to experience a big five national park. The day tour includes a five hour open safari vehicle game drive in the Pilanesberg Park driven by an experience game ranger who is in radio contact with other vehicle thus guaranteeing good game sightings . An open vehicle safari is something everyone must do while in South Africa and this safari experience is priceless! This tour is ideal if you are on a business trip and have limited free time or on a short vacation to South Africa. Pilanesberg is only a scenic two hour drive from Johannesburg. Pilanesberg is home to the big five and many other animals and generally offers good animal sightings during a short visit.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Vat at 15% and tourism levies
- 5 hour game drive in an open safari vehicle driven by an experienced game ranger
- Lunch
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan to and from Pilanesberg
Not included
- All drinks
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Telephone calls, items of a personal nature, curio purchases, any side excursions & anything not noted
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Pilanesberg National Park
After meeting you at your hotel or residence in Johannesburg between 06h00 and 06h30 or at the time indicated by the consultant, we drive you to Pilanesberg. On arrival in Pilanesberg and after a short break meet your field guide/game ranger and at 09h30 begin your exciting 5 hour open 4x4 vehicle safari drive. Our guides are knowledgeable and will give you in depth information on the wildlife you are viewing. You will stop at a restaurant in the middle of Pilanesberg and enjoy a light lunch looking out over a very active waterhole. After lunch the open vehicle safari continues as the ranger slowly drives back towards the gate spotting animals on the way. Our guide will meet you at the gate and depart the Pilanesberg between 15h30 and 16h00 in order to arrive in Johannesburg before sunset.
360 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Go Safari
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children of 5 to 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Not recommended for pregnant women past 7 months
- Minimum age allowed is 5 years old.
- Casual cool clothes in the summer and a warm jacket for the winter months
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
44 verified traveler reviews for One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect vacation kick-off excursion
I did this tour with my husband and 5 other couples/friends and we had an AMAZING time!! Our guide, Buffalo Soldier, told us there would be a so/so chance of seeing animals because of the temps and wind, but it warmed up a bit so we saw plenty. Our guide was so knowledgeable and had great stories, he's been doing this almost 20 years. There was tons of elephant activity... we saw a small herd, babies, and a male in musth which was intense! We saw giraffes, hippos, a rhino, gazelles, wildebeests, kudus, a crocodile, and zebras! 🥰❤️ The lunch stop was so enjoyable. My friends and had had a sandwich and a few drinks while we watched the watering hole for more animals. We were able to see more elephants and kudus at the watering hole as they came by to get a drink and enjoy the salt block the staff put out. I worked with Susan for all of the planning and she was extremely helpful from start to finish. This excursion was such a perfect day 1 of our 10 day South Africa trip.
Response from the operator: Hi L Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your group had such an amazing time on the tour — what a fantastic way to kick off your South African adventure! It’s great to know that the wildlife came out to say hello despite the weather concerns, and that Buffalo Soldier made your experience so memorable with his knowledge and stories. It sounds like you had some truly special sightings. Susan will be so happy to hear your kind words. She always strives to ensure every detail is taken care of, and it’s lovely to know she helped make your experience seamless from start to finish. Thank you again for choosing us and for taking the time to share your experience — it means the world to us. We hope the rest of your South African journey was just as incredible, and we’d love to welcome you back again one day! Warmest regards, Glen
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Experience!
We had the best time on our Safari! Our driver to and from Pilanesberg was excellent. Everyone was so knowledgeable and our driver, Ben, tried his best to help us find all the animals we wanted to see. We saw almost everything but lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Even without that, it was so worth it and I would highly recommend this Safari.
Response from the operator: Hi Jrymer I am glad you had a great time on the Pilanesberg Day Safari, pity you did not see any cats but that means you need to come back and see them on your next safari :). Thank you for taking time to post this nice review and the feed back about Wiggie our guide and Ben, it is always nice to get positive feed back. Regards Glen
via Tripadvisor
Well worth the visit.
Well worth the visit. We saw 4 of the big five (Leopards only really come out at night) and the park is stunning. Our guide, Desmond was 1st class, in fact he made the trip with his knowledge and humor and eagle eyes!
Response from the operator: Hi Grizz 4 out of 5 on a day safari is very good, I am glad you got to experience this and Desmond did not find you a leopard because that means you will need to come back to see one:). Thank you for taking time to post the review Regards Glen
via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience
I was traveling together with my brother and Glen took us in our hotel perfectly on time. The ride to Pilensburg was very calm and nicely. Glen is an excellent host and was keeping a conversation with us the entire time. When arriving in the Safari, our ranger was already expecting us and took 2 minutes to start. He was a very funny guy and very patient explaining for us. It was an excellent experience. When arriving back to the main entrance of Pilensburg, Glen was already there and we went back to the hotel. It was an incredible experience. Everything worked as expected the both Susan and Glen were perfect. Hope to see you soon again!
Response from the operator: Hi Mateus, thank you very much for the great review, i really appreciate you taking time to post the review. It was a pleasure taking you to Pilanesberg and i am glad you got to see so many animals. Just a pity about not seeing any lions but now you have something to look forward when you come on safari again. Até a próxima vezRelação Glen
via Tripadvisor
Well organised safari
I can’t fault this company when organising our safari. We had a baby travelling with us and they were so helpful in finding a safari that would accommodate him safely too. We travelled comfortably from Joberg to Pilanesberg and arrived to a fantastic lunch before heading off to see a lot of animals including most of the big 5. The guide was excellent and kept us informed with lots of facts all the way around. Definitely recommend booking with these guys.
Response from the operator: Dear Shards85 Thank you for the great review and kind words, I appreciate you taking time to write the review. It was a pleasure arranging and taking your family to Pilanesberg, it is and ideal reserve to take small children. I am glad you where lucky to see so many animals and had a great day. Kind Regards Glen
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $281 to $4,491
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How much does One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive cost?
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Prices start at $281 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Johannesburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive take?
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Plan for about 11 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 Johannesburg is not rushed.
Is One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 44 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Johannesburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive?
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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 One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive?
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Around 15 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 Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive 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 Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg?
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On Outty we rank every Johannesburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soweto and Johannesburg Exclusive Full Day Guided Tour, Ultimate Johannesburg Soweto Experience with Apartheid Museum, Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria. 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 Johannesburg?
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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 Johannesburg?
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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.
What is included in One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Vat at 15% and tourism levies; 5 hour game drive in an open safari vehicle driven by an experienced game ranger; Lunch; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan to and from Pilanesberg. Not included: All drinks; Travel & Medical Insurance; Telephone calls, items of a personal nature, curio purchases, any side excursions & anythi; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 500 listed pickup locations in and around Johannesburg. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive?
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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 One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant women past 7 months. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive 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 One day Safari including a 5 Hour Open Safari Vehicle Drive?
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Across 44 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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