Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria worth booking?
Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria is a 11-hour experience in Pretoria, South Africa, from $391 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (33)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $391 per person
Private Safari! See the Big 5 and be back at your hotel in Johannesburg/Pretoria the same day! Yes, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, roaming wild. Trip is private in one of our game viewing suvs with big opening windows & sunroof. No need to share the big 25 seaters open truck or be forced to take pictures through a closed minibus window. We go further, stay longer, see more! Our guides are Pilanesberg experts. Spend several hours on a safari, reaching distant parts of the reserve. Lunch at the lodge on a viewing deck overlooking the reserve. There is an option of changing to an open safari vehicle (OSV) for part of you safari. The OSV drives are 3 hours long.
What you get
About this experience
Private Safari! See the Big 5 and be back at your hotel in Johannesburg/Pretoria the same day! Yes, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, roaming wild. Trip is private in one of our game viewing suvs with big opening windows & sunroof. No need to share the big 25 seaters open truck or be forced to take pictures through a closed minibus window. We go further, stay longer, see more! Our guides are Pilanesberg experts. Spend several hours on a safari, reaching distant parts of the reserve. Lunch at the lodge on a viewing deck overlooking the reserve. There is an option of changing to an open safari vehicle (OSV) for part of you safari. The OSV drives are 3 hours long.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- National Park fees
- Brunch/Lunch
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
- Breakfast
What you'll see and do
Pilanesberg National Park
Few major cities in the world can boast a Big 5 malaria free game reserve on their doorsteps, as Johannesburg can. Explore Big 5 wildlife in Pilanesberg National Park at sunrise, the best time of the day for a safari. Pickup and drop back to hotel or to airport or vice versa with our expert professional tour guides, make for a super convenient tour with a riveting wildlife experience.Besides it’s magnificent Big 5 and all the other iconic African mega fauna , the Pilanesberg National Park's position inside the eroded caldera of a 1,200-million-year-old volcano makes for interesting and impressive landscapes and vistas. Mmilo Tours will take you there on safari every day of the week. We will personalise your private safari. Over the past 10 years, we have conducted innumerable private and small group safari tours for overseas business visitors, families, small groups and single individuals.Timing is crucial. Sunrise (ranges from 5.00am in Summer to 6.30am in Winter) is the best time to see the “Big Cats" and other predators as dawn and dusk are their major hunting times. Drop back to your hotel or airport is 11 hours after pick up. It’s a longish day but being there at dawn makes it worth it!
360 minutes here · Admission included
The views of the reserve and the waterhole where the animals drink from the dining terrace is wonderful and so is the food!
60 minutes here
Magaliesberg
We will pass through this area which is the most scenic of the region. The Magaliesberg is 3 billion years old the world's second-oldest mountain range. Created at the same time as the world's richest platinum metal deposits now mined closeby.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Autumn Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the Sunrise Game Drive. This allows sightings for the early morning activities of the animals before the day warms up. Duration: 11 hours: Getting to Pilanesberg from Johannesburg or Pretoria takes 2 1/2 to 2 hours. So you will be in the reserve for 6-7 hours. Lunch/Brunch: The sunny dining terrace of Bakubung lodge affords wonderful views of the reserve and often animals in close proximity Best vehicle for the group: We use either a large maneuverable SUV or a combination of mini-coach and open safari vehicle Pickup included
Spring Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the Sunrise Game Drive. This allows sightings for the early morning activities of the animals before the day warms up. Pickup included
Winter Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the sunrise. This is when the animals are most active. Duration: 11 hours: It takes 2-2 1/2 hours to get to the reserve and so you have 6-7 hours on safari and having lunch Brunch/Lunch: The sunny dining terrace of Bakubung Lodge has unrivalled views of the reserve and often animals coming closeby Best vehicle for groups size: We use a large maneuverable SUV or a combo of comfortable mini-coach and open safari vehicle Pickup included
Summer Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the Sunrise Game Drive. This allows sightings for the early morning activities of the animals before the day warms up. Pickup included
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
- 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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant meals not included
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Last minute trip with limited time turned into an amazing drive through Pilanesberg.
We reached out to Mmilo with a pretty difficult request - a last minute day tour to Pilanesberg National Park which would give us plenty of time in the park while getting us back to Johannesburg in time for our flight that same evening. The team at Mmilo responded quickly, were able to organise a tour for us and were incredibly friendly, accomodating and patient. Already a great start. That same evening, we were contacted by our guide, Willem who introduced himself to us and let us know what time he'd be picking us up from our hotel. The next morning, we arrived at the lobby of our hotel 10 minutes early to find he was already there waiting for us. He greeted us in person and off we went. The almost-four hour car ride there was full of conversation with Willem teaching us so much about South Africa (it was our first time here) - from the parks, animals, culture, history and so much more. When we got to the park, it was game on! We were already excited to be on the look out for animals and it was even more fun to see that Willem (despite having years and years of experience) was just as excited as us. It really felt like we were all seeing these animals for the first time together, getting pictures of the animals in the wild. The energy was infectious. After a few hours of driving, we stopped at a cafe for a break, where he took us through a detailed map of the park and pointed out where we had driven through and what was next. We continued our journey, continuing to learn about the animals, the park and the environment. We then stopped for lunch at this lovely lodge and continued to chat before making our way back to Johannesburg right in time for our flight. This last minute trip with Mmilo was one of the best decisions we made this trip! Huge thanks to the team - Willem, Patrick and Norman! You guys are awesome.
Response from the operator: Dear Jeremy, Thank you so much for your positive review and kind words. We at Mmilo Tours are so happy to hear that you had a great experience on your recent Pilanesberg Sunrise Safari. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and knowing that we’ve met your expectations truly means a lot to us. We are also pleased that Willem made your experience special, and we will share your kind words and appreciation with him. We thank you for your support and look forward to being of service to you again in the future. If there's anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Kind regards, Norman and the Mmilo Tours team
via Tripadvisor
We had a great safari and...
We had a great safari and saw many animals from the moment we entered the game reserve. Willem, our guide, was very experienced and had an excellent knowledge about the animals and where to find them in the reserve. He also gave us a lot of interesting information about the areas we passed travelling to and from the reserve. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.
via Viator
Fantastic one day tour
Fabulous experience! I only had one day to get away and try to see some African wildlife. Patrick was great in helping set up my one-day adventure. My guide (Anton) was right on time for the early pick up in Johannesburg and we were at Pilanesburg National Park close to sunrise. We saw Elephants, rhinoceros, hippo, giraffes, and many species of antelope. Anton dropped me off at the airport at the end of the tour. If you only have one day to see wildlife from Johannesburg, this is the trip for you!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Tour
I took a sunrise safari tour in August 2025. Everything was amazing. Patrick replied to my email inquiry very quickly, offering me some different options for getting the most out of the one day I had to sightsee. He also suggested we ask our hotel for a to-go breakfast, which I never would have even thought of! Willem was our tour guide. He contacted me via email and WhatsApp the day before the tour. He was so fun to chat with and has decades of knowledge about the animals and Pilanesberg—I learned so much! He picked us up from our hotel right on time. We also switched from Willem’s SUV to an open-air safari vehicle with another guide (he was fantastic as well!!) for a couple of hours, and then met back up with Willem for lunch before heading back to our hotel. We saw so many animals. Elephants walking right across the road in front of us, a male lion walking by during sunrise, giraffe! Willem took way better photos than us and shared them on his FB page after the tour for us. It was an amazing day I will never forget. Thanks so much Willem and Patrick!
via Tripadvisor
Epic safari experience
Awesome day tour, the early wake up is well worth this epic experience. Saw so many incredible animals up close. Our guide Willem was excellent, accommodating and very knowledgeable
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
- $391 to $10,980
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Pretoria.
How much does Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria cost?
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Prices start at $391 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 Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria 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 Pretoria is not rushed.
Is Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 33 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 Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria?
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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 Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria 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 Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria?
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Around 12 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?
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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 Pretoria and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria 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?
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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 Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; National Park fees; Brunch/Lunch; and Transport by private vehicle. Not included: Gratuities; Alcoholic beverages; Snacks; and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 667 listed pickup locations in and around Pretoria. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria 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 Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria?
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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 Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Pretoria. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria?
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Across 33 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Autumn Sunrise Game Drive, Spring Sunrise Game Drive, Winter Sunrise Game Drive, Summer Sunrise Game Drive. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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