
Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg worth booking?
Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg is a 12-hour experience in Pretoria, South Africa, from $231 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (6)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $231 per person
If you don’t have the time for a Kruger Park tour, then this small-group tour is your best alternative - Pilanesberg National Park - only about two hours from Pretoria. You will get to visit a great national park that is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant), and see more than 365 bird species! This full-day, guided tour has a maximum group size of 9 people.
What you get
About this experience
If you don’t have the time for a Kruger Park tour, then this small-group tour is your best alternative - Pilanesberg National Park - only about two hours from Pretoria. You will get to visit a great national park that is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant), and see more than 365 bird species! This full-day, guided tour has a maximum group size of 9 people.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Government fees
- Light lunch
- Guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Pilanesberg National Park
If you don’t have the time for a Kruger Park Tour this is your best alternative - only about two hours from Pretoria / Johannesburg. This malaria-free 58 000 hectare park - the fourth largest in South Africa - is situated on the eroded remains of a 1,2 billion-year-old extinct volcanic crater, and is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant), and more than 365 bird species. Several overnight packages are available. DAY TOUR ITINERARY: 06:15 – 06:30 Departure Johannesburg pick-up points 07:00 – 07:15 Departure Centurion pick-up points 07:30 – 07:45 Departure Pretoria pick-up points 09:30 – 10:00 Arrival at Park 10:00 – 16:00 Game viewing in a closed air-conditioned Ulysses Tours vehicle 13:00 Light lunch at Pilanesberg Centre / Bakgatla Camp 16:00 Departure from Park 18:00 – 19:00 Drop-offs
360 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 120 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
- Sat
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ulysses Tours & Safaris cc
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Comfortable clothing recommended
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Superb day trip
Wonderful tour, our driver and guide, Aaron, was very personable and knowledgeable. Not only did he share his wildlife knowledge, but also shared history and points of interest on our journey to and from the park. Inside the park, he was great at helping us spot and observe the animals respectfully. The park is incredibly beautiful and we were lucky to see a wide range, including some of the more timid, as Aaron drove carefully. Highly recommended
Response from the operator: Dear Marie Thank you for taking the time to review our tour - feedback is always appreciated as it helps us maintain our standards while it also helps us when we need to evaluate our guides and drivers. Aaron is indeed an exceptional young man who is very passionate about his job and he loves the bush. We hope that we may be of service again in the future on a possible return trip to South Africa
via Tripadvisor
To do !
Exceptional experience! I highly recommend. We were really able to see all the animals (apart from the phelines) Punctuality and precision. Professional guide
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good safari day tour
Our trip to Pilanesberg was very nice. We did see most of the animals except the big cats - which we were told are present in the National Park. But with animals its hard to predict where they will be and when - which is what makes a safari great! The driver was very nice and courteous throughout the day.
via Tripadvisor
Great day trip safari
On a business trip, I only had one day off. This is what I spent it on, and I couldn’t have been happier. My guide and safe driver Lucky was knowledgeable about everything from animals to history, and we had interesting conversation during the 2-hour drives to the park and back (and there as well!). It was too hot a day for the lions or leopards to be visible, but we saw pretty much everything else. A great day!
via Tripadvisor
was a wonderful day. the driver guide...
<p>was a wonderful day. the driver guide could not have been more accomadating.</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat
- Price range
- $231 to $3,730
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ulysses Tours & Safaris cc, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.0.
See everything Ulysses Tours & Safaris cc runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Pretoria.
How much does Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg cost?
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Prices start at $231 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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg take?
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Plan for about 12 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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 6 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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg?
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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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg?
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Around 2 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg 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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; Entrance fees; Government fees; and Light lunch. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Pretoria. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg 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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg?
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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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pilanesberg National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg 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 National Park Full-Day Tour from Johannesburg?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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