Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa

Pilanesberg Nature Reserve

Outty Ranking 74 5.0 · 54 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $278
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 54 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Pilanesberg Nature Reserve worth booking?

Pilanesberg Nature Reserve is a 2-hour experience in Pretoria, South Africa, from $278 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 54 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
5/5 (54)
Duration
2 hours
From
$278 per person

Feel the excitement of knowing you are about to take a journey into uncharted areas where it is you and Africa’s most feared creatures by exploring their territory, by their rules. You will be collected from the Hotel by a qualified guide and proceed to the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve that spans an area of 550 square kilometers, the home of the BIG FIVE. Here we will drive around in an open Game Viewer and feel the tension mounting that at any moment just around a corner you could spot a herd of elephant or the king himself the lion or if lucky spot the ever elusive leopard as he lies on a rock or in a tree. The Game drive will last for 6 hours within the reserve and a light lunch at the Pilanesberg Centre will be provided. Duration of the tour is around 12 hours.

What you get

    About this experience

    Feel the excitement of knowing you are about to take a journey into uncharted areas where it is you and Africa’s most feared creatures by exploring their territory, by their rules. You will be collected from the Hotel by a qualified guide and proceed to the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve that spans an area of 550 square kilometers, the home of the BIG FIVE. Here we will drive around in an open Game Viewer and feel the tension mounting that at any moment just around a corner you could spot a herd of elephant or the king himself the lion or if lucky spot the ever elusive leopard as he lies on a rock or in a tree. The Game drive will last for 6 hours within the reserve and a light lunch at the Pilanesberg Centre will be provided. Duration of the tour is around 12 hours.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • National Park fees
    • Lunch
    • Transport from Hotel to Pilanesberg plus return.
    • Pictures taken during tour for you and placed onto your mobile device.
    • Lunch within the Reserve.
    • Water.

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Additional purchases.

    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 13 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Wildside Tours and Safaris

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Dress code is casual
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
    • A maximum of 13 people per booking

    Photos

    Crash of Rhinos, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in PretoriaBull Elephant, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in PretoriaZebra with Fowl, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in PretoriaOpen Viewer, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in PretoriaGiraffe, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in PretoriaEgyptian Goose, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in Pretoria

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 53 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    3 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    53 verified traveler reviews for Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    53
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    fernandogA1325FH · October 2026

    Great experience with great proffesionals

    Amazing experience con Mike and Peter. Very proffessional, well attended nice and experienced guys. We took one day Safari at Pilanesberg and we had chance to see most of the most fascinating animals, and pretty close!

    via Tripadvisor

    clarahN8014XS · October 2026

    Amazing trip

    An unforgettable safari experience! ☺️🙏🏻 Tim and his son Mike made our trip truly special. Tim organized everything for us, so we didn’t have to worry about a thing. They put so much effort into making sure we could see as much wildlife as possible and even took amazing photos for us to capture the memories. Their knowledge, passion, and dedication made the experience truly unforgettable. Highly recommended!☺️

    via Tripadvisor

    Tourist26987931685 · September 2026

    Increíble experience

    Really good experience Tim IS such a nice guy

    via Tripadvisor

    mar_ajos_u485 · August 2026

    An Unforgettable Safari Experience – Exceptional Service from Start to Finish

    An Unforgettable Safari Experience – Exceptional Service from Start to Finish We have just returned home after an incredible safari experience, and we couldn’t leave without sharing how exceptional it was. From the very beginning, Tim was absolutely wonderful. His patience, kindness and willingness to help us while planning our trip made everything so easy. He took the time to help us organise every detail and was always there to answer our questions and make sure everything was perfect. His professionalism and genuine care really made a difference. Although Tim unfortunately couldn’t join us in the end, we were incredibly lucky to have his son Mike with us — and what an amazing experience that was! Mike was fantastic from beginning to end: professional, knowledgeable, kind, attentive and, above all, a wonderful person to share such a special adventure with. The safari far exceeded our expectations. Every day brought something magical, from unforgettable wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes and moments that we will treasure forever. Mike went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every single moment and felt completely looked after throughout the experience. We came home with incredible memories, countless stories to tell and a huge desire to return to South Africa. 🇿🇦🦁🌅 A truly unforgettable experience with an exceptional team. We would recommend Tim and Mike without hesitation and would absolutely choose them again for our next South African adventure! Thank you, Tim and Mike, for making our trip so incredibly special. ❤️🥂

    via Tripadvisor

    silvybrady · June 2026

    Wildlife Tour at its best!

    An amazing Tour with Mike. We saw so many animals, it was gorgeous. We always felt safe and Mike told us so many interesting things about the animals and the country. Can highly recommend the Tour Company

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $278 to $4,495
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    19
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Wildside Tours and Safaris, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.7.

    See everything Wildside Tours and Safaris runs

    Why this scores 74

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)76
    Booking momentum (14% weight)70
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)69
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Pilanesberg Nature Reserve: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Pilanesberg Nature Reserve cost?

    +

    Prices start at $278 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 Nature Reserve take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 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 Nature Reserve worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 54 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 Nature Reserve?

    +

    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 Nature Reserve suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Pilanesberg Nature Reserve?

    +

    Around 19 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Pilanesberg Nature Reserve start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Pilanesberg Nature Reserve?

    +

    Included: Bottled water; National Park fees; Lunch; Transport from Hotel to Pilanesberg plus return; and Pictures taken during tour for you and placed onto your mobile device. Not included: Gratuities; and Additional purchases. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Pilanesberg Nature Reserve include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 19 listed pickup locations in and around Pretoria. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Pilanesberg Nature Reserve offered in?

    +

    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 Nature Reserve?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Nature Reserve?

    +

    Across 54 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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