
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private worth booking?
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private is a 10-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $3800 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (6)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $3800 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
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 kilometres, the home of the BIG FIVE. Here we will drive around in the safety of our vehicle 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. We then depart for the Lion and Safari Park where you will do safari tours game drive
What's included
Included
- National Park fees
- Transportation Round-trip
- Guide
Not included
- gratitude
What you'll see and do
Pilanesberg National Park
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 at 06h00 and proceed to the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve that spans an area of 550 square kilometres, the home of the BIG FIVE. Here we will drive around in the safety of our vehicle and feel the tension mounting that at any moment just around a corner you could drive into 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 watching you and enticing you to make a mistake. Without a doubt you will feel the sensation of total tranquillity of the African bush and know that that feeling will linger with you for eternity. During your trip we will stop off within the reserve and be treated to a Gourmet lunch surrounded by Mother Nature .After an eventful day we then head out for Chameleon African Curio market. Here you will have the pleasure of walking around an area with 186 different stalls all enticing you to purchase a gift for a loved one back home. Once you have satisfied your purchasing needs we depart for the lion park where you will be able to interact with lion cubs and if brave enough a 5 year old cheetah. If Purdy and her daughters, the resident giraffe are around they will demand your attention and of course a snack would go down very well if you are brave enough to feed them. After a 1 hour open vehicle game drive around the main 3 predator’s camps with Lions and open plains area to see a variety of antelope we then take a leisurely drive back to your hotel for a well earned rest and memories that will last a lifetime.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
Get closer than you could ever imagine to Africa’s most incredible wildlife on one hour game drive. Feel the breath of the lion and the thundering of the gnu’s hoofs, all from the safety of our guided game drive
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Lion & Rhino Park Private
Pickup included
Solo traveler
game drive 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 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Virgio Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience in Pilanesberg and Safari Lion Park
The experience was fantastic. Being able to see large animals and wildlife from close is priceless. It is worth taking this walk. What left everything even better was our guide, Danniel. What an amazing person. Patient, attentive, polite and deeply acquainted with the script and routine of the animals. Without him our tour would not have been the same, for sure. From beginning to end, he did everything to make us feel comfortable and appreciate the nature around us. Thank you so much for everything.
Response from the operator: Thank you
via Viator (translated)
Great time at Pilanesberg Nature Reserve and Safari Park Lion
My wife and I had a great time visiting Pilanesberg nature and safari park Lion Private. Our guide was amazing and went out of his way to give us the best experience possible. Thanks for the memories.
Response from the operator: Thank you
via Tripadvisor
Not as promised
The driver was very nice and knew his way around very well. However, the promised services such as lunch and various stops during the tour were not kept. The driver apologized for this but nothing was done about it. After five hungry hours, we paid for lunch ourselves
Response from the operator: That was the misunderstanding between driver and yourself.
via Viator
I loved both places
Very nice places to be in contact with nature! I saw a lot of rinos, we don't get to to do that on other safaris. On lion park, we interact with lion cubs and giraffes.
Response from the operator: our Guide Mk has done good job on Pilanesberg Safari guide, he has 10 years of experience. we happy you have enjoyed
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $3800 to $5000
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How much does Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private cost?
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Prices start at $3800 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 Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 6 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 Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private?
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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 Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private?
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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 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private 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 Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria, Soweto and Johannesburg Exclusive Full Day Guided Tour, Half Guided Day Tour of Soweto And Apartheid Museum. 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.
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