
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari worth booking?
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari is a 9-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $243 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $243 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Johannesburg, with an Outty Ranking of 59. At $243 it sits above the typical similar option ($127), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Prices and availability checked
This tour is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy a game drive to get chances to see populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s “Big Five”. The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park – a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. An abundance of wildlife proliferates in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded.
What you get
About this experience
This tour is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy a game drive to get chances to see populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s “Big Five”. The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park – a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. An abundance of wildlife proliferates in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance fees: Entrance fees to nature reserves/activities, unless specified as optional.
- Parking fees
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Pilanesberg National Park
The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park – a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. An abundance of wildlife proliferates in 580 km of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion or live prey, others eat seeds, fruit or tiny water organisms. Enjoy a 3 hour game drive through the park in your air-conditioned vehicle as soon as we arrive at the Reserve. Explore wildlife on the many roads through the Pilanesberg Game Reserve where you will have opportunities to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat. We enjoy lunch (not included) in the restaurant at the visitor centre. After observing more spectacular wildlife from bird hides we take you back in the late afternoon to your group’s drop-off point. Group discounts.
540 minutes here
Pilanesberg National Park
This tour is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy a game drive to get chances to see populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s “Big Five”. The more bookings, the less you pay. Important notes: - The start of this tour requires a minimum of 4 adults. - The itinerary is subjected to changes according to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances. - Bring sun block, a sunhat, walking shoes, binoculars and cameras. - You will be picked up and dropped-off at a central spot in Gauteng for the start of the tour between 6 and 7 am. - Lockdown restrictions will apply during the pandemic. - No malaria
540 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Johannesburg
You will be picked-up at your hotel or at the O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
You will be picked-up at your hotel or at the O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TourSouthAfrica
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve day trip
My guide Jakes was prompt in picking me up from my hotel. This day trip is great value for money as not only do you get to see wildlife but also get to learn about the history of the area. Overall a great experience which I highly recommend visitors undertake.
Response from the operator: Hi Sally, thank you so much for the review, it was great doing the trip for you, and I am looking forward to the next tours.
via Viator
Day trip to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
Jakes was an excellent guide for my visit to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. His knowledge of the animals and history of the area was first class. His vehicle was clean and very comfortable and he considered my needs at all time. I can thoroughly recommend this day trip if you are time poor but want to experience African wildlife.
Response from the operator: It was a pleasure doing this safari for you, and I am grateful for the knowledge you shared about your world travels. Best regards, Jakes.
via Tripadvisor
Suns up Thumbs up!
Super informative and educational tour guide, with great rapport. As two American women, we very much appreciated his polite and considerate manner. He not only explained thoroughly about the wildlife we spotted at the park, but he also covered an extensive history of South Africa and of all areas we passed by on our route to the park. We Highly recommend booking this tour and company to anyone and everyone!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for booking this tour with me, it was a big pleasure having you on board and hope to assist you again in future. Best regards, Jakes.
via Viator
The BEST tour company ever!
We booked Amantungulu for the following: Day 1: Pilanesberg day trip incl game drives Day 2: Maboneng District, Cradle of Humankind Day 3: Fourways Farmers Market, Nelson Mandela House, Hector Pietersen Museum & Soweto towers Well, all I can say is that Jakes is an attentive, knowledgeable and flexible tour guide - more so than any I'd ever met. He is passionate about South Africa, which showed every day that we spent with him. What a wonderful adventure! Thank you, Jakes. I recommend Amantungulu Tours ONE THOUSAND PERCENT😁
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great review. You were fantastic Tourists, and I will any time help again. Regards.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $243 to $4,750
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How does Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari compare to similar tours in Johannesburg?
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It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Johannesburg, with an Outty Ranking of 59. At $243 it sits above the typical similar option ($127), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Who is Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari best for?
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It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 9-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Is Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $243, above the $127 typical for similar experiences in Johannesburg.
How much does Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari cost?
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Prices start at $243 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 Wildlife Safari take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Wildlife Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 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 Wildlife Safari?
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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 Wildlife Safari suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari?
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Around 1 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari 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 Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari?
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Included: Bottled water; In-vehicle air conditioning; Entrance fees: Entrance fees to nature reserves/activities, unless specified as optional; and Parking fees. Not included: Lunch; Gratuities; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 29 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 Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and Dutch. 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 Wildlife Safari?
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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 Wildlife Safari wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Johannesburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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