Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day in Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa

Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day

Outty Ranking 61 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $167
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day worth booking?

Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day is a 6-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $167 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
6 hours
From
$167 per person

THE BIG 5 IS WAITING. We fetch you at your hotel or Location of choice and take you on a drive to the north of Johannesburg to the Pilansberg National Game Reserve close to Sun City. This is a private tour with a maximum of 3 people so we can arrange to suit your requirements. We will take you on a 5 hour game drive in the private car. This is an exciting time and spotting the BIG 5 is a whole lot of fun, We will then have something to eat and drink and make our way back to Johannesburg. The Pilansberg is a National Game Reserve and is the closest National Park to Johannesburg. This a realistic tour of a natural wildlife park. It's a whole lot of fun trying to spot the animals and a must for wildlife lovers. Your Guide Shane is the author of "White Boy" a true story of a boy growing up in South Africa

What you get

    About this experience

    THE BIG 5 IS WAITING. We fetch you at your hotel or Location of choice and take you on a drive to the north of Johannesburg to the Pilansberg National Game Reserve close to Sun City. This is a private tour with a maximum of 3 people so we can arrange to suit your requirements. We will take you on a 5 hour game drive in the private car. This is an exciting time and spotting the BIG 5 is a whole lot of fun, We will then have something to eat and drink and make our way back to Johannesburg. The Pilansberg is a National Game Reserve and is the closest National Park to Johannesburg. This a realistic tour of a natural wildlife park. It's a whole lot of fun trying to spot the animals and a must for wildlife lovers. Your Guide Shane is the author of "White Boy" a true story of a boy growing up in South Africa

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • On-board WiFi
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Professional Guide

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Carbonated beverages
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. We do a game drive and search for the Big 5 in an open air game vehicle with top class rangers. We have an experienced guide who knows the correct spots where the animals enjoy grazing. It is relaxed game drive, so bring your camera and binoculars for sightings and photo opportunities. You can peruse our photos to see how much fun its in the Park. Before we return to Johannesburg we will also stop for a coffee and something to eat. This is a beautiful experience. Please note that although the BIG 5 are in the reserve we cannot guarantee sightings

      240 minutes here

    2. Hartbeespoort

      Our Beautiful dam on the way to Sun City. In the rainy season we can see the overflow over the dam wall - a spectacular experience

      10 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Shane Gouldie

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Close Encounters with Elephant, Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day in JohannesburgA playful Rhino, Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day in JohannesburgLeopard on the Prowl, Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day in JohannesburgThe beautiful Sunsets, Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day in JohannesburgNight Life -Wild Life Cervil, Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day in JohannesburgHyena on his way home, Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day in Johannesburg

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    1 mention

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

    Organization

    1 mention

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

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Francis_C · November 2025

    Excellent option starting...

    Great choice starting from Johannesburg, Shane is an excellent guide and very professional! Congratulations.

    Response from the operator: Olá Francis, Obrigado pela avaliação. Tive um dia fantástico com vocês. Tudo de bom e aproveite o resto da sua viagem pela África do Sul. Shane

    via Viator (translated)

    355kailat · December 2024

    A great day!

    We had a fabulous time on this tour. Shane is very knowledgeable of the park - we had a cruisey day looking for animals and lovely stop for food halfway. Shane is very passionate and was able to find us many of the big animals. The trip was very comfortable, would recommend!

    Response from the operator: Thank you Ella for the cool review. We where rather lucky even seeing a Lion in the Pilansberg. Good times. Enjoy the rest of your staty on South Africa. Shane

    via Tripadvisor

    X8857SRjavierr · January 2024

    Very knowledgeable 💯 recommended

    We went to pilanesberg national park. It was amazing. Shane is really passionate and has lots of knowledge about the park and it's wildlife. He is well organized and ver kind. It was an amazing experience.

    Response from the operator: Thank you Javier for a wonderful day. I must say you are a fantastic couple. Enjoy Cape Town. And look forward to seeing you in South Africa again. Those Rhinos so close to the car where very cool. Shane

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $167 to $3,900
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Shane Gouldie, who run 16 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.5.

    See everything Shane Gouldie runs

    Why this scores 61

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)29
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)41
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day cost?

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    Prices start at $167 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 Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day take?

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    Plan for about 6 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 Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Johannesburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day?

    +

    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 Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day?

    +

    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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day?

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    Included: Bottled water; On-board WiFi; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Professional Guide. Not included: Lunch; Carbonated beverages; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 684 listed pickup locations in and around Johannesburg. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day 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 Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day?

    +

    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 Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Private Pilanesberg National Park Safari, BIG 5 Full Day?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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