Pilanesberg National Park  is a malaria free game reserve and a good alternative to Kruger for travellers with less time or just wanting to get away from the traffic and crowds of Johannesburg. Situated just over 2 hours from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg covers an area of about 50,000 hectares and is South Africa’s 5th largest game reserve. Pilanesberg supports about 81 mammal species including the big five (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino), as well as many other rare mammals such as Sable, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Cape Clawless Otter, Black Rhino and Brown Hyena together with fantastic birding and over 350 species which occur in the park.

2 Day Camping Safari (Tour Code: 2DPbergC)

Day 1- Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park:

Departing Johannesburg at approximately 07h00, we arrive at Pilanesberg just after 09h00. We enter the park and depart on our first safari and see animals and birds as well as the fascinating geology. After a few hours we stop at one of the scenic picnic spots for a delicious lunch.  We return to the camp for a couple of hours during which we have time to relax or swim as well as set up our campsite. Later we go on another safari for a couple of hours, returning to the camp in time to depart on our night drive in an open safari vehicle. The night drive is about 3 hours long and after sunset use spotlights in search of nocturnal animals guided by a parks ranger. On your return to the camp, enjoy a healthy meal around the campfire. (L, D).

Day 2- Pilanesberg National Park to Johannesburg:

This morning we wake up just before sunrise and after a quick cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits, we depart on an early game drive, or alternatively, a trail within the camp wilderness area. We stop inside the park at a picnic spot and prepare a big cooked breakfast and enjoy it overlooking Mankwe Dam. We take a slow drive back to camp before we pack up to leave the Park at about 13h00.  We take a slow drive back to Joburg stopping en route at one of the biggest local art and craft markets in the area. We have an hour to shop and browse the market before a short drive back to your venue of choice where you will be dropped off. (B)

Tour Code: 2DPbergC
Highlights: Night drive, African markets and Pilanesberg Volcano.
Tour price includes: all transport, entry fees, highlights, services of a qualified tour guide, meals as per itinerary and camping equipment.
Tour price excludes: drinks, items of a personal nature, optional activities, sleeping bag hire and gratuities.

3 Day Camping Safari (Tour Code: 3DPbergC)

Day 1- Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park:

Departing Johannesburg at approximately 07h00, we arrive at Pilanesberg just after 09h00. We depart on our first safari and stop at one of the beautiful picnic spots for a delicious lunch.  We take a slow drive and return to the camp for a couple of hours during which we have time to relax or swim and set up our tents and campsite. This afternoon we depart on another 3 hour safari before returning just before the camp gates close. We have free time whilst your guide prepares a delicious meal on the after which we sit and relax around the campfire, listening to the beautiful sounds of the African bushveld under a canopy of stars. (L, D)

Day 2- Pilanesberg National Park:

This morning we wake with the birds and after a welcome cup of coffee and some biscuits we enter the park. Mornings are often the best opportunity for great sightings, often finding the lions after their evenings hunt. After a few hours, we stop to picnic and enjoy a wonderful cooked breakfast overlooking the ancient volcanic hills. We return to our camp to enjoy a well deserved rest where one can swim, visit the bird aviary or play adventure golf on the miniature course (One can also arrange to visit Sun City and the Valley of Waves water park with wave pool and exciting water slides). After a light lunch, we depart on another safari for a couple of hours, returning to the camp in time to depart on our night drive in an open safari vehicle. The night drive is about 3 hours long and after sunset we look for nocturnal animals with spotlights guided by a parks ranger. On your return to the camp, a delicious meal is served after which we sit and relax around the campfire, listening to the beautiful sounds of the African bushveld under a canopy of stars. (B, L, D)

Day 3- Pilanesberg National Park to Johannesburg:

This morning we wake up early, just before sunrise, and after a quick cup of tea or coffee and biscuits, we depart on an early morning safari, alternatively, a self guided trail is available in the camp wilderness area where one can see a variety of wildlife on foot. We stop inside the park at a picnic spot and prepare a big cooked breakfast, enjoying it overlooking wonderful scenery. We return to the camp to pack up and leave the Park at approximately 12h00. On our way back, we stop at one of the biggest local art and craft markets in the area. We have an hour to shop and browse the wonderful crafts as well as grab a bite to eat, possibly a delicious pancake before it’s a short drive back to your choice of accommodation where the tour finishes that afternoon. (B)

Tour Code: 3DPbergC
Highlights: Night drive, African markets and Pilanesberg Volcano.
Tour price includes: all transport, entry fees, highlights, services of a qualified tour guide, meals as per itinerary and camping equipment.
Tour price excludes: drinks, items of a personal nature, optional activities, sleeping bag hire and gratuities.
Optional Activities: Sun City, hot air ballooning, elephant back safari, additional night drives and golf.