Pilanesberg National Park is an ideal 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 over 350 species of birds which also occur in the park.
2 Day Pilanesberg Accommodated Safari (Tour Code: 2DPbergA)
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 and check into our accommodation. 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 various hides and look out points. We take a slow drive back to camp where we enjoy breakfast in the camp restaurant 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: 2DPbergA
Highlights: Night drive, African markets and Pilanesberg Volcano.
Tour price includes: all transport, entry fees, highlights, accommodation, services of a qualified tour guide and meals as per the itinerary.
Tour price excludes: drinks, items of a personal nature, optional activities and gratuities.
*Cost:
*Prices depend on the days required as over weekends, only bookings of 2 nights can be made.
3 Day Pilanesberg Accommodated Safari (Tour Code 3DPbergA)
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 check into our air-conditioned accommodation. 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 a couple of hours to visit Sun City and the Valley of Waves (Optional extra). 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: 3DPbergA
Highlights: Night drive, African markets and Pilanesberg Volcano.
Tour price includes: all transport, entry fees, highlights, accommodation, services of a qualified tour guide and meals as per the itinerary.
Tour price excludes: drinks, items of a personal nature, optional activities and gratuities.
Optional Activities: Sun City, hot air ballooning and elephant rides.
Cost: From R 4900 pp (min 1), R 3250 pp (min 2), R 2700 pp (min 3), R 2450 (min 4), Single Supplement: R 950
Should you wish to arrange an Accommodated tour to various other reserves throughout South Africa, please consider some of our suggestions below and feel free to contact us should you require further details:
Marakele National Park: Permanent Tented Camp
The Drakensberg Mountains: Mountain Chalets, Cabins, Lodges and Sandstone Caves
The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve: Chalets
Mkuze Game Reserve: Permanent Tented Camp and Rondavels
St Lucia Wetlands World Heritage Site: Bungalows, Guest Houses and Lodges
- Borakalalo National Park: Permanent Tents on the Moratele River