Pilanesberg
Discover Pilanesberg
Set within the crater of an ancient volcano, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a malaria-free Big 5 safari destination just two hours from Johannesburg. This makes it the perfect choice for a day safari or a short getaway. The reserve's unique alkaline grasslands and volcanic geology support an incredible diversity of wildlife including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Bordered by Sun City resort, Pilanesberg offers the rare combination of world-class game viewing and luxury entertainment.
Highlights at a Glance
What to See & Do
When to Go
The best time to visit Pilanesberg is May to September for best game viewing. Year-round malaria-free destination.. Our team tailors every itinerary to the season so you experience the very best conditions for wildlife, weather and value.
Peak Season
May to September for best game viewing. Year-round malaria-free destination.
Talk to us for month-by-month advice and shoulder-season value.
Pilanesberg Safari Packages
Hand-picked tours and safaris, each one fully customisable to your dates, pace and budget.
Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Big 5 Safari + Lunch
Escape Johannesburg for a malaria-free Big 5 safari in Pilanesberg. Enjoy 2 open-vehicle game drives through this stunning volcanic crater reserve, with a hearty lunch included.
Pilanesberg & Sun City Combo
Combine the thrill of a Big 5 safari in Pilanesberg with the entertainment of Sun City resort. Game drive in the morning, leisure time at Sun City in the afternoon.
2-Day Pilanesberg Safari
A weekend Big Five safari in the magnificent Pilanesberg Game Reserve — an ancient volcanic crater teeming with wildlife, just 2 hours from Johannesburg. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in open vehicles, stay at a bush lodge inside the reserve, and spot lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard.
Handpicked Safari Lodges
World-class accommodation for every budget. Click any lodge for photos, amenities & booking.
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
5★Set within the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park — just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg — Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge delivers a 5-star Big Five safari experience without the long drive. The lodge features 8 luxury suites, each with a private plunge pool overlooking the African bush. The award-winning Shepherd's Tree Spa and exceptional cuisine make this a perfect weekend safari escape.
12 amenities · 6 highlights
Bakubung Bush Lodge
4★Located inside the Pilanesberg crater — a malaria-free Big Five reserve just 2 hours from Johannesburg — Bakubung Bush Lodge is the ultimate family-friendly safari destination. The lodge offers 162 comfortable rooms, a waterhole frequented by elephants and hippos, and is the gateway to incredible game viewing without the long drive to Kruger. With Sun City just 10 minutes away, it's perfect for combining safari with entertainment.
12 amenities · 6 highlights
Where is Pilanesberg?
Ready to explore Pilanesberg?
Let our team craft the perfect safari for you. Every itinerary is fully customisable to your travel style and budget.
Pilanesberg Big 5 Safari — Day Trips from Johannesburg 2026
Pilanesberg Game Reserve, set in an ancient volcanic crater, offers the closest Big 5 safari experience to Johannesburg. Just 2 hours from the city, this malaria-free reserve is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and over 300 bird species. Perfect for families and first-time safari-goers.
Pilanesberg Day Safari from Johannesburg
Our full-day Pilanesberg safari departs Johannesburg at 5:30 AM, arriving at the reserve by 8:00 AM. You'll spend 6+ hours on game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle with our FGASA-qualified guide, stopping for a bush lunch. The reserve's compact size (572 km²) means excellent game sighting density. We return to Johannesburg by 6:00 PM.
What Animals Will I See?
Pilanesberg's volcanic terrain creates diverse habitats supporting all Big 5 species. Regular sightings include elephant herds (often 20+), white rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species. Predator sightings (lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog) are frequent, especially during early morning and late afternoon drives.
Sun City & Pilanesberg Combo
Combine your Big 5 safari with a visit to Sun City, the iconic entertainment resort adjacent to Pilanesberg. Our combo tours include game drives in the morning and Sun City's Valley of Waves water park or Palace of the Lost City in the afternoon — perfect for families.
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