How to Plan Your Day Safari in Pilanesburg Big Five Game Reserve

Pilanesburg Big Five Game Reserve is one of the most famous game reserves in South Africa. It is home to the Big Five animals, which are elephant, lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo. Planning a day safari in the Pilanesburg is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Johannesburg.

To make things easier, we have prepared a step-by-step guide on how to plan your day safari in Pilanesburg.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first thing you need to do is to book your day safari in Pilanesburg. You can book the tour through the following link: Book the tour here. The tour is offered by Dlamini 4 Africa and gives you the chance to experience the wildlife of Pilanesburg with a professional guide.

Step 2: Check Start Time and Meeting Point

Confirm the start time of your tour with the local provider in advance. The tour runs from Monday to Sunday and starts at 04:00 AM, ending at 03:30 PM. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which is the O.R. Tambo International Airport at 1 Jones Rd Kempton Park Johannesburg 1632 South Africa.

You can head directly to the meeting point or request pickup. If you opt for pickup, the driver will have a board with your name on it, and you can select a pickup point.

Step 3: Arrange Breakfast

Before the tour, please arrange a packed breakfast the night before with your hotel as it is not included in the package.

Step 4: What’s Included in the Tour

The day safari in Pilanesburg comes with several inclusions. You get breakfast, lunch, and entry/admission fees. The tour is private, so you will only be with your group. Most travelers can participate in the tour, although it is not wheelchair accessible. Infant seats are available on request.

Step 5: What to Expect on the Tour

On the day of the tour, you will meet your guide and climb into your safari vehicle for your adventure into the wild. Pilanesburg is home to over 7,000 wild animals, so prepare to see an abundance of wildlife. Your guide will take you on a game drive, which lasts for approximately 6 hours.

During the game drive, you will see various wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalos. You will also learn about the flora and fauna of the reserve from your experienced guide.

You will have lunch in the park, and after lunch, you will continue the game drive until it ends around 3:30 PM. Your guide will drop you off at O.R. Tambo International Airport or your selected pickup point.

Step 6: Additional Information

Confirmation of your booking will be received at the time of booking. If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

A day safari in Pilanesburg Big Five Game Reserve is an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss while in Johannesburg. With this guide, planning your safari has never been easier. Book your day safari now and get ready for an adventure in the wild.

Insider’s Guide: Exploring Pilanesberg Big Five Game Reserve and its Surroundings

Pilanesberg Big Five Game Reserve is an unmissable destination in South Africa. Located about 2 hours north of Johannesburg, this wildlife reserve offers an opportunity to see the Big Five game animals (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes) in their natural habitat, alongside other indigenous species. However, there is much more to Pilanesberg than just its wildlife reserve. This insider’s guide will help you discover the local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions in and around Pilanesberg.

Attractions:

Apart from exploring the wildlife reserve, there are several attractions in and around Pilanesberg. Sun City Casino and Entertainment Resort, just outside the park, offers a water park, golf courses, an artificial beach, restaurants, and nightlife in addition to its casino.

For a cultural experience, visit the Lesedi Cultural Village to learn about different South African cultures and their customs. This village consists of traditional homesteads, each representing a specific African tribe.

For adventure enthusiasts, there is zip-lining, hot air balloon rides, and quad biking just outside the Pilanesberg Big Five Game Reserve.

Dining:

There are plenty of dining options in and around Pilanesberg. The Bakubung Bush Lodge restaurant, located inside the game reserve, offers excellent cuisine along with stunning views of the park. The restaurant at the Sun City Casino serves everything from sushi to steak.

If you’re in the mood for something unique, visit the Groot Marico Farmers Market. This vibrant market sells fresh produce, homemade preserves, and handcrafted goods, and is a perfect spot to grab lunch or a snack.

Cultural Experiences:

To immerse yourself in the local culture, there are several experiences worth trying. Learn about traditional African dances and music at the Letsatsing Cultural Village or visit the Pilanesberg National Park’s Interpretive Centre to learn more about the park and its wildlife.

For a more in-depth look at the history of the area, visit the Kwa Maritane Museum, located in the Bakubung Bush Lodge. This museum displays the history of the mine workers that lived in the area, as well as other cultural and historical objects.

Local History:

The Pilanesberg area has a rich history worth exploring. For an insight into the apartheid era, visit the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine Museum. This museum offers a unique perspective on the lives and struggles of the mine workers during that time.

To learn more about the Boer War, visit the Siege of Mafeking Museum, which details the history of the conflict and how it impacted the area.

Off-The-Beaten-Path:

If you’re looking for something different, consider visiting the Cradle of Humankind, located an hour and a half from Pilanesberg. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered, along with other fascinating exhibits.

Another unique attraction is the Chameleon Village, located 40 minutes outside of the game reserve. This village is home to over 160 craft and antique shops, along with restaurants and bars.

Whether you’re interested in wildlife, adventure, culture, history, or food, Pilanesberg has something for everyone. Follow this insider’s guide to make the most of your time at this unforgettable destination.