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Dawn over a waterhole in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

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Pilanesberg

Pilanesberg is a malaria-free game reserve in an old crater, beside Sun City and a few hours from Johannesburg.

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Dawn over a waterhole in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

Pilanesberg Safaris

Looking for a got-it-all family holiday? A Pilanesberg safari takes you to a malaria-free, Big 5 destination set next to super-resort Sun City - ask us how.

Dawn over a waterhole in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

  • Big 5 Safaris Ideal for All Safari-Goers

    Only a couple of hours from Johannesburg and right on the doorstep of the world-famous Sun City resort, the easily accessible Pilanesberg National Park offers its visitors a genuine safari experience with phenomenal big game viewing and a wide choice of safari activities.

  • The Wildlife & Landscape

    Home to Africa's Big 5, a Pilanesberg safari is often marked by excellent sightings of elephant, lion and rhino as well as cheetah, brown hyena and a colourful collection of birds. Enjoy the guided morning and afternoon game drives as well as spot-lit night drives that deliver close-up big game viewing, or take to the sky in a hot air balloon for panoramic views.

    And what views Pilanesberg has: set within the slopes of an extinct volcanic crater and centred around a teeming lake, this vast and varied reserve is without doubt one the most beautiful wilderness areas for a South Africa safari. The striking landscapes and abundant wildlife make for fantastic photography, and since the whole region lies outside the malarial belt you don't have to worry about anti-malarial medication either.

  • Why Visit Pilanesberg

    Malaria-free and next door to Sun City? Little wonder a Pilanesberg safari is a top choice with families! There's a superb selection of family-friendly lodges at Pilanesberg, each offering educational and – most importantly – fun activities that will leave kids feeling like junior rangers. Honeymooners are catered for too and can enjoy romantic extras such as candlelit dining on their private balcony or relaxing treatments at an award-winning spa.

  • When to Visit

    All in all, Pilanesberg is a hassle-free destination ideal for families, first-time safari-goers or anyone short of time but in the mood for a Big 5 safari – just bear in mind that the convenient setting does mean that the 55 000 hectare park can get busy, especially during South African school holidays. Simply contact one of our Africa Safari Experts and they'll help you plan your Pilanesberg safari, giving expert advice on the best time to travel and which lodges would suit your safari style and budget.

  • What travellers most enjoyed about Pilanesberg

    • Bird watching

    • Hot air ballooning

    • Scenery

    • Wildlife and safari

Where to go

When to go

  • Dawn over a waterhole in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

    When to go

    Winter mornings are cold and the viewing is good. Summer afternoons storm. The reserve is open all year.

Travel advice

  • Dawn over a waterhole in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

    Before you travel

    This north-west corner is one of the malaria-free safari areas. Confirm with a clinic for your dates. Drive on the left.

Popular tours and safaris in Pilanesberg

Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.

Browse all tours

  • From KSh307,072 to KSh448,597 pps

    Sustainable Cape Luxury
    Cape Cadogan Residence Bedroom Landscape 44 days

    Highlights

    A visit with a local community.

    Destinations visited

    Cape Town | South Africa

  • From KSh369,395 to KSh510,271 pps

    Eco-Retreat: The Grootbos Experience
    Garden Lodge Lounge4 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    South Africa | Western Cape

  • From KSh523,904 pps

    Train Journey to Vic Falls
    Day1 BoardRovos54 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives.

    Destinations visited

    Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe

  • From KSh425,226 pps

    Pretoria to Cape Town Journey
    Rovos Rail RVR KimberleyStation HRes4 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Cape Town | South Africa

  • From KSh523,904 pps

    Train Journey to Vic Falls
    Day1 BoardRovos54 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe

  • From KSh557,014 to KSh603,107 pps

    5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
    Simbavati River Lodge 15 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Kruger Private Reserves | South Africa

  • From KSh810,851 to KSh814,097 pps

    Mid-Range 5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
    Savanna private game reserve5 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives.

    Destinations visited

    Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa

  • From KSh1,470,438 to KSh1,663,900 pps

    Luxury 5-Day Essential Kruger Safari
    Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge5 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives.

    Destinations visited

    Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa

Best Pilanesberg Safari Lodges

Accommodation in Pilanesberg National Park ranges from family-friendly safari camps to more exclusive lodges – enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. If you’re looking for a safari to complement your Sun City holiday, our selection of Pilanesberg accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your South Africa holiday so much simpler.

Filter Your Results

Travellers
CoupleFamilyGroup (2 or more)Solo
Activities
Game drivesNight drivesGuided walking safarisPrivate vehicle with driverSpecialist guidesCultural visitsConservation projectsStar gazingSleep-out experience available
Wildlife Experiences
Historical toursBird watchingGorilla trackingChimp trackingMonkey trackingRhino trackingWhale watchingTurtle nesting excursionsShark cage diving
Food & Drink
Bush diningPicnicsFine dining experiencePrivate dining experienceWine tastingCooking lessons
Aerial activities
Hot air ballooningHelicopter flightsScenic flightsMicro-lightingBungee jumpingSky diving
Water activities
Boat excursionsMokoro trailsFishingCanoeingKayakingSailingWind-surfingKite surfingStand-up paddle boardingSurfingWater-skiingWhite-water raftingSnorkellingScuba diving
Sport & Wellness
HikingQuad-bikingJogging trailsSpa treatmentsYogaHorse riding
Accommodation Types
Boutique HotelBush CampCountry HouseGuesthouseHotelHouseLodgeView all 'Accommodation Types'(5)Mobile Tented CampResortTented CampTented LodgeVillaPer person sharing
Meal plan
Bed and BreakfastFull boardFull inclusiveHalf boardShowing 1 to 5 of 5 results

A named stay for Pilanesberg is not on a published itinerary yet. Get a quote and the camp can be written in.

Costs

Pilanesberg costs less than Madikwe or Sabi Sands. A resort night at Sun City can change the bill more than the park fee.

International flights, visas, and tips sit outside the sample price. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.