South Africa · PILANESBERG & SUN CITY TOURS

The 15 Best Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours

30 tours  ·  from $41 a head

Pilanesberg is Big Five, malaria free and close enough to do from Johannesburg in a day. These 15 compare the game drives, the Sun City add-ons and the overnight versions on price, vehicle type and how long you actually spend in the park.

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari - The early pickup and the road to the reserve
National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

1.Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,327 reviews · 12 hours · from $186Our pick

Leave Johannesburg early for Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, where you’ll spend 4.5 to 5 hours on two open-vehicle game drives. Guides such as Petrus, Martin, and Desmond are known for sharp animal-spotting and easy humor. Expect elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and hundreds of bird species, with lions and leopards possible but never promised.

“A very enjoyable day with lunch included. Our guide Doreen was very knowledgeable. We got to see a fair few animals in their natural habitat. Around five hours on the game drive, plenty of opportunities to see the big 5 if you are lucky. Unfortunately we didn’t see any of the big cats but that’s the nature of a Safari”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria - The first open-vehicle safari drive
Full-Day, National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

2.Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 718 reviews · from $159

Start early with door-to-door pickup, then ride into Pilanesberg National Park for morning and afternoon open-vehicle safaris. A park guide such as Clement or Sibu may lead the drives, with lunch at Pilanesberg Center overlooking a waterhole. The small-group tour costs $159.89 and includes park fees, transport, and both drives.

“Our driver showed up on time for the hotel pick up. The van accommodated 12 and the safari bus for 8. The company communicated efficiently. It took close to 3 hours to get to the national park but once we got there everything moved efficient. We stopped for restroom and food. We had the best tour guides. We saw 4 of the 5 big game and several other animals. This is one of the best adventure tours ever. Our guides went above and beyond to find every animal you can imagine and allowed us to use their binoculars. The weather was perfect - no issues with bugs. Amazing lunch where…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Pilanesberg Experience in Open Vehicle - Morning open 4x4 drive, about three hours
Full-Day, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

Full Day Pilanesberg Experience in Open Vehicle

3.Full Day Pilanesberg Experience in Open Vehicle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 414 reviews · from $137

Leave Johannesburg around 6:00 a.m. for Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, where a park guide takes you on a three-hour open 4x4 drive, lunch, and a two-hour afternoon drive. Guides such as Petrus, Chris, and Thaboo are praised for clear wildlife explanations. Expect a long day, a small group of up to 10, and about five hours of safari time.

“Amazing experience. Had a great time from the moment we were picked up from our hotel. Would definitely recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Sun City: Pilanesberg National Park 3-Hour Game Drive - Why Pilanesberg works so well from Sun City
3-Hour Experiences, City Tours, National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews, Tours in Pilanesberg

From Sun City: Pilanesberg National Park 3-Hour Game Drive

4.From Sun City: Pilanesberg National Park 3-Hour Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · from $49Best value

Travel from Sun City into Pilanesberg National Park for a 3-hour drive in a 25-seater open safari vehicle. A registered English-speaking guide, such as Jeremy, BY, Peter, or MK, leads the search for elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and other wildlife. Bring warm layers, binoculars, and a camera.

“Our guide, BY was amazing. He was so knowledgeable, helpful and skilled at finding where the animals were hiding. He was fabulous and our experience was unforgettable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience - What the Park Stop Feels Like
Full-Day, National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Sandboarding & Dune Adventures, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Johannesburg

Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience

5.Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · from $155Top rated

Leave Johannesburg before sunrise for a full day in Pilanesberg National Park. An open safari jeep gives you clear side views for photos, while guides such as Peter, Tummy, and Ambos help find lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and more. The $155.29 price includes transfers, park fees, lunch, and water, but not breakfast.

“This was such an amazing and once in a lifetime experience! We saw 4 out of the big 5. This was just awesome! I would definitely recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Pilanesberg Safari Adventure - The morning drive: two to three hours in an open vehicle
Full-Day, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews, Tours in Pilanesberg

Full Day Pilanesberg Safari Adventure

6.Full Day Pilanesberg Safari Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · from $121

Spend about six hours in Pilanesberg National Park with morning and afternoon open vehicle drives, a light lunch, and a small group of up to 10 people. Meet at Bakubung Gate or Sun City Resort. Guides such as Tumi and Elvis are praised for wildlife knowledge and radio contact with other vehicles. Johannesburg transfers are not included.

“A brilliant day. Tumi was a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable about every animal, bird, tree and plant which made the day special. We saw a lot of wonderful animals and the venue is spectacular. All the staff were friendly. Can’t wait to return”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg - Open-air safari: the main event
Full-Day, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

7.Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari from Johannesburg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · from $204

Leave Johannesburg at 5:30 am with hotel pickup and ride to Pilanesberg National Park, passing Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg mountains. Enjoy about five hours of open-vehicle safari, a one-hour lodge lunch, and return transport. Jason, Bernard, Lizzie, Nico, and Sisi are among the guides associated with the experience.

“This was a very enjoyable and memorable experience. We were able to get close to the animals and learn a great deal from the guides. It was a long ride from Johannesburg but the driver was very pleasant and accommodating… definitely recommend this experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

3-Hour Private Game Drive of Pilanesberg National Park - The animals you might see in Pilanesberg
3-Hour Experiences, National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Private, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews

3-Hour Private Game Drive of Pilanesberg National Park

8.3-Hour Private Game Drive of Pilanesberg National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews

Spend three hours in Pilanesberg National Park with only your group and a field guide in a 10-seat open safari vehicle. Your guide may be Captain B, Godfrey, Greg, MK, or Peter. Look for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopard, hippos, giraffes, and zebra while learning about animal behavior and conservation.

“Desde o atendimento na hora di compra até o safári, tudo ótimo! Pontualidade, simpatia... amamos o safari”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilanesberg National Park/Sun City Hot Air Balloon Safari - The early start and open-vehicle transfer
Balloons, City Tours, National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews, Tours in Pilanesberg

Pilanesberg National Park/Sun City Hot Air Balloon Safari

9.Pilanesberg National Park/Sun City Hot Air Balloon Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 63 reviews · 4 hours · from $421

Leave Sun City or a Pilanesberg lodge before sunrise for an open safari-vehicle ride to the launch site. After a 45-minute to one-hour balloon flight, enjoy sparkling wine, a flight certificate, and a full English breakfast at a private lodge. English-speaking guides lead this shared experience.

“The hot air balloon was so peaceful and our pilot was made it an amazing adventure. He was very good and made our trip very enjoyable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Johannesburg: 2-Day 4-Star Pilanesberg Safari - Leaving Johannesburg for the park
2-Day Experiences, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

Johannesburg: 2-Day 4-Star Pilanesberg Safari

10.2-Day 4-Star Pilanesberg Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 61 reviews · 2 days · from $609

Travel from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg for four game drives in open 4x4 vehicles and a closed minivan. Stay at a 4-star lodge with dinner and breakfast, and rise early for a sunrise drive. Guide assignments vary, though Moloko has been praised for her care and effort.

“Mye for pengene! Nydelig sted og veldig god mat!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3-Hour Scheduled Safari Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park - Three hours inside Pilanesberg National Park
3-Hour Experiences, National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews, Tours in Pilanesberg

3-Hour Scheduled Safari Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park

11.3-Hour Scheduled Safari Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $54

Travel from Sun City into Pilanesberg National Park for a 3-hour shared safari in an open vehicle. A certified guide such as Tiaan explains animal behavior, park history, and the search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and birds. Fees, bottled water, and park entry are included.

“Tiaan is an incredible guide! His passion for the animals is unbelievable! He went above and beyond for us to see as many animals as possible. His intellect on the animals and surroundings was outstanding!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3-Hour Shared Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park - Pickup from Sun City and the short ride to the gate
3-Hour Experiences, National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews, Tours in Pilanesberg

3-Hour Shared Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park

12.3-Hour Shared Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 38 reviews · 3 hours · from $56

Join a small group of up to 10 for a 3-hour open-vehicle safari from Sun City into Pilanesberg National Park. An English-speaking certified wildlife guide leads the drive, helping you look for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and birds. Bottled water is included, while park fees are extra.

“Excellent guide, very knowledgeable and good communication. Efficient transfer to and from hotel. Love the smaller group size. Highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari - The open jeep and the closed minibus choice
Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews, Tours in Pilanesberg, Wildlife

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari

13.Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · 12 hours · from $263

Travel from Johannesburg or Pretoria to Pilanesberg National Park for two game drives in an open safari vehicle, with a closed minibus option available. Your driver, such as Jason, handles the long transfer, while park guides including Peter and James explain the wildlife. Lunch, water, park fees, and hotel pickup are included.

“Nosso transporte feito pelo sr. Jason foi tranquilo e pontual, ida e vinda. Muito atencioso e solícito. Nosso tour pelo parque foi muito legal, não vimos os Big Five, apenas w deles, mas vimos muitos outros animais. E o mais divertido foi a briga de girafas e os elefantes invadindo a rua, passando ao lado do carro e até indo atrás. O motorista Peter foi muito bem nas explicações.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria - The 4:00 am pickup and long road day
Morning, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Pretoria, Tour Reviews, Tours in Pretoria

Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

14.Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $255

Leave Johannesburg or Pretoria around 4:00 am for a private transfer to Pilanesberg, then spend about six hours on a sunrise SUV safari. Your guide, possibly Anton, Willie, or Norman, tracks wildlife while you look for the Big 5. Lunch at Bakubung Bush Lodge, park fees, water, and hotel or airport transfers are included.

“The guide: William (Willie) was amazing! Willie delighted us with a wealth of information about all facets of South Africa and surrounding regions, from the time we were picked up until the time we were dropped off. From politics, to animals, mining operations, trees...you namRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilanesberg Full-Day Shared Safari with Sun City Visit - The 6:00 AM departure from Johannesburg
City Tours, Full-Day, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

Pilanesberg Full-Day Shared Safari with Sun City Visit

15.Pilanesberg Full-Day Shared Safari with Sun City Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · from $290

Leave Johannesburg at 6:00 AM for Pilanesberg, with a three-hour open 4x4 drive, time at Sun City, and an afternoon minibus drive. Guides such as Vincent and Jim provide clear explanations, with English, French, and Portuguese available. The $290 price includes transport and entry fees, but not lunch.

“Super organized! Our guide Vincent took care of all our wishes. So we had an unforgettable day Thanks a lot to Vincent!! This tour is a total must-try The safari was actually private.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours

★ 5.0Sun City: Letsatsing Game Park Nature Trail Quad Bike TourFrom $414 reviews
★ 3.7Sun City: Pilanesberg National Park Bush WalkFrom $583 reviews
★ 5.0South Africa Joburg: Pilanesberg National Park Day TourFrom $1984 reviews
★ 4.8Pilanesberg National ParkFrom $2488 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Safari Adventure from JohannesburgFrom $2884 reviews
★ 4.1Full Day Sun City & Pilanesberg Nature ReserveFrom $3517 reviews
★ 5.0Pilanesberg National Park 3 Day SafariFrom $1,1523 reviews
★ 4.1Pilanesberg National Park SafariFrom $22111 reviews
★ 4.7Evening Pilanesberg Safari Tour from Sun CityFrom $593 reviews

Keep browsing

Safari & Game Drives317Kruger National Park Safaris75Addo Elephant Park Tours57Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries57National Parks101
Scroll to Top

Explore South Africa

Pick a park, a coastline or a city.

The Cape

Table MountainCape PointBoulders BeachRobben IslandBo-Kaap

Safari

Game DrivesKrugerPilanesbergAddoWildlife Parks

Food and wine

Wine TastingsWinelands DaysSouth African FoodFood ToursVillage Visits

On the water

Whale WatchingShark CageBoat TripsPaddlingNational Parks