Malala-Tau Tours & Safaris
North West · Wildlife

Pilanesberg
National Park

Malaria-free Big Five in an extinct volcanic crater, two hours from Johannesburg. Seven ways to do it, from a day safari to a three-day weekend.

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Why Pilanesberg

The Most Practical Big Five Day in South Africa

An extinct volcanic crater where the dry Kalahari and the wet Lowveld ecosystems overlap — which is why the game viewing is as good as it is, in a malaria-free reserve close enough to Johannesburg to do in a day.

Distance
~2 hrs from Johannesburg
Malaria
Malaria-free
Wildlife
Big Five
Departs
Johannesburg & Pretoria
Seven Products

Pilanesberg Packages

Every package includes Johannesburg return transport, park entrance, a guided wildlife experience, a professional Malala-Tau guide and bottled water.

Full DayBig FiveMost popular

Pilanesberg Big Five Day Safari

The full day. Johannesburg return transport, park entrance, a guided wildlife experience, professional guide and bottled water.

  • Park entrance included
  • Guided game viewing
  • Bottled water
FromR2,950Per person
Half / Full DayFrom the resortBest value

Pilanesberg Safari from Sun City

For guests already staying at Sun City — a guided Big Five safari without the Johannesburg transfer.

  • Collection at Sun City
  • Park entrance included
FromR1,950Per person
Full DaySafari + Resort

Pilanesberg + Sun City

A Big Five morning game drive followed by an afternoon at the resort — the most requested North West day out of Johannesburg.

  • Morning game drive
  • Afternoon at Sun City
  • Valley of Waves optional
FromR3,450Per person
2 Days / 1 NightOvernight

Pilanesberg 2-Day Safari Escape

An overnight stay means two prime game-viewing windows instead of one — the early morning and the late afternoon, which is when the reserve is at its best.

  • 1 night accommodation
  • Two game-viewing sessions
FromR6,950Per person sharing
3 Days / 2 NightsWeekend

Pilanesberg Weekend Safari

Two nights in the reserve area with time to explore different sections of the park, and enough margin for the sightings to come to you.

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Multiple game drives
  • Sun City add-on available
FromR10,950Per person sharing
Full DayPrivate vehicleLuxury

Private / Luxury Pilanesberg Safari

Your own vehicle and guide for the day, with the pace and the route set entirely by you.

  • Private vehicle
  • Dedicated guide
  • Flexible timing
FromR5,950Per person
Full DaySpecial interest

Photographic Safari

Designed for photographers, content creators and wildlife enthusiasts — timed around the light, with the patience a good sighting actually needs.

  • Golden-hour timing
  • Unhurried at sightings
  • Guide who understands the shot
FromR3,950Per person
Prices are “from” prices, subject to availability, seasonality, supplier tariffs, accommodation, group size and final itinerary confirmation. Park and activity fees may change without notice. Child rates are destination-specific.
What You Might See

Big Five Country

Lion on the road in Pilanesberg National Park
LionOften on the road itself
Elephant herd crossing in Pilanesberg
ElephantBreeding herds in the crater
Buffalo herd in Pilanesberg National Park
BuffaloIn numbers, at the water
Giraffe on a Pilanesberg game drive
GiraffeAnd plenty besides
Pilanesberg

Two Hours from
Johannesburg

Combine it with Sun City, Ukutula or the Elephant Sanctuary and make a weekend of it.