A Pilanesberg overnight safari from Johannesburg is ideal to explore the big five African wildlife on a limited time schedule. Only a 2 hour scenic drive northwest of Johannesburg and Pretoria is the Pilanesberg National Park, making this the ideal Big 5 overnight safari from Johannesburg.

Black Rhino Lodge at Pilanesberg for a Big 5 overnight safari experience

Black Rhino Lodge in Pilanesberg for a Big5 overnight safari experience

The Best Big 5 overnight Safari from Johannesburg

The Go SAfari one or two night overnight safari tour from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg is structured to offer you the best wildlife activity and sightings possible on a short stay. There are a variety of game lodges in Pilanesberg, from the more economical large family orientated Bakubung Bush Lodge and Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, to the opulent 5 star Tshukudu Bush Lodge in the center of Pilanesberg and Shepherds Tree Lodge is very good larger 5 star lodge in Pilanesberg offering luxury accommodation and award winning Spa’s. For a more genuine safari experience Pilanesberg Private Lodge, Tambuti Lodge (5-star) and Black Rhino Lodge in the private concession area of Pilanesberg are great.

The three hour early morning and late afternoon/sunset safari game drive is hosted by a qualified, Pilanesberg Parks Board field guide driving an open safari vehicle allowing you the best opportunity to see the African wildlife on this overnight safari tour. The vehicles are in radio contact with each other so you have a better chance of finding the animals. You will enjoy both safaris on each day you say a one safari lodges in Pilanesberg. Open Safari vehicles are specially designed 22 seater trucks, the 5 star lodges use 9 seater 4x4 vehicles.

Includes :
  • Collect/drop-off service and return transfers in a luxury air-conditioned seven-seater microbus or sedan from the central, northern and western areas of Johannesburg
  • One or two nights' luxury accommodation at one of the seven lodges in Pilanesberg
  • Buffet breakfast and dinner daily – some lodges include all meals
  • A sunrise and a late afternoon/sunset open vehicle safari game drive per day
  • VAT & Tourism Levy
  • Great Memories and hopefully just as great pictures
Excludes :
  • All drinks and lunches
  • Curio purchases
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Transfers and entrance fees to Sun City

More About the Pilanesberg Overnight Safari

The overnight safari tour to Pilanesberg can be two, three or even four days, departing Johannesburg at 09h30 (Winter - May to August) and departing at 10h30 (Summer - September to April) and returning to Johannesburg at 16h30 on the last day. We can drive guests directly back to Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Airport from the lodge.

Some of what to expect

It is considered one of the world’s most incredible geological phenomena as it is the site of one of the largest volcanic complexes of its type in the world. The large alkaline rock ring complex was formed during a massive volcanic eruption 1 200 – 1 300 million years ago with the remnants of the explosion still seen today, despite heavy erosion of landscape, in the remnants of lava flow and angular rock fragments called breccia.

The Pilanesberg National Park is unique as it is in one of only 3 alkaline volcano crates in the world and is characterized by impressive volcanic mountain forms and rolling savannah grasslands over 1300 million years old. These impressive features have created one of the most topographically diverse Reserves to be found in South Africa. A major reason for the diversity of animals in Pilanesberg is that it lies in the transition zone between the arid Kalahari in the west and the bushveld of the Northwest Province. The seven different habitats in Pilanesberg attract and cultivate prolific animal and birdlife, making this the ideal one day safari tour destination.

In a single decade the Pilanesberg has become a leading wildlife destination.
What more could you want from a Big5 SAfari?


This is a Malaria free area.


Let Go SAfari design a Big 5 Pilanesberg safari for you!

Allow our experience to work for you

Many, many thanks to Susan and Glen for making the most of my mini-vacation to Black Rhino!! The lodge was great, the game drives were fun and I'm so grateful to Susan for the lift and great company to and from the reserve.

JanetUSA