Pilanesberg National Park in 1 Day for Families - Morning and afternoon open-vehicle game drives (total ~5 hours wildlife viewing)
In Collaboration with Deeprift Ventours. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Shared full-day safari from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park (malaria-free). Return transport, park entry, experienced guide, open-vehicle game drives, bottled water and a light lunch included. Early pick-up from Johannesburg/Sandton/Pretoria; typical pick-up 05:30.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Deeprift Ventours, inspired by the tour Full Day Exquisite Pilanesberg Safari Tours from Johannesburg. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Morning and afternoon open-vehicle game drives (total ~5 hours wildlife viewing)
- Malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park — chance to see the Big Five
- Lunch at a lodge restaurant with wildlife-view opportunities
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day Pilanesberg safari departing early from Johannesburg with two open-vehicle game drives, lunch at a park lodge, and return to Johannesburg in the evening.
Hotel pick-up in Johannesburg / Sandton / Pretoria
Meet your registered driver/guide at the agreed pick-up point. Standard shared departures start at 05:30; exact pick-up time and location will be confirmed in your booking communication.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm exact pick-up address and a local phone contact the day before — drivers collect from hotels, guesthouses and agreed meeting points.
- Have photo ID or passport handy for check-in at park gates and for any vehicle sign-in; keep small items in a day bag for the game drives.
- Bring a lightweight jacket for the early morning transfer; children may need an extra layer before sunrise.
Scenic drive via Hartebeestpoort Dam
Drive north toward Pilanesberg with a scenic passage past the Hartebeestpoort Dam area (route subject to pick-up location). Guides will point out notable features along the way.
Tips from local experts:
- Window seats give better views of the dam and landscapes — swap seats gently among family members for photos.
- Keep cameras/phones charged and easy to reach; signal may be intermittent outside urban areas.
- Children should remain seated with seatbelts fastened during the transfer; bring motion-sickness remedies if needed.
Short coffee & restroom stop
Brief break to stretch legs, use facilities and buy refreshments before continuing to Pilanesberg. Stop location depends on routing and timing.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the restroom at this stop—park facilities inside Pilanesberg are available but can be busier during peak times.
- If travelling with young children bring familiar snacks and a refillable water bottle; bottled water is provided on the tour.
- Carry small change or a card depending on the stop; not all rural stops accept all payment types.
Arrive Pilanesberg National Park (entry and brief orientation)
Arrive at Pilanesberg National Park; driver/guide completes park entry formalities and gives a short safety and conduct briefing before the open vehicle game drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep passports/ID accessible for entry; the guide will handle vehicle paperwork but you may be asked for ID.
- Follow the guide’s safety briefing — do not exit the vehicle in the park and keep noise to a minimum for better wildlife viewing.
- Apply sunscreen and reapply as needed; winter mornings are cool but midday sun can be strong.
Morning open-vehicle game drive
Three-hour guided open-vehicle safari focusing on morning wildlife activity. Guides will search for the Big Five and other species while providing commentary suitable for families.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom; keep your hands and cameras inside the vehicle unless the guide advises otherwise.
- Dress in neutral-colored, layered clothing — mornings can be chilly and warm up quickly by mid-morning.
- Young children should stay seated and use the provided seat where available; infants must not sit on laps per operator rules.
Lunch at lodge restaurant (Bakubung or Kwa Maritane dependent on day and availability)
Light lunch served at a park lodge restaurant. On many departures lunch is enjoyed at Bakubung Bush Lodge or Kwa Maritane Lodge; menus offer family-friendly options. Drinks during lunch are available to purchase.
Tips from local experts:
- Notify us of dietary requirements at booking so the lodge can prepare suitable options for children and guests with allergies.
- Supervise small children around viewing areas and lodge perimeters; wildlife may be visible from dining terraces—keep a safe distance.
- If you need baby food or specific child-friendly items, bring them—lodge menus vary and may have limited children’s menu options.
Afternoon open-vehicle safari
Second game drive in open vehicle to continue wildlife viewing in a different zone of the park; good opportunity to find species missed in the morning and capture late-afternoon photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep noise to a minimum and follow guide instructions—animals may be more relaxed in the afternoon.
- Bring a light snack or motion-friendly treat for children to maintain energy during the second drive.
- If the guide offers seat changes for better viewing, coordinate quietly with other guests to keep the vehicle calm.
Return transfer to Johannesburg (minibus/shared vehicle)
Board the minibus for the return drive to Johannesburg. Use this time to rest, review photos and ask the guide any follow-up questions about what you saw.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep travel documents and personal items with you during the transfer; drivers will return you to your original pick-up/drop-off point where possible.
- If travelling with tired children, bring a small travel blanket and pillow for the drive back.
- Traffic can vary — remain flexible; estimated travel time back to Johannesburg is typically 2.5–3 hours depending on pickup location and traffic.
Drop-off at hotel in Johannesburg
Arrive back at your hotel or agreed drop-off point in Johannesburg. Driver/guide will confirm final drop-off and provide any necessary feedback or lost-and-found checks.
Tips from local experts:
- Check that you have all personal items, cameras, and chargers before leaving the vehicle; confirm any lost items with the driver immediately.
- If your children are very tired, request assistance from the driver to help with local directions to your room or luggage handling at the hotel entrance.
- If you require further transport or an extended stay in the area, arrange this directly with your hotel reception — the guide can advise approximate arrival times.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Break, Attraction, Experience, Meal, Hotel |