4 Days Southern Africa Safari to Pilanesberg Game Reserve
This 4 Days Southern Africa Safari to Pilanesberg Game Reserve in the malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve, nestled within the crater of an ancient volcano just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg. This exclusive Southern Africa Safari offers remarkable opportunities to spot the Big Five while staying at the luxurious Lodge, perfectly positioned within the Black Rhino Game Reserve section of Pilanesberg.
Your Southern Africa Safari adventure combines thrilling game drives with exceptional comfort, as expert guides navigate the diverse landscapes of this 55,000-hectare wilderness known locally as "Pilwe" (the stone of lightning). The Southern Africa Safari experience becomes truly unforgettable as you witness spectacular wildlife interactions against dramatic backdrops of volcanic mountains and pristine bushveld.
This carefully crafted Southern Africa Safari itinerary balances exciting wildlife encounters with relaxation time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil rhythms of the African bush. From sunrise game drives to sundowner stops overlooking the Mankwe Dam, each moment of your Southern Africa Safari delivers authentic connections with nature while enjoying five-star hospitality.
Tour highlights
Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles
Expert tracking of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
Scenic sundowners in pristine wilderness locations
Opportunities to spot over 300 bird species
Traditional boma dinners under African stars
Traversing the unique circular geological formations
Personalized service with expert safari guides
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled game drives and activities
- Luxury accommodation at Lodge (3 nights)
- Full board meals (lunch and dinner on day 1; breakfast, lunch and dinner on days 2 and 3; breakfast on day 4)
- Coffee, tea, and bottled water in safari vehicles
- Professional English-speaking field guides
- Services of lodge staff and rangers
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- South African Visa (where applicable)
- International and domestic flights
- Transportation to/from Pilanesberg (self-drive or arranged transfers)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities and excursions
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and Check-in at the Lodge
Your Southern Africa Safari begins with a self-drive journey from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg, traveling approximately 150km through the North West Province's scenic terrain. The Southern Africa Safari experience continues as you arrive at the exclusive Tambuti Lodge in the Black Rhino Game Reserve section by 13:00, where a welcome drink and delicious lunch await. Your afternoon Southern Africa Safari activity features a 3-hour game drive through diverse habitats of the ancient volcano crater, with a magical sundowner stop at "Ratlhaga" (place of the setting sun) before returning to enjoy a traditional South African dinner under the stars.
- Day2Morning and Evening Game Drives in Pilanesburg Game Reserve
Dawn breaks over your Southern Africa Safari as you depart at 5:30 AM for an early morning game drive through Pilanesberg's western corridors. This Southern Africa Safari excursion takes you to the renowned Mankwe Dam, where diverse wildlife gathers as the African sun illuminates the landscape. Your Southern Africa Safari Day continues with leisure time at the lodge's pool before an afternoon game drive exploring the Tlhololo Loop (whispering hills), where skilled trackers help locate secretive predators amid the volcanic landscape during the 3-hour safari experience.
- Day3Game Drive in Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Your Southern Africa Safari adventure intensifies with a specialized predator tracking expedition departing at 5:30 AM toward the eastern sections of Pilanesberg National Park. The morning Southern Africa Safari drive explores the Kubu Drive and Lenong Viewpoint, offering spectacular vistas across the 55,000-hectare reserve from heights of over 1,200 meters. The afternoon Southern Africa Safari continues after a sumptuous lunch, taking you through the Manyane region for approximately 3.5 hours, where elephants and buffalo herds frequent the lush vegetation surrounding the ancient volcanic rings.
- Day4Morning Game Drive and Departure
The final day of your Southern Africa Safari begins with a farewell game drive at 5:30 AM through the southern sectors of Pilanesberg. This memorable Southern Africa Safari morning focuses on tracking rhinos across the "Dithabaneng" (place of many hills) area, where these magnificent creatures often graze in the early light. Your Southern Africa Safari concludes with a celebratory breakfast on Tambuti Lodge's deck overlooking the bushveld before check-out at 11:00, followed by your return journey to Johannesburg, completing a perfect wilderness immersion just 2.5 hours from South Africa's largest city.