4 Day Pilanesberg Safari
South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park, located in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province, is the country’s fourth-largest wildlife reserve. The park was established in a crater formed by a volcano that erupted several million years ago.In the crater of this extinct volcano, you will find one of the most breath taking landscapes on earth.
You can check off most of the animals you want to see on your list during a 4 day Pilanesberg safari because it is home to all of the BIG 5 (elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, and lion). You could also see zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, jackals, wild cats, antelopes of varying sizes, and over 300 different species of birds.
There are 55,000 hectares of space in the park. As a direct result of the Genesis project, the majority of South Africa’s wildlife now resides in the Pilanesberg game reserve. There are about 7,000 animals living here in complete freedom.
Over the course of a four-day trip, you will get the chance to go on several game drives, with a professional guide who will show you around and tell you everything about the area’s interesting wildlife and ecology. More than 200 kilometres of roads are available in Pilanesberg for private, guided, or independent game viewing.
Do not forget to take a camera on your excursions into the park so you can capture the amazing scenery and wildlife.
You can also book 5-day Pilanesberg safaris or opt for a shorter 3-day tour or 2-day trip.
What You Can Expect on a 4 day trip to Pilanesberg
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is widely regarded as one of the best game reserves to visit in South Africa, and with good reason; the exceptional game viewing and fantastic accommodation options found throughout the reserve have established this location as a firm favourite among travellers from all over the world, including South Africans. It is at this place where one can make memories that will last a lifetime during a trip of only four days.
The location of the park makes it simple to get from the city of Johannesburg, and the journey there features a number of interesting stops along the way, including the major centre of tourism in Hartebeespoort.
Whether it is a honeymoon for two or a bushveld vacation for the family, choosing this protected area will provide a superior safari experience.
The Pilanesberg has plenty to offer for every style of traveller thanks to its extensive selection of high-end lodges. You can look forward to fruitful and action-packed game drives led by professional rangers and trackers, as well as luxurious accommodations and time to unwind.
Guided game drives in the Pilanesberg National Park ensure the best chance of wildlife sightings and it gives you small-group experience to remember.
A four-day safari will give you the following:
- Comfortable 2-hour drive transfers from Johannesburg in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Comfortable accommodation for three nights
- A morning game drive in a closed transfer vehicle enroute to your lodge
- Several open vehicle safari drives
- Meals as per the itinerary provided by your tour operator
- A more than excellent chance to spot Africa’s Big Five and much more
Day 1
Prepare to be picked up from Johannesburg or Pretoria at an early hour and driven to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is around a two to three hour journey from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, depending on traffic. However, depending on where passengers are picked up and how busy morning traffic is in that region, it could take significantly longer. In addition, pit stops may be made along the way for beverages as well as a speedy breakfast.
You will get to Pilanesberg between 9:00 and 9:15. The first part of your day at the game reserve will consist of a 2-and-a-half to three-hour game drive in the enclosed tour vehicle. The actual duration of the game drive will be determined by the number of thrilling animal sightings that occur throughout the drive and the amount of time spent at each sighting.
At the Pilanesberg Centre, which is located in an area that looks out over a large waterhole, you may enjoy a light lunch and beverages. Following the break for lunch, you will make your way to your resort (depending on where you have booked accommodations), where you will check in and drop off your things.
Your guide for the afternoon safaritour will meet you in the middle of the afternoon at your resort with an open-air safari vehicle for a two and a half to three hour long game drive (again, time depending on what you see).
Following an exciting game drive, your guide will bring you back to the lodge for the night. Before it is time to eat dinner and get some rest for the night, freshen up and take some time to relax.
Day 2 and 3
Your morning will start with a morning game drive in an open safari vehicle that will last anywhere from two and a half to three hours, so make sure to get up early and have some hot beverages and rusks before you head out. Again, the length of the game drive is contingent not only on what you see but also on how long you stop at each animal sighting.
During the middle of the morning, you will make your way back to your lodge for a breakfast. After that, you can relax or enjoy some of the resort’s other amenities. You can arrange your own lunch at the restaurant on site.
Your guide for the afternoon safari tour will meet you between 16:00 and 16:30, when you can hop on an open-air safari vehicle for a two and a half to three hour long wildlife drive (again, time depends on what you see).
Following an exciting game drive, your guide will bring you back to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Day 4
Your last morning game drive in an open safari vehicle will last anywhere from two and a half to three hours, so make sure to get up early and have some hot beverages and rusks before you head out. Again, the length of the game drive is contingent not only on what you see but also on how long you stop at each animal sighting.
You will return to your resort for a sumptuous breakfast before packing up to leave the resort and go off into the bushveld in a closed tour vehicle for your final game drive. You may make another stop at the Pilanesberg Centre for lunch and other refreshments before exiting the game reserve and continuing your journey to Johannesburg.
Your arrival in the city will be depended on both the traffic in the late afternoon and the location where you need to be dropped off.
Generally included in your tour price
- Transfers in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Someguided game drives in Pilanesberg National Park
- Three nights’ accommodation at a resort
- Dinner and breakfast as per itinerary
Lunch mealsare usually excluded, as are all personal expenses.
FAQ
1. Is a 4 day safari enough to spend in the Pilanesberg National Park?
Yes, you can experience most of what the park offers over four days and have enough time to relax or spend on all the activities offered at your resort.
1. Can you do a privateguidedsafari into the Pilanesberg National Park?
Yes, some tour operators offer privatesafaris with your own guide and vehicle.
2. How long does a game drive last in the Pilanesberg National Park?
Depending on your sightings, it usually lasts between two and three and a half hours.
3. Are there a choice of options to spend a night in the Pilanesberg National Park?
Yes, there is a variety of accommodation options available, from basic chalets to luxurious lodges.
