Pilanesberg Game Reserve 6 Hour Sunrise Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria
Active
11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Private Safari! See the Big 5 and be back at your hotel in Johannesburg/Pretoria the same day! Yes, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, roaming wild. Trip is private in one of our game viewing suvs with big opening windows & sunroof. No need to share the big 25 seaters open truck or be forced to take pictures through a closed minibus window. We go further, stay longer, see more! Our guides are Pilanesberg experts. Spend several hours on a safari, reaching distant parts of the reserve. Lunch at the lodge on a viewing deck overlooking the reserve. There is an option of changing to an open safari vehicle (OSV) for part of you safari. The OSV drives are 3 hours long.
Available options
Spring Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the Sunrise Game Drive. This allows sightings for the early morning activities of the animals before the day warms up.<br/>Pickup included
Autumn Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the Sunrise Game Drive. This allows sightings for the early morning activities of the animals before the day warms up.<br/>Duration: 11 hours: Getting to Pilanesberg from Johannesburg or Pretoria takes 2 1/2 to 2 hours. So you will be in the reserve for 6-7 hours.<br/>Lunch/Brunch: The sunny dining terrace of Bakubung lodge affords wonderful views of the reserve and often animals in close proximity<br/>Best vehicle for the group: We use either a large maneuverable SUV or a combination of mini-coach and open safari vehicle<br/>Pickup included
Winter Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the sunrise. This is when the animals are most active.<br/>Duration: 11 hours: It takes 2-2 1/2 hours to get to the reserve and so you have 6-7 hours on safari and having lunch<br/>Brunch/Lunch: The sunny dining terrace of Bakubung Lodge has unrivalled views of the reserve and often animals coming closeby<br/>Best vehicle for groups size: We use a large maneuverable SUV or a combo of comfortable mini-coach and open safari vehicle<br/>Pickup included
Summer Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning departure to get to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for the Sunrise Game Drive. This allows sightings for the early morning activities of the animals before the day warms up.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
National Park fees
Brunch/Lunch
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Few major cities in the world can boast a Big 5 malaria free game reserve on their doorsteps, as Johannesburg can. Explore Big 5 wildlife in Pilanesberg National Park at sunrise, the best time of the day for a safari. Pickup and drop back to hotel or to airport or vice versa with our expert professional tour guides, make for a super convenient tour with a riveting wildlife experience.Besides it’s magnificent Big 5 and all the other iconic African mega fauna , the Pilanesberg National Park's position inside the eroded caldera of a 1,200-million-year-old volcano makes for interesting and impressive landscapes and vistas. Mmilo Tours will take you there on safari every day of the week. We will personalise your private safari. Over the past 10 years, we have conducted innumerable private and small group safari tours for overseas business visitors, families, small groups and single individuals.Timing is crucial. Sunrise (ranges from 5.00am in Summer to 6.30am in Winter) is the best time to see the “Big Cats" and other predators as dawn and dusk are their major hunting times. Drop back to your hotel or airport is 11 hours after pick up. It’s a longish day but being there at dawn makes it worth it!
2
The views of the reserve and the waterhole where the animals drink from the dining terrace is wonderful and so is the food!
3
We will pass through this area which is the most scenic of the region. The Magaliesberg is 3 billion years old the world's second-oldest mountain range. Created at the same time as the world's richest platinum metal deposits now mined closeby.
What's not included
Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Breakfast
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
26 reviews
5★
24
4★
2
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant meals not included
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• You can bring along a packed breakfast and eat this on your journey to the park
About Pretoria
Pretoria, known as the Jacaranda City for its beautiful purple-blossomed trees, is the administrative capital of South Africa. It offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Union Buildings
The Union Buildings are the official seat of the South African government and a significant historical landmark. The buildings are an excellent example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
This botanical garden is home to a diverse range of indigenous plants and offers beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife.
Nature
2-3 hours
R50 for adults, R25 for children
Voortrekker Monument
This monumental structure commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century. The monument offers a museum and a tower with panoramic views of Pretoria.
Historical
1-2 hours
R30 for adults, R15 for children
Melrose House
Melrose House is a historic home that served as the headquarters of the British military during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Today, it houses a museum and a tea garden.
Historical
1 hour
R50 for adults, R25 for children
Pretoria Zoo
The Pretoria Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo offers educational programs and conservation initiatives.
Nature
2-3 hours
R120 for adults, R60 for children
Must-Try Local Dishes
Braai
Braai is a traditional South African barbecue, featuring grilled meats such as boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and steak.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be adapted for various dietary preferences
Bobotie
Bobotie is a sweet and spicy minced meat dish topped with an egg-based custard. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.
Dinner
Contains meat and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for vegetarians
Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, beef, or beans.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made with vegetarian or vegan fillings
Melktert
Melktert is a traditional South African milk tart, featuring a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy, custard-like filling.
Dessert
Contains dairy and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for dietary restrictions
Popular Activities
Hiking
Water sports
Game drives
Picnicking
Tea at Melrose House
Visiting botanical gardens
Museum visits
Historical site tours
Best Time to Visit
Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is also less crowded during these seasons.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho
- Widely spoken: English, Afrikaans
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution
Pretoria is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to exercise caution, especially in certain areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Keep valuables secure
Getting there
By air
- OR Tambo International Airport • 45 km from city center
- Lanzeria Airport • 30 km from city center
By train
Pretoria Station
By bus
Park Station, Pretoria Station
Getting around
Public transport
The PBS offers an affordable and reliable way to get around the city. Buses are frequent and cover most major areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Pretoria Central
Hatfield
Menlo Park
Sunnyside
Day trips
Cullinan Diamond Mine
40 km from Pretoria • Half day to full day
The Cullinan Diamond Mine is famous for being the source of the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about its history and the diamond mining process.
Hartebeestpoort Dam
60 km from Pretoria • Full day
Hartebeestpoort Dam is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and hiking. The dam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Pilanesberg National Park
150 km from Pretoria • Full day to overnight
Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and a variety of other animals.
Festivals
Pretoria Jazz Festival • September
Aardklop National Arts Festival • October
Pretoria Open-Air Arts Festival • November
Pro tips
- Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in the spring for the best blooms
- Explore the city's cultural and historical sites, such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument
- Experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant or with a host family
- Take a day trip to the Cullinan Diamond Mine or Pilanesberg National Park for a unique and memorable experience
- Attend a local festival or event, such as the Pretoria Jazz Festival or the Aardklop National Arts Festival
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
