Pilanesberg Big Five Safari
Malaria-Free Big Five in an Ancient Volcanic Crater
Overview
Set inside the crater of an extinct 1,300-million-year-old volcano, Pilanesberg National Park is one of South Africa's most accessible Big Five destinations — malaria-free, just over two hours from Johannesburg and right beside the Sun City resort. Its ring of ancient hills encircles open grasslands, wooded valleys and glinting Mankwe Dam, home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo alongside cheetah, hippo and more than 350 bird species.
This three-day break is the perfect first safari or add-on to a Johannesburg or Sun City stay. You stay at two of the park's best-loved bush lodges — Bakubung, overlooking a resident hippo pool, and Kwa Maritane, with its famous waterhole hide reached by an underground tunnel. Twice-daily game drives with expert rangers, plus the option of a self-drive on the park's excellent road network, make Pilanesberg wonderfully easy and rewarding.
Who It's For
Ideal for first-time safari-goers, families and anyone wanting a short, affordable, malaria-free Big Five experience close to Johannesburg or combined with Sun City.
Package Highlights
Ancient Volcanic Crater
A dramatic landscape formed inside an extinct 1.3-billion-year-old volcano
Malaria-Free & Close to Joburg
Big Five with no medication, just over two hours from Johannesburg
Big Five Game Viewing
Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo across varied habitats
Waterhole Hides
Kwa Maritane's underground hide brings you to eye level with wildlife
Pair with Sun City
Combine the bush with the resort, golf and waterpark next door
Guided or Self-Drive
Excellent road network and expert-led open-vehicle drives
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Transfer from Johannesburg or Sun City and check in at Bakubung Bush Lodge, set on the park's south-western edge above a resident hippo pool. After lunch, meet your ranger for an afternoon game drive as elephant and rhino move toward the waterholes in the cooling light.
🏨 Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Bakubung Bush Lodge
📍 Pilanesberg National Park
A relaxed bush lodge on the park's south-western boundary, built above a resident hippo pool. Comfortable rooms, a big pool deck and easy family appeal make it a Pilanesberg favourite.
From $240 per person per night
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
📍 Pilanesberg National Park
Set beneath a rocky outcrop, Kwa Maritane is famous for the underground tunnel leading to a sunken waterhole hide, where game comes to drink metres from your lens.
From $250 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Premium
(~$675/night)
In-park bush lodge, shared game vehicle, all meals and drives
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$925/night)
Upgraded rooms, private touches and premium dining
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$1,300/night)
Private vehicle and guide, exclusive touches, all-inclusive
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 2 nights in-park bush lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals and teas
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ Waterhole hide access
- ✓ Park conservation fees
- ✓ Road transfers from Johannesburg or Sun City
- ✓ Laundry and Wi-Fi
✗ Excluded
- ✗ Flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Premium beverages
- ✗ Sun City activities and entrance
- ✗ Private vehicle upgrade (unless selected)
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Pilanesberg is a year-round park, but the dry winter of May to September thins the vegetation and draws game to the waterholes for the best Big Five viewing.
Why Choose This Package
Big Five in Under Three Hours from Joburg
One of the closest true Big Five parks to Johannesburg, and completely malaria-free.
A Landscape Like No Other
Game viewing inside the crater of an ancient extinct volcano, ringed by dramatic hills.
Famous Waterhole Hides
Kwa Maritane's underground hide offers eye-level photography found in few other parks.
Perfect Short Break or Sun City Add-On
An easy two-night safari that pairs beautifully with the Sun City resort next door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Pilanesberg Big Five Safari?
From $1,350 per person | 3 Days / 2 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
