One Day in the Pilanesberg

The Pilanesberg is a great option if you are in the Johannesburg area and want to do a safari/ game drive but don’t have a few days to get somewhere bigger like the Kruger Park.  The Pilanesberg is only about 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, making it doable for a one-day experience.  If you self-drive, the park is very manageable, but if not, there is also the option for a one-day tour.  The park is home to the Big 5 as well as many other species.  And, because of its size, you will likely be able to see more!

 My suggestion is getting there right as the gates open, check the opening time as it varies by season.  I would take a few hours to drive around before the heat of the day hits as the animals will be a bit slower moving and lazy once the sun is at its strongest.  I would take a midday break like the animals do.  In the park there is the Pilanesberg Centre where you can have some quick lunch (I tried as Ostrich burger), cold drinks as well as a front row seat to some animals grazing in the lookout area.  Then I would go back out for your late afternoon drive, as the air cools off a bit due to the sun setting, things will likely be active again.  Make sure you know when the gates of the park are closing, so you won’t be late.  Be mindful of the trails you take as speed limits in the park will not allow you to speed up to catch the gates closing.