3 Day Pilanesberg Safari Tour

Safari Tour Introduction

This safari offers an extensive tour of Pilanesberg, with many game drives that provide you with the optimal opportunity for viewing animals such as the hyena, leopard and owls. You will be treated to some impeccable stories by your guide, who has plenteous experience. For your stay, you have a choice between chalets, safari tents and mobile tents. Prices range from R3600 to approximately R5900 sharing. No matter which option you choose, your stay will be comfortable and pleasant. On our way back, we visit Hartbeespoort Dam. This is the ideal place to do some shopping and revel in the curios and arts. 

What to Expect

• Transport for the duration of the safari.
• Professional guides (FGASA registered) who have a good knowledge of the park and are very familiar with the routes traveled while on safari. They are experienced and will know  which routes are best to travel and where the best areas are for seeing various animals species.
• Groups are generally averaged at 4- 6 individuals per safari but may be 10 at times.
• Breakfasts and dinners are prepared by the guides out in the open if the weather permits this. We feel that this is a much better way of experiencing the African bush than sitting in a restaurant. 
• The guides will always try and position vehicles in a way which allows for guests to take the best photos under the circumstances.The guides will also stop at panoramic viewpoints along the route, to ensure you get the best scenic photo.

Accommodation Options

Classic Pilanesberg (from R5900)

Accommodation is in en-suite chalets with beds, linen, towels & soap. These chalets have  air-conditioning, twin or double beds, and towels and soap is provided. Each chalet also has a small fridge where drinks and snacks can be kept cool and mosquito proofing on the doors & windows. Families may be booked into ‘guest cottages’. These are more suited to families and consist of separate bedrooms, a small lounge area as well as a kitchen. 

Budget Pilanesberg (from R4800)

Accommodation is in fixed safari tents with beds, linen, towels & soap. Ablutions are shared and serviced very regularly. These tents have a small fridge, a fan and mosquito proofing on the doors & windows.

Camping Pilanesberg (from R3600)

Accommodation is in 2 Man mobile tents. Mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows are provided. Ablutions are shared and serviced very regularly. Guests must bring their own towels and soap

Climate and Weather conditions

Summer – (October to March) is the rainy season for the Kruger Park. Rainfall can mostly be expected in the late afternoons with warm to hot and humid day time temperatures. At times it may rain almost continuously for a few days.
Winter – (May – August) is the dry season for the Kruger Park. Days are generally pleasant with clear skies and cool to warm temperatures. Night time and early morning can be chilly and it is advisable to have a jacket, fleece or at least one warm item of clothing. Please remember that night drives during the winter months can be very cold. Be sure to take sufficient warm clothing with you on the drive.

Itinerary

Day 1: Gauteng – Pilanesberg (Dinner included)

An early departure (07h00 – 08h00) allows us to reach the Park around mid-morning. Pilanesberg has a unique ecosystem, due to it being located in the crater of an extinct volcano. The complex’s rare rock types were created by ancient volcanic eruptions. This erodes to varied soil types, which in turn leads to very varied vegetation. Your guide will happily share his/her knowledge of this unique area & its inhabitants with you.

We stop for lunch at the cafeteria in the Park (own expense), after which we continue our game drive. We check in at our camp in the late afternoon, in time for you to settle in and join the sunset drive. This drive is conducted in an open game drive vehicle, which gives you an opportunity to spot some of Africa’s nocturnal animals such as hyena, leopard, owls, nightjars, civet, genet, to name but a few.

Your guide begins preparing dinner, which is served under the stars (weather permitting). Your guide can identify the nocturnal sounds you hear and entertain you with some amazing experiences encountered over many years of guiding in Africa. Wine is served with dinner but guests are welcome to bring along additional / alternative drinks which can be purchased at the shop. 

Day 2: Full day in the Park (Breakfast & Dinner included)

Safaris are all about early mornings, getting out there and seeing animals! After an early wake-up call (the time varies according to the seasons and park gate opening times) we have tea or coffee & rusks (dried biscuits to be dunked in your drink!) We then set off on the morning safari which will take approximately 3-4 hours. Your guide has an intimate knowledge of the park, which contributes a great deal towards brilliant sightings!

Your guide will prepare breakfast on your return. During the hottest part of the day, when animals are generally less active, you have a couple of hours to relax. All the camps we use also have restaurant facilities so you will be able to purchase lunch.

In the late afternoon you embark on sunset/night drive in an open game drive vehicle, which gives you an opportunity to spot some of Africa’s nocturnal animals such as hyena, leopard, owls, nightjars, civet, genet, to name but a few.

Upon your return, dinner is served. Sitting outside on a balmy African night listening to lions roaring in the distance, or the whoop of a hyena is a fantastic experience and one which often brings our guests back to Africa!

Day 3: Pilanesberg – Hartbeespoort dam – Gauteng (Breakfast included)

We rise early and depart on an early morning drive in the hope of finding some of the nocturnal and diurnal animals before they settle down for the day. This is also the most active time for most predators, both big and small. With the sun slowly climbing higher above the savannah, we experience all that the park has to offer, including the well marketed Big 5 and the incredible wealth of flora, birds and smaller mammals that make the Pilanesberg National Park unique. After our morning drive, we return to the camp for breakfast, after which we pack up & start our journey back to Gauteng.

We stop en-route at Hartbeespoort Dam for lunch (own expense). Hartbeespoort is a quaint resort town with loads of curio & craft markets. This is the ideal place to do some shopping.

The drive back to Johannesburg takes approximately 3 hours and guests are advised to sleep over in Johannesburg on this night. Outlook Lodge (4*) offers great hospitality in close proximity to the airport.

Notes

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