Johanessburg: 3-Day Pilanesberg Camping Adventure
Highveld, Johannesburg
Set off on a 3-day guided camping trip through Pilanesberg National Park from Johannesburg. Enjoy a closed and open-roofed safari and keep an eye out for the "Big 5."
Open-Vehicle Safari at Pilanesberg National Park, North West Province, South Africa
This 3-day guided safari explores Pilanesberg National Park’s unique volcanic landscape and wildlife, suitable for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Open vehicle safaris with expert rangers to see the Big Five
- Explore over 200 km of game viewing roads inside the park
- Experience both morning and afternoon game drives
Description
Pilanesberg National Park is South Africa’s fourth largest game reserve, located in a volcanic crater in the Bojanala Region. The park features diverse terrain formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity.
Your safari includes guided game drives along 200 kilometers of park roads, led by an experienced ranger who provides insight into the wildlife and environment.
Itinerary
Day 1:
- 05:30–06:30: Pickup from Johannesburg hotel, guesthouse, or OR Tambo Airport in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle (comfort stop en route)
- 09:00: Arrival at Pilanesberg and mid-morning open vehicle game drive in superior open safari vehicles with expert ranger and radio tracking for Big Five sightings
- 12:00: Lunch at a scenic rest camp inside the park (Pilanesberg Centre, Bakgatla or similar)
- 13:00–15:00: Afternoon open vehicle game drive (~3 hours)
- 16:00: Check-in at Tlou Tented Safari Camp (4 km from park gate), relax and enjoy the campfire in the boma
- Evening: Traditional African dinner at the camp
Day 2:
- 05:30: Depart camp for sunrise open vehicle game drive (06:00–09:00)
- 09:30: Return to camp for breakfast and free time
- 13:00: Light lunch at camp
- 15:30: Depart camp for afternoon game drive (16:00–19:00)
- 19:30: Return to camp to freshen up
- 20:00: Dinner at camp
Day 3:
- Morning: Full breakfast, pack and check out (luggage loaded)
- 09:00–15:00: Full-day open vehicle safari (~6 hours) with mid-morning coffee stop and picnic lunch inside the park
- 15:00: Exit park and return to Johannesburg (comfort stop en route)
- 17:30–18:00: Drop-off at Johannesburg hotel, guesthouse or OR Tambo International Airport (adjust timing if earlier airport arrival needed)
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg hotels, guesthouses, or OR Tambo International Airport in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a professional MoAfrika ranger/guide throughout
- All scheduled game drives
- Two nights accommodation at Tlou Tented Safari Camp
- Meals:
Day 1 – Lunch and traditional African dinner
Day 2 – Breakfast, coffee stops, picnic lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – Breakfast, coffee stops, and picnic lunch - Bottled water in the vehicle
Excludes
- Drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks) at the camp
- Gratuities for ranger, camp staff, and driver
- Personal items (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Pilanesberg National Park conservation fee, payable at the gate: R 500 per person
Important Information
- The camp site is electrified to allow phone charging
- Accommodation consists of comfortable tents with camping utilities including gas stove, refrigerator, and cooking gear
- Meals are simple but flavorful, prepared by the tour guide
- A sleeping bag is provided; pillows are available to rent
- All stated itinerary times are approximate
Cancellation Policy
This activity is non-refundable.
Book early to secure your spot and bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, and your camera. The best times for game viewing are early morning and late afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The adventure includes open vehicle safaris with expert rangers, morning and afternoon game drives, and camping accommodation inside Pilanesberg National Park.
Pilanesberg National Park is located approximately 2 to 3 hours northwest of Johannesburg in the North West Province.
Yes, the safari offers opportunities to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—during open vehicle game drives.
The tour explores over 200 kilometers of game viewing roads within Pilanesberg National Park.
No previous camping experience is required as expert guides assist with camping setup and safety throughout the safari.
Game drives take place both in the early morning and late afternoon to maximize wildlife sightings.
Open-air safari vehicles are used to provide unobstructed views of wildlife and the volcanic landscape.
No, camping gear is typically provided as part of the safari package, but check the booking details to confirm.
The safari is generally suitable for families with children, though age restrictions may apply depending on the operator.
Most tours include transport from Johannesburg by road or arrange pick-up, typically taking around 2 to 3 hours to reach Pilanesberg.
