Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips
At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Day 1:
Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg + Pilanesberg National Park
Day 2:
Pilanesberg National Park + Drive from Tshwane (Pretoria) to Pilanesberg
Day 3:
Pilanesberg National Park + Hot air balloon safari in Pilanesberg
Day 4:
Drive from Pilanesberg to Johannesburg + Flight home from Johannesburg (not included in the price)
Day 1
Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
Silver
The Kingdom Resort
Gold
Morokolo Safari Lodge
Platinum
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Welcome to South Africa, nayimkelekile, baie welkom! As you walk out of O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg – Africa’s biggest and busiest airport – you head straight to your rental car pick-up place. This is where your adventure begins! This self-driving journey is all about freedom: explore at your own pace, tailor your days with exciting activities, and decide when to stop and soak it all in. With our travel guide full of top spots, local tips and charming padstalls, you’re set for an unforgettable road trip...!
Activities:
Pilanesberg National Park lies in a transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, where it covers 550 square kilometres, set in an ancient volcanic crater. The landscape features dramatic rock formations, wooded valleys and historical Stone and Iron Age sites. The Big Five roam freely here, along with over 7,000 other mammals, and the Mankwe Dam is a must-visit for spotting birds and animals gathering to drink. Explore on a self-drive or join a guided game drive; full-day and 3-hour safaris are available. And why not get up early for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari – drifting over the wilderness as the wildlife wakes, before toasting the adventure with some bubbly and indulging in a safari breakfast!
Pilanesberg National Park lies in a transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, where it covers 550 square kilometres, set in an ancient volcanic crater. The landscape features dramatic rock formations, wooded valleys and historical Stone and Iron Age sites. The Big Five roam freely here, along with over 7,000 other mammals, and the Mankwe Dam is a must-visit for spotting birds and animals gathering to drink. Explore on a self-drive or join a guided game drive; full-day and 3-hour safaris are available. And why not get up early for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari – drifting over the wilderness as the wildlife wakes, before toasting the adventure with some bubbly and indulging in a safari breakfast!
Activities:
The journey from Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) to Pilanesberg covers about 170 kilometres and takes roughly 2.5 hours via the N4. Need a quick stop? The small town of Rustenburg has got you covered for a convenient break along the way. Once you arrive, prepare for top-notch game viewing and breathtaking scenery in the fourth-largest national park in the country!
Soar silently over Pilanesberg National Park in a hot air balloon and take in sweeping views of this extinct volcanic crater, home to the Big Five. With no turbulence and only the soft hiss of the burner, it’s a tranquil way to experience one of South Africa’s most scenic parks. The experience includes a one-hour flight, sparkling wine on landing, a full English breakfast, a flight certificate and hotel transfers. From above, spot elephants, buffalo, antelope, and – if you're lucky – rhino or lion. It’s a bucket-list moment that offers a unique view of the landscape and wildlife. Book early and prepare for an early start, as the full experience lasts around five hours.
Your South African adventure has sadly come to an end, but the memories – especially those thrilling safari moments and soul-stirring hikes – will stay with you (and in your photo album) for years to come. This morning, it’s time to get behind the wheel one last time for the journey back to Johannesburg, where you’ll catch your flight home. The drive from Pilanesberg to O.R. Tambo International Airport covers 236 kilometres and 3 hours and 15 minutes via the N4 highway, but keep in mind that traffic around Johannesburg can be busy during peak hours. Not quite ready to head home? Why not hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town and keep the adventure going at the southernmost tip of Africa!
Activities:
All good things come to an end. It's time to catch your flight home from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Sad to leave…? Not to worry! You can also hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town and add a few highlights to your holiday. How about exploring (and tasting) world-class wines, standing on top of Table Mountain and diving into the rich history of the country? Or simply relaxing at a picturesque beach? Let us know your wishes, and we will gladly organise a holiday extension to help you explore other parts of South Africa.
Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips
At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
