Big 5 Safari Near Johannesburg

Price From : ZAR 15,280 (Per Person Sharing) Currency Converter

Big 5 Safari near Johannesburg

Immerse yourself in a Big 5 safari near Johannesburg, and malaria-free experience. This Pilanesberg big 5 wildlife exploration can also depart from Pretoria.

Exceptional Big 5 Safari Sightings

You will have the thrilling opportunity get up close to the big 5 lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhino, roaming freely in their pristine environment, as nature would have them. Additionally, this big 5 safari destination gem, in close proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria, offers sightings of a variety of other stunning wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a diversity of buck from the delicate duiker to the majestic eland.

Exciting Wildlife Interactions Enroute

Enroute to this pristine Pilanesberg big 5 bushveld safari destination, unbelievably close to Johannesburg, we have designed your wildlife encounter to make your experience even more special. A visit to the Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort is included. At the Elephant sanctuary you will enjoy a close-up, interactive experience with these gentle giants rescued from zoos and other less favourable destinations. Our exceptional professional tourist guide will also accompany you there.

Alternatively, opt to visit the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, which is dedicated to conserving cheetahs and wild dogs. Both attractions are set in the scenic Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort Dam region, making for a perfect stop en route to Pilanesberg. Pickup is available from within Johannesburg or Pretoria city limits, including the airports.

Why Choose Mmilo Tours for Your African Safari?

Expertly Crafted Itineraries

Experience the best of Southern Africa with our well-designed and competitively priced packages, ensuring a seamless and enriching journey.

Authentic Local Experiences

Go beyond the usual attractions and uncover hidden gems like ancient San rock art, the Drakensberg Mountains, and pony trekking in Lesotho.

Adventure for Everyone

From thrilling safaris to shark cage diving and hot air ballooning, we offer activities for both adventure seekers and leisure travellers.

Direct Booking Savings

Save up to 30% by booking directly with us, cutting out the middleman and securing the best value for your holiday.

Personalised Service

Enjoy safe, punctual, and friendly service with tailored tours that suit your interests and schedule, all managed by a trusted local operator.

Tour Prices

Start Dates	Price Solo 1 Room	Price 2+ People Sharing Rooms
Jan 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026	ZAR 24,578	ZAR 15,280
May 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2026	ZAR 21,570	ZAR 13,200
Sept 1, 2026-Dec 31, 2026	ZAR 26,298	ZAR 16,350

When the category of room at the hotel at which this tour is priced is no longer available for your dates of travel Mmilo Tours will offer you the next best option available at that hotel. If no suitable rooms are available at the advertised hotel we will endeavour to offer options at another hotel as similar as possible.

Itinerary for This Tour

Day 1

Begin your adventure with an early morning pickup, traveling to the Elephant Sanctuary for an interactive experience with these magnificent animals. Expert guides will provide insight into African elephants, allowing you to touch and interact with them in a respectful and educational setting.

Following the sanctuary visit, continue to Pilanesberg National Park, arriving in time for lunch at Bakubung Bush Lodge, or its sister lodge, Kwa Maritane. After a relaxed afternoon, set out on a late-afternoon game drive in an open safari vehicle, immersing yourself in the African bush and exploring the Big Five territory of Pilanesberg.

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s incredible wildlife encounters.

Day 2

Wake up to the fresh African air and set out on an early morning safari, where the bush comes alive with wildlife activity. After your game drive, return to the lodge for a late breakfast before meeting your Mmilo Tours guide for an extended safari deeper into Pilanesberg National Park. With more time to explore, your guide will take you to protected viewing spots, offering a closer connection to the pristine bush’s sights, sounds, and smells — an experience to remember.

After lunch, you will begin your return journey to Johannesburg, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport. Alternatively as an optional, you can visit the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre for a two-hour guided cheetah and wild dog conservation tour. This renowned centre is dedicated to restoring these species in areas where they have become threatened or extinct.

Tour Notes

Inclusions

Accommodation at Bakubung Bush Lodge
Park fees
Activities mentioned in the Itinerary
A professional driver/guide
Transportation
Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All meals that are mentioned in the itinerary
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 18 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.

Exclusions

International flights (long haul flights)
All passport and Visa fees excluded
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
Personal items
All costs of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, telephone calls
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Optional activities and transportation
Drinks

Accommodation for this Tour

Bakubung Bush Lodge

Bakubung Bush Lodge accommodation comprises thatched roofed chalets and studio rooms fashioned in a horse shoe around the entertainment area to four star standard.

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An elegant hotel room at Kwa Maritane Lodge has a large bed, wooden headboard, plush pillows, and zebra-printed carpet.

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

Beautifully located on the slopes of an ancient volcano, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, meaning “Place of the Rock”, is a hub of luxury in the heart of an untamed wilderness, the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. Here the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – have found a sanctuary where they are free to roam in one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. Kwa Maritane is a special place for you to reconnect with nature and your inner self.

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Big 5 Safari near Johannesburg