Walking Safari Adventure in the Pilanesberg National Game Reserve

Immerse yourself in an incredible unspoilt wildlife experience in the malaria-free game reserve of the Pilanesberg. Just a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, this adventure is designed for the active and more adventurous traveller who is looking for a different kind of wildlife experience.

The tour is a combination of walking and game drives as well as a typical African camping experience. The Pilanesberg is home to the Big 5. And by Big 5 we don’t mean the ant. The Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) were given the title back in the early 1900’s due to the fact that they are the top 5 most dangerous animals to hunt.

The Pilanesberg is an awesome way to experience an ecologically rich wildlife zone that is a mixture of what is known as the Lowveld and the dryness of the Kalahari. The transition between these zones ensures an abundance of wildlife as well as fauna and flora that are not usually seen living in such close proximity.

The Pilanesberg is bursting with wildlife and the chances of seeing many of the game as well as the abundance of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and bird species is mostly guaranteed. The walking safari is led by a qualified and armed field ranger who will do his best to teach you about the African bush.

You will learn how to recognise the various animal spoor as well as learn how to track them. It is incredible what you will see on a walking safari. Things that you would never see from a game vehicle.

Sometimes just watching a dung beetle rolling some elephant pooh can be the highlight of the walk. And of course, coming across a herd of elephants with nothing between you can be one of the most amazing things you will ever experience.

Best walking safari tours in the Pilanesberg Reserve!

Take a look at some of our awesome footage from our Pilanesberg safari tours!

Day 1

Our tours begin and end in Johannesburg (self-drive options also available)

Our scheduled tours leave from Johannesburg at 07H30. Travellers are picked up from any hotel by your ranger who will accompany you for the duration of your tour.

The drive through to the Pilanesberg takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival, it’s a cup of coffee or beer to quench your African thirst. We then pile you into our game vehicle and take a drive through the Pilanesberg.

We have lunch in a ‘hide’ next to a watering hole favoured by many of the animals. Lunch consists of a variety of homemade food consisting of snake eyes and wildebeest hooves.

Ok, calm down, it’s not that bad. Our rangers are pretty creative in what they serve. Usually an array of cold meats, salads, fruit and of course, chocolate.

After lunch we will take a slow drive through the park. Back at the campsite by about 17H00. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. Dinner is served around a roaring African fire.

Day 2

An early start today. We meet the ranger who will be taking you on your walking safari at 05H00. We then take the 30 minute drive into the Pilanesberg to the most suitable place for the walk.

The walk lasts about 4 hours and is not too strenuous. The pace is pretty slow as we need to be aware and observe the environment. After the walk we drive back to the camp for a hearty breakfast.

The walking safaris are done early in the morning as it gets way to hot during the day. The afternoon is spent lazing around the pool. We have a late afternoon game drive scheduled from 17H00 to 20H00.

An awesome way to see the nocturnal animals of the Pilanesberg. Lions hunt at night so a perfect opportunity to hopefully see them in action. As with the first night, a roaring fire and hearty South African meal awaits you upon your return. And maybe a dash of whisky for medicinal purposes.

As with the first night, a roaring fire and hearty South African meal awaits you upon your return. And maybe a dash of whisky for medicinal purposes.

Day 3

Another early morning. Up at 05H00 for a 4 hour walking safari in a different ecological zone of the Pilanesberg.

If you camouflage yourself like a tree we may turn a blind eye and leave you in the beauty of the African bush forever. After the walk we breakfast and then make our way back to Johannesburg. We should have you back in your hotel by about 15H00.

Pristine, unspoilt and secluded wildlife scenery

Get to see the fauna and flora of the Pilanesberg in their natural environment

Thrill of adventure

Ignite your primal senses

African camping experience

Sit around a roaring fire in the evening

INCLUDED

Return transfers Johannesburg to the Pilanesberg return
2 Nights in camping in the Pilanesberg National Park
All National Park gate fees, camping fees and walking safari permits.
2x 3 hour game drives
2x 4 hour walking safaris
Basic first aid kit
Qualified game ranger, assistant guides, and cook
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Camping equipment (tents, & sleeping cots, eating utensils)
Dedicated Walking Safari Trip Planner
Certificate for your walk
Local Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

Flights not specified and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Tips for guides, porters and cook
Visas for South Africa
Health requirements (if any)
Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some of the gear from us once in South Africa
Snacks, personal medicine
Meals & drinks not specified