African Safari in Pilanesberg National Park - 1 day adventure
Description
Our specialist guides have many years experience guiding in the Pilanesberg and have in depth knowledge of the animals and habitat so as to give our guests a unique experience in the bush.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Pilanesberg is one of the most popular National Game Reserves, situated only 2 hours from Johannesburg. It nestles in the base of an ancient volcano. The hills and valleys that make it so interesting are all left over from the 1,3 billion years of its active life. Pilanesberg has stunning scenery, the Big 5 and many more animal and reptile species, 345 bird species, 50 large mammals, many smaller species, with many trees and shrubs, grasses etc. The hilly landscape provides multiple micro ecosystems and habitats for all kinds of animals. There are 8 large water bodies and several streams, all the water in the park originate from rain that has fallen in the park. The nature of Pilanesberg makes it a remarkable destination and a firm favourite of our visitors. The journey there and back passes over premiere platinum reserves of the earth, great open plains, grain fields and scrubland. There are also many stopping points within the park. Our trips include a 3 hour safari in an open game vehicle within the day. Guests have frequently returned to the Pilanesberg with us many times over the years.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up from hotel: Your guide will meet and ask for you at the reception desk of your hotel. Pick up from airport: Your guide will meet you at the rails opp the exit doors of OR Tambo International arrival hall holding a sign with your name on. Pick up from Rosebank Gautrain Station: Your guide will meet you at the Oxford Rd entrance of the Rosebank Train Station.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(10)
We were picked up from our accommodation on time and the journey to the safari was smooth and the company was excellent. The whole day was a delight
Everything about this tour was sublime. We had clear communication all the way around. It’s a family business owned by locals. We loved that! Chris is super engaging. He knows a ton about everything- history, politics, geology, botany, let alone the birds and the animals. We really loved the way the tour is set up as it gives the traveler opportunity to see many different animals. We highly recommend!
Amazing experience mostly with our knowledgeable guide Chris! Everything was smooth and learned everything about plants and animals of the park
My guide Chris and George were absolutely amazing! He was full of knowledge and he answered all of my questions. I felt completely safe at all times I will definitely book again. I have had one of the most amazing trips of my life. Being able to capture the animals in there natural habitat was majestically beautiful.
Nice to see the various animals in their own habitat. The elephants and giraffes were quite close and impressive. The driver was friendly, sociable and did his utmost to spot the animals in front of us.
The best tour experience you could ever book! The most incredible tour guide I've ever had - Chris! Chris picked me up from my residence at 6:00am and we drove 2.5 hours to Pilanesberg from Johannesburg. Along the way, Chris had an endless vault of knowledge about the surrounding areas and its history - making the drive seem a lot quicker! When we arrived at Pilanesberg, I joined a 9-seater open air 4x4 with 8 other travelers who booked from other tours. The tour group that took us around Pilanesberg was led by Kgabo Safaris. The guide, Dumi, was brilliant. He was very knowledgable, professional, and most of all patient. Dumi taught us all so much with his easy way of communicating and vast knowledge of all things South Africa. Dumi was incredibly friendly with a dry sense of humor that put everyone in a good mood. After 3 hours of touring, we stopped for lunch where I met back up with Chris. I said farewell to my Kgabo Safari friends and went with Chris to a new lunch spot. On the way to lunch, we stopped by multiple look-out areas which are fenced in and allow you to see over the water and really take in the beauty of the park. Chris provided binoculars which helped a ton! We ate lunch at Legends, which is a resort/restaurant that overlooks the park with fabulous views. After lunch, Chris and I continued in his SUV around areas of the park I hadn't yet seen. After 4 more hours of touring around the park, we called it a day and Chris drove me back to my residence. I highly recommend Cashan Africa Tours! Chris and Penny plan out everything so you don't have anything to worry about - you can solely enjoy the park and all of the beauty it offers! Chris' knowledge of ecology, geology, geography, history, etc make this trip totally worthwhile as you understand everything you are witnessing throughout the day and learning along the way!
Awesome experience! Very sympathetic guide, amazing nature and beautiful animals! Would recommend to anyone who wants to experience something unique and wonderful!
After two earlier trips we returned to South Africa to have a trip with Chris. This time we brought the kids with us to make this a greater challenge (3 and 6 years). Previous experiences with Chris were so positive we had to include him in the trip again. Why? His knowledge of multiple topics is extraordinary. Plus he is a great guy, a treat to have around you, is concerned about safety and mindful of your wishes. I mentioned knowledge and I will give you background on this. History of South Africa and human kind, geology, Johannesburg area, Pilanesberg, animals, plantlife. Also, we witnessed Chris’ interaction with the kids and he makes topics interesting for them. Making stories of plants tangible, telling details of animals and their behavior, identifying different kinds of animal poo and tracks, which are very important if you are on game drives. If you are looking for a guide with extensive knowledge, a great sense of humor and someone genuinely interested in you Chris very well fits that bill. You will not be disappointed!
If you’re deciding who to book a tour with, or whether to go on one at all - absolutely without a doubt book with Cashan Africa. Every single part of this safari was phenomenal, Chris’s knowledge, hospitality and ability to spot wildlife is unparalleled. We were absolutely fascinated by Chris’s retelling of the geology and culture of the local area, even on the drive out of Johannesburg we were amazed at how much firsthand historical knowledge Chris had, it made the most average street corners actually seem interesting! The Pilanesberg park itself is beautiful and to experience it properly we absolutely recommend choosing Cashan; from learning about the behaviour of animals, safely navigating the park, spotting rare animals and hearing about the vast array of plant species, Cashan really makes the park come to life.
Hi Mayacars! Gosh thanks for your very generous review! I am so glad that you two had such a richly interesting tour! You know the old saying " do what you love and you wont work a day in your life" ? I think it may apply to me around the Pilanesberg and the Joburg stories! Haha I also ''blame" my parents, they made travelling and especially the Game Reserves an exciting adventure whenever we went there. Pilanesberg is unique, beautiful and a mightily rewarding park to visit, its geology is fascinating as is its rich human and animal history. There are a few good books that I use to understand more plus having worked there for so long helps me too! I am happy that we saw it in its gorgeous late summer finery, the big elephant bulls were a major plus for me! And of course all the other players in the wild such as the Lions, Gitraffes, antelopes, jackals, brown hyenas and all the plains game. Not forgetting the birdlife! 356 species can be found there! The black rhino we saw was a special for me, they are rare and all rhinos are under pressure. The Pilanesberg is indeed worth a visit and is close enough to JHB to make day visit worth the drive. I stand by this statement. although like most safari guides i will also recommend a 2 or 3 day visit for a more complete experience. We can arrange game walks and night drives for those trips. I wish you both much success with your own outdoor business, the ocean and surf are a wonderful 'office' like the game reserves of the world! Thank you very much for your review it means a lot to us, Chris and Penny
