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adventure travel africa

Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg and Sun City based Tour and Transfer Operators

Tour Operators:

There are just a few, and most of them focus on transfers. There are some claiming to be based there as on Tripadvisor, and then they are actually based as far away as Potchefstroom !
Some Jo'burg and Pretoria based "recommenced" Operators are willing to drive though, but then some of them have canceled the day or the night before leaving their clients high & dry...
So if you are at Pilanesberg, rather use someone based there; it just makes total sense.

1. Mankwe-Gametrackers; Part of Tourvest. Main base at Sun City, 2 desks at Manyane and Bakgatla Resort.
3h scheduled drives timed from departure to return to Sun City (or Resorts), 25 seaters, all open vehicles.
Rates till 30 Nov 2019 : R660pp - adults / R330pp - U16/ U5 free, meaning 4yo and under; book through me, same rate
Nov - Feb yearly at 05:30 and 17:00 all for 3 hours.
March & April yearly 06:30 and 16:00 all for 3 hours
May - Aug yearly 07:00 and 15:00 all for 3 hours
Sep & Oct yearly 06:00 and 16:00 all for 3 hours
For all other times you will get the private rate, either R6500 or R9600 depending what option you choose
2019: 3h private drives; 10 seater @ R6 500 , 25 seater @ R11 800; 5h private drives; 7 pax max @ R9 600

2. Bakubung and Kwa Maritane Lodges, both are Legacy Hotel Lodges so same rates. Use 20 seater open vehicles, and have smaller 10 seaters for private bookings.
3h scheduled departures at R600pp; 6 - 17 yo R300pp, no under 6yo; book through me.
Oct - March - 5h30 & 16h30
April, Sept - 6h00 & 16h00
May, August - 8h00 & 15h30
June, July - 8h00 & 15h00
2019: 3h private drives; 10 seater @ R6 600, 2019 rate to be finalized

3. Myself, based near Manyane. I use VW Kombis that seats 7 only, 1 + 3 + 3. All windows can open in my main vehicle, my backup has the standard closed left back window.
I do full days (open - close= 12h), 5h and occasionally 3,5 h drives. In addition I charge a small pick up fee, depending how far I have to drive.
My rates are normally valid for 4 months only, as per page. Base rate for 5h = R3000 for 1 up to R5600 for 7 pax, full days R5500 for 1 up to R8750 for 7 pax.
2019: Private drives - R4 500 for 3,5h, R6 000 for 5 h, R9 000 full day 7 pax max

I am available for a full day rental if you just want to use me me as a guide using your own vehicle, my rate is R3000/day plus costs, about R200 for entrances and lunch. 1/2 day @ R2000 + costs.
Let me tell you about the pros & cons. If I drive your vehicle I might scratch it, as when that sighting window is there, damn the torpedoes!. Alternatively, if I'm not driving, you will have to stop and reverse like 1001 times ! I have done it a few times, so ok, probably a 100 times. The advantage is with you driving though, I will be able to focus even more on spotting. With 12 000 + hours in the Park
, you will get one of the most experienced Pilanesberg lovers.

Other local based Operators, mainly transfers though:
2018/9
With the operators below, the owners worked for Mankwe Safaris years and years ago. I believe all of them were already operating when I started doing Pilanesberg 15 years ago. They have all grown in this time, and if you want to do a tour with them, you will probably end up getting a driver taking you. If you chose to go this way, insist in advance that the owner takes you.

4. Lengau Tours, Mogwase- mainly do transfers

5. Maboe Transfers, Ledig - transfers and accommodation

6. Tautona, Mogwase- busses, transfers, everything


Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun City

Working with new pics are just too time consuming, so I only do it when I have free time! May 2019
Picture Gallery up to 2019
Picture Gallery 2010
Picture Gallery 2009
Picture Gallery 2008
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004


It's alphabetical - so save us both time.... and if not on here I will put it up!

Accommodation in the Park only: Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.

Accommodation in and around Sun City. Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.

Accommodation Specials at Pilanesberg

Accommodation at Sun City Vacation Club

Airport at Pilanesberg

Animal studies in Pilanesberg

Bakgatla Resort

Bakubung Bush Lodge

Balloon Safaris: In Pilanesberg National Park -  R5 000pp - 1 hour, minimum 4 pax!

Binoculars needed

Bird list

Black Rhino Game Lodge

Buffalo in the Park

Camping - book direct at 014 555 1000, don't be surprised if you hold 15 minutes and then get cut off.

Cancellation Terms and Conditions

Commission offered to booking agents

Condition of the Veld

Dangers in Pilanesberg

Disclosures: About vehicles used for Pilanesberg and other

Directions - see map

Elephant Back safaris in Pilanesberg.

Entrance fee - see gate times

Etiquette in Game Parks like Pilanesberg for self drives

Friends of Pilanesberg Society - Volunteers helping to maintain the Park.

Gate Times for Pilanesberg National Park

Geology of Pilanesberg National Park

Highlights seen in Pilanesberg the last 2 years:
Don't expect something like this or the animals to stand next to the road waiting.  It's not a Zoo!

History of Pilanesberg National Park

Idiot Gallery - Stunts pulled in Pilanesberg National Park by the mentally challenged.  Other tour operators are welcome to contribute - I will give you recognition except if you don't want it!

Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Kids on Safari. In Pilanesberg or other parks

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

Manyane Resort

Map and directions to Pilanesberg

Other Parks near Pilanesberg

Other Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg

Packages to Lodges

Picture Gallery -  taken by us over the last 8 years in Pilanesberg.

Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.

Reading - other re Pilanesberg.

Safety in Pilanesberg

Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Testimonials from clients we have taken to Pilanesberg

Things to do in and around Pilanesberg

Transfers only to Pilanesberg and Sun City - one way: charged per vehicle:

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Veld Condition in the Park

Weather and Climate for Pilanesberg area

What can you hope to see in Pilanesberg?

When to go to Pilanesberg: best time etc


adventure travel africa
806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg, Please mail only
All Pilanesberg queries -  travelinafrica@gmail.com 

Updated May 2019