Duration
4-Day
Accra, South Africa
4-Day Pilanesberg Big Five Safari – Budget Adventure
Overview
Experience an authentic 4-day budget Big Five safari in Pilanesberg, operated by Knap Tours. Guided by expert local guides, enjoy thrilling game drives to spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. Stay in comfortable budget-friendly accommodations and immerse yourself in the African bush. This safari offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure without compromising on experience, making it perfect for travelers seeking value and adventure.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Johannesburg to Johannesburg (Johannesburg)
Via Pilanesberg GR
Country & park
South Africa
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
3 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Sundown Country Estate - Mid-range resort less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR
Meals
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-3: All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,865 USD
$1,319 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,928 USD
$1,351 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 3 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
South Africa
Start
Johannesburg (Day 1)
Day 1-3
Pilanesberg GR
End
Johannesburg (Johannesburg) (Day 4)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses resorts.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 3 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
3
Minimum age of 3 years
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: open-sided 4x4 vehicle & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-3
Sundown Country Estate
Mid-range resort less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-3: All Meals Included
Day 4
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Transfer from Johannesburg & Sunset Safari
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from Johannesburg and a scenic transfer to Pilanesberg National Park. On arrival, you'll head straight into the park for your first morning game drive, where you may spot elephants, giraffes, and even lions. Afterward, check in at Sundown Country Estate, enjoy a relaxing lunch, and later depart for an exciting sunset game drive. End the day with dinner back at the lodge and time to unwind. Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Pilanesberg Game Reserve Stay: Sundown Country Estate Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Wildlife & Relaxation
Start your day with a guided early morning game drive, the best time to catch predators on the move. After returning to the lodge, enjoy a filling breakfast and take time to relax, swim, or explore the estate grounds. After lunch, it’s time for your second game drive of the day—another chance to encounter the Big Five and capture unforgettable photos. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a restful evening at the lodge. Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Pilanesberg Game Reserve Stay: Sundown Country Estate Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Full-Day Pilanesberg Safari
After breakfast, set off on a full-day adventure through Pilanesberg National Park. With a packed lunch provided, your guide will take you deeper into the reserve for extended wildlife viewing and breathtaking landscapes. From grassy plains to rocky outcrops, you’ll have ample chances to see diverse animal species. Return to Sundown Country Estate in the late afternoon for dinner and relaxation. Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Pilanesberg Game Reserve Stay: Sundown Country Estate Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Morning Game Drive & Departure
On your final morning, head out on one last early game drive to soak in the beauty of Pilanesberg one more time. Afterward, return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. You’ll then be transferred back to Johannesburg, arriving in the early afternoon with lasting memories of your South African safari experience. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Johannesburg Airport (Johannesburg) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Johannesburg
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB - Check price) in Johannesburg
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Knap Tours
4.8 operator rating
49 reviews
Knap Tours is a safari travel company specializing in budget and mid-range tours across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. The company offers game drives, safari walks, cultural tours, and reliable private and shared transfer services. Guests are taken to iconic destinations including Kruger, Madikwe, Panorama Route, Garden Route, Okavango Delta, Chobe, Sossusvlei, and the Namib Desert, combining wildlife, landscapes, culture, and seamless travel experiences.
Office In
South Africa
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2022)
Member Of
SATSA & ATA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Macdonald was extremely friendly, patient and knowledgeable.
We had a wonderful Winelands tour with Macdona with Knap tours. We were picked up on time and enjoyed our drive to the Stellenbosch area. We visited 3 wineries and had delicious tastings at each. Macdonald also brought us to a restaurant in the town of Stellenbosch, The Wine Glass, and we had a wonderful conversation with Macdonald at lunch. The wineries visited were wonderful. The last one also had olive oils to sample. The Vineyards were top tier and we enoyed the beautiful scenery during the drive. We also used Knap tours to pick us up at the airport and bring us to our hotel when we arrived in Cape Town. Macdonald greeted us after we exoted baggage cllaim with our name on a sign,.no waiting! We highly this awesime service. We already have booked our airport drop offs with them as well.
Margaret Zimmer · United States
A service that puts you at ease
From start to finish, the process was seamless. Contacted them initially to enquire about a transfer and they responded within 20 mins with all the information needed. Price was so reasonable in comparison to other transfer options. A WhatsApp group was made the day before with times and information provided. Simba transferred us from Cape Town to Sanbona wildlife reserve and his service was exceptional. Arrived promptly, put us at ease the entire journey, allowing us to stop when needed, providing great tunes and giving us really interesting information on the area. Took a beautiful scenic route. Cannot recommend enough and would advise checking with this company first before taking the transfers offered by the places you are going as they are usually double in price.
Kerri · Ireland
Brilliant organisation at very short notice
Julian put together our last-minute three-day safari trip to Namibia at one day’s notice and stayed in touch to make sure all the arrangements went smoothly (they did). He responded immediately to our initial enquiry. We were met at the airport by our driver/guide Jeff, who was excellent, knowledgeable and attentive, so our experience in Etosha National Park was truly amazing. We would thoroughly recommend Knap Tours.
David · United Kingdom
Amazing experience!
Incredible experience on the Garden Route with guide Macdonald.
Marcio · Brazil
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Sundown Country Estate - Mid-range resort less than 1hr drive from Pilanesberg GR. Meals: Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-3: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Johannesburg
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Knap Tours , not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Knap Tours .
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