4 Day Pilanesberg Family Safari

Guests are met and welcomed at O.R. Tambo International Airport, before traveling north-west by road towards the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, about two and a half to three hours from the city. The scenic drive takes you towards Pilanesberg’s dramatic volcanic hills and bushveld scenery.

In the remote north-western sector of the park, you arrive at Black Rhino Game Lodge, situated in a private concession that offers direct access into greater Pilanesberg. After check-in there is time to settle into your room and explore the lodge’s family-friendly facilities before your first afternoon open 4x4 game drive, guided by a professional ranger. Keep an eye out for the famous Big Five and other species that thrive in this restored wilderness, from giraffe and zebra to antelope and an impressive array of birdlife, before returning to a hearty dinner and your first night in the bush.

Each day in Pilanesberg begins with an early morning wake-up call and a hot drink before you set out on your first game drive. In the cool hours after sunrise, animals are at their most active, and your ranger uses extensive local knowledge to search for predators like lion, leopard and cheetah, as well as elephant, rhino, buffalo and a variety of antelope. Pilanesberg was once heavily farmed, but a major rewilding initiative known as Operation Genesis saw more than 6,000 animals reintroduced to this ancient volcanic crater, transforming it into one of South Africa’s great conservation success stories and a superb destination for family safaris.

Between game drives, you return to Black Rhino Game Lodge for hearty meals and downtime around the pool or deck, where animals often wander past. Children can enjoy learning about tracks, animal behavior and the ecological history of the park in an informal, relaxed way, while adults appreciate the comfort of a fully catered lodge experience. Afternoon and sunset drives provide a different perspective as nocturnal animals become active and day-active species move to waterholes. With at least two guided drives per full day and free time to enjoy the lodge’s facilities, these days balance exciting wildlife encounters with the flexibility and rest that families appreciate on safari.