Pilanesberg National Park

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Pilanesberg National Park

Overview

Pilanesberg National Park – Big Five Luxury Safari Close to Johannesburg

Set within the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater, Pilanesberg National Park offers a safari experience shaped by deep geological history and remarkable biodiversity. Located in South Africa’s North West Province, just a short drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg is a rare blend of accessibility, wilderness, and refined luxury. With Camptrek Safaris, the park becomes an elegant escape where dramatic landscapes and exclusive wildlife encounters unfold without the crowds.

Pilanesberg’s story is one of transformation. Once farmland, the park was reborn through one of Africa’s most ambitious conservation projects, reintroducing thousands of animals into a unique ecological transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld. Today, this diversity supports the Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 360 bird species. Rolling hills, open savannahs, rocky outcrops, and tranquil dams create varied game-viewing settings, ideal for photography and intimate encounters.

Luxury in Pilanesberg is discreet and immersive. Select high-end lodges and safari hotels offer spacious suites, elevated decks, fine dining, and expertly guided game drives. Camptrek Safaris curates private safaris, chauffeured transfers, and bespoke itineraries — making Pilanesberg an ideal luxury safari for first-time visitors, families, and travelers seeking exclusivity close to the city.

Highlights

Big Five Safaris: Excellent wildlife viewing in a compact, uncrowded reserve

Unique Volcanic Landscapes: Dramatic terrain shaped by an ancient crater system

Easy Access: Ideal for short luxury safaris from Johannesburg or Sun City

Gallery

Places to Visit in Pilanesberg National Park

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Where to Stay in Pilanesberg National Park

Nimali Tarangire

Hotel in Tanzania

Somalisa Camp

Hotel in Hwange National Park

Beverly Hills Hotel -Durban

Serengeti Explorer

Hotel in Serengeti National park

Mbweha camp

Hotel in Kenya

Ol Pejeta - River Camp

Hotel in Kenya

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Thorntree River Lodge

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Ngorongoro Melia Lodge

Hotel in Ngorongoro Crater

Time + Tide Chinzombo

Hotel in South Luangwa National Park

The Victoria Falls Hotel (Signature Suites)

Hotel in Victoria Falls

The Oyster Box-Durban

Hotel in Durban

Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge

Hotel in Ngorongoro Crater

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Hotel in Kenya

The Plettenberg SLH Hotel

The Treetops Lodge

Hotel in Kenya

Linkwasha Camp

Hotel in Hwange National Park

Tambarare Camp

Hotel in Kenya

Little Makalolo Camp

Hotel in Hwange National Park

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Hotel in Ngorongoro Crater

Fairmont The Norfolk

Hotel in David Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage

nyungwe forest lounge

Hotel in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Little Mombo Camp

Hotel in Botswana

Lush Private Lodge

Hotel in Pilanesberg National Park

Vumbura Plains Camp

Hotel in Botswana

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara

Enkirari Wilderness Camp

Hotel in Serengeti National park

munazi lodge Rwanda

Hotel in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Old Drift Lodge

Hotel in Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls Hotel (Signature Suites)

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Emara ole sereni

Hotel in Kenya

Matetsi Victoria Falls

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge

Hotel in Botswana

Mara Intrepids Tented Camp

Hotel in Masai Mara National Reserve

Amboseli Tortilis Camp

Hotel in Amboseli National Park

Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali

Hotel in Kigali

Tongabezi Lodge

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Camp Moremi

Hotel in Botswana

Little Makalolo Camp

Hotel in Hwange National Park

One&Only Nyungwe House

Hotel in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Hotel in Garden Route

Savute Elephant Lodge

Hotel in Botswana

Neptune serengeti

Hotel in Serengeti National park

Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge

Hotel in Nyungwe Forest National Park

When to Visit Pilanesberg National Park

May – September: Dry season, cooler temperatures, and excellent wildlife visibility

October – April: Lush landscapes, birding season, and fewer visitors

Trip Inspirations

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29-Days Multi-Region Ultimate African Safari Tour Across East & Southern Africa’s Most Iconic Luxury Circuit
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6-Day High-End Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania Safari Tour – Luxury Big 5 Adventure
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9-Day Coastal Highlights Of Mozambique Beach Holiday Escape
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Kenya Bush to Beach Safari – 8 Days Amboseli, Tsavo & Watamu Luxury Safari
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7-Day Luxury Kenya Helicopter & Fly-In Conservancy Safari
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5-Day High-Range Baobabs And Tsingy Of Bemaraha Safari
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6-Day Luxury Kenya Safari Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Mara
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From: $9,166
4 Days Ol Pejeta Conservancy Luxury Safari – Rhinos, Chimps & Big 5 Experience
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From: $1,827
14-Day Combined Kenya & Tanzania Big 5 Safari – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Cross-Border Adventure- Seniors
14 Day Safari
From: $14,368
14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Wildebeest Calving (Jan–March) Luxury Safari
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From: $8,736
5-Day Amboseli and Tsavo West – Luxury Kenya Safari
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From: $2,844
4-Day Elewana Sand River Masai Mara luxury safari – Exclusive Experience
4 Day Safari
From: $3,992
14-Day Combined Kenya and Tanzania Relaxed Luxury Safari Tour
14 Day Safari
From: $11,574
Zimbabwe Ultra-Luxury Safari | Victoria Falls to Hwange Exclusive Experience
7 Day Safari
6-Days From Bush to Beach Kenya Safari.
6 Day Safari
From: $4,012
6-Day Ultimate Namibia Fly-in Safari Wildlife Adventure
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From: $9,379
11-Day Combined Luxury Kenya Tanzania Safari Spirit And Soul Of Africa High-End Adventure
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From: $8,960
7-Day Wildlife & Outdoor Activities - Amboseli to Mara
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From: $5,277

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Meet Our Luxury Travel Specialists

John Njoroge

Director Camptrek Safaris

Africa Travel Specialist

25+ Years Experience

Carine Muzana

Lead Travel Advisor – Gorilla Trekking (Rwanda & Uganda)

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

15+ Years Experience

Lucy Kagure

Africa Travel Specialist

Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Margaret Nyambura

Africa Travel Specialist

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Rose Khasiala

Africa Travel Specialist

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Augustine Mwaura

Africa Travel Specialist

Africa Travel Specialist

3+ Years Experience

Kennedy Mwangi

IT Systems & Technology Lead

Africa Travel Specialist

7+ Years Experience

Simon Seno

Business Development Lead

Southern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Benson Wainaina

Safari Guide & Driver

Africa Travel Specialist

15+ Years Experience

A Curated Collection of Africa's Finest

Crafting your journey from a curated portfolio of 500+ exclusive lodges and safari operators, we ensure luxury, comfort, and authenticity at every step.