Pilanesberg Safaris & Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Member Of:
- FGASA & GTA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
Reviews
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
We did the 4 day camping safari with Pilanesberg Safaris. Our guide was Niel, and from the moment we were picked up from our guest house in Jo'burg, we had a blast. Niel was a fantastic guide. His knowledge of the wildlife, the plants, the history of Pilanesberg was second to none. And his eyesight.... Well, his eyes are as sharp as a bird of prey! He spotted so many animals that we would never have seen. You take it for granted how well camouflaged these animals are, but when you see these majestic and magnificent creatures in the natural habitat, you realise how they were made for this environment.
We saw 3 of the big 5, but we also saw so much other stuff that was just amazing. If I'm honest, I had reservations about going to South Africa and not going to Kruger. But, now having been, I can honestly say that I was not disappointed. In fact, it exceeded my expectations by far.
Pilanesberg Safaris and Tours provide value for money, for sure. The Manyane campsite was a little shabby, but that's more about the SA government than anything else. PS&T gave a really wonderful experience, mostly due to Niel and the wildlife, but the equipment they provided for camping was excellent and the meals were absolutely great. If you're a carnivore, try Kudu steak. Yum!
If you're in Johannesburg, I would highly recommend a trip with Pilanesberg Safaris and Tours, even if it's just a day. But go for more if you can. It has totally whetted our appetites for more safari action. Botswana here we come??!!!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, personable, and perfect!
We were picked up at our door, bright and early (and right on time), by our guide, Ingrid. She was incredibly personable, and made the hour+ trip to the park go by quickly as she filled in the areas we drove through with history of the region, and changes that had taken place through the years.
Once in the park is where her knowledge really shined, as she was able to identify all the plan and wildlife, giving really awesome descriptions, and little known facts which made each and every thin within the park come alive! She consistently made sure we were comfortable, she wasn't rushing and to let her know if we wanted to stop (or simply pause) to look at things. She kept us off the beaten path as often as she could within our time constraints, and I'm convinced that this helped us to see things we might not have caught otherwise. Her knowledge of the park was great!
She also made sure we didn't go hungry or thirsty! Not only was lunch within the park included, but a mid-morning snack as well (at one of the blinds), which was a really pleasant surprise! You could tell she was absolutely passionate for what she does, and it made for an excellent experience! I would highly recommend this tour! (she also took pics of my girlfriend and I, which she forwarded to us afterward... like I said, the little things!)
Thanks again for a wonderful time!
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable days in the nature
We experienced unforgettable days in Pilanesberg National Park. Our guide Craig was extremely polite, reliable, nice ... His attitude towards others and towards nature and every small animal was impressive. Craig gave us lots of information about the animals, the park, South Africa, ...
We spent wonderful days and already from the first hour in the National Park we plunged into another world and let us forget everyday life. The camping made us a lot of fun and very fitting for the 2 nights. Spend the night in a beautiful lodge had not profitable for us, because it is not anyway a lot of time at the camp.
Unfortunately, the time has passed far too quickly. We would immediately make a Safari again.
Another awesome safari!
We have just returned from our 3rd safari to Pilanesberg with Ryan and Pilanesberg safaris. Once again, the organisation was great and good meals provided. Ryan was efficient, friendly, helpful and is very knowledgeable about the wildlife in the park. We were very lucky with our sightings, seeing all the big 5 this time :) We had a wonderful time and amazing experiences. Can recommend Ryan and Pilanesberg safaris most highly.
US
Email Pam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Engaging
The tour was awesome! Breaks and lunch were provided. The tour started and ended on time. The driver was knowledgeable and a comic at the same time.
We saw many animals, the cats all seemed to be hiding.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing, enjoyable and informative trip.
This was a definite highlight of our holiday in South Africa. We hadn't been sure what to expect from a camping safari but were swayed by the excellent reviews of Pilanesberg Safaris &tours, so decided to go ahead and book. We were so glad we did - Ryan looked after us so well and did everything he could to help us to get sightings of a whole range of animals and birds - he never tired of sharing his knowledge, nor of making sure we were fed and watered. The experience was just as described on the web site, and although we were a bit worried about not being able to secure our booking with a deposit this was totally unnecessary as Ryan met us exactly as arranged. We came away with lots of photos and happy memories.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, skilled, patient
We were more than happy with our guide Craig, who has excellent knowledge about the animals and plants. Furthermore, he is a great cook, very friendly and patient. Thank you for this amazing experience! Hope to see you soon...
Great experience
The safari tour was amazing, lunch was very good and the guide was great!
NL
Email Steven, Jacqueline & Dagmar Dhondt | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing encounter with Africa
Thanks to Andrew, we have had an amazing encounter with Africa in its full glory. Fantastic beasts, enormous surroundings, great skies and fantastic stories by Andrew. Together with my wife and daughter, we were personally guided around the vast Pilanesberg reserve. We have learnt so much about the amazing animals, watched lions preparing their stalking of zebras and wildebeests. So much to talk about. We are grateful for the braais that Andrew cooked for us, such a privilege. Of course the great temperature during this period of the year makes everything double so enjoyable, knowing that in Europe rains and snow are pestering our friends and colleagues. But most of all, we were so pleasantly surprised by so much South African hospitality. We have learnt so much about to address everyone with questions about the day, about feelings etc. Africa is such a great continent, we want to learn much more. Now we only have to catalogue our 2000+ photos. Andrew, thanks for the lesson how to make the best photos. Your photos are by far the best on our computer!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Had an amazing day with Craig from Pilanesberg Safaris!
We went on a one-day safari to Pilanesberg with Pilanesberg Safaris. Craig was our guide. I recommend to go game viewing with them to everyone. We had an amazing day! Craig knew so much about the whole area, the history and the animals. He was able to spot animals that we would have missed completely, or seen much later. Even though this was just one day (roughly from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. in the park), we saw white rino, elephant, hippo, giraffe, jackal, hyena, kudu, buffalo, wildebeest, tsessebe, warthog, impala, and loads of smaller animals.
This was a day to never forget! When I'm in South Africa again, I will definitely go back. I spent just 2 weeks in Johannesburg for businness, and had only one weekend to go sightseeing. I contacted them on Friday, and could arrange everything quickly for the following Sunday. It was just me and my colleague with Craig, so we had every opportunity to ask questions. He could answer all of them. No matter how many photos I made, he always stopped. Even the smallest details were pointed out, like dung beatles, little birds, how to read the behaviour of the animals, or how to see the difference between old/young or male/female animals.
Thanks for this awesome day, Craig!