North West · South African resident rates

Pilanesberg National Park

A malaria-free Big Five park in the crater of an ancient volcano, about 2.5 hours from Joburg, with South African resident rates you can book now.

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Live in Pilanesberg National Park right now

All specials

Rates as at 12 October 2026: 6 South African resident specials live in Pilanesberg National Park, from R3,772 pppns (Ivory Tree Game Lodge), an average saving of 32% on the usual rate, up to 38% off. Conservation and park fees are extra unless stated.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg: R3,772 pppns, usually R6,075, save 38%. Subject to availability, valid until 31 March 2027. Malaria-free. Our take: “A third off in the Pilanesberg. Malaria-free.”
Tambuti Lodge, Pilanesberg: R4,230 pppns, usually R6,485, save 35%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A quarter off in the Pilanesberg. Just 5 rooms.”
Lush Private Game Lodge, Pilanesberg: R5,450 pppns, usually R7,350, save 26%. 45 Day Rate, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A quarter off in the Pilanesberg. Just 8 rooms.”
Tshukudu Bush Lodge, Pilanesberg: R5,850 pppns, usually R8,815, save 34%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 23 April 2027. Malaria-free. Our take: “12% off in the Pilanesberg. Malaria-free.”
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg: R6,252 pppns, usually R8,035, save 22%. Subject to availability, valid until 31 March 2027. Malaria-free. Our take: “22% off in the Pilanesberg. Malaria-free.”
Ivory Tree Game Lodge Private Villa, Pilanesberg: R45,200 per night for the whole villa, usually R68,305, save 34%. Subject to availability, valid until 30 November 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A third off in the Pilanesberg. Malaria-free.”

The short answer. Pilanesberg is the easiest Big Five safari for families from Gauteng. It is about 2.5 hours from Joburg, it is malaria-free, and 2 nights here is plenty.

What makes it different

The park fills the crater of an ancient volcano, so the landscape is a ring of hills around lakes and open valleys, and the view changes around every bend. Its wildlife was reintroduced from 1979, and today it has the Big Five, cheetah, wild dog and a great deal of birdlife.

Pilanesberg is also open to day visitors and self-drivers. Staying at a lodge inside the park means guided drives in open vehicles, and the lodges here range from family-friendly to adults only.

Who it suits

Families with young children. No malaria and a short drive.
A first safari. Big Five in a compact park, close to home.
Couples. Some lodges take guests from 12 or 16 only.
Groups. A private villa you book as a whole.

Getting there

By road it is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Johannesburg, depending on traffic and which gate your lodge uses. The park sits next to Sun City, so the roads in are good.

When to go

All year. Winter is dry with cold mornings and clear days; summer is green and warm, with afternoon storms. School holidays and long weekends book out first, and midweek stays are often better value.

Good to know

Pilanesberg is outside South Africa's malaria areas.
Park entry fees are usually extra unless the special says otherwise.
Because the park is open to self-drivers, you will sometimes share a sighting with other cars.

Planning a long weekend? Read Malaria-free long weekends from Joburg.

Questions we are asked

Is Pilanesberg malaria-free?

Yes. It is outside South Africa's malaria risk areas.

Does Pilanesberg have the Big Five?

Yes. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino all live in the park.

How many nights do we need in Pilanesberg?

2 nights works well because the drive is short. Take 3 if you want a slower weekend.