5-Day Pilanesberg Midrange & Luxury Safari - Tlou & Bakubung 2026

Your journey begins with a pickup from any Johannesburg or Pretoria hotel or address between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM, arriving at Pilanesberg National Park by 8:45 AM. At 9:00 AM, climb into an open safari vehicle for a 3-hour morning game drive, seeking the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo).

Savor a tasty lunch at the Pilanesberg Centre, then check into Tlou Tented Safari Camp around 1:30 PM. Settle into your ensuite tent and head out at 4:00 PM for a 3-hour sunset game drive, marveling at the African dusk. Return around 7:00 PM for a delicious boma fire dinner under a star-filled sky

Wake early for hot drinks, then set out on a 3-hour sunrise game drive from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM in an open safari vehicle, spotting wildlife in the golden morning light.

Return to Tlou for a satisfying breakfast, then spend the day relaxing by the pool or exploring the Bagatla tribal areas to engage with local traditions. Enjoy a traditional tribal lunch at the camp or nearby.

At 4:00 PM, venture out for a 3-hour sunset and night game drive, seeking nocturnal animals. Return around 7:00 PM for a flavorful boma fire dinner, sharing tales of the day.

Start with morning coffee, then head out on a 3-hour sunrise game drive from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM in an open safari vehicle, catching animals in the crisp light. Return to Tlou for a delightful breakfast, then enjoy leisure time by the pool or exploring the camp’s surroundings.

Depart Tlou around 11:30 AM and arrive at Bakubung Bush Lodge around 1:00 PM, checking in and savoring a light lunch at the restaurant overlooking the waterhole. Unwind by the pool or indulge in a spa session, then head out at 4:00 PM for a 3-hour sunset game drive, pursuing the “Big Five.” Return around 7:00 PM for a vibrant boma dinner, swapping stories of the day.

Begin with hot drinks, then set out on a 3-hour sunrise game drive from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM in an open safari vehicle, spotting wildlife in the fresh morning glow.

Return to Bakubung for a delightful breakfast, then relax at the lodge—lounge by the pool, visit the gym, or enjoy a spa session. After lunch, set out at 4:00 PM for a 3-hour sunset and night game drive, tracking nocturnal creatures. Dine at the boma, savoring the African night.

By the end of your safari, most guests will have seen the “Big Five” and countless other species, leaving you with memories to treasure. Wake early for hot beverages, then set out on a 3-hour sunrise game drive from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM in an open safari vehicle, chasing one last glimpse of Pilanesberg’s wildlife.

Return to Bakubung for a sumptuous breakfast, pack up, and prepare for a 2-hour game drive in a closed vehicle (minivan) between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM, seeking more of the “Big Five.”

Depart mid-afternoon between 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM for the return journey to Johannesburg, arriving at OR Tambo International Airport or your drop-off point around 5:30 PM–6:00 PM.