Johannesburg and the malaria-free, easily accessible Pilanesberg National Park come together in this perfectly balanced family itinerary, blending culture, history, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
- Discover the Cradle of Humankind
- Enjoy guided game drives
- Search for the Big Five
- Observe wildlife behaviour
- Learn safari tracking skills
- Watch animals at the waterhole
Begin in Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant urban heart, where interactive museums and engaging experiences introduce families to the country’s rich heritage and modern energy. Step back in time at the Cradle of Humankind, where you can explore some of the oldest hominin fossils or immerse yourself in South Africa’s largest, interactive science and technology centre – Sci-Bono Discovery Centre – that has more than 350 interactive exhibits.
From the city, journey effortlessly into the malaria-free wilderness of Pilanesberg National Park, where the excitement of a Big Five safari awaits, offering the opportunity to encounter iconic African elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo, within an easily accessible reserve. Guided game drives traverse diverse landscapes of open plains and volcanic hills, giving families an excellent chance to spot these remarkable animals. The family-friendly lodges, knowledgeable guides, and child-focused activities ensure that game drives are both safe and enriching, while relaxed schedules allow for plenty of time to unwind.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Fly overnight to Johannesburg.
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Day 2: Arrive in Johannesburg
You're met on arrival at the airport, and transferred to your overnight accommodation. The rest of the day's free to explore the city, or relax at the hotel.
Experience some hands-on learning at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, ride the hop-on-hop-off bus, or wander the beautiful Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens.
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Day 3: Cradle of Humankind
Today, discover the Cradle of Humankind; spanning 47,000 hectares and just 50 kilometres from Johannesburg, this world heritage centre invites visitors to explore ancient hominin fossils within the Sterkfontein Caves, including the 2.3-million-year-old Australopithecus africanus fossil known as Mrs Ples.
Afterwards, continue to the Maropeng Visitor Centre, where an interactive exhibition on human evolution concludes with an atmospheric underground boat ride through elemental-themed tunnels that bring the story of our origins to life.
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Day 4: Travel to Pilanesberg National Park
As the scenery gradually shifts from city to bush, travel a few hours to the malaria-free national park, Pilanesberg. On arrival, the rest of the day's free to settle into the safari lodge and take in your surroundings. -
Days 5-6 : Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
Experience two game drives per day at the lodge, guided by experienced rangers who will search for the iconic species including the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and a host of birdlife. Each game drives lasts for a few hours.
Your second day in Pilanesberg National Park deepens your safari experience; on these drives, explore different areas of the park and build on what you saw the previous day.
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Day 7: Explore New Trails in Pilanesberg National Park
On your final day in Pilanesberg National Park, your experienced safari guide will take you along new trails or into quieter, less-travelled parts of the park, increasing your chances of spotting elusive species such as leopards, hyenas or wild dogs.
By now, you'll have a sharper eye for animal tracks and subtle behaviours, making every sighting even more rewarding.
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Day 8: Depart Pilanesberg National Park
Depart for the airport and return to the UK on an overnight flight home. -
Day 9: Arrive UK
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Days 9-11 : OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Cape Town
Choose to stop over after your safari holiday on South Africa’s southern coast in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Relax on stunning beaches, watch penguins playing in the ocean at Boulders Beach, take in panoramic views from Table Mountain, and explore the city’s lively waterfront.
Alternatively, you could stop over in Cape Town prior to travelling to Johannesburg. For more information, speak to our friendly travel consultants today.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 8+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Feb
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Easter
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May
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Summer
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Oct
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Xmas
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the date ranges below, on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.
| Daily Departures | Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | From | To | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Options |
| 2026 | 1 May | 31 May | 7 days | £1,675 | £195 | 9 days | £2,875 | £895 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 1 Jul | 1 Sep | 7 days | £1,675 | £195 | 9 days | £3,195 | £1,295 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 1 Oct | 31 Oct | 7 days | £1,795 | £295 | 9 days | £3,495 | £1,325 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Feb | 28 Feb | 7 days | £1,975 | £195 | 9 days | £3,125 | £895 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Mar | 30 Apr | 7 days | £1,975 | £195 | 9 days | £3,695 | £1,395 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 May | 31 May | 7 days | £1,825 | £195 | 9 days | £2,995 | £895 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Jul | 31 Aug | 7 days | £1,875 | £195 | 9 days | £3,295 | £1,325 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Oct | 31 Oct | 7 days | £1,995 | £295 | 9 days | £3,725 | £1,345 | Book or Enquire |
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
