Safari itinerary · Madikwe Pilanesberg

3-Day BIG 5 self-drive tour to Pilanesberg

Enjoy the most stylish and luxurious lodge with this self-drive safari package at Lush Private Lodge, set in the Black Rhino Game Reserve – a private concession within the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park.

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From R 18 130 per person

3-Day BIG 5 self-drive tour to Pilanesberg Enquire now

3 daysDuration

Lush Private Game LodgeYour stay

R 18 130From, per person

IncludedTransfers

The journey

About this itinerary.

Where you'll travel: Madikwe Pilanesberg

Overview

An ideal family retreat, Lush Private Game Lodge boasts 5 spacious luxury suites and 1 deluxe suite, ensuring guests' comfort and style. Exclusive traversing rights to 55,000 hectares, along with access to the park’s public section, assure guests an intimate and unique safari experience, including sightings of the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Spend 2 nights tucked into a wooded hillside, where you are enveloped by the bush and present in the moment.

Itinerary

Day 01

Johannesburg to Lush Private Lodge

Your journey begins with collecting your rental vehicle at Johannesburg airport, followed by a three-hour drive to Black Rhino Game Reserve, a private concession within the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. Lush is a contemporary lodge, shaped around the environment. The minimalistic décor and natural finishes emphasize the view, drawing guests to outdoor living spaces.

Settle into your room, luxuriously equipped with an en-suite bathroom and endless views of the bush. Enjoy your own splash pool, providing reprieve in the day's heat, and relax on loungers, lulled by the sounds of the bush.

In the afternoon, head out with your guide for a game drive through the reserve in search of wildlife, including the Big Five. Expect an uninterrupted game-viewing experience in an untouched African wilderness. Return to the lodge in time to freshen up before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Accommodation: Lush Private Lodge

Day 02

Activities and Relaxation

An early morning wake-up call starts the day, followed by a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee and rusks before setting off on a morning game drive.

Exclusive traversing in Black Rhino Reserve and the Pilanesberg’s Wilderness Area provides an opportunity to explore an untouched environment. The park, encircled by the hills of a volcanic ring-dyke complex and containing both Kalahari and Lowveld biomes, is a wilderness Eden. As a guest of Lush, you are assured a private and unique safari experience, with the rare opportunity to see the black rhino.

Optional guided morning bush walks and hot air balloon activities can be requested, subject to availability and additional cost.

Later in the afternoon, embark on an afternoon game drive, which may continue beyond dusk. Return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and reminisce about the day’s sightings.

Accommodation: Lush Private Lodge

Day 03

Departure

After one final game drive and a warm, heartening breakfast, bid farewell to the African bush as you depart Lush Private Lodge. Continue with your onward journey back to Johannesburg airport, where you will return your rental vehicle and proceed with your travel arrangements.

The complete package

Everything included.

Stay

Lush Private Lodge

2 Nights in 5-star in Pilansberg National Park
All meals. Teas/coffees and soft drinks; selected beers, wines and spirits

Luxury Suite accommodation with its own private game viewing decks which is the perfect spot to enjoy the tranquillity

Experiences

Lush Private Lodge

2 Big-5 safari activities daily

Optional activities at an additional cost
All taxes / VAT
Park fees

Travel

Round-trip Car Hire

OR Tambo Airport (JNB)

The same as booking direct

Rates and dates.

Per person sharing for the complete package. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.

Valid until 31 Oct 2026

Show prices in

Green season

1 May 2026 – 31 Oct 2026

R 18 130

per person

International flights excluded

The rate is for the complete package, per person sharing. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your specialist.

Your specialist for this itinerary

Anja Meyer

Safari Specialist - Southern Africa & East Africa

Knows 3-Day BIG 5 self-drive tour to Pilanesberg backwards. Your direct contact from first enquiry to the day you come home.

With Keith and Sara across the team.

Imagery

A closer look.

"Our consultant Zené has been wonderful to work with. She responds quickly and has a great initution for what we are looking for. She has put together a great package for us. So far the process with Safari.com has been outstanding."

July 2026 · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

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