3-Day Pilanesberg Big Five Safari & Bakubung Bush Lodge Stay｜South Africa

Leave the city behind and travel to Pilanesberg National Park, where your safari begins.

After arriving at Bakubung Bush Lodge, settle into your accommodation before enjoying lunch overlooking the lodge's active waterhole. Later in the afternoon, board an open safari vehicle with your professional guide for your first game drive through the reserve.

As the afternoon fades into sunset, search for elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, and predators beginning to emerge for the evening.

The following day is dedicated entirely to the safari experience. Start before sunrise with a morning game drive when wildlife is at its most active. Return to the lodge for breakfast before enjoying several hours at leisure. Relax by the pool, watch wildlife from the lodge, or visit the wildlife center.

Following lunch, head back into the reserve for another afternoon safari, exploring different habitats and increasing your chances of spotting species you may have missed earlier.

On your final morning, enjoy one last sunrise game drive before breakfast and your return journey to Johannesburg.

With four professionally guided game drives spread across three days, this safari offers a balanced combination of wildlife viewing and relaxation while allowing you to fully appreciate the unique landscapes of Pilanesberg National Park.

Itinerary
Day 1:
10:00 AM: Private pickup from your home/hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria by Stephenson Adventures.
12:00 PM: Seamless arrival at the lodge, welcome drinks, and an expansive buffet lunch.
14:00 PM: Official check-in and settling into your choice room option.
16:00 PM - 19:30 PM: Open-vehicle twilight game drive led by expert rangers, with deep-bush sundowner drinks.
20:00 PM: Dinner at the lodge’s restaurant.

Day 2:
06:00 AM - 09:00 AM: Sunrise game drive with morning snacks and tea/juice in the reserve.
09:15 AM: Return to lodge for a comprehensive gourmet breakfast.
10:30 AM - 13:00 PM: Leisure time to relax by the pool, visit the wildlife center, or book an optional spa treatment at your own cost.
13:00 PM: A relaxed buffet lunch overlooking the active waterhole.
16:00 PM - 19:30 PM: Afternoon game drive focusing on tracking the Big Five as the predators start to stir and other wild animals.
20:00 PM: Dinner at the lodge restaurant.

Day 3:
06:00 AM - 09:00 AM: Final sunrise game drive, catching the bush as it wakes up.
09:15 AM: Return to lodge for a comprehensive gourmet breakfast.
11:00 AM: Checkout, boarding your cooled Stephenson transport for a comfortable return transit home.

Optional Experience/Add-on (Choose One)

Option A: Additional Game Drive
An extra 3-hour open-vehicle game drive with lunch included, giving you one final opportunity to track the Big Five before heading home. Priced at R2650 per person.

Option B: Sun City Half-Day Visit
Swap the park farewell for a guided half-day stop at Sun City Resort, located approximately 15 minutes from Pilanesberg. Priced at R1 950 per person.