Day 1 - Morning & Afternoon Game Drive
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your Pilanesberg Short Break starts at approximately 05h30 – 06h30 this morning from your hotel. We depart Johannesburg and head off to the North-West province of South Africa (approx. 2-3 hours travel time).

Our game drive starts as we enter the Pilanesberg Game reserve in our closed, air-conditioned vehicle. Heading into prime game viewing areas where we hope to catch a glimpse of some of the amazing animals found inside the park, including the Big Five.

After reaching our accommodation we check-in and have lunch (own account). This is followed by a second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner is enjoyed in the evening.

Day 2 Morning Game Drive & Sun City visit
We depart on an early morning game drive for another chance to spot some of the wildlife we might have missed the previous day. Today’s game drive is performed in an open 4x4 vehicle. After the game drive, we return to our lodge for breakfast and check out.

On the way back to Johannesburg we will stop at the Sun City resort for some leisure time and lunch (own account). This is a great opportunity to explore one of South Africa’s most renowned resorts developed by the hotel magnate Sol Kerzner. The resort consists of a casino, golf course, waterpark, extensive gardens, large maze and cultural village.

Your tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg, where you can be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport.

What time does the tour collect guests in Johannesburg?
This depends on your accommodation. Generally pick up is between 05h30 – 06h30.

What time does the tour end in Johannesburg?
This depends on traffic, however we generally arrive around 16h00. Should you have a flight booked on the last day, please let us know the departure time.

Can you collect and drop off from OR Tambo International Airport?
Yes.

Can I book additional activities at the lodge?
Yes, but only if staying at the 4 star Lodges. The lodge offers activities that are bookable directly with the lodge.
For additional activities on the other tour options, please contact your consultant.

Do I need malaria medication for Pilanesberg?
No. The entire Pilanesberg Reserve is Malaria Free

How much should I tip staff, drivers and guides?
- Restaurants – When checking the bill, if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.
- Lodge staff - Tipping boxes are often in the common areas and approximately USD2 per day is appropriate
- Guides & Drivers – The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD3 to USD6 per staff member, per day can be used.
Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Do you accept payment by credit/debit card on tour?
Credit cards are generally accepted in tourist shops and some restaurants across Africa. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only. Foreign currency is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates.
With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities and even some campsites, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to USD100 per day. Throughout Africa, cards with the Visa logo are most readily recognised, although MasterCard is also accepted in most places. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it's not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries.
What should I pack for my trip?
Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances.

ESSENTIALS:
- Closed in shoes. As most of our trips include some bush walking we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes.
- Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in the malaria areas. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.
- Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

RECOMMENDED:
- A good quality, high-beam headlamp or torch for around the lodges and permanent tented sites at night.
- Waterproof/windproof jacket is a good idea for wet days, and early morning or evening activities when it can be cool.
- Warm fleece and beanie for morning and evening activities including game drives where applicable.
- Personal medical kit.
- Insect repellent.
- Water bottle.
- Camera with spare battery or power bank.
- Binoculars