6-Day Johannesburg, Sun City & Pilanesberg Trip

Customizable 6-Day Johannesburg Itinerary

Start a 6-Day Joburg Trip

This 6 Day Joburg Sun City Pilanesberg Trip itinerary truly offers a taste of everything South Africa is known for: the profound history of its cities, the fun and sparkle of its resorts, and the immense power of its wildlife. It’s an efficient and memorable journey built for diverse interests.

Experience South Africa’s perfect contrast, from the city’s energy and the glamour of Sun City to an unforgettable Safari in the Pilanesberg wilderness, all managed by your local friend.

6 Day Joburg Sun City Pilanesberg Trip, at a Glance

  • Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Perfect for:Families, first-time visitors to South Africa, travelers seeking entertainment mixed with wildlife, and those who want a structured yet flexible city and bush experience.
  • Key Destinations: Johannesburg (Joburg), Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park, Soweto, Sandton.
  • Ekuseni Difference: High Flexibility to set your own pace, authentic local dining experiences, and an itinerary designed to feel like a friend is showing you their favourite city spots.

Trip Highlights

  • Safari Thrills: Embark on an exciting Safari (game drive) in Pilanesberg National Park, a malaria-free area famous for housing the Big Five.

  • Entertainment Central: Enjoy the glamour, activities, and relaxation at the famous Sun City Resort and its massive water park.

  • Historical Immersion: Take a powerful journey through history with visits to the Apartheid Museum and a comprehensive tour of Soweto.

  • Urban Contrast: Explore the modern face of South Africa in upscale Sandton, including a photo opportunity at the iconic Nelson Mandela Square.

  • Primary Transport: All transfers are managed via private, comfortable road transport (with flying options available for other locations).

Johannesburg Trip (Soweto, Sun City, Sandton, Pilanesberg NP ) Gallery

Trip Itinerary, Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg - The City of Gold

  • Focus: Arrival and Settling In.

  • Your arrival day is left free for flexible settling in. Your private road transfer will meet you at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and take you to your Johannesburg accommodation.

  • Suggested Evening Activity: After checking in, enjoy a relaxed, low-key dinner at a local spot in the Rosebank area.

  • Focus: Wildlife and Transfer.

  • Morning: After an early breakfast, your private road transfer will take you northwest on a scenic drive toward the Pilanesberg National Park area (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours).

  • Afternoon: Pilanesberg Safari. You will immediately head into the park for your first exciting Safari (game drive) in an open-sided vehicle. Pilanesberg is situated in an ancient volcano crater and is known as a high-density, malaria-free reserve where you stand an excellent chance of spotting the Big Five.

  • Evening: Transfer the short distance to the world-famous Sun City Resort where you will check in and enjoy dinner.

  • Focus: Entertainment and Relaxation.

  • Morning & Afternoon: Enjoy a full day of leisure and fun at the Sun City Resort. You have access to the magnificent Valley of the Waves water park, championship golf courses, cultural villages, and various entertainment options.

  • Evening: Enjoy the resort’s diverse dining and entertainment choices.

  • Focus: Return Trip and Modern Joburg.

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Sun City. Your private road transfer will take you back to Johannesburg (approximately 2.5 hours).

  • Afternoon: Sandton Exploration. Check in to your Joburg accommodation. You will then wander through the modern, upscale district of Sandton, culminating in a visit to Nelson Mandela Square for a moment with the famous statue and a relaxed lunch or coffee.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the bustling Sandton area.

  • Focus: History and Culture.

  • Morning: Apartheid Museum. Start the day with a moving and essential visit to the Apartheid Museum. This powerful experience provides the critical context needed to understand South Africa’s journey to democracy.

  • Afternoon: Soweto Tour. Your private guide will take you to Soweto, covering key sites like the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street (the home of two Nobel Laureates, Mandela and Tutu). This in-depth cultural dive is handled respectfully and authentically.

  • Evening: Enjoy a final dinner at a local Joburg spot of your choice.

Your private road transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you directly to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your departure flight.

What's Included and Excluded?

Price Includes

  • Accommodation: 5 Nights’ accommodation (3 in Joburg, 2 at Sun City/Pilanesberg area on a bed and breakfast basis) in mid-range or high-end hotels/lodges, based on your budget.

  • Transport: All private road transfers for the entire duration, including airport pick-up/drop-off (JNB), the round trip to Pilanesberg/Sun City, and all city day trips.

  • Safari Activity: One scheduled Safari (game drive) in an open-sided vehicle in Pilanesberg National Park.

  • Activities & Fees: Entrance fees for the Apartheid Museum and the services of a local guide for the Soweto Tour.

Price Excludes

  • Flights: International and domestic flights.

  • Meals & Drinks: All lunches and dinners, except where specifically mentioned (giving you maximum flexibility).

  • Sun City Fees: Entrance to Sun City’s Valley of the Waves (unless included by the specific hotel package), golf, casino, and other optional resort activities.

  • Optional Safari: Additional game drives in Pilanesberg.

  • Gratuities & Insurance: Tips for your guide/driver and personal travel insurance.

Start 6 Day Joburg Sun City Pilanesberg Trip

This isn’t a fixed, off-the-shelf package; it’s the perfect blueprint for a six-day trip in Johannesburg we’ll tailor specifically to your budget, style, and preferred mid-range or high-end accommodations. 

Let’s start the conversation.

Common Questions, Expert Answers

Is Pilanesberg National Park a Big Five destination?

Yes, Pilanesberg National Park is a premier, Big Five Safari destination. It is home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and buffalo, and it’s also a highly recommended malaria-free area.

Our primary mode of transport for all transfers—to Pilanesberg, Sun City, and back to Johannesburg—is via private, comfortable road transfer. Flying transfers are available for longer distances, but the road trip works best for this specific route.

No, Ekuseni does not currently offer self-drive services. All transport is handled by our professional drivers to ensure your safety and allow you to relax completely during the road transfers.

The drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions leaving Johannesburg. This is managed by your private road transfer.

The Ekuseni Difference is high-level flexibility, seamless private road transfers, mid-range to high-end accommodation options tailored to your budget, and an authentic, low-pressure atmosphere.

Can I stay in a lodge inside Pilanesberg instead of Sun City?

Absolutely. This itinerary is highly flexible. We can arrange for you to stay at a dedicated Safari lodge inside Pilanesberg instead of Sun City, providing a more intense bush experience.

We consider the visit to the Apartheid Museum to be essential for understanding South Africa’s history and providing context for the Soweto tour. It is one of the most powerful experiences in the country.

You will need two types of clothes: comfortable, layered clothing in neutral colors for the Safari (especially for early morning drives) and smart-casual clothing for dining and exploring Sandton/Sun City.

Typically, only breakfast is included at Sun City, leaving your lunches and dinners flexible so you can explore the resort’s wide variety of restaurants and bars.

Yes. The inclusion of the safe, malaria-free Pilanesberg Safari, combined with the extensive entertainment and water park facilities at Sun City, makes this a fantastic and highly recommended trip for families.