South Africa · 7 days · 1,100 km · Loop
Pilanesberg + Madikwe + Marakele — premium safari near Joburg
Alternative to Kruger by motorhome: three top reserves 3-5 hours from Johannesburg. Pilanesberg (extinct volcanic crater, big five), Madikwe (malaria-free, luxury), Marakele (rhinos and elephants in Waterberg mountains). Good roads, perfect for first self-drive safari.
Highlights
- Pilanesberg game drives
- Sun City optional
- Madikwe Big Five
- Marakele rhino + ele
- Mountain Zebra views
- Bird hides Waterberg
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Johannesburg pickup → Pilanesberg
Johannesburg → Pilanesberg · 200 km
Overnight: Bakgatla CG
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Day 2
Pilanesberg full game day
Pilanesberg · 80 km
Overnight: Bakgatla CG
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Day 3
Pilanesberg → Madikwe
Pilanesberg → Madikwe · 200 km
Overnight: Madikwe River Lodge area
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Day 4
Madikwe game drives
Madikwe · 60 km
Overnight: Madikwe River Lodge area
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Day 5
Madikwe → Marakele NP
Madikwe → Marakele · 280 km
Overnight: Bontle CG
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Day 6
Marakele Lenong viewpoint
Marakele · 60 km
Overnight: Bontle CG
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Day 7
Marakele → Johannesburg
Marakele → Johannesburg · 320 km
Recommended brands for this route
Selection based on road type and trip length. Tighter budgets — we can also quote Mighty.