Private tour in Pretoria Lesley O

Pilanesberg Game Reserve - Big 5 game reserve private day Safari departing Johannesburg

5.0

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 14 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 14 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Lesley O.

4.9

Guide rating

305

Reviews

Tours delivered

12 hrs

Avg. response time

I love my country passionately and have always had a deep-seated interest in all it holds, especially its history and wildlife. South Africa is blessed with the most incredible variety and richness of landscape, flora, fauna and people. There is nothing I enjoy more than showing this bounty to visitors and giving my guests an insight into my world. I enjoy one-on-one communication, discussing points of interest raised by the guests. I always customize the itinerary to suit special interests, and am quite happy to change things to suit during the tour, provided no pre-bookings have been made. My special interest is wildlife, and therefore I have trained as a field guide as well as a tour guide. This allows me to add depth to any tour, but especially the Nature tours. I strive to deliver a quality, personal touring experience. No matter whether historical, cultural or natural, the journey is both unique and unforgettable. I have lived in South Africa most of my life, and have been resident in the Gauteng area for 50 years. I have a passion for history and the natural world and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. I have a personal interest in ornithology (that's birds!) and trips to suit those with a special interest in birds and birding can be arranged with the greatest of pleasure. I believe that every place has a story. As a guide, I strive to tell such stories in an interesting and informative way. Visiting the setting around which the story evolved brings a feeling of reality to the events. Whether visiting a museum or exploring a game reserve, on a day trip or on a long journey to the lesser-known parts of the country, I plan my routes through interesting areas imparting as much local knowledge as possible along the way. Many visitors want to see where and how local people live, so I take the back routes rather than flying past on the highways. Wherever possible, I vary my return route so as to enjoy as much of this beautiful country as possible. I do not have set itineraries. I tailor each tour to suit the client - from the food to the route, the places and the people. The museum may be the same, but the route we take and what we see along the way will be planned according to the client's interests ensuring a unique, personal experience. Registered South African Tourist Guide for Gauteng, North-West and Mpumalanga provinces. Field Guide registered with Field Guide Association of South Africa. Field Guides are essentially Game Rangers, proficient to take tourists through Nature and Game Reserves.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lesley O.

Overview of your Pretoria tour

The early sun bathes a landscape of rocky hills shaped by violent volcanic activity and erosion in hues of orange and gold. We travel through the park on the winding roads and watch as great grey ghosts emerge suddenly from the untamed bush, towering above all around them and solid, tank-like rhino graze. Beautiful song is followed by a flash of colour as one of the many birds dart away. Slender, elegant impala graze then leap away on spindly legs, seeming to fly. A giraffe's long neck, swaying above the trees, towers above zebra grazing nearby, mixed with the odd shapes of wildebeest. We sit in a hide next to a dam and the tranquil quiet is broken by the abrupt, loud snorting of a hippo as it erupts from the water, then submerges leaving only ripples. A crocodile glides by as the setting sun tints the landscape gold at the end of the day. We experience the sights, sounds and smells of the African landscape and picnic under the trees to round off the experience. Meets Animal Welfare policy.

Recent Reviews

Tobias H.Germany
October 2023

Lesley is an absolute gem when it comes to a private tour. I thoroughly enjoyed the time and even though I had less time then planned, she went above and beyond to make it possible and we saw a lot of animals. I was very lucky to have found her and that she could do it on such a short notice. I will book Lesley again for a future trip with my family. The driving time went over like nothing as Lesley told the story of South Africa super interesting PS: Prepare for a lot of great food also! :)

Mark C.United States
May 2022

Lesley was on time, informative and a pleasant personality. Provided a great breakfast and lunch. It was a great experience for my wife and I and would use her again.

Sangeeta G.Netherlands
March 2022

Brilliant! Lesley has an acute understanding of and curiosity about the flora and fauna in Pilanesberg and beyond. We had a fantastic day - sightings ranged the gamut from countless birds to a leopard on a tree! All with thoughtful commentary and thoughtfully-prepared breakfast and lunch. All in a comfortable vehicle.

David J.Canada
October 2019

Lesley is a wonderful guide - extremely knowledgeable, passionate about the tour topics, flexible, easy to communicate with, ability to tailor each day/tour, ++. We did three days of touring - The Cradle of Humankind including the caves; experiencing Johannesburg and its history including SA's history, and a split day - a visit to the De Wildt cheetah run and sanctuary incl. wild dogs and other game; and a visit to Pretoria including the history of the Afrikaners. She delivers a great customer experience

Sheila O.United States
February 2018

Best single day game drive of the four we took in South Africa for the animals viewed and the guide. Ms. Opperman's depth of the knowledge and attention is unsurpassed. On the drive from Johannesburg she gave us detailed social, geological and historical facts. Once in Pilanesberg she kept us informed about birds, flowers, big game, small game, reptiles - everything. The picnic she provided was gourmet, home cooked, locally sourced and delicious. Her van was comfortable and easy to take pictures from.

Laura H.Canada
February 2015

Lesley was great ... extremely knowledgeable (about everything!), supplied a fabulous lunch, cheerfully undertook a lot of driving (including reversing away from a somewhat displeased elephant!). She helped customize our tour beforehand to take advantage of our 15 hours to fill. A fabulous way to end an amazing time in South Africa. Thanks Lesley - we are thinking of you as we slowly freeze and are submerged in snow.

Your Pretoria tour itinerary

We leave Johannesburg and drive to Pilanesberg Game Reserve. There is a short stop at the gate for tea/coffee and rusks/muffins before starting the drive. This is a large game reserve, only half of which has road access. Where we go and what we see depends on conditions, known sightings and how we feel on the day. The animals are wild and live naturally to the extent that a fenced reserve will allow. This is their environment, and we are the interlopers. Therefore, care must be taken not to impose on the wildlife, especially the larger animals that can be dangerous. When ready, brunch is eaten under the trees at a picnic site. The stop is very pleasant and can be as long as desired. Stops at other picnic sites and hides will allow for bathroom breaks and any other refreshment wanted during the day. Depending on the weather and the guest requirements, we can stay until the reserve closes. We then drive back. Meets Animal Welfare policy requirements.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minibus

I use an 8-seater Volkswagen Microbus. This vehicle is high off the ground offering good game viewing. It is air-conditioned. My preferred maximum group size is 5 excluding middle seats, but I can take 7.

What's included
Other: Transportation, guide and ranger fee, all food and soft drinks. If you are interested in staying over in the reserve, please contact me for suggestions and a quotation.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entry to park
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Any purchases you may wish. If you decide to leave earlier and stop at Sun City Resort, the entry to the resort will be extra.
Meeting location

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: At your place of accommodation

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Layover
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Adventure
Day Trip
Tour reference number
15342
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Pilanesberg National Park best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to experience the African landscape in a unique setting. It's also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Lesley O. for deeper insights into the area.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Pilanesberg National Park be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 14 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 14 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later