johannesburgo safari

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Safari Tours & Trips from Johannesburg

See the best Johannesburg safaris. We have 164 safari adventures from Johannesburg, South Africa, that range from 1 days up to 58 days in length. The most popular time for tours leaving Johannesburg is October.

164 Safari trips near Johannesburg with 421 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Kruger in Depth

It was awesome! Safari was exceptional, tour guide knowledgeable, tour group outstanding.

Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)

The best part of our tour was the enthusiasm of our guides/staff. We could tell they loved what they did.

Kruger Lodge Experience

5+ Stars! I had the most AMAZING experience with INTREPID on a safari in South Africas, Kruger National Park. We saw all the big 5, ate well, felt safe, and had an absolutely amazing once in a lifetime type guide! I very strongly advise those who choose this trip to ask for a man who works at the Timbaviti game lodge named Johane. This is the guy you want taking you on African safari for the unforgettable experience and amazing photographs! The highest of recommendations for this guide and his camping safari. -Tristan

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour

An experience I will never forget! I was lucky enough to see the Big 5 which was incredible. The itinerary is very well put together so I felt like I experienced Kruger to the fullest. I stayed in one of the chalets which was basic but very comfortable. Every meal was delicious with variety for vegetarians.

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Safari -"Small Group Special"

We had an amazing 3-day tour to the Kruger National Park. It was a great mix between wildlife, beautiful landscapes and South African history. We did an extra game drive in the park that was definitely worth it. Jakes is a great guide with a huge knowledge about the history of South Africa and the flora and fauna in and around the park. We can highly recommend doing a tour with him.

Magical Kruger National Park Safari

Amazing trip , we had great fun

Luxury Kruger Park Safari & Panorama Route ​South Africa

Jakes is very knowledgeable on sites and with animals too and friendly and mostly so helpful...he is so proffessional and tours are excelleny

6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

no complaints! guides were very knowledgeable and very friendly and helpful, and genuinely liked their jobs and loved seeing animals as much as the tourists do.

3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari

Honestly, it was an amazing experience! The lodge was nice with pretty decent food. The park was incredible to say the least! The drivers were friendly and knowledgeable. We had someone lose a phone during one of the drives, and the driver was nice enough to help us get it back. We signed up for the morning drive and one couple could not make it. The lodge was nice enough to refund them. Needless to say we felt very well taken care of! The only complain was that the van ride was a bit crowded. With a full van on the way there, we had to sit four to a row. Although there were technically enough seats, a four hour drive with 4 adults on a van bench seat was borderline unbearable. Outside of that, it was a truly perfect experience!

South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards

Wild Kingdoms Safari (from Johannesburg to Durban)

Zach was the best guide. Intelligent, knew his history and passed it on to me. An excellent driver, he took me to every place listed on the tour. Then if some place was of great interest, he taught me all he knew about the cities, cultures, agriculture and changes in the land and why. Oh just to add one more thing. Patience is a big part of his ability to be great with people. Thank you Zach Irene Curtis

Johannesburg Adventure Safari 4 Days/3 Nights

The safaris on day one and two were excellent however I would say a few things are not as the itinerary suggests. The drive from johanessburg is not 4 hours, but more like 6-7 hours. Also, day 4 there is no time for a morning safari so this was incorrect too

Best of Kruger National Park

Es hat organisatorisch alles geklappt. Alle Mitarbeiter von Kurt Safari haben sich große Mühe gegeben. Unterkunft und Verpflegung alles sehr ausreichend. Hatte erwartet, mehr Tiere zu sehen. Das Gras war aber auch ziemlich und es gibt ausreichend viel wasser im Park. Bei eigener Safari vor langer Zeit in der Etoscha pfanne habe ich etwa 100 mal so viele Tiere gesehen. Trotzdem war es ganz gut. Sehr gut leider nicht.

Entabeni Nature Conservancy

I finally was able to see the famous Africa’s Big 5. It was a wish I had since childhood. The excellent staff of Timeline Travel and Honeyguide made this a magic trip I will never forget. Where so many things could have gone wrong they made sure everything went perfectly right. Thank you for arranging the best room available in the lodge. Thank you for arranging the special food I need for medical reasons. Thank you for the bonus of the lion and elephant families. Thank you thank you Mr. Andrew Machete.

Tailor-Made Kruger National Park Safari, Daily Departure & Private Tour

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

What people love about Safari Tours from Johannesburg

Our guide was superlative. Our itinerary was superb. Our accommodation and food really satisfying and well beyond expectations. It was a great trip and I'd do it again at my first opportunity. And I'll recommend to far and wide!

Amazing trip! We saw a lot of animals despite bad weather. The food was nice and the lodge was cosy. I would recommend staying longer than we did (we only had three days).

It was an arranged tour by Intrepid together with their lodge/private reserve partners. As for me, I stayed at Bondux lodge and I has a great experience. The staff were friendly and well informed. The accommodation is great, meals and optional activities. I enjoyed chilling at the deack and watching the animals come. Also, the optional activity that I took was Endangered Animals Reserve and Blyde Canyon boat tour.

Travel Styles

Safari tours.

• Wildlife (79)
• Big Five (52)

Safari from Johannesburg

• to Johannesburg (105)
• to Cape Town (30)
• to Victoria Falls (11)
• South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best Time to Visit South Africa 2024/2025
• 10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2024/2025
• Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Safaris in December 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in August 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in January 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in November 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in October 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in September 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in July 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in June 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in May 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in April 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in March 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in February 2024/2025
• 10 Best Luxury African Safari Tours 2024/2025

• Client Reviews
• Safari Blog
• Send an Inquiry
• Map of Africa
• Contact Details
• African Safari Cost
• Travel Insurance
• You are here 
• South Africa
• Johannesburg

Johannesburg Safaris in South Africa

192 Tours from Johannesburg, ordered shortest to longest trip. Prices are from R9445 $492 £395 €462 A$767 C$677 NZ$835 to R185600 $9661 £7766 €9070 A$15071 C$13298 NZ$16417 per person. Use our Tour Search → to filter by price, duration, start point, travel style and more. View all scheduled Johannesburg departures to find tours departing in 2024 & 2025.

• Page 1 of 10 Pages 
•  > 
• Last »

Pilanesberg Safari Day Tour in South Africa

• More about this tour
• Enquire about this tour

2 Day Pilanesberg Safari in South Africa - Ivory Tree Game…

2 Day Pilanesberg Safari in South Africa - Shepherds Tree…

2 Day Pilanesberg Safari to Bakubung Bush Lodge

2 Day Pilanesberg Safari to Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

3 Day Kruger Park Exclusive Lodge Safari

3 Day Kruger Safari - Lodge & Treehouse Tour

3 Day Kruger National Park Safari Package (Bungalow Tour)

3 Day Northern Sabi Sands Safari in South Africa

3 Day Kruger Park Safari - Private River Lodge Tour

3 Day Kruger Park Lodge Safari to Timbavati

3 Day Kruger & Sabi Sands Safari - Tented Camping

3 Day Kruger Safari & Private Reserves Camping Tour

3 Day Kruger Walking Safari to Klaserie Private Game Reserve

3 Day Sabi Sands Safari - Tented Lodge Safari

3 Day Kruger Park Safari to Private Tree Camp

3 Day Greater Kruger Safari to Balule Big 5 Private Game…

3 Day Kruger Bush Camp Safari

3 Day Southern Sabi Sands Safari in Greater Kruger Park

3 Day South Africa Safari to Greater Kruger Camp

Filter Tours by Price, Length & Destinations

Complete one or many fields - all are optional. use the keyword 'special' to show special offers..

• Addis Ababa
• Antananarivo
• Dar es Salaam
• Diego Suarez
• Livingstone
• Port Elizabeth
• Victoria Falls
• Zanzibar Island

This search is inclusive - we will only show tours that visit all the countries you select.

• Kingdom of eSwatini

This search is inclusive - we will only show tours that visit all the destinations you select.

• Chobe National Park
• Etosha National Park
• Garden Route
• Kilimanjaro
• Kruger National Park
• Namib Desert
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Okavango Delta
• Pilanesberg National
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• Serengeti National Park
• South Luangwa National
• All Budget Safaris
• All Overlanding
• Child Friendly Tours
• Gorilla Trekking
• Adventure Travel
• Short Stay Tours
• Private Safaris
• Accommodated Overland
• Budget Camping Safaris
• Budget Lodge Safaris
• Exclusive Budget Safaris
• Exclusive Overland
• Forty Plus Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking Tours
• Hiking Tours
• Overland Camping Tours
• Self Drive Tours
• Shark Cage Diving Tours
• Backpacker Hostel
• Beach Resort
• Bungalow or Chalet
• Fully Serviced Camping
• Guesthouse / B&B
• Lodge & Camping Combo
• Lodge / Safari Lodge
• Luxury Camping
• Mobile Camping
• Standard Camping
• Tented Lodge

1. Africa is BIG! Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed . 2. Our wildlife search is inclusive - it only shows trips matching all the boxes you tick. 3. If you get 'no results' - select fewer animals :)

• Chimpanzees
• Exceptional Birding
• Whales & Sea Life
• Migration Safari
• Shark Cage Diving
• Conservation Experience

Please note: activities are often optional components on any given tour.

• Delta Mokoro
• Fly-in Safari
• Hiking / Climbing
• Hot Air Balloon
• Walking Safari
• White Water Rafting

Our TrustPilot Reviews

Unsure of where, when or what to book talk to a friendly human.

Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.

We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour . We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.

Why Travel to Johannesburg ? by Luke Hardiman

Visit the dynamic city of Johannesburg on one of our short city tours or as part of a longer African Safari, combining a host of top travel destinations.

Highlights and Attractions on Johannesburg Tours include:

• Soweto Township Tours & Cultural Excursions
• Apartheid Museum
• Gold Reef City
• Maropeng, Cradle of Mankind
• Endangered Wildlife Centre

Attractions near Johannesburg:

• Pilanesburg Game Reserve
• Sun City & the Lost City
• Pretoria & Cullinan Diamond Mine
• Panorama Route

Johannesburg & Kruger Park Safaris

Johannesburg serves as the major travel hub for safaris to South Africa's premier game park, Kruger National Park; as well as several top Private Game Reserves in the area.

The extensive variety of Kruger Safaris , starting and ending in Johannesburg, range from camping and treehouse accommodation to luxury lodge safaris.  

Some of our budget safaris combine game viewing in Kruger Park with Soweto Township Tours in Johannesburg - an excellent mix of unique cultural and wildlife experiences in South Africa.

Johannesburg to Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Sabi Sand, one of South Africa’s top game reserves, is a 65,000 hectare private reserve within Greater Kruger National Park, sharing a 50 km unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park.

The Sabi Sand Reserve generally offers upmarket safari accommodation for an exclusive safari experience, but we offer some affordable tour packages with lodge accommodation in the Sabi Sand Reserve or camping at an Exclusive Tented Camp bordering the reserve.

The Sabi Sand Safaris start and end in Johannesburg and include the scenic Panorama Route. There are also tours from Johannesburg that combine Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Reserve, as well as other top private game reserves in and around Greater Kruger.

African Safaris visiting Johannesburg

Johannesburg is often included in southern african safaris to:.

• KwaZulu Natal & the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa
• South Africa's Garden Route and Cape Town Tours
• Lesotho & Eswatini Tours
• Mozambique Beach Holidays

Popular African Safari Destinations combined with Johannesburg:

• Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia
• Safari countries - Botswana, Namibia & Kenya
• Trekking Gorillas in Uganda
• Tanzania and Zanzibar Island Tours
• Madagascar Island Safaris

Find out more with our Johannesburg safari travel guide page.

• Kenyan Safaris
• Madagascar Tours
• Masai Mara Tours & Safaris
• Serengeti Tours & Safaris
• Tanzania Safaris
• Vic Falls Tours & Safaris
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Johannesburg Safaris

Best Johannesburg Safaris

Are you looking for safari tour options from Johannesburg ? We have a selection of multi day, as well as day tour options for you to choose from. Welcome to South Africa Adventures ultimate Johannesburg Safaris guide . Our aim is to create unique and interactive travel experiences. Choose your ultimate wildlife tour and let us do the rest for you. We can even throw your mother in law to the lions if you want. A real South African Safari is a tour of contrasts.

But what else do you call a vacation where you will happily slalom between a herd of breeding elephants in the Pilanesberg , lions stalking an impala in the Kruger , traditional meals around a camp fire, stunning savannah scenery and fresh Bushveld air. The challenge is choosing the amount of time you have to experience this magic. Maybe you only have a day spare. Or maybe you have a week. Whatever your situation, we have a recommended safari tours for you to choose from.

There is an abundance of reasons to visit South Africa-safaris , dazzling Cape Town, the incredible garden route to name a few. But what really blows travelers minds is the abundance of natural splendor, exotic wildlife and overall experience of an authentic South African Safaris . But of course, there are millions of tour operator and option available on the net. Where is the best area to go? What is the best time to go? Ade there any safari tour options from Johannesburg ? Will I see animals?

We are going to try and answer a whole whack of your questions in this article, specifically focusing on tours leaving from Johannesburg . And why is that? Because that is where our main airport is. And Johannesburg is also the closest major city to the main safari areas of South Africa.  We will also recommend a whole bunch of tours that will include day tours as well as multi day tours to some of the iconic wildlife reserves. These include the Pilanesberg and the Kruger National Park .

Why embark on Johannesburg safaris tour?

80% of all international flights land at Johannesburg . It makes sense to start your safari from Johannesburg as you do not need to fly to another city. Johannesburg is also the gateway to most of the major safaris tours in South Africa . Two of the most popular destinations are the Kruger National Park and the Pilanesberg. The Kruger is about a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg . The Pilanesberg is about a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg . From a logistical point of view, these are the most accessible game reserves.

What is a safari park and where do we recommend you go?

Traditionally a safari park has been classified as a natural area where wild animals roam freely. There are many parks in South Africa that offer access to the public for the viewing of wild animals. The most popular by far due to their accessibility and distance from Johannesburg is the Pilanesberg and Kruger . Although there are many other safari parks, a lot of them are either private reserves or are too small to allow free roaming animals. Both the Pilanesberg and Kruger are National Parks that allow access to the public. They are also massive. Which means they can sustain free roaming animals that include elephants, rhino, zebra, wildebeest and a host of many other indigenous species.

Recommended Johannesburg safaris tour

We have divided our recommendations into 3 options based on how much time you have and the proximity to Johannesburg . No use going to the Kruger Park for 1 day as it takes 5 hours just to drive there. Whereas the Pilanesberg is only 2 hours from Johannesburg .

Half day safari excursion options

This is the perfect tour for travelers who have limited time. It is a perfect layover tour for those stuck at the airport and are looking at a wildlife experience. The total tour duration is 5 hours from pick up to drop off.

On this tour we pick up clients from any location within the Johannesburg area. We then take the 75-minute drive through the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains to the Askari private game reserve. Upon arrival, we meet up with the ranger, have a quick cup of coffee, and transfer to our open-air game vehicle. We then spend 3 hours exploring the reserve in search for wild animals from elephant, rhino, lion, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and many other species indigenous to the area.

1-day safari from Johannesburg

Another perfect safari tour option if your time is limited. It is also the perfect option for travelers who are on vacation in Johannesburg and have decided to maximize their vacation by embarking on multiple day tours in order to cover all aspects of what the city has to offer. Our recommendation for a 1-day safari would be to the Pilanesberg National Park . Situated 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg , this is the perfect way to experience an authentic South African Safaris .

The reserve is home to the Big 5 (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and African Buffalo) as well as an abundance of other free roaming wild animals. These include zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, hippo and antelope. You will spend about 6 hours with our ranger on a ‘game drive’ in search of your favorite animal. And just for the record…the game we are referring to here are animals, not chess or monopoly. Pick up is at 6am from any location in Johannesburg , returning by 6pm.

2 day or 3-day Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg

If you still have limited time and would really like to experience an overnight safari and all its magical wonders, then the 2-day safari to the Pilanesberg is your best option. We do not recommend that you book a 2-day safari to the Kruger Park . It is way too far away to maximize the experience. It takes about 6 hours just to drive there. So, you can imagine how little time is left for a proper safari . So best to stick to the overnight Pilanesberg option. On this tour, guests enjoy over 12 hours of game viewing with our ranger. And of course, you get to spend the night. We have various tour options to choose from depending on your level of comfort. We offer tented camping experiences, to luxury lodge experiences. Take a look at our selection below.

Multi day safari to the Kruger from Johannesburg Safaris

The multi day safari tours are the most popular experiences for travelers looking for nature, wildlife and tranquility. The best way to truly take in the magic of the Bush is to indulge in a multi-day tour. Sometimes 1 or 2 days is just not enough. Isak Dinesen wrote “when you have caught the rhythm of Africa, you find that it’s the same in all her music”. It’s not all about the singing and dancing, but the rhythms of the Bush: the sound of the Kruger as it wakes every morning, the roar of lion or the thunder of zebra hooves on the open plains.

Enjoy the thrill of epic game drives in search of your favorite animal with our experience’s ranger guide. Come and get rhythm. Experience a multi-day safari in the Kruger . There a few options to choose from depending on your time. All our tours are fully guided include everything from food, transfers, accommodation, game drives and our really dry jokes. Check out our tour options below:

For more updated South Africa Adventures  information, please like and follow us on our Facebook page , Twitter and Subscribe for awesome tour videos on our YouTube Chanel .[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Similar Posts

Kingdom of the Kruger Park

The Kruger Park is home to over 10,000 wild animals throughout 5 eco zones. The most bio diverse eco zone in the world

Things to do in Johannesburg

Popular things to do in Johannesburg Hello! I’m Tracy, one of South Africa Adventures tour guides and welcome to my blog on all the fun things to do in Johannesburg. I hope you got some…

Pilanesberg Safari From Johannesburg

Let’s face it. There is definitely something about a safari in South Africa that fuels the human spirit. The history and culture of this rainbow nation isn’t stored in man made structures. You get to…

Layover Tours from Johannesburg Airport

Best layover tours from Johannesburg airport Have you got a few hours spare between flights? And the thought of sitting in OR Tambo airport is making you a tad uneasy. Then why not join us…

South African Safari

We know what really makes a South African Safari magnificent and unique!!! Not all safaris are created equal. To fashion your own dream African adventure, it’s all about pinpointing exactly what kind of explorer you…

Half Day Tours in Johannesburg

Half Day tours in Johannesburg Are you looking for half day tours in Johannesburg but don’t necessarily have the time or do not want to travel far? We have the perfect solution for you. Choose…

Around the World in 24 Hours

Best Johannesburg Safaris Day Trip

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Greetings, Internet Stranger, and welcome to a Johannesburg safaris day trip. Going on a safari is one of the most popular activities in Johannesburg, but what if you do not feel like going on a safari for several days? What if you like spending time in your comfy Johannesburg hotel?

If you have time for a longer safari trip from Johannesburg, you have more options, but if you want just a Johannesburg safaris day trip, Pilanesberg National Park is the way to do it.

Stella’s Top 3 Picks: Johannesburg Safaris Day Trip

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ PILANESBERG SAFARI ✔️ See fabulous animals ✔️ Bucket list experience

ALL DAY TOUR ✔️ Soweto included ✔️ Expert local guide

ALL OTHER JOBURG TOURS ✔️ Find your favorite! ✔️ Get the best deals

At Pilanesberg National Park, you’ll find a knowledgeable guide, ethically treated animals living in the wild, and more natural beauty than you can shake an elephant at.

The easiest way to take a Johannesburg safaris day trip is to book a group tour, and I recommend the one from this excellent tour company , which is what I chose.

Book this fantastic tour by clicking here .

Let’s not waste any more time! The circle of life awaits!

Johannesburg safaris day trip

Morning: pilanesberg national park.

You’re going to have to wake up very early in the morning to head off on your Johannesburg safaris day trip, but that’s just the price you pay for getting to become BFF with a baby elephant.

The tour company will give you a time frame for pickup; I was told to be ready between 5:15 and 5:30 in the AM. They might even come early, but do not worry! If they show up before the scheduled time, they will wait for you.

I strongly recommend this tour because the driver was so professional in the face of some very difficult behavior from a fellow guest, but more about that anon.

Plus, our guide, whom I shall call Charlize, was so interesting and informative, and willing to go the extra mile to help us see and learn about the animals.

Check rates and availability by going right here .

And now that the preliminaries are out of the way, let’s get to the fun part with…

Three Fun Facts: Johannesburg safaris day trip

1) Is It Difficult To Get to Pilanesberg?

It’s a long drive from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg, but don’t worry! It’s a scenic experience, and how often are you going to get to make this exact drive in South Africa? If you are coming from the United States, like I am, the answer is, “Not too often, sadly.”

You’ll make a comfort stop along the way so you can go to the restroom and buy something for breakfast.

I ended up getting what I thought was a bun but turned out to be a sausage roll because there is literally no food South Africans will not sneak meat into. But it was much tastier than any comfort stop sausage roll had any right to be.

The driver was very friendly and helpful–if you need to make an extra comfort stop, just ask him.

2) How Many Animals Will We See?

That really depends on the day! This is not a zoo, it’s a national park, and there’s no way to predict exactly how the animals will behave on a given day.

One day you might see a pride of lions cavorting their way through “Hakuna Matata” and the next, merely one stray dog singing “Why Should I Worry?” to a lonely kitten. Any safari that tells you they can guarantee that you see a particular animal probably isn’t that ethical anyway.

But that’s why you came to see animals in the wild, right? You don’t want to see a bunch of trained and abused circus animals? You don’t want to force scared and frightened creatures to sit in your lap? And in my experience, you’re likely to see plenty of creatures on the safari, even if there isn’t a guarantee.

One of the guests on our tour, whom I shall call Emma, kept complaining that she had seen more animals at an animal encounter place where she got to pet an elephant. But I think the national park safari is so much better than petting a poor captured beast.

3) What was the coolest animal sighting?

I personally think it was the elephant because seriously, look how cute it is. And yes, we really were this close. I did not need to use zoom on this photo or anything.

But don’t worry! We were still far enough away from the elephant that it was safe, comfortable, and still in the wild. Charlize told us that elephants do have amazing memories; it’s not just a cliche. That’s why a group of elephants is called a memory of elephants.

She also explained that there are two main kinds of elephants: African and Asia. No points for guessing which kind lives in South Africa!

But you can tell the difference because African elephants have ears shaped like the map of Africa. So if you see elephants in a zoo, this way you’ll be able to tell the difference easily.

Plus, elephants have cute butts. I hate to see him go, but I love to watch him leave. (Baby got back.)

Afternoon: Keep on Safarying!

OK, so probably safarying is not a real word, but let’s try using it and see if it catches on. On this all-day tour, you’ll have two drives in Pilanesberg National Park. The first one is before lunch and the second one after lunch.

Maybe you’ll see more animals in the morning drive, maybe you’ll see them on the afternoon, who can say? Only the elephant knows, and he’s not telling.

What I can show you is an idea of the types of animals you can expect to encounter on the morning and afternoon drives, and I can also give you some suggestions for lunch. And with those preliminaries out of the way, let’s get started with…

Approximately Top 5: Johannesburg safaris day trip

We’ll get a lunch break where you can choose from several different options, and they do have vegetarian choices.

If you like meat, I suggest getting the boerewors roll because it’s the most local selection to South Africa. Boerewors is a kind of South African sausage, and I have to admit that this version was better than the secretly sausage roll I had at the comfort stop earlier that way.

It was hard to relax during the lunch, though, because Emma kept freaking out because she needed to fly home to Germany that evening, but she hadn’t booked her flight yet. This seemed like poor planning on her part. Do you need to be a professional travel blogger to know you should book flights before the day you actually need to use them? I certainly hope not!

Also, she seemed distressed to learn that her cell phone wasn’t getting any reception in Pilanesberg National Park, but I again I feel like this was highly predictable.

It was really hard for me to not yell at her for her naivete or at least roll my eyes in her direction, but I refrained. Fortunately for her, the lunch stop had wifi for a small fee, so she was able to book her flight. But sadly, this is not the last we will hear of Emma and her travel woes.

So even though I said I can’t guarantee what you’ll find on your one day safari, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll find zebras. They were everywhere. Zebras are to Pilanesberg what squirrels are to Central Park. Hmmm, I wonder if South Africans call zebras rats with stripes like we call squirrels rats in fancy outfits?

Charlize said that zebras are camouflaged, but they don’t fade into the background. It’s just that their predators see in black and white, so if a whole group of zebras are flocked up together, it’s hard for the predators to make an individual out. It’s like they’re nature’s Magic Eye Puzzle.

3) Giraffes!

Seeing a giraffe was definitely a highlight of our Johannesburg safaris day trip. Charlize said that giraffes actually have the same number of vertebrae in their necks as humans do, but theirs are just stretched out more. I’ll say!

She said they also have to work harder to pump blood up to their brain because their necks are so long. That seems like a lot of work to me. I think I’ll stick with having a human-sized neck.

So this beauty here is a kudu, which is a kind of antelope, and Charlize said they can jump over cars. But can it jump over a fence?

Charlize told us that they do have fences in South African national parks to keep the animals in and to keep poachers out. If the animals get out, they can destroy the farms outside the national parks, which is devastating for the small farmers.

But the good news is that the fences do seem to be working against the rhino poachers, since rhino poaching goes down year after year! Yay, rhinos!

OK, so this bird isn’t really named Zazu, but Charlize said it was like the Zazu bird from The Lion King . She said the male birds in this species like to go looking for female birds who have already mated with a different male who has abandoned them.

Then the second guy will cozy up to the single mom and become a kind of stepdad to her chicks. This way he has a partner for next mating season.

That is a surprising amount of planning ahead for a bird. I can think of quite a few human males who could learn a thing or two from this bird brain.

24 Hour Tip

Those are all the secrets of the safari that I can share with you for now. You’ll have to go ahead and book this fantastic safari for yourself right here if you want to experience all these animals in person.

Check rates and availability right here !

Evening: Dinner at Saint

We had a very exhausting end to our Johannesburg safaris day trip because it turned out that Emma had bought a flight ticket for 6 PM even though the safari company had told her she’d be back at her hotel at 6 PM, not that they could get her to the airport at 6.

The driver tried to point out that it can be hard to get to the airport because of traffic, but he would do the best he could under short notice. Emma just kept screaming “Scheiße” at him as he frantically drove us to the airport.

The rest of us all agreed to get dropped off at our hotel later just to stop Emma from screaming. (Side note! I do not think Emma was a very nice person.)

Anyway, the driver actually did get Emma to the airport on time, which is how you know this safari provides top notch service.

I suggest having dinner at a lovely restaurant called Saint . If your hotel is in Sandton, like I suggested, this is right in the area. You’ll probably be tired after that all day safari, so it makes sense that you wouldn’t want to go far for dinner.

Plus, Saint offers great cocktails, like the negroni that I enjoyed, so you’ll be able to unwind ASAP.

For the appetizer, I chose a beautiful tomato and mozzarella salad. However, the real excitement was saved for my main course.

Just look at that beautiful pizza! I’m from New York City, but I don’t require all restaurants around the globe to serve NYC style pizza. This isn’t New York style, but it is still fresh and yummy.

This pizza was topped with sirloin and pumpkin pesto, neither of which I would ever have thought to put on a pizza. However, I found the combination to be sweet, savory, and satisfying.

Where to Stay?

It’s always important to choose the location of your hotel carefully when you travel, especially if you are a solo traveler, like I am. And this is especially important if you’re enjoying a Johannesburg safaris day trip because your bus will come to pick you up early in the morning, and you’ll want them to be able to meet you in a convenient location.

That’s why I recommend staying at the @sandton Hotel when you are in Johannesburg. The facilities are new and stylish, there’s an extremely helpful 24 hour staff, and the location of the hotel is excellent. No matter where you are going in Johannesburg, you’ll be able to have an Uber come to meet you here. (And Uber in South Africa is very affordable.)

If you want to book a stay at this hotel, just click here .

And if you would rather explore the best deals on tons of Johannesburg hotels, click here .

This search engine will help you find the perfect place to stay for your one day in Johannesburg itinerary. With plenty of options to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find something for your schedule and budget.

That’s a Perfect Johannesburg safaris day trip

If you thought this article was funny, check out my hilarious travel guide Get Lost .

What would you do on a Johannesburg safaris day trip? Are you ready to start booking your hotel in Johannesburg right now? And what are your thoughts about Emma? (If you are actually Emma, please don’t answer that question.)

The rest of you, email me at [email protected] and let me know!

Note:  If you want to know how I put my travel itineraries together, just click here . Keep in mind that while each article is about how to spend 24 hours in a place, that doesn’t mean you should ONLY have a one day safari from Johannesburg. If you want another Johannesburg itinerary, just click here .

You can also try the best things to do in Durban South Africa . You can try a one day in Durban itinerary . You can try 24 hours in Johannesburg . There’s a one day in Johannesburg itinerary . You can also enjoy the best tours in Johannesburg .

Similar Posts

Best Alcatraz Day Trip 2024

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Greetings, Internet Stranger! I’m Stella Jane, author of the travel guide Get Lost. So you want to know how to have a perfect Alcatraz day trip? First off, you probably want to know where our Alcatraz day trip is starting from….

A Perfect 24 Hours in Boston 2024

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Greetings Internet Stranger! I’m Stella Jane, author of the travel memoir Get Lost, and welcome to 24 hours in Boston. When I say the phrase “24 hours in Boston”, people probably imagine tri-cornered hats, Paul Revere and his midnight ride, John…

A Perfect 24 Hours in Lisbon 2024

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Greetings, Internet Stranger! I’m Stella Jane, author of the travel guide Get Lost, and welcome to 24 hours in Lisbon! Lisbon, Portugal is famous for many things: egg custard tarts, being the capital of Portugal, terrible earthquakes, fado music, a very…

A Perfect 24 Hours in Seattle 2024

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Greetings, Internet Stranger! I’m Stella Jane, author of the travel guide Get Lost, and welcome to 24 hours in Seattle! Does time travel interest you? Have you ever dreamed of escaping the present, Internet Stranger? Want to go back in time…

A Perfect 24 Hours in Kyoto Japan

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Greetings Internet Stranger! I’m Stella Jane, the author of the travel guide Get Lost, and welcome to 24 Hours in Kyoto, Japan! Some destinations need to be carefully promoted to the cautious consumer. If I were to try to convince you to…

Tortola Shore Excursion: A Perfect 24 Hours

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Greetings, Internet Stranger, and welcome to a perfect 24 hours on a Tortola Shore Excursion. Even those who have been cruising for years, like yours truly, might not be familiar with Tortola. But that’s what this itinerary is here for! Consider…

Privacy Overview

Johannesburg Safari Adventures – Wildlife Tours Near The City of Gold

• Description
• Additional information
• Reviews (0)

There are bountiful safari parks and game reserves, including Big 5 game reserves near Johannesburg. Within a few hour’s drive of the city, you will be amidst a plethora of wildlife in one of South Africa’s top reserves.

The iconic Kruger National Park is within a couple of hours from the big city. However, you don’t have to go as far as that for an incredible safari experience. There are also some other Big 5 reserves listed closer to Johannesburg, such as the Lion and Park Safaro and Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Spot the famous Big Five and countless other animals and bird species on these premium South African Safari packages.

Highlights:

• See the Big 5
• Pick-up and drop-off
• Open vehicle game drives
• Professional safari guides

Know before you book:

• Bring a hat and sunscreen
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
• Bring your camera

If you’re looking to book a South Africa safari , then Johannesburg is a good place to start. In and around the City of Gold are some of the best safaris, offering majestic landscapes with a plethora of wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitats.

On these incredible Johannesburg safaris, you can enjoy nature walks, private game drives with an expert guide, and plenty more.

To help you find the perfect Johannesburg adventure, we will highlight some of the best options, as well as their respective prices. Read on to find out more.

Table of Contents: (Jump to)

Johannesburg Safari Tour Prices

The cost of these safaris varies, once again, depending on what package you opt to choose and the duration you are going for. The tour price for a safari ranges from around $100 USD (R1495) to $335 USD (R5000).

Your safari prices will depend on a number of factors. This includes the duration of your excursion, as well as inclusions like beverages and snacks. Ticket prices may also differ according to what season you would like to visit in. During the high season, ticket prices will be higher than during the low rainy season.

Compare safari prices from different ticket providers below:

Safari in Johannesburg South Africa Tour Times

The duration of your safari will vary. This will depend on whether you choose to go on a safari for half or a full day or opt for a few nights’ stay. Johannesburg safaris can be around half an hour’s drive to up to 4 and a half hours.

For most Johannesburg safari tours, pick-ups and drop-offs are offered.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing on Johannesburg Safaris

South Africa can be visited throughout the year, but wildlife viewing is best during the dry season (May-September). The end of the dry season (August-September) is the most popular time for viewing animals as water is scarce, and animals can be found near the waterholes.

In the middle of the dry season (June-August) it’s much colder. This sometimes makes early morning and evening game drives in the open vehicles feel a bit chilly.

For bird-watching enthusiasts, it’s best to go during the wet season (October-April), when migratory birds flock together.

Best Safari Johannesburg South Africa Options

Johannesburg, South Africa,  offers guests the perfect base from which they can come and go from and explore South Africa’s most popular game reserves. Let’s take a look at some of the best safaris, including the Kruger National Park and many more below.

Famous Kruger National Park Full-Day Safari

The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and one of the most renowned safaris in the world. Just under five hours from Johannesburg, day trips here are a must for anyone visiting the city. And with hassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off from Hazyview and Phabeni Gate, this tour offers a seamless experience.

On your Kruger National Park safari, you can choose between an open safari vehicle and a closed, air-conditioned vehicle. During the warmer months, the latter is the more comfortable option, especially for older visitors and families travelling with young kids.

With highly experienced field guides, you will embark on a full-day tour of this magnificent 2 million hectare Kruger Park. This will provide you ample time to spot some of Africa’s incredible animals, including the Big Five. The guides will also share their knowledge of the 147 species of mammals, over 500 species of birds, 336 species of trees, and plenty more.

• Water bottle
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Hazyview and Phabeni Gate
• Professional guide
• Breakfast and lunch

This Kruger National Park safari is one of the best safari from Johannesburg. It is 10 hours long, giving you time to spot and learn about many more animals than you would have on a 2-3 hour tour. In addition to incredible wildlife sightings, you will also have a chance to view bushman rock paintings and archeological sites.

Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Full-Day Safari from Johannesburg

Take a full-day trip to the famous Pilanesberg Game Reserve to explore one of South Africa’s most fascinating landscapes. What makes this park truly unique is that it is situated on an extinct volcano that is one of the world’s largest alkaline ring complexes .

This tour includes two extensive open vehicle safaris, providing plenty of opportunities to view the unspoilt beauty of the African savannah. On your tour, see an abundance of animals totaling around 7000 animals. This includes the famed “Big 5”, as well as hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, wild cats, and much more.

Between the morning safari and afternoon game drive, you can eat lunch at one of the rest camps located within the reserve. This is also a good time to ask your knowledgeable guides any questions you may have about the animals and the natural environment. The afternoon safari will conclude around 4 PM. You will then be taken back to your Johannesburg hotel.

• 2 extensive open-vehicle safaris
• Experienced field guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Johannesburg
• Additional drinks and snacks

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve has become one of the best game reserves in South Africa, and for a good reason. It’s the perfect destination for any visitor looking for a truly authentic safari experience.

Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour From Johannesburg

At Lion Park safari, you can enjoy an up-close experience with lions and other carnivores like cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. If you’re lucky, you might spot the rare white lion on your tour. Also included is a trip to Cub World, where you can interact with adorable baby lions.

Lion Park is ideally located just outside of Johannesburg and Pretoria, so hotel pick-up and drop-off can be arranged. Upon arrival at the park, you can enjoy a 1-hour open vehicle safari drive, accompanied by an experienced guide. There is also a professional photographer who will capture stunning pictures of your experience. These will be available for purchase.

• 1-hour open-vehicle safari vehicle
• Entrance into Lion Park and Cub World
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Onboard WiFi
• Food and beverages

The Lion Park is an ideal option for families traveling with kids staying in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria. Transport can easily be arranged, and the park offers plenty to see and do. From the guided safari to the restaurants and kids’ play area, there is something for everyone.

Lion and Safari Park & Cradle of Humankind Full-Day Tour

If you have more time to spare, visit the Lion and Safari Park and the Cradle of Humankind Sterkfontein Caves in one all-inclusive trip. These attractions are located just an hour from Johannesburg, so transportation from your hotel is included in your package.

On your tour, discover Lion Park on a 1.5-hour 4×4 game drive. From the vehicle, enjoy spectacular views of the African landscape, as well as many animals, including lions, giraffes, antelope species, and more.

Following your visit to the Lion and Safari Park, head to the Cradle of Humankind. This is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological sites. Here you can expect to see some of the oldest hominid fossils, some of which are over 3 million years old.

You will also be able to visit the New Scientific Exhibition Centre. Showcasing geological concepts such as interesting cave formations and fossils, this is a highly interactive and fun experience for visitors of all ages.

• 1.5 hour 4×4 game drive
• Bottled water
• Transportation from Johannesburg

This tour is an ideal option for people wanting a full-day outdoor adventure. It starts out with an incredible 4×4 game drive and concludes with a visit to the Cradle of Humankind.

Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City Hot Air Balloon Safari

Offering an experience like no other, this tour takes you via a hot air balloon over the African savannah. Experience this bountiful ecosystem from a unique aerial perspective. On your ride over the Pilanesberg National Park, seek out the Big 5, as well as other beautiful animals.

This tour begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel at Sun City . Day visitors can also be collected from Bakubung Gate. At the launch site, you will be met by your pilot. Then, climb into the hot air balloon and brace yourself for an unforgettable 45-minute journey over the magical Pilanesberg National Park.

Following your balloon ride, enjoy a glass of orange juice or sparkling wine. You will then be taken to a stunning private lodge where you can indulge in a tasty English breakfast. After breakfast, you will be transported back to your hotel.

• Collection from your hotel at Sun City
• 45-minute hot air balloon ride
• Full English breakfast
• Juice or sparkling wine
• Accommodation

This tour involves an early morning excursion from the beautiful Sun City resort to Pilanesberg National Park. For couples and honeymooners staying at the resort or visiting Johannesburg, this experience is a must.

Which Safari from Johannesburg Will You Choose?

From the expansive Kruger Park to the smaller Lion and Safari Park, there are endless opportunities for game viewing near Johannesburg. Each of the safari tours mentioned in this list offers a memorable experience as you can discover a plethora of animals and so much more.

For more amazing wildlife encounters in Africa, check out these Namibia safaris .

• Some meals included
• Game drives with 4x4 open vehicles
• Game rangers are expert guides
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Johannesburg
• Lunch only provided on selected tours
• Some park fees are not included

Specification: Johannesburg Safari Adventures – Wildlife Tours Near The City of Gold

Photos: johannesburg safari adventures – wildlife tours near the city of gold.

User Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Johannesburg Safari Adventures – Wildlife Tours Near The City of Gold” Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Rating Rate… Perfect Good Average Not that bad Very Poor

Your Review *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Products

Kenya Luxury Safari | Best Tours & Packages 2024

Best Namibia Safari Tours | Holiday Prices & Packages 2022

Johannesburg Safari Day Trips | Best Packages & Prices 2022

Safari Kenya or Tanzania | The Best African Safari Tours 2024/2024

Luxury Safaris to Africa – the Ultimate African Safari Guide 

Compare items

• Total ( 0 )

Shopping cart

• All Tailor Made Safaris
• Kruger National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Gorilla Trekking
• Safaris with Frank
• Republic of the Congo
• South Africa
• All Set Departures
• All Set Departures by Date
• Horse Safaris
• Photographic Safaris
• Unique Safaris
• Year-round Safaris
• Botswana Mobile Safaris
• Volunteering
• View all Destinations: Interactive Map
• Mobile Safaris
• Gorillas & Chimps
• Walking Safaris
• Horse Back Safaris
• All Training Courses
• All Training Courses by Date
• Professional Courses
• Short Courses
• Special Courses
• Training Camps
• Field Guide Training FAQ’s
• Accommodation
• When to Travel
• Frank’s Top 5

Who is Travelling

• First Time to Africa
• Specials & Promotions
• Cost of a Safari
• Travel Info
• Why Book with Us
• Sustainability
• Our Partners
• Give Power to Ride 4 Woman
• Guest Reviews
• Price Guarantee

Tailor Made Safaris

Popular safaris, east & central africa, southern africa, set departures, top destinations, indian ocean islands, johannesburg, "the gateway to africa", why we like it.

• Gateway to southern Africa.
• Great stopover to get over the worst jetlag before going on safari.
• Easy access from ORT to Sandton with the state-of -the-art Gautrain.
• Great shopping in Sandton and great food too!
• The place to learn about apartheid history and get a feel for township living.

“Lovingly called “Jozie” by the locals, Johannesburg or Joburg is the vibrant gateway to South Africa and southern Africa”

Johannesburg is a vibrant city with two contradictory sides, on the one hand there is the very sophisticated infrastructure of Oliver Tambo International Airport (ORT), the sprawling toll road network, the Gautrain and fabulous Sandton. On the other hand the ‘townships’ mostly dotted around the outskirts of the city serve as a stark reminder of the ‘old South Africa’. Soweto the most famous of these is today on the itinerary of many travellers’ keen to get a feel for life in South Africa and learn about the recent history.

Johannesburg is a vibrant city with much to offer the traveller keen to explore the South African lifestyle and learn about the recent history of the country.

A visit can either be a ‘one-night stopover’ when arriving or departing South Africa, in which case we recommend a stay at one of the hotels conveniently located at ORT.

However, if you would like to spend a day or two exploring catch the Gautrain from ORT and head to Sandton a mere 15 mins away. The Gautrain is a sophisticated, fast and safe train with a terminal inside the international arrival’s hall at ORT. Similarly it takes you to heart of Sandton where busses or taxis are available to take you to your hotel. There are many hotels close to the Gautrain station in Sandton, also to suit any budget level. Driving between ORT and Sandton is not recommended as traffic can be notoriously bad.

In Sandton there are some great shopping opportunities in the many malls for those that way inclined and also a myriad of restaurants, notably on Nelson Mandela Square. Take a day tour to Soweto to see Nelson Mandela’s home and grab a drink and a meal at a ‘shebeen’ in the township. A visit the Apartheid Museum is also recommended and so is a day tour to Pretoria for those with a bit more time.

South Africa Honeymoon Safari

Gesa’s Favourite Botswana & South Africa

Places to stay

Related accommodation.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

AtholPlace House & Villa

The Residence Houghton

Safari Club SA

City Lodge Hotel OR Tambo International Airport

Ready for an adventure lets talk.

Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!

Our partners in Africa will make your dream trip, a trip to never forget

[email protected] +61 (2) 6685 6868

Developed by Viewport / WordPress Guys

Quick Links

• COVID SAFE Safaris
• How much does a safari cost?
• Specials and Promotions
• GivePower to Ride 4 a Woman
• The Wildebeest Migration
• The Okavango Delta
• Safari Frank UK
• Safari Frank AU

Our Safaris

• All Safaris
• Set Departure Safaris
• Safari Trip Ideas
• Horseback Safaris
• Selfdrive Safaris
• Couples and Honeymooners
• Family Safari
• Group of Friends
• Solo Travellers

Destinations

Newsletter signup, enquire now.

" * " indicates required fields

Privacy Overview

• You are here:
• South Africa Tours

Your Safari

Tour length, rates in usd $ – change currency, starting from.

• Johannesburg (699)
• Cape Town (99)
• Hoedspruit (31)
• Port Elizabeth (28)
• Pretoria (11)
• Nairobi (0)
• Entebbe (0)
• Zanzibar (0)
• Dar es Salaam (0)
• Victoria Falls Town (1)
• Kampala (0)
• Windhoek (0)
• Addis Ababa (0)
• Livingstone (2)
• Mombasa (0)
• Antananarivo (0)
• Nelspruit (11)
• Hazyview (12)
• Upington (10)
• Bujumbura (0)
• Diani Beach (0)
• Blantyre (0)
• Lilongwe (0)

Comfort Level

• Luxury+ (83)
• Luxury (351)
• Mid-range (313)
• Budget (99)

Private or Shared Tour

• Private tour (396)
• Shared tour (523)

Safari Type

• Lodge, tented camp or hotel (876)
• Camping (43)

Operator Rating

• & up (878)

Specialized Tours

• Fly-in safaris (69)
• Family (307)
• Beach time (17)
• Honeymoon (434)
• Gorilla trekking (0)
• Photographic safaris (2)
• Mountain climbing (0)
• Walking safaris (5)
• Self-drive (38)
• Guided self-drive (13)
• Chimp trekking (0)
• Overland tours (13)
• Cycling safaris (1)
• Canoe safaris (1)
• Horseback safaris (1)
• Birding tours (0)
• Accessible safaris (0)
• Golf & Wildlife (0)

Other Tour Features

• Airport transfer is included (893)
• Itinerary can be customized (473)

Filter by Operator

Filter by accommodation, operators from.

• South Africa (880)
• Tanzania (5)
• United Kingdom (89)
• United States (14)
• Australia (5)
• Belgium (0)
• Botswana (1)
• Comoros (0)
• Denmark (0)
• Ethiopia (0)
• Eswatini (0)
• Germany (0)
• Ireland (0)
• Lesotho (0)
• Madagascar (0)
• Mauritius (0)
• Mayotte (0)
• Mozambique (0)
• Namibia (0)
• Netherlands (0)
• New Zealand (0)
• Nigeria (0)
• Portugal (0)
• Reunion (0)
• Seychelles (0)
• Singapore (0)
• Switzerland (14)
• United Arab Emirates (0)
• Zimbabwe (8)

South Africa Safari - Compare 919 Tours

South Africa is one of the world’s most varied holiday destinations. From the classic safari country of Kruger National Park to the stately ‘mother city’ of Cape Town; from the snow-sprinkled heights of the Drakensberg to the parched red dunescapes of the Kalahari; from the gorgeous Winelands around Stellenbosch to the idyllic beaches of the Garden Route – South Africa is a true all-rounder that attracts more than its fair share of repeat visitors. It is also the most affordable and well equipped of African safari destinations, particularly well suited to family holidays, to those seeking a malaria-free holiday, to dedicated foodies and wine-lovers, and for combining a foray into Big Five country with a beach holiday and/or city break.

11-Day South Africa & Mauritius Family Safari & Beach

$6,976 to $7,674 pp (USD)

South Africa & Mauritius: Private tour Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Madikwe GR, Bel Ombre (Town & Beach) , Mauritius (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

10-Day South Africa Safari and Cape Town Splendour

$5,264 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger) , Cape Town (City) , Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain (Cape Town) , Cape Town Airport (End)

Ranger Buck Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  27 Reviews

4-Day Unforgettable Kruger Park Safari & Panorama Tour

$857 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Nelspruit (End)

Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  90 Reviews

5-Day Luxury Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Safari

$2,921 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Chalet

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$674 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger, Johannesburg (End)

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  18 Reviews

4-Day Ultra Budget Glamping Kruger Safari

$511 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1144 Reviews

5-Day Safari to Kruger Park plus Panorama Route

$1,211 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Central Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

Wildlife Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  258 Reviews

4-Day Tremisana/Treehouse Kruger Park Safari

$793 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Viva Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  262 Reviews

5-Day Private Game Reserve + Kruger National Park

$1,333 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Self Catering Accommodation

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Phalaborwa (Town) , Tshukudu GR, Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  62 Reviews

4-Day South to Central Kruger National Park Safari

$977 to $1,092 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Central Kruger, Johannesburg (End)

Balanta Imagine Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

6-Day Sabi Sands and Kruger Park Safari

$4,086 to $4,482 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Discover Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

3-Day Luxury Mdluli Game Lodge Kruger National Park

$523 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Gems of Africa Safari and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  98 Reviews

3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park

$376 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Lodge

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  217 Reviews

5-Day Greenfire Game Lodge Safari

$1,470 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

The Kruger Safari Co.   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  125 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route - Midrange

$668 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  33 Reviews

4-Day Luxury Greater Kruger to Canyon Safari Adventure

$1,338 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

3-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari

$591 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Camping

Mbombela Experience Tours & Transfers   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  32 Reviews

4-Day & 3-Night Kruger National Park Budget Safari

$583 to $649 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  63 Reviews

3-Day Fly-in Luxury-Eco Safari to Madikwe Game Reserve

$1,959 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Madikwe GR, Johannesburg (End)

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

7-Day Family Safari & Cape Exploration 6-Nights

$4,035 to $4,423 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Marakele NP (Waterberg Biosphere) , Cape Town (City) , Cape Town Airport (End)

African Wildlife Plains   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  2 Reviews

Related Searches

• South Africa Tour Operators
• Cheap South Africa Safari Tours
• South Africa Luxury Safaris
• South Africa Honeymoon Packages
• South Africa Family Friendly
• South Africa Camping Safaris
• Kruger Tours
• Cape Town Tour Packages
• Sabi Sands Safari Tours
• Pilanesberg Safaris
• Garden Route Tours
• Top Rated Tour Operators in South Africa

8 Questions About South Africa Safaris

Answered by

Philip briggs.

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

“There is no bad time to take a South African holiday. But certain parts of the country are far better at specific times of the year. If a safari will be the main event of your South African tour, most of the country’s key parks and reserves are at their best in the southern hemisphere winter months of May to September, when daytime temperatures are cooler, the bush is less dense allowing for better visibility, and wildlife tends to gather around limited water sources. For beach-lovers, by contrast, the main coastal resorts are at their best in the southern hemisphere summer (November to March). Special interest groups such as bird-watchers and photographers may also prefer to undertake a safari in summer, when resident bird populations are boosted by large numbers of migrant birds, and the clear sky and greener countryside make for a more photogenic backdrop.”

Why visit South Africa, what are the major attractions?

“Variety is the keynote of South African holidays. The country boasts one of the continent’s finest safari destinations in the form of Kruger National Park and nearby private reserves, while other key Big Five safari reserves include Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and malaria-free Madikwe and Pilanesberg. Safaris aside, South Africa is renowned for its fantastic beaches, limitless hiking opportunities, wonderful outdoor climate and good-value dining and wining scene. The main focus of non-safari sightseeing is Cape Town, which is gracefully perched below Table Mountain on a scenic stretch of Atlantic coastline, close to the whale-watching hub of Hermanus and the historical Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.”

How much does a South African safari cost?

“South African safari prices will depend greatly on the level of comfort you expect. At one extreme, self-drive camping safaris in somewhere like Kruger might work out at under US$100 for a couple per day. At the other extreme, all-inclusive safari packages at one of the country’s more exclusive private safari lodges might be 10 or 20 times more expensive. A good compromise between comfort and cost is a safari using the well-run rest camps that can be found throughout Kruger and in many other key national parks and provincial reserves. Accommodation aside, extras such as food, wine and other drinks are very cheap by international standards.”

How is the wildlife viewing?

“Excellent. Kruger National Park and neighboring private reserves host large populations of all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), and rank among the top African safari destinations when it comes to spotting white rhino, as well as the rarer black rhino, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog. All these safari favorites are also likely to be encountered in Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game Reserves, as well as in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and the various small private reserves of the Eastern Cape. Outside of the major Big Five reserves, many parts of the country are still home to a variety of antelope, monkeys and small predators, all of which might be encountered by hikers and ramblers. Bird watching is consistently excellent throughout the country, while locally conspicuous marine wildlife includes penguins, whales and giant turtles.”

How safe is South Africa for tourists?

“Crime is a genuine issue in the larger cities, especially Johannesburg, but not so much in the game reserves, smaller towns and beach resorts that form the focal points of most South African safari trips. Follow local advice about safety, avoid walking around cities at night, and you should be fine. Malaria is absent from most parts of the country, the one major exception being Kruger National Park and its immediate environs, but even here the risk is far lower than in most other African safari destinations. Madikwe and Pilanesberg are Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destinations. Many reserves in South Africa offer guided walking safaris in areas inhabited by potentially dangerous animals such as elephant, black rhino and lion, but the risk of an incident is minimal provided that you listen to your guide at all times, and treat wildlife with respect. Possibly the biggest risk to life and limb in South Africa is a car accident, so self-drivers should adopt a more defensive and cautious approach than they might at home.”

How do I select a reliable tour operator for a South Africa trip?

“It’s worth doing a bit of research into operators before you book a South Africa tour. Look for reviews of any given operator on SafariBookings.com and possibly other online portals; the more reviews an operator has received, the more confident you can be of its reliability. If you have friends who have visited the country, or who live there, ask for word-of-mouth recommendations before booking any South African safari packages. Check out the company’s website too – as a rule its level of professionalism will reflect that of the company it represents. Once in South Africa, hotels and guesthouses can usually point you to tried-and-tested operators for day outings and other short local tours.”

What type of accommodation can I expect?

“South African safari accommodation ranges from no-frills campsites to exclusive upmarket lodges offering the last word in safari chic. In between these extremes, most national parks and provincial reserves have at least one well-run rest camp offering camping facilities and self-catering chalets (usually en suite but occasionally using shared bathrooms). For those who don’t want to immerse themselves in the bush, a selection of mid-range hotels can be found within easy driving distance of many national park and reserve entrance gates. Exclusive lodges are generally associated with private reserves and concessions that offer all-inclusive safari packages incorporating guided game drives and walks.”

What can I expect from South African safaris?

“Generally South Africa has a more developed feel than other African safari destinations. Most national parks and other reserves can be reached via good, surfaced roads, which certainly isn’t the case in many other parts of Africa. Some, such as Kruger, actually have an internal network of surfaced roads, and it is the only major African safari destination where a 4WD would be a luxury rather than a necessity, and the most suitable one for self-drive safaris. Likewise, most national park rest camps are well equipped for self-caterers, and many have well-stocked grocery shops. Further, the wildlife in South Africa is as wild as it is in most parts of Africa, the standard of guiding is unusually high, and people on organized safaris can expect excellent close-up sightings of everything from the Big Five to smaller animals such as birds and lizards.”

South Africa Safari Reviews

Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.

Where Big Five safaris are big business, there’s a wealth of choice

Glorious images of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo parading through pristine bush are central to South Africa’s popular image. So it comes as a surprise to some first-time visitors that, in reality, the proportion of this...

Full Review

Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.

South Africa: World-class Safaris

South Africa is one of my favourite places to go on safari, with all the necessary ingredients for a wildlife experience that will begin your enduring love affair with the continent. Primary among these ingredients is the wildlife....

Stunning diverse natural beauty

Cape Town has so much to offer, stunning sea views, beautiful beaches, mountains, vineyards and wildlife nearby. Our experience of penguins, whales, dolphins and baboons was amazing . Then the big 5 at Aquila Game Reserve was a hit. A...

Far exceeds your expectations

Really enjoyed my safari with Viva Tours in South Africa; the 6 day safari was a luxury because I had time to do 2 full days in Kruger Park and numerous game drives in their private reserve to ensure I saw all of the big five animals as...

SA in general? It’s nice bin muged en a lot of people want something from you. I’m not used

About the safari it was nice only 3 days is more then enough. I was lucky enough to see the big 5 in the Kruger park. But I would say the bush walk was boring so not really necessary if you ask me. Or you have to be lucky to see ontregeling...

Spectacular 😍

We traveled to South Africa for a family holiday in March. We choose Kruger National Park for our safari destination and Nhlalala Travel for our tour guide. We stayed in the Kruger Gate Hotel which was fabulous. We did a sunset safari, full...

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

South Africa safari: when to go, what you'll see, where to stay

By Jane Broughton

South Africa has a well-deserved reputation for its many design-forward, eco-conscious safari lodges offering every conceivable luxury and almost guaranteed game viewing throughout the year. As a safari destination, South Africa is easy to get to and navigate once on the ground, making it an ideal last-minute romantic getaway for couples or a sunny winter safari for families. And while it remains an excellent choice for first-timers wanting to experience a classic, big five safari, this destination is just as popular with seasoned philanthropists taking annual impact trips supporting innovative, privately funded conservation initiatives to regenerate animal habitat, protect biodiversity and save critically endangered species .

The most sought-after lodges and safari camps are in private conservation areas, within private game reserves scattered across the country, or in the Greater Kruger area, which includes the Kruger National Park. Small and often owner-run, these luxury, light-footprint properties are in hand-picked, scenic locations and offer deeply layered, immersive safari experiences on and off the vehicle led by experienced guides and trackers with an intimate knowledge of the ecosystem in which they’re working. Many privately protected areas share unfenced boundaries with neighbouring tracts of protected land so that animals can roam and establish their territory over a larger space in tune with seasonal changes. Along with exclusive, up-close sightings and a limit on the number of vehicles permitted, other private concession perks include the freedom to drive off-road where permitted, take guided walks and night drives , enjoy remote bush dinners and star bed sleep-outs, and get involved with hands-on conservation. Sustainably managed properties that are fully invested in protecting the environment while maximising the positive economic spinoffs of nature-based tourism to local communities should always be a consideration before booking anything.

When to go to South Africa for safari

Most of the go-to game reserves are in the northeast of South Africa and experience summer rain in thunderstorms followed by a dry winter with cool to chilly nights and warm, clear-skied sunny days ( May to October ). Winter is, therefore, the most popular time to go on safari, when the dry conditions lead to concentrations of animals around reliable water sources. This makes game viewing more predictable and animals easier to track and locate due to sparse vegetation and minimal ground cover. The mild, clear days are great for getting off the vehicle to track and explore the bush on foot. Summer rain radically transforms the bush, and everything explodes with life as the days heat up. Dense thickets and trees in leaf reduce visibility and make game viewing more challenging, but the lush, green vegetation attracts summer migrants and becomes a birder’s paradise. Predator activity increases, too, due to the abundance of baby animals at a time when food is plentiful for all. After the rain, the dust settles and light conditions are excellent for photography. Autumn and spring are good for witnessing the antelope rutting season. An early or late summer safari could be South Africa’s best-kept secret, especially with the add-on of a beach holiday outside of Cape Town ’s busiest time (from mid- December to end- January ). Elsewhere, the semi-arid Karoo and Kalahari are dry and clear-skied in winter and have low rainfall averages in summer but get very hot. In general, off-peak travel is underrated, with benefits including better availability, potential stay-longer, pay-less deals, and the possibility of securing a private vehicle.

Where to go in South Africa for safari

The private conservation areas in and around the Greater Kruger area are synonymous with South Africa’s reputation for delivering epic, up-close predator action interpreted by knowledgeable guides. Kruger shares unfenced boundaries with several private reserves, including the Sabi Sand, where iconic, family-owned properties like Mala Mala , Londolozi , and Singita first put the region on the map thanks to reliable big cat sightings, especially leopards. Further private properties within the Timbavati, Thornybush and Klaserie reserves add thousands of hectares to the Greater Kruger, encouraging natural species migration and collectively securing habitat for many rare and endangered animals. In the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, Pafuri’s immense flood plains and dense forests are renowned for walking safaris. At the same time, Singita’s privately leased Lebombo concession on the park’s Mozambican border provides strategic protection for rhinos. Further afield, large, private malaria-free reserves like Madikwe, close to the Botswana border, Marataba in the Waterberg, Samara in the Great Karoo, Tswalu in the southern Kalahari, and Kwandwe in the Eastern Cape, provide shelter for an astounding diversity of big game and rare and elusive species, boast breathtaking scenery and offer a choice of intimately scaled lodges for immersive, romantic getaways, secluded, off-grid trails camps for adventurers, and fully staffed, exclusive-use bush villas for multigenerational families .

CNT Editors

Cass Farrar

Sophie Heawood

Sophie Prideaux

The best lodges to book

Tengile river lodge, sabi sand.

This beautifully modern AndBeyond-run lodge in the Sabi Sand has nine energy-efficient, villa-sized suites – 200 square metres in extent – cleverly concealed in a riverine forest on a bend of the Sand River where elephants often come to feed. Hand-painted botanical print fabrics, recycled stone terrazzo floors, and bespoke throws and rugs add character to the smart, modern interiors, everything angled for soaking in the tranquil views. A glass-walled forest-green marble bathroom leads to an outdoor shower on a private, shaded deck and a big  pool . The lodge’s spa and gym also have a lap pool for training swims - necessary, as the food is delicious.

Best for: Nature-loving aesthetes will appreciate the sleek, glamorous style of this lodge, which champions local, eco-friendly design, and having exclusive access to over 10,000 hectares in the quieter south-east of the Sabi Sand reserve.

Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sand

Electric, solar-powered game-drive vehicles offer a zero-emissions ride and properly quiet encounters with wildlife at this 100 per cent off-grid luxury property in the Sabi Sand. In synch with its sustainable approach to game-viewing, Cheetah Plains uses the latest in grey-water recycling. It powers everything from the air-cons to the temperature-controlled wine cellars in its three exclusive-use lodges on renewable solar energy. Named after legendary big cats in the area, the three exclusive-use lodges have four private guest suites - think glass walls gliding away into raw concrete to bring nature closer, even from the bath. Burnished metal, unpolished stone and solid timber interiors are the counterpart to colourful contemporary South African artworks.

Best for: Silent game drives in fast and efficient electric vehicles, charged off renewable energy, designed by Cheetah Plains’ owner, a former rally driver, to be extra-comfortable with luxury SUV suspension, ergonomically shaped padded bucket seats with built-in seat warmers for chilly winter mornings.

Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Nine gloriously remote, romantic suites with viewing decks and private pools sit above the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30 kilometres through this rugged, 22,000-hectare, privately owned reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province, within driving distance of the Garden Route’s long, sandy beaches and indigenous forests. The breeding ground of the blue crane, Kwandwe has just 30 rooms split across two intimate lodges (Great Fish River being one of them), three exclusive-use villas (ideal for family safaris), and an off-grid tented camp. Exclusivity at up-close sightings of the big five, black rhino, cheetah and smaller, but no less significant, vulnerable and endangered species is amplified by the rugged wilderness setting: extensive open plains interrupted by carbon-storing subtropical thicket-clad hills, securing vital habitat for wildlife that last roamed freely here over 120 years ago.

Best for: A big five safari with a luxury of space and privacy for a romantic getaway, after exploring the Garden Route or Cape Town. Malaria free makes it ideal for families and the elderly, too - multiple generations sharing a fully staffed villa with a private vehicle and guide.

The Farmstead, at Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve

On expertly guided drives from this sister property to Royal Malewane’s original lodge, sightings include leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and sizeable elephant and buffalo herds. A Master Tracker leads walks. Increased movement of animals has resulted in a richer game-viewing experience in this increasingly popular privately owned reserve - all because fences were dropped on the eastern boundary with the Timbavati in 2017, opening it up to the Greater Kruger area. Liz Biden’s inimitable riotous style doesn’t hold back in this celebratory lodge with three luxury suites plus a separate villa with space for six additional adults. Like Liz’s newest addition to Royal Malewane, Waterside Lodge, this one features fun Ardmore fabrics, animal print and plush velvets in jewel colours and lots of South African art. In summer, deep verandas encourage lazing outdoors on swinging daybeds or one of the loungers submerged in the pool’s shallow end. The local Moletele community own the land here and benefits financially from the lodge’s success.

Best for: House parties, especially if the Biden family’s original bush villa, Africa House, is too big – newly renovated, its six suites share two pools, a spa treatment suite and gym.

• 0 € 0 productos

Safari desde Johannesburgo: mejores opciones y consejos

Hacer un safari desde Johannesburgo es lo más habitual si vamos a hacer un safari en Sudáfrica . La ciudad más poblada de Sudáfrica cuenta con un importante aeropuerto internacional con vuelos directos a diferentes ciudades de Europa y América.

Más cerca de las principales zonas de safari que Ciudad del Cabo , la otra gran ciudad y gran aeropuerto, suele ser la parada habitual antes de comenzar el safari. También si vamos a combinar el safari con las Cataratas Victoria o Mauricio .

Sin embargo, no siempre se sabe que se puede hacer desde allí. Tampoco si es mejor tomar un vuelo interno hasta la zona de safari o ir en coche. Afortunadamente, vamos a ir desvelándote todo lo que necesitas saber.

Un safari desde Johannesburgo es una idea excelente. Sobre todo, por la cantidad de opciones que tenemos a mano. La propia ciudad de Johannesburgo cuenta con sus propios atractivos turísticos si queremos disfrutar de una de las ciudades de Sudáfrica más interesantes antes de adentrarnos en plena naturaleza.

Su Museo del Apartheid , Soweto o el parque temático Gold Reef , entre otras opciones, pueden darnos una visión más completa de Sudáfrica antes de adentrarnos entre elefantes y leones.

Mejores opciones para hacer un safari desde Johannesburgo

Sin lugar a duda, hay una opción que sobresale si queremos hacer un safari desde Johannesburgo y es el Parque Nacional Kruger , en la frontera del país con Mozambique . Pero no es la única opción.

Hay otros destinos de safaris también muy interesantes que podemos elegir. Te vamos a hablar de los más habituales y cuáles son sus ventajas e inconvenientes.

Parque Nacional de Pilanesberg

El Parque Nacional de Pilanesberg es la opción más cercana a Johannesburgo . Es la opción que tiene más sentido si queremos aprovechar la zona y ver la ciudad, Pretoria y los atractivos de los alrededores.

Pilanesberg se sitúa a 140 kilómetros al norte de Johannesburgo . En la práctica supone unas dos horas de viaje. Se trata de algo bastante asequible para hacer el safari desde Johannesburgo y dormir en la ciudad. De todas formas, también hay lodges en el mismo parque.

Dentro del Parque podemos ver a los Cinco Grandes (elefantes, búfalos, rinocerontes, leopardos y leones) así como otros animales como jirafas, cebras, hipopótamos o antílopes. No hay tantísima fauna como en Kruger , pero es una opción bastante buena.

También es muy interesante si tenemos escalas de un día o de día y medio, ya que podemos hacer un safari sin tener que recorrer grandes distancias para ello.

Parque Nacional Kruger

A cuatro horas en coche se ubica el Parque Nacional Kruger , el paraíso sudafricano para los safaris. Se trata de un parque enorme al que se puede volar directamente desde Johannesburgo .

Sin embargo, lo más habitual es hacer el recorrido en coche para parar en el Cañón del Río Blyde , una de las tres gargantas más grandes del mundo. Tras el Gran Cañón del Colorado y una de Namibia, ocupa el tercer lugar siendo además la única verde, estando totalmente cubierta por vegetación.

Ver sus miradores o las Cataratas Lisboa de camino al Parque Nacional, hace que merezca mucho la pena el tiempo extra de desplazamiento.

Dentro del Parque Kruger hay diferentes zonas donde hacer safaris. Algunas están abiertas a la población en general, que no pueden salirse de los caminos marcados. Sin embargo, lo más interesante es acudir a alguna de las reservas privadas del parque con guías que tienen permiso a ir campo a través. Así es como se ven el mayor número de animales.

También hay zonas reservadas a determinados lodges dentro del parque. Se trata de la mejor fórmula para ver los Cinco Grandes , ya que en los caminos generales si hay muchísima afluencia puede ser más complicado.

Parque de los Elefantes de Addo

El Addo Elephant Park está algo más cerca de Ciudad del Cabo y suele ser la parada final de la Ruta Jardín de Sudáfrica . Aun así, también podemos ir en un corto vuelo interno desde Johannesburgo hasta Port Elizabeth .

De hecho, de Ciudad del Cabo a Port Elizabeth hay 1 hora y cuarto y de Johannesburgo a Port Elizabeth 1 hora y 45, por lo que solo hay media hora de diferencia en avión. Luego, el Parque de los Elefantes de Addo se ubica a solo 40 kilómetros de Port Elizabeth.

Este parque nacional es bastante más pequeño que el Kruger pero tiene una ventaja respecto al resto de parques de la lista. De la lista y de toda África porque nos hallamos ante el único lugar libre de malaria donde podemos hacer un safari para ver a los Cinco Grandes .

Así si no queremos usar la profilaxis de la malaria ni tener riesgo de coger la enfermedad, se trata de la opción más recomendable.

Este parque fue creado en 1931 para salvar a 11 elefantes que quedaban en la zona. La propuesta fue un éxito y en la actualidad hay más de 600. Unido a su diversidad paisajística, con un lago, montañas, dunas e incluso islas, es un verdadero santuario natural.

De hecho, destaca también porque tiene una zona costera. Así que además de ver a los Cinco Grandes también podemos ver ballenas francas australes y tiburones blancos. Unir a la ecuación el safari marino en Sudáfrica lo hace muy interesante.

Entabeni Game Reserve

A alrededor de dos horas de Johannesburgo, otra opción si queremos un safari por una reserva privada y exclusiva es Entabeni Game Reserve . Estamos ante otro de los safaris desde Johannesburgo que nos permite disfrutar de los Cinco Grandes .

Estamos en una reserva de 22.000 hectáreas que requerirá que nos alojemos en alguno de los lodges y campamentos del complejo para poder visitarla. Esto tiene una gran ventaja y es que al no estar abierta al gran público, la afluencia es mucho menor.

Por tanto, también la presión sobre los animales. Como inconveniente, se trata de una opción de precio más elevado que las demás, ya que está destinado a safaris de lujo.

En el resto de parques conviven las dos opciones, con zonas acotadas para lodges en Sudáfrica y safaris más lujosos y otros de acceso al gran público.

Cataratas Victoria y Parque Nacional Chobe

Esta última opción para hacer un safari desde Johannesburgo va más allá de Sudáfrica . La aventura comienza en las cataratas Victoria , en la frontera entre Zambia y Zimbabue. El aeropuerto de Johannesburgo es generalmente el elegido para ir hasta las cataratas con muchos vuelos diarios hasta las mismas.

Desde las cataratas tenemos la opción de hacer un safari en Zambia , pero también de ir hasta Botswana . El Parque Nacional de Chobe está a solo una hora y media de las Cataratas. De hecho, el aeropuerto de las cataratas es el que se usa habitualmente para ir a esta zona de Botswana, aunque se halle en otro país.

En esta zona también es muy recomendable ir hasta el Delta del Okavango . Este lugar se inunda en la temporada seca en mitad del desierto, siendo un paraíso para los Cinco Grandes, con multitud de elefantes e incluso los famosos leones nadadores.

Mejor época para hacer un safari

La mejor época para hacer un safari desde Johannesburgo es, generalmente, de mayo a septiembre. Es la mejor época para ir al Parque Kruger , a Entabeni y a Pilanesberg .

Sin embargo, el Parque de los Elefantes de Addo se puede visitar durante todo el año. Este parque tiene un clima semiárido de influencia océanica, que hace que llueva prácticamente lo mismo (no mucho pero si algo) durante todo el año. Quizá en mayo es cuando hay algo menos de precipitaciones y febrero, marzo y octubre son los meses más lluviosos.

Si hay que tener en cuenta que las ballenas francas australes se pueden ver de junio a diciembre y los tiburones blancos de mayo a agosto. Así, los meses de junio, julio y agosto son los más interesantes si queremos ver ballenas y tiburones en Addo .

Respecto a las Cataratas Victoria , la respuesta es de abril a septiembre, que es cuando tienen un mayor caudal y la vista es más impresionante. Por su parte, para ver Chobe y el Delta del Okavango tenemos que decir de mayo a octubre.

Así, podemos decir que la mejor época para hacer un safari desde Johannesburgo es de mayo a septiembre , ya que incluirá todos los destinos. Sí debemos tener en cuenta que en septiembre no podremos ver tiburones blancos en Addo y que abril es un buen mes para las Cataratas Victoria .

Otros consejos para hacer un safari

Más allá de la mejor época hay otros consejos importantes para hacer un safari . Primero, hay que ir al centro de vacunación internacional más cercano. Nuestro médico nos dirá las vacunas más recomendables para cada destino. Salvo que vayamos a Addo, también es recomendable llevar el tratamiento de profilaxis de la malaria .

Es importante llevar ropa cómoda y mejor que nos tape todo el cuerpo. Así evitaremos mejor las picaduras de los mosquitos junto con repelente . Ligera, de algodón, es una buena opción para que transpire en las horas de más calor.

No nos podemos olvidar del calzado , no hay nada peor que no llevar calzado cómodo a un safari. Por mucho que vayamos en vehículo, se nota. Algo de abrigo también es recomendable, los safaris salen muy temprano por la mañana, o al atardecer, cuando refresca. También una gorra o sombrero y mucha protección solar. En el hemisferio sur, el sol golpea más fuerte.

Los prismáticos serán de gran ayuda. También tener la mentalidad adecuada. En un safari no siempre se ven todos los animales que queremos. No hay que pensar en el safari como en una lista de animales que tachar. Simplemente hay que disfrutar del momento y de cada avistamiento.

Si vamos pensando en que queremos ver el león, si el león es el último animal que aparece nos habremos perdido la oportunidad de vivir intensamente la cebra, la jirafa, el guepardo o el rinoceronte.

Si quieres hacer un safari desde Johannesburgo , contacta con nosotros y te preparamos una opción a tu medida.

Pide tu viaje

Fecha de salida:

- Responsable de datos: BEAGLE CLUB DE VIAJES S.L

- Finalidad:  gestión de la solicitud de información y el envío de newsletters.

- Legitimación: el consentimiento del interesado y el interés legítimo.

- Destinatario:  no se cederán datos a terceros salvo obligación legal.

- Derechos:  acceder, rectificar y suprimir los datos, así como otros derechos, como se explica en la información adicional.

Declaro que entiendo y acepto la POLÍTICA DE PRIVACIDAD del sitio web viajesbeagle.com

Deseo recibir newsletter e información comercial de interés con ofertas y promociones de viajes

Eco Lodges Anywhere

28 South African Animals You Can Actually See

Posted: April 17, 2024 | Last updated: April 17, 2024

Offering an illustrious glimpse into one of the most explored yet almost untouched areas of the world, South Africa is a hot spot for tourists and naturalists alike. Almost every tourist visiting South Africa wants to explore its majestic wildlife, but first-timers don’t know what to do. 

Must-See South African Animals

You must remember many animals in South Africa are exclusive to the country, so you won’t find them anywhere else. This means you must respect the animals you see, don’t interact with them unless instructed by a professional safari guide, and don’t damage the environment.

It’s equally important to remember that many of these animals can be elusive, so you might have to stick around for a few hours if you want to see them all. Let’s move on to the list of 28 South African animals you can actually see when you head out on a safari tour.

Those hoping to see leopards must remain alert and still at all costs because these elusive creatures are masters of camouflage and won’t stand out from the yellowish grassland. You’ll only spot a leopard when it emerges from its hiding spot to pounce on a prey. Watching this will show you why it’s included in the Big Five .

Another member of the Big Five , buffalos in South Africa, are a sight to behold. Their sheer size makes them intimidating, but their habit of traveling in large herds makes them terrifying. Buffalos are highly territorial and have an intense herd instinct; coming close to even one will attract hundreds, so it’s best to stay low.

Easily the top creature in the Big Five , lions are the most iconic animal in South Africa. Their sheer size and intense gaze make them a formidable foe, but a single roar can chill you to your bone. Interestingly, a South African lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles (8 km), so most tourists can figure out if they’re close to a sighting. Most South African lions are used to being observed by tourists, so they tend to lay low and relax. However, hunting times and mating seasons make them aggressive, so it’s best to follow the safari guide intently.

Calm and gentle, this Big Five animal casually saunters and is relatively unphased by tourists. Luckily, most African elephants are cheerful and friendly and even approach tourists. However, you mustn’t interact with elephants without a tour guide present. Elephants are gentle, but depending on the circumstances, they might dip into their wild instincts.

A monstrous figure made even more intimidating by the sharp horn; rhinos are among the strongest South African animals. Their intense gaze and aggressive personalities make them a standing threat to anyone. Rhinos are highly territorial and easily agitated, which isn’t the best combination. This duo of behaviors is why rhinos casually charge toward anyone they consider a threat.

One of the most social animals in the world, dolphins are a true delight to see. Their cheerful attitude and friendliness to strangers make diving experiences worth the trip.

South African dolphins are fascinating creatures; it is obvious these dolphins are used to stealing the spotlight, so they’ll eagerly approach tourists and even ask for snout rubs.

Great white sharks

An intimidating row of teeth, a ghastly personality, and a tenacity to destroy anything that disrupts their peace, great whites are a majestic beast that invites you to witness their bravado.

While seeing great whites may not be everyone’s cup of tea, marine enthusiasts and adventure seekers might dive into South African waters for a glimpse. South African waters teem with these creatures, so sightings will be easy.

When the sun starts to set, tourists might see a small creature scuttling through the dark. This might be the elusive aardvark, an adorable animal that only appears when it’s time to eat. Aardvark are nocturnal, so they spend most of their day huddled in their burrows. Some aardvark might be visible during the day, but it’s a rare sight. 

Animal enthusiasts find South African turtles a particularly amazing sight because their relaxing demeanor and gorgeous features emit a soothing aura. Most of these turtles are friendly, so they’ll warm up to tourists, but it’s essential to give them space. 

African wild dogs

One of the strongest hunters in South African savannahs, African wild dogs emerge together as a pack and continue to follow a strict hierarchy until their last breath. This is just a testament to their loyalty and characteristics tourists will easily spot because of their willingness to help the elderly of the pack.

Many tourists visiting South Africa are stunned by seeing the herds of zebras because, unlike the ones kept in zoos, wild zebras are aggressive and unfriendly to strangers.

These striped animals stand out quickly, so they’re often the center of attention, both by man and other animals. This makes them one of the few animals that might give you a gory outlook into the wild.

The Blue crane is South Africa’s national bird, and its majestic appearance makes it worthwhile every camera shot. Their slender necks and smooth plumage delight animal lovers, who can’t help but adore these birds.

Blue cranes are incredibly captivating when wooing a female partner; their courtship involves an attractive dance and displays of strength like high leaps and nosedives. 

An antelope species endemic to South Africa, bontebok is highly recognizable because of a bright white pattern covering its face and lower parts of its limbs. The bontebok’s unique appearance and general rarity make it one of the most exciting and intriguing animal sightings. Unfortunately, bontebok is close to extinction because of poachers. This is why every tourist must keep their distance and avoid any behavior that could startle the bontebok or make it an easy target for other wildlife.

Cape grysbok

Tourists experience an intense urge to pet the Cape Grysbok, but you must fight this urge because the animal is easily scared and is an easy catch for predators.

The Cape or grysbok is a type of antelope endemic to South Africa. What makes it unique is its small size; it stands around 20-21” at the shoulder, so they’re often mistaken for small boars or similar animals.

Eastern Cape kudu

Its curved horns bear witness to an elegance no one would expect from South African animals; the Eastern Cape kudu is one of the country’s most desired animals. 

Coincidentally, the eastern Cape kudu is also one of the most elusive creatures, making sightings even more special and worthwhile. Sightings are so unique the animal has been called the Grey ghost because its grey-brown hide easily camouflages.

Horseshoe bat

This might be one of the most unusual species, but their presence makes for an exciting cave exploration. This South African animal isn’t visible during safaris but cave exploration activities, so they’re more catered toward naturalists and thrill-seekers.

Seeing caves teeming with hundreds of horseshoe bats is difficult to put into words, but tourists are strictly advised to stick to their tour guide’s instructions and watch silently.

African jacana

An exciting sight for bird lovers, African jacana is one of the most beautiful creatures that roam South Africa. You might be confused at first because many African jacanas seem to have four or more legs, but it’s a clever tactic to protect their young. Adult jacanas hide their chicks under their plumage, protecting them against predators and harsh wings. Of course, this makes for an amusing insight into the defenses of wild animals. Mating season brings colorful displays and wings flapping, so it’s worth every minute.

Nile crocodile

Often the epicenter of some of the most intense and exhilarating safaris, the Nile crocodile emerges in the blink of an eye to capture its prey.

Amazingly, most tourists can’t even tell the Nile crocodile is resting in the water because, despite their sheer size, these reptiles are masters of patience and staying still. You’ll only know there’s a crocodile when it sees prey, and by then, it’s often too late for the poor animal.

Another antelope, Springboks, is a confident species, despite almost always getting into the clutches of wild predators. Their unique appearance makes them a sight to behold, but there’s one special thing about them: pronking. Pronking is a defense strategy; springboks can leap multiple times into the air, allowing them to escape from sharp claws at the last minute. But sometimes, springboks pronk to show off; it’s prevalent during mating season.

Cheetahs are found in the southern part of Africa. They have slender bodies, long legs, and sleek structures with distinctive spotted coats. They are famous for their fast speed, which can exceed 60 miles per hour, making them among the fastest animals in the world. Unfortunately, the cheetahs are facing numerous challenges, including habitat loss, which has greatly reduced their numbers.

South African Jackals are found throughout the region, from the Cape to the savannas of Kruger Park. They are distinguished by their diet and feeding habits and their silver-black fur.

You can hear more than you can spot them, and their haunting calls fill the night as they communicate with their mates or pack. The jackals are adaptable to a range of habitats, and they play a critical role in the ecosystem of South Africa.

Vultures are large, powerful birds with broad wings and keen eyesight. They are often seen soaring high in the sky, scanning the land for dead animals to feed on.

Species like the Cape Vulture and the Lappet-faced Vulture play a vital role in preventing the spread of disease by consuming dead animal matter. Their numbers, however, are declining due to habitat loss and poisoning, making conservation efforts to save them increasingly important.

Male Nyalas have a striking look with their dark-brown coats adorned with white stripes and long, spiraled horns, while female nyalas have reddish-brown fur without horns, making them one of the most sexually attractive animals.

African penguins are easily identifiable by their black-and-white plumage and playful characteristics. They are known for their braying call, resembling that of a donkey, and their unique waddling gait, which may appear awkward and make them more prone to falls. Unfortunately, African penguins are an endangered species due to habitat destruction, with conservation efforts in place to protect their decreasing numbers.

South African hippos reside in the tranquil rivers and lakes of places like the iSimangaliso Wetland Park along the coast of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province.

With their barrel-shaped torsos and enormous size, hippos spend much of their time in the water to keep their massive bodies cool under the blazing African sun. Despite their friendly appearance, they are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

Giraffes are an important part of the South African landscape, most prominently seen in the Kruger National Park. With their long necks and thin legs, they roam the open woodlands, looking through the treetops that few other animals can reach. 

Giraffes are social animals and have a peaceful demeanor, which, along with their height, gives them a broad view of the plains, making them excellent at spotting predators from afar.

Ostriches are the world’s largest birds that are found in abundance in the diverse landscapes of South Africa. They are known for their remarkable speed and can sprint up to 70 km/h. This gives them an opportunity to run away from their predators as fast as they can. Ostriches can be seen particularly in protected areas like the Addo Elephant National Park, where they contribute to the region’s biodiversity.

South African hyenas are found in savannah and grassland regions like Kruger National Park. Hyenas are excellent hunters known for their powerful jaws and haunting voices that can sound eerily like human laughter.

13 South African Safari Lodges That Are Redefining Sustainable Travel in the Wild

South African Safari Lodges

Places to Get a Front-Row Seat to the World’s Largest Animal Migrations

The World’s Largest Animal Migrations

More for You

We Ordered 7 Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches to Find the Best One

MLB suspends Pirates' Aroldis Chapman for 'inappropriate actions'

Iceland volcano erupts under Northern Lights - The Daily Debrief

The Best Met Gala Entrances, from Lady Gaga to Rihanna

Unplug These 29 Items That Hike Up Your Electricity Bill

Nike's 2024 Paris Olympic track and field uniforms stir controversy

Everything we know about the potential discovery Amelia Earhart’s long-lost plane

Plane forced to land after filming melted windows

Space Rock Slammed Into Moon - The Explosion Was Seen From Japan

The Food City Anthony Bourdain Considered One Of His All-Time Favorites

10 Ways To Thicken Your Eyebrows Naturally

New doc uncovers racism and inappropriate behavior at popular retailer

Everything you need to know about 1883 season 2

I moved from California to Tennessee for my husband's job. We can finally save money, but it's been a major culture shock.

California Schools Are in Crisis as Cafeteria Workers Leave After New $20 Minimum Wage Increase

Young Women Are More Liberal Than Young Men, and It's Affecting Dating Culture

Massive fire breaks out at iconic hotel made famous by Jack Nicholson’s ‘The Shining’

20 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds with the Fewest Medical Problems

Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 Crew Declares Flap Disagree Emergency

5 TV shows you need to watch in May 2024