best safari near johannesburg

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Best Big 5 Game Reserves for a Short Safari near Johannesburg, South Africa

Most South African safaris begin in the capital city, Johannesburg. With the majority of visitors landing in Jo'burg, we are often asked about Big 5 Game Reserves near Johannesburg. The great news is you can do a Big 5 safari near Johannesburg. A Jo'burg safari is very doable!

Johannesburg is the start and end point of both southern African safaris and longer overland tours that visit southern and East Africa. Jo'burg, as Johannesburg is known, is also the gateway to Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is southern Africa's premier Big 5 safari destination, and for good reason too! It offers unparalleled African safari experiences, and nothing in the vicinity comes close to rivalling its vastness and diversity of plant and animal life. However, South Africa is a big country and visitors often have time or budget constraints, so the 5-hour drive to Kruger Park is just not possible.

Not being able to make it to Kruger, doesn’t mean you need to miss out on an incredible Joburg safari experience. There are several small but rewarding Big 5 game reserves near Johannesburg for those looking to get a taste of Africa.

Here is our list of the best game reserves for a Big 5 Safari near Johannesburg.

Best Big 5 Game Reserves near Johannesburg for Big 5 Safaris

Here we’ve listed our five favourite Big 5 game reserves near Johannesburg. These Big 5 safari parks are close enough to Joburg to make day trips possible. We do recommend trying to stay at least one night, though, to experience the African bush at night and in the early morning.

• ​Dinokeng Game Reserve

Welgevonden Game Reserve

Mabula private game reserve, nambiti private game reserve.

For help planning your Big 5 safari near Johannesburg chat to one of our safari experts in South Africa.

The nearest Big 5 game reserve for an authentic Jo'burg safari. Pilanesburg Game Reserve is a short 2 to 3-hour drive from Johannesburg, and at 55 km² it is the largest Big 5 safari park within easy driving distance of the city.

The  Pilanesberg National Park  sits in an ecological transition zone, between the dry Kalahari region and the wet Lowveld region, giving it diverse habitats and, therefore, wildlife. At the Mankwe Dam, you can sit for hours watching as the animals – giraffes, a variety of buck, wildebeest, zebras, and more – come down to drink, and visitors are often treated to sightings of lions, and if you are very lucky leopards too. There is also a bird hide, for bird lovers, from where you can watch some of the 360 bird species that live here.

What Pilanesberg National Park offers

• Big 5 safari near Johannesburg: Game drives at sunrise or sunset (when most animals are active, before/after the heat of the day) to spot an abundance of game – if you’re lucky, all of the Big 5 African animals . Trained rangers take you on these trips and you’ll be amazed at their skill in finding camouflaged wildlife.
• Alternatively, the road network in Pilanesburg is excellent and many guests choose to do self-drive safaris.
• Night drives: Many animals are nocturnal, so night drives are an incredible experience: driving through the bush under the vast star-spattered African sky, listening to night sounds, and looking for eyes reflecting in the spotlights.
• Walking safaris: Experience the bush first hand – smell the dust, see the animal tracks and scat, and listen to the birds chirping and the insects singing.
• Hot air ballooning: Want to do it with a birds-eye view? Take a gentle float above it all at dawn, followed by a full breakfast on landing – being a bird is hungry work!

Accommodation at Pilanesberg National Park

Accommodation at Pilanesberg can be on the pricey side, with many luxury lodges within the reserve. There are also budget safari options, including tented camps like  Manyane Resort , as well as basic camping run by the parks board. One way to take the stress out of a safari is to let African Budget Safaris do the planning.

In addition to our Pilanesberg Safaris from Johannesburg , our experienced African travel experts are here to answer any of your Pilanesberg Safari questions, making planning both easy and cost-effective. Contact us and talk to a friendly safari expert.

Sun City South Africa

It would be remiss of us not to mention South Africa's  Sun City  when talking about the Pilanesberg game reserve. Situated on the reserve’s border, this monument to glitz and glamour includes the architectural wonder of ‘The Palace of the Lost City’. With four hotels, a golf course, casinos, theatres, beautifully manicured gardens, and a ‘beach’, with waves and a plethora of activities, it’s quite something to behold.

Dinokeng Game Reserve

Just half an hour north of Pretoria (about an hour from Johannesburg), Dinokeng Game Reserve is the closest Big 5 game reserve to Johannesburg. This is the nearest park that is home to the Big 5 African animals, so it's the perfect place for a Big 5 Jo'burg safari if your time is very limited. 

In the early 2000s, the Gauteng Government and 170 landowners in the area developed plans to turn the 200 square kilometre area into a game reserve. In 2008, construction of the perimeter fence began, then the landowners' fences came down, and wild animals were introduced. In September 2011, the game reserve was officially opened, and, with the introduction of a herd of black rhinos in 2018, it earned itself the accolade of a Big 5 game reserve.

What Dinokeng Game Reserve offers

• Guided Big 5 safari drives: Open safari vehicles with knowledgeable guides are the best way to see any reserve. The guides know how and where to look for the Big 5 animals and ensure you see as much wildlife as possible.
• Bush walks: Want to get up close and personal with the African bush? Bush walks are done in small groups with two trained guides and you get to see the small things, like tiny dung beetles doing what they do best; details you'll miss on a drive.
• Hot air ballooning: You can’t get much more romantic than a hot air balloon trip as dawn breaks over the bush.
• Self-drive safaris (suitable for sedan vehicles): Dinokeng is close enough for a day trip and has 140 km of driveable track through the beautiful bush. But we recommend you stay at least one night, to experience the fabulousness of the African bush at night.
• Picnic sites: These are not fenced, which means you get a true bush encounter while you enjoy your meal. 
• Bird hide: Located next to a wetland, the MarSu Lombert Bird Hide is a twitcher’s paradise.

Accommodation at Dinokeng

Dinokeng Game Reserve offers accommodation to suit every budget and taste: from camp and caravan sites to tented camps, self-catering chalets, and up to luxury lodges. We think the  Adama Artistic Chalets and Teepees  are fun but  take a look  and see what suits you best.

Two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Welgevonden Game Reserve is located in the beautiful Waterberg in the Limpopo Province. Its 370 km² of pristine wilderness offers a more upmarket Big 5 safari near Johannesburg.

Welgevonden is home not only to the Big 5 of Africa but many other African animals including buck, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and hyena. This game reserve is exclusive, with restricted numbers of people allowed in the reserve and accommodated at the luxury lodges within it (most have a maximum capacity of ten), meaning that it’s not overcrowded. This is reflected in the pricing, but it’s totally worth it for a memorable Jo'burg safari!

What Welgevonden Game Reserve offers

• Big 5 safaris: Game drives with qualified guides who are skilled trackers in the morning, at sunset, and at night. Most accommodations include these game drives in the price.
• Walking safaris: Bush walks with trained guides are offered to experience the bush first-hand.
• Stargazing: The African night sky is an absolute treat. At Welgevonden, two of the staff are qualified 'Sky Rangers’ and, with the aid of a telescope, you can marvel at and learn all about all things celestial.
• San paintings: The area was inhabited by the San people about 2,000 years ago and there are two well-preserved rock paintings in Welgevonden. Book a guided tour and learn about the culture of the ancient  San people .
• Horseback trails: Explore the Big 5 safari area on horseback with a guide.

Accommodation at Welgevonden Game Reserve

As mentioned above, Welgevonden is an exclusive Big 5 game reserve near Johannesburg, and its accommodation and prices reflect that. Accommodation ranges from self-catering to fully catered, in small, high-end, luxurious lodges. It’s not cheap, but if you can squeeze it into your safari budget, it’s an absolute treat!

Mabula Private Game Reserve , just a two-and-a-half hours drive from Johannesburg, is also in Limpopo Province. Its 120 km² of beautiful bush is filled with a wide array of animals. The reserve boasts 60 mammals, (including the Big 5 animals), 300 bird species, and loads of insects and reptiles, due to its varied habitat and fauna.

What Mabula Game Reserve offers

• Big 5 safari: Twice daily game drives with knowledgeable guides to spot the creatures during their active time at dusk and daybreak.
• Quad bike safaris: These are guided, but you do get to drive your own quad bike through the bush while game viewing. 
• Horseback safaris: Want the quieter, more natural version? Mabula offers guided horse rides. 
• Hot air ballooning: Even quieter, and from above. The only noise you’ll hear while floating gently above Mabula at daybreak is the whoosh of the flame now and then to keep you up. 

Accommodation at Mabula Game Reserve

Accommodation at Mabula is in lodge rooms – airy and light thatched suites with huge windows and luxurious furnishings – or the exclusive villa, which accommodates ten people. The villa is ideal for small groups wanting to experience an exclusive Big 5 safari near Johannesburg: your host will meet with you to design the perfect daily schedule and the in-house butler, chef, and housekeeper will ensure that your Jo'burg safari is top-notch.

Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal has the Big 5 African animals and is just 3.5 hours from Johannesburg. It's full of streams and waterfalls and its 23,000 acres are in a malaria-free area, making it a good choice for families with young children. It is also close to the renowned KwaZulu-Natal battlefields of Rorke’s Drift, Isandlwana, Elandslaagte, and Ladysmith. This Big 5 game reserve near Jo'burg is a birder's paradise and has four types of biomes – grasslands, riverine bush, savannah, and thornveld – and an immense diversity of game. Besides the Big 5 African animals, there are 40 other wildlife species, including cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena, impala, eland, and zebra.

What Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers

• The Drakensberg Mountain Range: This World Heritage Site full of extraordinary beauty, is just an hour away, with hiking and numerous other activities.
• Big 5 safaris: The game reserve offers daily guided game drives led by experienced guides and fabulous opportunities to capture wildlife images.
• Night drives: These offer a chance to photograph nocturnal animals, such as leopards and hyenas, in their natural habitat.
• Birdwatching: With around 300 bird species, Nambiti is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers.

Accommodation at Nambiti Game Reserve 

Nambiti has a selection of superb lodges, including luxury lodges, chalets, and tented lodges, with a variety of different experiences including fine cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, skilled and personable guides, and a rich diversity of wildlife and flora. New to the reserve is  The Homestead , an ultra-luxury eco-lodge steeped in history and bristling with technology. It is hewn from local ironstone and the roof is planted with indigenous grasses to embed it within the natural environment. 

Need to find a Big 5 safari near Johannesburg? 

Now that you know it is possible to do a wildlife safari near Johannesburg you can work it into your plans. Why not visit one of the fantastic Big 5 game reserves near Jo'burg while you are there?

If you're in Johannesburg or headed that way, check out our list of upcoming safaris from Joburg here , or you can browse our full list of tours starting or ending in Johannesburg here .

The best budget sleeps in Johannesburg

See our  post on budget accommodation in Johannesburg , which will give you some excellent up-to-date options if you need to spend a night or two in the bustling ‘City of Gold’. One thing we’re sure of is that nothing beats a Big 5 safari in South Africa so get hold of our friendly travel consultants and book your dream safari now!

Briony Chisholm Wordsmith & Pharmacist

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Top 11 Safaris And Game reserves near Johannesburg in 2024

For everyone craving to be enchanted by the wilderness, captivated by landscapes, and mesmerized by adventures, Johannesburg is nothing but the Promised Land! This heaven of spotless and exquisite vacation opportunities is also the largest city in South Africa, located elegantly to access all the game reserves. Within hours of travel, you come across the hypnotic and irresistible beauty of the wilderness. With the O. R Tambo International Airport nearby, the city is also the anchorage for all tourists to South Africa. If you desire to be pulled towards the beguiling yet untraversed wildness, we spotted 11 must-visit game reserves in the heart of Johannesburg, the city of gold for you! 

Top 11 Game reserves near Johannesburg

Pilanesberg national park.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is located between arid Kalahari and the lush Lowveld in the Bojanala Region of North West . The Pilanesberg National park offers one of the best safaris in Johannesburg . It is the fourth largest in South Africa. Pilanesberg offers a wide variety of flora and fauna for visitors. The place is especially suitable for self-drivers. as a malaria-free region, it is a perfect choice for a day trip from the city. Specialities of the area include lions, zebras, elephants, black rhinos, white rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and Cape buffaloes. It is one of the most popular game reserves near Johannesburg. 

Distance from Johannesburg – 217 km, which takes 3 hours

Cost per person – Game drives start from R580

Best time to visit – the middle of July to the centre of October

Accommodation: Everything is available, from budget chalets and safari tents to luxurious hotels. Some of them are the black rhino game lodge, ivory tree game lodge, and lush private lodge.

Activities include game drives, African music experiences, photography from wildlife hides, Walking safaris, bird spotting, and hot-air balloon rides.

Mabula Private Game Reserve

Mabula game reserve is filled with beautiful bushes with many different animals located in the malaria-free Waterberg area of Limpopo. Lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, honey badgers, red hartebeest, elands, hyenas, and jackals live in the reserve.  There are also many birds to see, such as the Amur falcon and the lilac-breasted roller. Mabula private game reserve is the closest game reserve near Johannesburg. 

Distance from Johannesburg – 209, which takes two and a half hours 

Cost per person –  R327 as entry fee

Best time to visit – September, October, March, and April

Accommodation – tented camps, family villas, and lodges are there. 

Activities: Game drives, spa treatments, dam picnics, quad biking, bird walks, stargazing drives, tennis, bush walks, horse riding, and hot-air balloon rides. 

Dinokeng Game Reserve

The Dinokeng Wildlife Reserve, located near an urban neighbourhood, is the first free-roaming Big five residential game reserve in Gauteng Province. This is the closest game reserve to Johannesburg. The Big Five are only found in this one Game Reserve, which is accessible via a half-day excursion from Gauteng Province. There are cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, brown hyenas, wildebeests, red hartebeests, tsessebe, eland, kudu, impalas, antelopes, and the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, and rhinoceros).

Distance from Johannesburg – 115 km which takes one and a half hours

Cost per person – R125 per day

Best time to visit – May to September

Accommodation: Dinokeng has lodging options to meet every need and preference, ranging from camp and caravan sites to tented camps, self-catering chalets, and luxurious lodges.

Activities – Guided game drives, self-drive safaris, bush walking, hot air ballooning, fishing, and picnics 

Welgevonden Game Reserve

A 37,000-hectare private game reserve, Welgevonden Game Reserve is located in South Africa’s Limpopo Province’s Waterberg District. Welgevonden provides a unique safari experience to a small number of visitors. Among the 50 animal species in Welgevonden, the Big Five are visible. 

In addition, there are about 300 species of birds and rarer creatures like brown hyenas and honey badgers. Welgevonden is closed to day visitors. With the wide variety of animals and species present, Welgevonden offers you the best safari in Johannesburg. 

Distance from Johannesburg – 292 km, which takes nearly 4 hours

Cost per person – The reserve doesn’t allow day visitors. Accommodation price starts from R6000

Best time to visit – May to September. 

Accommodation: Self-catering to fully catered accommodations are available in small, upscale lodges.  Although it is pricey if you can fit it into your budget, do so.

Activities : Game drives, walking safaris, horseback safaris, stargazing, and San Bushman rock art tours.

Waterberg game park

The Waterberg game reserve (from the Waterberg to the Soutpansberg region), located in the spectacular Waterberg Mountain Range of Limpopo, is the ideal retreat where the tired traveller may unwind and enjoy the immense natural beauty of the bushveld savannah and its rich wildlife history. The Waterberg game reserve is home to various animals such as Bushbuck, zebra, antelope, Buffalo, leopard, brown hyena, hippo, and giraffe. 

Distance from Johannesburg – 276 km which takes three and half hours

Cost per person – R500

Best time to visit – May to September 

Accommodation: Waterberg game park offers various accommodation facilities, including a lodge 

rooms, private self-catering units, and a nyala house. 

Activities – game driving, bird watching, cycling, golf, and star gazing

Plumari private reserve

The Plumari Private Reserve separates the Hartebeespoort and Magaliesberg regions of Gauteng. This is one of the nearest Big Five game reserves to Johannesburg. The climate here is gorgeous. Visitors can anticipate seeing a leopard, a white rhino, a buffalo, a hippo, a giraffe, a zebra, a waterbuck, a wildebeest, a hartebeest, a warthog, a bushpig, a kudu, a nyala, an eland, a gemsbok, an impala, a bushbuck, a reedbuck, a duiker. The reserve has a significant bird life, which will excite serious birdwatchers. Apart from its scenic beauty and rich collection of games, Plumari private reserve is the closest game reserve you can find in Johannesburg. 

Distance from Johannesburg – 83 km which takes one hour and fifteen minutes.

Cost per person – R1980 with accommodation and food.

Accommodation: The four-star Askari Lodge and warthogs are near the location

Activities -Game drives, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, hiking, birdwatching, trail running, 4×4 trails, mountain biking, and spa treatments are all popular outdoor activities.

Mziki private game reserve

Mziki Safari Lodge offers a natural retreat for tourists looking for a lucid, genuine interaction with the African bush. Mziki Private Game Reserve, located on 6000 ha of superb bushveld free of malaria, is home to four of the “Big Five,” as well as more than 50 mammal species and 372 bird species. It is one of the top birding spaces in South Africa. This place is ideal for families, offering a variety of fun activities for kids of all ages. Elephants, Buffalo, rhinos, and leopards are primarily seen in this area. 

Distance from Johannesburg – 168 km which takes two hours

Cost per person – Varies according to the options you choose

Best time to visit – July to October 

Accommodation: Mziki Safari Lodge is the reserve’s only accommodation. 

Activities – Game drives, mini-ranger courses., birding, fishing, barge cruises, archery, and bush walks 

Nkomazi game reserve

Mountains and riverine valleys encircle Nkomazi Game Reserve in Mpumalanga.  This area, which spans over 15,000 hectares in the southwest, is ideal for getting back in touch with nature. Nkomazi game reserve is also known as the place of water. The environment in this area is home to both Lowveld and Highveld game animals, as well as a large variety of birdlife.  This results in breathtaking animal viewing and a distinctive safari experience.

Distance from Johannesburg – 316 km which takes three and half hours

Best time to visit – During the rainy season, which starts in October 

Accommodation – You can pick options from Deluxe, Luxury, and Family Tents. 

Activities – Drives, bird-watching, fly-fishing, and stargazing.

Nambiti game reserve 

On 23 000 spectacular acres near Ladysmith, in KwaZulu-Natal, is the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. The only reserve in the region to include the Big five attractions, Nambiti’s biodiversity (which provides grasslands, riverine bush, savannah, and thornveld) guarantees an exhilarating and unheard-of variety of games. Nambiti is the only game reserve in the region that boasts all five of the Big 5 and over 40 other species of wildlife, including the majestic kudu, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena, impala, and hyena.

Distance – 317 km which takes three and a half hours 

Cost per person – R 100

The best time to visit is – the winter season 

Accommodation – Nambiti lodge, Ndaka safari lodge, cheetah ridge lodge, etc., are some of the nearest 

Activities – bushwalking, picnics, fishing, Guided game drives, Spa treatments, and historical site seeing. 

Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve

The majestic beauty of the Wittenberg mountains surrounds the Moolmanshoek game reserve. The Fouriesburg-based Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve offers a restaurant, a shared lounge, a bar, a garden, a patio, and a playground for kids. The reserve is home to various game species, including black wildebeest, red hartebeest, springbuck, blesbuck, zebra, steenbok, eland, waterbuck, lechwe, fallow deer, impala, sable, gemsbok. Black-backed jackals, caracals, porcupines, mongooses, and meerkats are also frequent visitors.

Distance from Johannesburg – 350 km, which takes three and half hours

Cost per person –  Varies according to the options you choose

Accommodation: There are several en-suite guest rooms in the elegant Sandstone Lodge.

Activities – Game Drives, Night Game Drives, horse riding

Mongena Private Game Lodge

Mongena Private Game Lodge offers lodging with a garden, free private parking, a communal lounge, and a terrace in Rust de Winter, 10 miles from Dinokeng Game Reserve. The 18,500 hectares game reserve is a magnificent big five game reserve within the Gauteng province, home to lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. 

Distance from Johannesburg – 114 km, which takes one and half hours 

Cost per person – R510

Accommodation – single, double, or family accommodation is available 

Activities – Bush safari, game drives, sightseeing. 

Read more: Top 10 Game Reserves Near Durban in 2023

Read more: Top 9 Game Reserves Near Cape Town in 2023

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7 of the best Kruger Safaris from Johannesburg

Situated in northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s biggest game reserves – with a wide number of tours available.

(Photo: bookallsafaris.com)

The park’s vast assortment of wild animals includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos, while hundreds of other mammals make their home here, along with diverse bird species. Many visitors to Kruger start their journey in Johannesburg, located 400km west of the park. Most organised Kruger tours include a transfer direct from Johannesburg, but there’s also the option of making the trip independently too. Below you’ll find our pick of 7 of the best Kruger Safaris from Johannesburg currently available.

3 Days Budget Kruger National Park Safari South Africa

Starting with a meet and greet in Johannesburg, you’ll make the long and winding 5-hour journey by road to a safari lodge near Kruger National Park, the second larger game park in Africa , which will serve as your accommodation during the trip. Over the next three days, you’ll get a chance to explore all that Kruger has to offer, including ample opportunities for spotting the Big Five and several open vehicle game drives, all in the company of expert guides. Transfers from and to Johannesburg, all breakfasts and dinners, and two nights’ accommodation are all included. From £381 per person.

Book at Bookallsafaris

4 Days Budget Kruger Park Safari

For a truly intimate and personalised safari experience, this 4-day private tour of Kruger National Park is an ideal choice. During the magical trip you’ll embark on daily open vehicle game drives, a sunset game drive, and a bushwalk. There’ll also be ample opportunity to spot the Big Five and other animals including antelopes and leopards, as you pass along the terrain in an air-conditioned 4×4. Entrance and conservation fees, daily breakfast and dinners, and 3 nights’ accommodation are included in the price. From £1,965.

2 Days Kruger National Park Safari

This safari is a popular choice for those who are neither cash or time-rich, and want to condense their experience into just a couple of days. You’ll enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives at the famous Kruger National Park, while your one night’s lodging will be in fully equipped tented accommodation. Groups for this tour are limited to 16 people. Conservation fees, breakfast and dinner, tea, coffee and wine, and accommodation are all included. From £142 per person.

6 Days Lodge and Tree House Safari in Balule Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park

In a group limited to 9 people, this safari adventure will invite you to join game drives, observe animals such as birdlife, lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena, and embark on a night drive where you can spot nocturnal creatures too. As well as Krugar, you’ll also take in Motlala Game Reserve during your adventure. The cost of the tour includes all entry fees and transportation, daily breakfasts and dinners, and 5 nights’ accommodation, including a stay in an authentic treehouse lodge. From £630 per person.

3 Days Kruger National Park and Panorama Route Safari

This magical 3-day tour invites guests to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Mpumalanga Panorama Route, combined with game drives within the Kruger National Park that let you spot the renowned Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and buffalo). The tour price includes two game drives, all park fees, 2 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfasts, transport by private vehicle and airport transfers. From £560 per person.

6 Days Dream Route Safari in Balule and Kruger, South Africa

This 6-day tour starts with a scenic drive in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, taking in such beauty spots as God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, and Pinnacle Point. You’ll overnight at a lodge with views of free roaming animals before departing the next morning for Balule Private Game Reserve where you’ll enjoy an open safari vehicle for game viewing pleasure. After two days exploring the reserve you’ll move on to Kruger National Park for another 48 hours of magical safari action, before your departure on day six. The tour price includes 5 nights’ accommodation, breakfasts/dinners, and airport transfers. From £560 per person.

5 Days Cultural and Wildlife Safari in South Africa and Swaziland

Available for groups of 2 people or more, this epic adventure allows you to see some of the most scenic parts of South Africa over 5 full days. From your pick-up point you’ll drive to Kruger National Park via the stunning hills and valleys of Swaziland and over the coming days you’ll get to experience 3 amazing game drives, a cultural tour in Swaziland, the beautiful Panorama Route tour, and trips to Ngwenya and Kruger National Park before the trip culminates with a visit to the awe-inspiring panoramic of  Blyde River Canyon. All park fees, as well as daily meals and 4-nights’ accommodation, are included in the tour price. From £3,428 per person.

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8 Best Big 5 Game Reserves near Johannesburg

If you are wondering what the best Big 5 Game Reserves near Johannesburg are, see my recommendations below. 

Johannesburg may be a modern, fast-paced metropolis, but if you are looking for a change in scenery, you don't have to go too far. The proximity to several Big 5 game reserves makes Johannesburg an attractive starting point for a safari whether you’re a Joburger looking for a weekend getaway in the bush (like me), or you’re a tourist embarking on your first wildlife experience.

Let’s start by differentiating between a game reserve and a game lodge. A game reserve is a protected area for wildlife conservation which focuses on preserving natural habitats and wildlife. A game lodge is an accommodation facility within or near a game reserve which provides lodging, meals, and safari experiences for tourists in proximity to game reserves. Here, I focus on the best Big 5 game reserves near Johannesburg and recommend great game lodges I have stayed at in those game reserves.

1. Madikwe Game Reserve

Lion in Madikwe Game Reserve

Distance from Johannesburg: Approximately 4 hours

Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West province is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa. The 75 000 hectare malaria-free  reserve is located in the  North-West province , and borders  Botswana . The park is renowned for its conservation efforts and boasts a rich variety of wildlife, including the Big 5, cheetahs, endangered African wild dogs, and more. Accommodation options range from community and eco lodges to ultra- luxurious lodges.

Tau Game Lodge

Jaci’s Lodges

Molori Safari Lodge

Morukuru Family Owner’s House

Madikwe Safari Lodge

2. Welgevonden Game Reserve

Sunset in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Ensconced within the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in the  Limpopo province , Welgevonden Game Reserve is a hidden gem in the Waterberg region of Limpopo, known for its pristine landscapes and luxurious lodges. The reserve is spectacularly beautiful, with rugged mountain terrain, interspersed with winding rivers, deep valleys and gorges, and grassy plains. It is also home to over 50 mammals including the Big Five, and over 300 bird species.

Mhondoro Game Lodge

Tintswalo Family Camp

Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway

3. Pilanesberg National Park

Elephant amid the spectacular scenery in Pilanesberg National Park

Distance from Johannesburg: Approximately 2.5 hours

Nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano, Pilanesberg National Park is a popular game reserve near Sun City in the North-West province. It encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from rocky outcrops to open grasslands. Day visits are possible and visitors can explore the park through self-drives, guided game drives, or hot air balloon safaris for a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape.

Kwa-Maritane Bush Lodge

4. Mabula Game Reserve

Baby cheetah in Mabula Game Reserve

The 12 500 hectare malaria-free Greater Mabula Private Game Reserve is set against the backdrop of the majestic Waterberg Mountains. The reserve is home to the Big Five, cheetahs and wild dogs and is divided into three separate sections.  The lions can be found in the Southern section. Guided bush walks, quad biking and horse-back safaris are conducted in the section without lions

Kingfisher Villa

Safari Plains

Mabula Game Lodge

5. Qwabi Game Reserve

Lioness in Qwabi Private Game Reserve

Like Mabula Game Reserve, the 11 000-hectare malaria-free Qwabi Private Game Reserve is also set against the backdrop of the ancient Waterberg mountains in Limpopo. Here, you will be surrounded by ancient landscapes, spectacular scenery, exciting wildlife and bespoke luxury at the two exclusive lodges.

Letamo at Qwabi Private Game Reserve

6. Kruger National Park

Leopard in Kruger National Park

Distance from Johannesburg: Approximately 4.5 hours to the southern gates

While a bit further from Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is a bucket-list destination for any safari enthusiast. The largest national park in South Africa and one of the largest and most famous game reserves in Africa, it is the size of a small country, spanning both Mpumalanga  and Limpopo provinces.  It is known for its incredible diversity of wildlife sightings and beautiful natural landscapes. The Big Five, cheetah, wild dogs and umpteen more species of wildlife can be seen here. It is also an important birding destination, with over 500 species recorded within the park.

In Kruger National Park

Jock Safari Lodge

Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge 

Greater Kruger

Kapama River Lodge

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

7. Marakele National Park

Marakele National Park

Also in Limpopo, Marakele National Park is set in a stunning mountain landscape, with scenic drives that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The park is divided into two sections - a normal game section and a wild Big Five section. The latter is fenced off and accessed via an electronic gate after passing through a tunnel. The Big Five and other species of animals and birds, including endangered Cape vultures, can be found in the park.

8. Dinokeng Game Reserve

Zebras in Dinokeng Game Reserve

Distance from Johannesburg: Approximately 1 hour

The closest Big 5 game reserve to Johannesburg and the only one in Gauteng, Dinokeng Game Reserve is easily accessible. However, if you have more time, I would recommend one of the other reserves on the list as I found the game-viewing experience here to be mediocre.

See what to expect on a safari .

See the best books to read for safari-lovers .

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.

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4 comments on “8 Best Big 5 Game Reserves near Johannesburg”

So many great options! I'd love to see the big 5 sometime. Saving for a future trip 🙂

We spent three weeks in the Kruger area in 2009 - and I wish we'd had this information back then, it would have made for a much better trip if we'd known more about the accommodation available.

So wonderful to experience these beautiful animals and the stunning SA scenery. I did a day safari in Pilansberg when I had a few days layover in Jo’burg, I loved it.

Great list! Saving for when I finally visit South Africa. Safari and Cape Town have been on my list for a long time!

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Safari Near Johannesburg | 4 Best Game Reserves

Johannesburg commonly referred to as ‘Joburg,’ is the biggest city in the province of Gauteng population-wise. This city is popularly referred to as the business centre of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The skyscraper buildings and busy roads make this megacity quite the metropolis. But there’s a surprisingly natural element not far from the city.

Johannesburg may be a concrete jungle, but if you are looking for a change in scenery, you don’t have to go too far. There are plenty of holiday road trips to take from Johannesburg and one of the most adventurous activities is going on a safari.

Whether you are a local or a tourist exploring this beautiful city, a must-have experience is visiting the safaris near Johannesburg. In this article, we have included a few must-see game reserves near Johannesburg.

Why You Should Visit a Johannesburg Safari

South African safari tours in Johannesburg will allow you to appreciate the other side of the country, with its natural, lush landscape. While on a safari, you will be able to observe the beautiful South African wildlife in their unspoiled habitat.

You can expect to see the Big Five and more wild animals on your safari tour near Johannesburg – similarly to the wildlife that you would see at the Amboseli National Park . For those who aren’t familiar, the animals that make up the Big Five are African elephants , lions, leopards, black rhinos, and African buffalo. Other animals that you may come across in a game reserve include zebra, impala, and beautiful birds.

4 Best Game Reserves Near Johannesburg

There are a number of South African safaris from Johannesburg to choose from, each offering a unique experience. We have hand-picked a few game reserves near Johannesburg that promise an unforgettable experience.

1.   Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Pilanesberg Game Reserve, situated between the Kalahari desert and Lowveld, offers one of the best safari experiences in all of South Africa. The game reserve is only 2.5 hours away from Johannesburg.

Once you arrive, you will be blown away by the scenic view formed by ancient volcanic activity. A wide range of accommodation options is available at the game reserve, ranging from camping to luxurious lodges.

The game reserve is home to 7000 different animals, including the Big 5. Pilanesberg Game Reserve has a selection of 1-day to 5-day safari packages to choose from. Each safari is usually 2.5 hours long and is done in an open vehicle, with game drivers who are experts in the animals and plants in the reserve. Another bonus of this game reserve is that it’s only a 45-minute drive from the Sun City resort.

2.   Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve is a 3.5-hour drive away from Johannesburg. This game reserve has a wide range of accommodation available, ranging from eco-camps to luxury lodges. One of the most popular places to sleep is the Madikwe Safari Lodge , which overlooks the majestic Marico River.

While on a safari experience in the Madikwe Game Reserve, you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five. Other animals that the reserve is well-known for are brown hyena and springbok.

The game drives include a maximum of 6 guests and are done by professional guides. The reserve is also home to at least 300 bird species and an array of flora and fauna.

3.   Dinokeng Game Reserve

The Dinokeng Game Reserve was the first place to have the Big Five roaming free. This reserve is only a 1-hour drive away from Johannesburg, making it the perfect spot to visit if you only want to do a Joburg safari day tour .

However, if you would prefer to stay in the Dinokeng Game reserve, there are a few accommodation options. Including the Dinokeng Resort, The Lookout Safari Lodge , and Kwalata Lodge .

At the Dinokeng Game Reserve, you can choose to do a self-drive experience which allows you to drive on the marked-out self-drive route and spot the wildlife in the game reserve. Another option is to go on a guided game drive, usually done in an open vehicle with an experienced tour guide. The wildlife you can expect to see while on safari include all Big Five animals, hippos, zebras, cheetah, hyena, and many more.

4.   Kruger National Park

While this park may be a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg, it is one of the largest in South Africa. Kruger National Park has been open since 1927 on around 2 million hectares of land and is well known for its efforts in protecting wildlife. When visiting Kruger National Park, a few great lodges to stay at include Kruger Sunset Lodge and Nkambeni Safari Camp.

Being one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, there is a wide variety of wildlife in Kruger National Park. The park is home to around 147 mammals, including hippos, white rhinos, and, of course, the Big Five. A two-day Kruger safari from Johannesburg is an excellent option for couples and families. With several safari tours to choose from, you can select the option that best suits you and your loved ones.

Experience Joburg Safari Flights

If you are ready for adventurous safari tours from Johannesburg, you must try a safari flight. This is a fun and unique way to try and observe the African wildlife. A safari flight combines hot air ballooning while trying to spot the South African wildlife.

Usually, safari flights fly over a few game reserves and allow you to spot a wide range of animals. The hot air balloon experience lasts around 1 hour. However, certain packages may also include meals.

Final Thoughts on Safaris Near Johannesburg South Africa

If you’re ready to get away from the city’s fast-paced life, or you want the full South African experience, you should definitely go on a safari tour. You can choose between having a weeklong or day-long Johannesburg safari tour. With a wide variety of game reserves near Johannesburg and different accommodation options, you can select the one that suits the safari experience that you want.

Whether you choose a safari tour from Johannesburg or a safari flight, you will be in for an adventure of a lifetime the next time on your next holiday. For more exhilarating adventures check out these all-inclusive African safaris .

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Big Five Safaris from Johannesburg

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10 Big Five safaris near Johannesburg

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14 Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

Written by Becca Blond and Karen Hastings Updated Jan 19, 2024

Imagine sitting in an open-topped Land Cruiser on a morning safari drive, watching the sun rise beyond a line of elephants clomping their way through the bush. Or falling asleep to the not-so-distant roar of a lion from a mosquito net-draped bed in the most luxurious canvas tent you've ever slept in. Both are experiences you'll likely encounter while staying at one of South Africa's most exclusive luxury safari lodges. These are some of the very best resorts in Africa.

South Africa has safari lodges in national parks and private reserves scattered across much of the country. But many of the most luxurious lodges are in the private game reserves bordering Kruger National Park , such as Sabi Sands, with abundant wildlife and few other tourists. Expert guides and trackers take you right to the action in open-air safari vehicles, with regular sightings of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos), as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife.

Luxury safari lodges are also found in other parts of South Africa including the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve at the edge of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa's northwest on the border with Botswana. The Northern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces are also home to fantastic lodges.

Remote and intimate, these exclusive and eco-conscious lodges offer a true small-group luxury wilderness experience, with exceptional service. It's a good idea to split your time between two or more lodges in different areas to maximize the diversity of game viewing. Families will be pleased to learn that many of these camps welcome children.

Note that all of these safari lodges are all-inclusive . Rates include your meals and game drives.

Singita Sabi Sand

Royal malewane, ulusaba rock lodge and safari lodge, singita sweni and lebombo, jaci's lodges, &beyond ngala safari lodge, tswalu kalahari reserve, cheetah plains, jamala madikwe, madikwe game reserve, &beyond phinda vlei lodge, shamwari private game reserve.

Bordering Kruger, in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the oldest of South Africa's private reserves, Singita Sabi Sand oozes safari chic. You can choose from three different luxury lodges here: Boulders, Ebony, and Castleton.

Singita Boulders Lodge , on the banks of the Sand River, is one of the world's best lodges. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows encase each luxurious suite, with decor inspired by the tones and textures of nature. Think rustic elegance, with tribal motifs, stone accents, sculptural tree trunk supports, and open-air rooms that bring the outdoors in.

Equally elegant, Singita Ebony Lodge has a tented camp feel with exposed thatch roofs and beige canvas accents. Each of the 12 suites here come with their own private plunge pool, and the two-bedroom suites are perfect for families.

Overlooking a water hole, Singita Castleton recalls a country farmhouse with communal living areas, albeit one with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and spa treatment rooms. Guests here sleep in separate cottages sprinkled around the grounds, and children of all ages are welcome.

The property covers 45,000 acres of wilderness with a high concentration of game, including the Big Five, and frequent close-up leopard sightings.

As well as the twice daily game drives, the lodge offers mountain biking safaris, walking safaris, visits to local villages, and archery for those so inclined. A fitness center with beautiful bush views is also on-site.

In Thornybush Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane is not only one of South Africa's best safari lodges, it's one of the top all-inclusive resorts in the world .

A classic old-world feel sets the scene here for a safari that could come right out of Hemingway's journal. Animals roam freely around camp, and this particular reserve, north of Sabi Sand, is known for its spectacular game viewing and abundance of lions.

Decorated in an eclectic colonial style, the eight air-conditioned suites (including two separate two-bedroom Royal Suites ) exude a seemingly effortless elegance. Jewel-toned oriental rugs cloak the floors, thatch peeks out between ceiling beams, private plunge pools beckon on expansive decks with views over the bush (and sometimes visiting elephants), and you can wash off the African dust in private open-air showers.

Africa House, a six-bedroom, exclusive-use villa with a private chef, is also available for families and groups.

Expert teams of trackers and guides scour the bush to bring you Big Five action. When you're not watching animals, you can enjoy a pampering treatment at the award-winning bush spa , or work out at the fully equipped gym.

Many guests like to combine a stay here with one of the lodges farther south, such as Singita Boulders Lodge, but book as early as possible, as Royal Malewane often fills up a year in advance.

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome in the luxury suites, and children of all ages are welcome in the Royal Suites and Africa House.

Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge lie in spectacular locations at the Western end of Sabi Sand. Game viewing is excellent, with all the Big Five in abundance, as well as wild dog, baboons, impala, cheetah, and many species of birds.

Ulusaba offers unique accommodations in two dramatic settings: Ulusaba Rock Lodge sits high atop a koppie (rocky peak), with breathtaking views over the sweeping wilderness below. Its conical, thatched roofs jutting up from the peak of the koppie evoke a whimsical African-style palace.

Each of the eight rooms is uniquely decorated with textural tribal elements and natural materials, and some are split between multiple levels and come with their own private infinity pools. Rock Lodge also includes deluxe Cliff Lodge suites , which are ideal for families. Book them both, and you score your own private chef, safari vehicle, spa, and gym.

Ulusaba Safari Lodge nestles in a canopy of trees on a dry riverbank, where a parade of animals wanders past to drink at a nearby waterhole. At Safari Lodge, some of the rooms are built like treehouses, perched high on stilts among the leaves. Rope swing bridges connect some of the rooms to the common areas, creating a sense of adventure as soon as you step out the door.

Spa treatments, tennis, workouts at the gym, and pool time fills the post-safari hours. Guided walking safaris are also available, and guests with a social conscience also have the option of volunteering at local schools and villages.

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome at Safari Lodge, and kids of all ages are welcome at Rock Lodge.

Near the border with Mozambique, Singita Sweni Lodge and Singita Lebombo Lodge are, like their sister lodges in Sabi Sand, eco-sensitive and extraordinarily beautiful.

The lodges occupy a 33,000-acre exclusive concession on the southeastern side of Kruger National Park, meaning the density of guests here is extremely low. The area spans four different ecological zones, creating fantastic opportunities for diverse game viewing. All the Big Five are in abundance, as well as four big prides of lion.

The two lodges here occupy spectacular locations. Suspended in the canopy along the Sweni River, Singita Sweni Lodge is a series of light-filled luxury treehouses wrapped in glass for prime viewing of the animals along the river below. The interior tones and textures blend seamlessly with the environment, and expansive decks jut out into the wilderness. The main lodge includes an inviting pool, spa, gym, and the Singita Boutique & Gallery.

Perched on a mountain above the N'Wanetsi River, and inspired by the eagles' nests found up high here, Singita Lebombo Lodge overlooks the magnificent wilderness below. It has a contemporary yet textural and earthy feel and offers 13 open-plan suites and a fully-staffed villa on the riverbank. Perfect for groups, the villa comes with two interlinked two-bedroom suites that share a pool and kitchen.

Other highlights at Lebombo include a panoramic roof terrace with a library, an espresso bar, help-yourself deli, inviting pool, and expansive indoor/outdoor decks.

As with all of Singita's lodges, conservation is paramount, and the company strives to leave the lightest possible footprint on the Earth. Children 10 years and older are welcome.

Set along the Sand River in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, family-run Londolozi has welcomed guests for almost a century and is one of the most famous safari lodges in South Africa. It lies within the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a wilderness area of six million acres that also incorporates Kruger National Park.

White rhino and lion live here in some of the highest concentrations found anywhere in Africa, but Londolozi is best known for its leopards, one of Africa's most elusive predators. Londolozi is a Zulu word meaning, "protector of all living things," so it's not surprising that conservation is a focus here, with features like open-air, electric safari vehicles.

You can choose between five different camps, all of which boast prestigious Relais & Châteaux status. The adults-only Londolozi Private Granite Suites is the most luxurious, while Londolozi Tree Camp and the nostalgic and romantic Londolozi Pioneer Camp are not far behind. Stylish decor, abundant glass, large living rooms, spa-like baths, and private heated plunge pools, are typical features.

Londolozi Founders Camp , along the banks of the Sand River, and the venerable Londolozi Varty Camp are larger and more family-orientated with features like thatched roof bungalows, interlinked "skywalk" rooms, and private outdoor pools.

Besides game drives, other activities available here include walking safaris, yoga classes, massage therapies, and workouts at the fitness center.

Both of these camps, as well as Pioneer Camp, welcome children six years and older.

The only lodge with access to the perennial Sabie River, Lion Sands, in the Sabi Sand game reserve, offers a collection of sumptuous safari lodges, each with its own inspiration and style.

Game viewing is excellent in this game-rich area, and the lodge boasts one of only four master trackers in the world to help you find the best sightings.

A unique feature at Lion Sands is the opportunity for guests at the lodges to combine their visit with a romantic overnight stay, sleeping under the stars in one of their luxurious treehouses . Guests snuggle up in plush four-poster canopied beds on towers raised high above the wilderness.

Each of the luxurious Lion Sands lodges has a unique personality, from organic chic to mid-century modern, so you can choose a lodge that matches your style.

Lion Sands River Lodge is the largest, with 20 thatched rooms dressed in soothing textures and tones of creme and white.

Overlooking the Sabie River, the villas of Ivory Lodge are grounded in an eco-minded, mid-century-modern aesthetic, incorporating tribal touches and natural materials such as thatch, steel, wood, and sand. Light streams in through the walls of glass, and the two-bedroom Fish Eagle suite comes with its own private Land Rover, pool, spa, and gym.

Tinga Lodge on the Sabie River has a "contemporary colonial" theme, and Narina Lodge has a treehouse feel, with nine villas suspended high in the canopy and linked by raised walkways.

Typical features at all the lodges include personal butlers; luxury bathrooms, some with outdoor showers; sitting areas with fireplaces; and private pools.

Post-game-drive activities include pampering treatments at the Africology Spa, helicopter rides over the Blyde River Canyon, and trips to Hippo Pools.

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome here, but only select lodges offer babysitting services.

Jaci's Lodges in the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's North-West Province are a collection of family-owned boutique properties that offer guests an intimate, highly personalized safari experience. Madikwe, which sits on the border with Botswana and the edge of the Kalahari in a malaria-free area, is known for its thriving wild dog population.

The second most endangered carnivore in Africa after Ethiopian wolves, seeing a wild dog on safari is a rare experience anywhere else in South Africa. But in Madikwe there are three hunting packs roaming the park, and it's not uncommon to see these enigmatic pups here.

If you don't have a DSLR camera with a wildlife photography-sized lens, don't worry. You can still capture the wild dogs and all the other animals (the park also has healthy lion and rhino populations) you see in crisp, close-ups by renting a Nikon from Jaci's for the duration of your trip (highly recommended).

Jaci's is comprised of two adjacent camps, each offering a slightly different sleeping experience .

At Jaci's Safari Lodge , there are six tented suites, including two that are suitable for a family or a small group of friends. The tents have thatched roofs, hardwood floors, and canvas side panels that can be completely rolled up. The interior design features bright African colors and patterns as well as bathrooms with soaking tubs and indoor and outdoor showers.

There are also two Starbed Suites at this camp. The lodge's newest builds, these have a more contemporary look and are a good choice for people who want to sleep within walls instead of the more exposed canvas tents. The suites are two-level affairs with the second level being an open-air rooftop deck where you can sleep in a proper king-sized bed under the stars.

Downstairs you'll find a second king bed in case you prefer sleeping indoors (or it rains). The Starbed Suites are especially popular with honeymooners and couples on romantic getaways .

Jaci's Tree Lodge is the adjacent property. Here you'll find eight treehouse suites built on stilts and connected by elevated walkways that offer fabulous views of the surrounding forest and glimpses of the Marico River. Guests here also have access to a hide for photographing animals without their knowledge and a public treehouse space with a hot tub facing an active waterhole.

As the name suggests, Sabi Sabi is also in the Sabi Sand game reserve, abutting the southwestern border of Kruger National Park. This area is famous for its diversity and density of wildlife, including the Big Five and up to 350 species of birds.

Each of the four separate lodges here exudes its own personality. Steeped in colonial charm, Sabi Sabi Selati Camp is the most romantic, with a style inspired by the movie, Out of Africa .

Family-friendly Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp are more contemporary in feel. Bush Lodge has a children's center and spa, and at the intimate Little Bush Camp , each room comes with a private terrace and hot tub.

True to its name, the more minimalistic Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge has won accolades for its environmentally-sensitive design. It blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscapes, with plenty of neutral tones and sleek lines. All the lodges come with swimming pools, but Earth Lodge suites come with private plunge pools, and the lodge has its own library, art gallery, meditation garden, and spa.

Day and night safaris are available here, as well as walking safaris with experienced guides and trackers.

Children are welcome, though only those older than six years are allowed on game drives unless a private vehicle is reserved.

On a private game reserve inside Kruger National Park , &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge offers superb Big 5 game-viewing and warm and welcoming staff members who treat guests like family.

Nostalgic safari elegance sets the tone in the 20 thatched-roof cottages. Bush views bleed into the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows, and private verandahs offer popular spots to watch the passing parade of animals. Still can't tear yourself away from the wilderness views? Every room comes with an alfresco shower.

Families are welcome and are comfortably accommodated in three spacious cottages with interconnecting rooms, as well as in a family suite with a private swimming pool. Interactive kid-focused activities and childcare also provide parents with some alone time.

Besides twice-daily game drives and walking safaris, guests here can relax with a spa treatment; paddle in the pool; or sign up for a conservation experience, working directly with some of the wildlife.

Honeymooners should opt for a romantic evening in the magical Ngala Treehouse .

Eco-conscious guests will be pleased to know that &Beyond works collaboratively with local groups and communities on conservation initiatives and sustainable business practices.

Covering 1,000 square kilometers in the less-visited Kalahari region, family-friendly Tswalu is the largest private game reserve in South Africa. Conservation is key here, and the owners' mission is to restore newly acquired lands back to their natural existence and fund multiple conservation and community-minded projects.

Hauntingly beautiful landscapes of red sand, golden grass, and wind-sculpted acacia trees characterize this region, and the wildlife is uniquely adapted to the harsh environment. Among the many animals here are the magnificent black-maned Kalahari lion, endangered desert black rhino, meerkats, sable and roan antelopes, wild dogs, porcupines, aardvarks, aardwolves, honey badgers, and cheetah.

Safaris are tailored to each individual party, with no set schedule. Best of all, this lodge lies in a year-round malaria-free zone .

Adorned with natural earthy materials and an abundance of textural elements, the freestanding thatched villas blend beautifully with their surrounding environment. You can choose from two locations: The Motse , a "village" of nine air-conditioned luxury suites overlooking a waterhole at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, and Tarkuni , the owners' family home, with five impeccably furnished suites, a pool, personal host, and a private five-star chef.

At Motse , the cottages mix modern comforts with an African feel. Thatched roofs and walls of stone, red clay, and desert sand echo the surrounding environment. Other features include spacious bedrooms with open fireplaces, indoor/outdoor showers, and large decks with sweeping vistas of the vast desert. Three two-bedrooms cottages, are perfect for families, with large living rooms and two bathrooms.

At the communal area here, you can take a dip in the infinity pool, curl up with a book from the library, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. Other things to do include hikes to nearby attractions such as ancient rock art; horseback safaris; and sleeping under the stars at The Malori, a raised platform with weather-proof blinds.

Tswalu hosts children of all ages, and offers a nanny service and Junior Ranger program to keep the little ones engaged.

Staying at Tswalu, with its contrasting landscapes and unique species of wildlife found only in this region, is a great complement to visiting the lodges near Kruger National Park.

In Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Cheetah Plains offers a sustainable, ultra-luxe safari experience catering to multi-gen families or groups of friends . This is the lodge to book if you want a very private and personalized holiday. There are just eight elegant sleek villas, each of which can accommodate up to eight people in four bedrooms and must be rented exclusively regardless of your group size .

These villas have a modern look with lots of glass window walls that are far removed from the canvas-tented camp vibe found at many lodges. All are luxuriously appointed with curated art collections, a chef's kitchen, indoor and outdoor living and dining spaces, and a private swimming pool on a large deck.

You'll be assigned a personal hospitality team upon check-in. This includes a personal chef, spa therapist, and expert guide and tracker that will be dedicated to your villa for the length of your stay, allowing for an extremely personalized experience.

Cheetah Plains also prides itself on being carbon-negative. Your twice daily game drives take place in electric Land Cruisers for a completely silent ride.

Set around a game-rich waterhole in South Africa's North West Province, Jamala Madikwe is known for its superb wildlife viewing, luxurious lodgings, and friendly staff.

It lies in the Madikwe Game Reserve , a malaria-free area along the Botswana border that once consisted mainly of cattle farms before it was transformed into a wildlife reserve in the early 90s.

Today, the reserve supports an incredible diversity of species due to the fact that it lies in an ecological transition zone, between the Kalahari and lowveld wilderness. Game drives regularly bring sightings of the Big Five, as well as brown hyena, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, oryx, African wild dogs, and even the rare aardwolf.

Best of all, the lodge's orientation around the waterhole means you can enjoy a "Sofa Safari" here and watch all the action from the villas and common areas, without even leaving the camp.

Accommodation is in five air-conditioned, freestanding villas that blend a colonial feel with African artifacts. Typical features include four-poster netted beds, crisp linens, outdoor showers, spa-like indoor bathrooms, living rooms with fireplaces, dining areas, and expansive decks with rim-flow plunge pools.

When you're not out on game drives, you can enjoy a luxury treatment at the Royal Spa, look for wildlife from the watchtower perched above the waterhole, or relax at the main lodge with a book from the library.

In South Africa's diverse northeastern province of Kwazulu Natal, family-friendly &Beyond Phinda offers a winning combination of private and spacious villas, superb service, and fantastic Big Five game viewing. Cheetah and antelopes such as nyala are also plentiful here. This is one of several &Beyond lodges in Phinda Reserve, an area of rehabilitated farmland now brimming with wildlife.

Tucked amid trees on the edge of a vlei (wetland), the six freestanding thatched villas at &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge could easily be at home in Bali if it weren't for the parade of African animals wandering past.

Louvered windows and large glass doors slide open to create seamless indoor/outdoor living areas, and each villa has a sitting room with a fireplace and a rambling deck with a private plunge pool. Elephants sometimes come to drink from the pools, and antelope graze on the lush grass.

Walking safaris and river cruises are other fun ways to explore the wilderness.

One of the bonuses about choosing a safari at this lodge is that you can complement your bush experience with several day trip adventures, such as a scuba safari at Sodwana Bay, about an hour's drive away; swimming with whale sharks; a Zulu village tour; black rhino tracking; and visits to an endangered wild cats project.

Kids are welcome, and the lodge offers a fun children's program and special family safaris tailored to the ages of each child.

Considered one of South Africa's most successful private conservation initiatives, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a favorite with celebrities and has hosted everyone from Brad Pitt to John Travolta and Tiger Woods.

Away from the main safari areas, it is located off the N2 in a malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape between the cities of Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. It can be reached easily by private vehicle with just 7 kilometers of driving on a gravel road. If you prefer to arrive by plane, there is also a private airstrip.

One of South Africa's largest private game reserves, it is home to the Big Five as well as cheetah. The reserve hosts six luxury lodges , each of which offers a different style. Long Lee Manor is a newly redesigned lodge with elegant Edwardian-styled suites and a beautiful rim-flow swimming pool.

Sindile is Shamwari's newest luxury tented camp in a secluded locale. It has nine very posh, free-standing tents elevated above the surrounding bush that offer stunning views and dark night skies for stargazing. These tents are designed to leave as minimal of an environmental footprint as possible.

For something even more adventurous book Explorer Camp. Open only during the summer season (between October and May), the wilderness bush camp is located on a granite and basalt plateau and has lodging in tents that truly make you feel you are staying in the bush – expect to hear lots of animal sounds at night (the camp is, however, discreetly fenced for safety). Guests staying here do guided walking safaris that allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife.

Whichever accommodation you choose, expect twice-daily game drives led by guide and tracker teams that will get you very close to the animals. There are also spa treatments (extra fee) available at many of the lodges.

More on South Africa

From Johannesburg: 3-Day Budget Kruger National Park Safari

Set out on a remarkable 3-day adventure from Johannesburg to the iconic Kruger National Park . This budget-friendly safari offers an immersive exploration of the park’s diverse ecosystems, from spotting the Big Five during a full-day game drive to experiencing the tranquility of a guided bush walk . With all entrance fees, conservation fees, breakfasts, and dinners included, the hassle-free logistics allow you to fully learn about the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first safari, this compact yet comprehensive itinerary promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to discover more.

• A 3-day budget safari package from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, priced starting from R11,670 per person.
• Includes full-day game viewing, sunset game drive, morning bush walk, and visits to Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels.
• All entrance fees, conservation fees, taxes, breakfasts, and dinners are covered, with pickup and drop-off services provided.
• Opportunities to spot the Big Five wildlife and experience traditional South African bush BBQ.
• Small group experience with a maximum of 9 participants, with a minimum 24-hour advance cancellation policy for a full refund.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Full Day Private Kruger Park Safari
• Private Full Day Safari (10 Hours) in Kruger National Park
• Sunset Game Drive Safari Near Hoedspruit
• Kruger National Park in a Open Safari Vehicle – Full Day

Basic Information

This 3-day budget Kruger National Park safari from Johannesburg is likely to sell out, with prices starting from R11,670 per person.

The safari includes a full day of game viewing in Kruger as well as a sunset game drive, morning bush walk, and visits to scenic highlights like Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels.

All entrance fees, conservation fees , taxes , breakfasts , and dinners are covered. Pickup and drop-off is provided from O.R. Tambo International Airport or any Johannesburg hotel.

Lunches are included on transfer days and the full day in Kruger. Guests should book accommodation near the airport or in Sandton City, as the tour departs no later than 9:30 am on the first day.

Group sizes are limited to 9 participants.

Activity Highlights

Guests embark on a full-day safari in Kruger National Park, where they’ve ample opportunities to spot the iconic Big Five wildlife.

The experience continues with a scenic sunset game drive, allowing visitors to witness the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife in the golden light of dusk.

In the morning, guests set out on a bush walk led by an experienced guide, offering a unique perspective on the area’s flora and fauna.

The adventure also includes visits to breathtaking natural wonders like the Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels, culminating in a traditional South African bush BBQ.

The activity highlights include:

• Full-day safari in Kruger National Park
• Sunset game drive
• Morning bush walk
• Visits to Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels, followed by a bush BBQ

The budget Kruger National Park safari package includes all necessary entrance fees, conservation fees, and taxes, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travellers.

Breakfast and dinner meals are provided throughout the tour, and guests enjoy a selection of game drives and bush walks led by knowledgeable guides.

Pickup and drop-off services from Johannesburg hotels or the airport are also part of the inclusive offering.

Lunches on the transfer days and during the full-day safari in Kruger are also covered, allowing guests to focus on the wildlife sightings and scenic highlights without worrying about meal logistics.

With these inclusions, the budget safari provides excellent value for money , making it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable Kruger adventure.

Despite the comprehensive inclusions, the budget Kruger National Park safari does have a few exclusions that travelers should be aware of.

Drinks at the lodge’s cash bar, personal expenses, and gratuities aren’t covered in the package price. International and domestic flights to reach the starting point in Johannesburg are also the responsibility of the participants.

The exclusions for this safari include:

• Drinks at the lodge’s cash bar
• Items of a personal nature
• Gratuities for the guide and other staff
• International and domestic flights to and from Johannesburg

Knowing these exclusions upfront allows travelers to budget accordingly and avoid any unexpected costs during their Kruger National Park adventure.

Logistical Details

This budget Kruger National Park safari offers convenient pickup options, with participants able to board from their Johannesburg hotel/hostel or directly from O.R. Tambo International Airport .

Departure is scheduled no later than 9:30am on the first day, allowing ample time to reach the park and begin the safari activities.

Travelers are advised to book their accommodation at O.R. Tambo Airport or Sandton City for ease of access on the trip start date.

The safari is designed for small groups , limited to a maximum of 9 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Lastly, a minimum of 24-hour advance cancellation is required for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

Pickup and Departure

Participants can conveniently board the safari from either their Johannesburg hotel/hostel or directly from O.R. Tambo International Airport, with departure scheduled no later than 9:30am on the first day.

This flexibility ensures a seamless start to the adventure, allowing travelers to easily join the group based on their individual needs and preferences.

The safari includes:

• Pickup from your Johannesburg accommodation or the airport.
• A prompt 9:30am departure on the first day, ensuring a full day of exploration.

Recommended pre-trip accommodation near O.R. Tambo Airport or in Sandton City for ease of access.

A small group experience, with a maximum of 9 participants for an intimate and personalized journey.

Group Size and Cancellation

The safari operates with a small group size, limited to a maximum of 9 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. This small-group format allows for greater flexibility, easier navigation, and more opportunities to interact with the local guide and fellow travelers.

Should plans change, the safari offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund with a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice. This ensures a hassle-free booking experience and the freedom to adjust the itinerary as needed.

Accommodation Recommendation

For travelers’ convenience, the tour recommends booking accommodation at either O.R. Tambo International Airport or Sandton City, both conveniently located near the safari’s starting point.

These areas offer a range of hotels, guest houses, and Airbnb options to suit various budgets and preferences.

Some key benefits of these locations include:

• Proximity to the safari’s pickup point, minimizing travel time on the first day.
• Easy access to amenities, restaurants, and transportation options.
• Opportunities to explore Johannesburg’s vibrant city life before or after the safari.
• Availability of airport transfer services, making the overall journey more seamless.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Full-Day Shared Kruger National Park Safari From Hoedspruit
• Morning Game Drive Safari Near Hoedspruit
• Full Day Kruger Park Wildlife Safari From Hoedspruit
• 90-minute Elephant Watching Experience in Hoedspruit
• Greater Kruger National Park 4 Day Safari at a Private Game Lodge
• Clarens San-traverse Slackpack

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Ratio of Guides to Guests on the Safari?

The safari has a small group size, limited to 9 participants, with a guide-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:9. This allows for personalized attention and an intimate safari experience for your.

Can I Request a Specific Safari Vehicle Type?

Guests can request a specific safari vehicle type, such as an open-air jeep, though the availability may be subject to the tour operator’s fleet and group size. The tour operator will try to accommodate any reasonable requests.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Safari Activities?

There are generally no age restrictions for the safari activities, though the operator may have guidelines for young children’s participation in certain activities like bush walks for safety reasons. Guests should check with the operator for any age-related policies.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on the Safari?

Yes, the safari accommodates dietary requirements. Guests can notify the operator of any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or allergies, and the meals will be tailored accordingly during the safari activities and meals.

What Is the Policy for Children Traveling on the Safari?

The safari welcomes children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Families should inquire about any child-specific policies or discounts when booking.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• 1/2 Day Tala Game Reserve & Phezulu Safari Park From Durban
• Johannesburg City Walking Excursion
• From Cape Town: 3-Day Garden Route Highlights and 4×4 Safari
• Stellenbosch: Countryside Banhoek Valley E-Bike Wine Tour
• Half Day Cape Point Tour
• Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Walking Tour
• From Cape Town: Table Mountain City Tour and Boulders Beach
• Sani Pass: Cultural and Heritage Tour
• Lesedi Cultural Village Half Day Tour
• From Johannesburg: 5-Day Johannesburg and Cape Town Tour
• Kruger Park Scheduled Full Day Safari Drive From Hoedspruit
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Big 5 Family Safari Experience
• Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat
• St Lucia: Isimangaliso Wetland Park: Full-Day/Half-Day Tour
• 1/2 Day Tala Game Reserve & Lion Park Tour From Durban

This 3-day budget safari provides an immersive Kruger National Park experience at an affordable price.

Travelers can expect to spot the Big Five , enjoy guided bush walks, and explore natural wonders like Blyde River Canyon .

With all major expenses covered and convenient pickup/drop-off services, this small-group tour is an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free wildlife adventure in Kruger’s diverse ecosystems.

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