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Think you’ve seen it all? Visit the best safaris near Johannesburg!
If you think Johannesburg is just a city of skyscrapers and busy streets, think again. This urban hub is your gateway to some of South Africa’s most thrilling safari adventures.
I once swapped my city shoes for safari boots and was blown away by the incredible wildlife experiences just a short drive from the city. From heart-pounding game drives to peaceful bush walks, these safaris offer a true taste of Africa’s wild side.
Ready to trade city noise for the roar of a lion? Here are the best safaris near Johannesburg.
Lion & Safari Park
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Website: https://lionandsafaripark.com/a
Address: R512 Pelindaba Rd, Broederstroom
Phone: +27 (87) 150 0100
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8 AM to 5 PM
Distance from the city centre: 48-minute drive
We took a self-drive at the Lion & Safari Park, which let us get up close to lions and wild dogs in our own car. We also experienced feeding giraffes and ostriches, and it was such a memorable and enjoyable moment.
The guided safari is also a fantastic choice if you want to learn more about the animals from experts.
For a bit more adventure, try the horseback safaris or quad bike tours. There are also mountain bike trails and kid-friendly horse rides available.
| Pro Tips: For a great family meal, head to the Wetlands Restaurant at the park where you can enjoy your food while watching antelope nearby. After eating, take a short walk to check out the meerkat, porcupine, and mongoose enclosures. |
Dinokeng Game Reserve
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Website: https://www.dinokengreserve.co.za/
Address: N1 North, Hammanskraal
Phone: +27 12 711 4391
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 4:30 PM
Distance from the city centre: 1-hour-and-10-minute drive
When I visited Dinokeng Game Reserve, I opted for a guided game drive and was thrilled by how close we got to the wildlife. The field guide shared some amazing stories about the animals, making the experience much more engaging.
I also tried a bush walk, which let me see the smaller creatures and learn about animal tracks up close—though it was definitely a workout!
If you’re up for a picnic, the Bayethe picnic site offers hilltop views and a braai area, while Dula Nokeng is excellent for birdwatching and sunsets. Veldjierondom is ideal for family outings, and MarSu Lombert Bird Hide provides a peaceful setting for birdwatching.
| Pro Tip: For a safe viewing experience, maintain a safe distance from elephant breeding herds and musth bulls to avoid aggressive behaviour. Stay on designated paths, respect their space, and avoid following or cutting off their path. |
Mziki Private Game Reserve
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Website: https://www.mziki.co.za/
Address: Mziki Safari Lodge, Vaalkop Dam Area
Phone: +27 82 902 2058
Distance from the city centre: 2-hour-and-10-minute drive
Mziki Safari Lodge is a great spot if you’re after a classic safari adventure. When I visited, we joined a game drive and saw lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants!
The lodge provides a relaxed environment, ideal for families with separate game vehicles for kids.
Besides game drives, you can enjoy bush walks, barge cruises, and even try archery. For bird enthusiasts, there are over 370 bird species to admire.
| Pro Tip: For the best wildlife sightings, plan your safari from May to September during the dry season. This time offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for game drives and photography. |
Mabula Game Lodge
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Website: https://mabula.com/
Address: Private Bag X1665
Phone: +27 (0) 14 734 7000
Distance from the city centre: 2-hour-and-32-minute drive
Mabula Game Lodge is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to dive into a range of bush activities. I’ve spent some time there myself, and there’s so much to do that even two weeks might not cover it all.
When I went on the horseback safari, I felt a new level of connection with the wildlife, riding through the bush and spotting animals up close. The quad biking was equally exhilarating, letting me explore the rugged terrain and experience the thrill of the ride.
Other activities include birding safaris and walks, where you can spot a range of species like the lilac-breasted roller. You can also unwind with a picnic at the dam or enjoy a bush barbecue to savour the natural surroundings.
| Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during peak seasons, make sure to enrol your kids in the Cubz Club for a fun and educational experience, including kid-friendly safaris and stargazing. The program also offers a supervised games room to keep them entertained. |
Welgevonden Game Reserve
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Website: https://www.welgevondengamereserve.org/
Address: R517, Limpopo
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 7 AM to 4 PM
Distance from the city centre: 3-hour-and-11-minute drive
Welgevonden Game Reserve covers 37,000 hectares with a range of landscapes and wildlife. They have a no-private vehicle policy, which helps the animals stay calm and makes the safari experience feel more genuine.
Our three-day safari was well-organised with transfers, game drives, and meals all sorted out, so all we had to do was enjoy it.
Each day started with early morning drives, giving us a chance to see wildlife as they were starting their day. In the afternoons, we had time to relax at the lodge or enjoy additional game drives.
| Pro Tip: Remember to budget for any meals not included in the itinerary as well as additional costs like beverages, entry fees, and optional activities. Also, bring some extra cash for personal expenses and tips. |
Pilanesberg National Park
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Website: https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org/
Address: Mogwase
Phone: +27 14 555 1600
Distance from the city centre: 3-hour-and-15-minute drive
Pilanesberg National Park is a gem tucked away in Southern Africa’s transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld. It’s a fantastic spot for game viewing and is malaria-free, making it quite safe.
I had a great time at the reserve, especially around Mankwe Dam. The early morning game drives were ideal for spotting lions, giraffes, and even a herd of elephants drinking at the dam.
You can explore the park’s 200 kilometres of roads or visit the bird hide near the dam to catch a glimpse of fish eagles and kingfishers. If you’re short on time, consider a one-day safari that includes two game drives and a light lunch.
| Pro Tip: For a more private safari experience, head to the Black Rhino Game Reserve within Pilanesberg. Its exclusive access and traversing rights offer you a chance to spot the Big 5 and rare wildlife with fewer crowds. |
