Safari Tours from Johannesburg
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10 best Safari tour packages from Johannesburg
Compiled by
MelissaJohannesburg travel expert at TourRadar
- 12 Day | Victoria Falls, Chobe, Kruger NP & Cape Town (South Africa)
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- 3 Day | Entabeni Nature Conservancy
- Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker
- South Africa Rainbow Route
- Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls) (2026)
- 3 Day Lodge and Treehouse Kruger Park Safari
12 Day | Victoria Falls, Chobe, Kruger NP & Cape Town (South Africa)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience in South Africa, with Big 5, natural wonders, and historic Cape Town. Highly recommended.”
Igor, traveled in December
Vibrant Maboneng Precinct and Soweto township tours begin at Garden Court Hotel. Game drives in Kruger National Park and stays at Kruger Adventure Lodge complement the city's rich cultural heritage.
Duration 12 days Destinations South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Timeline Travel DMC From $8,225
15% Off- NZ$6,991You save $1,234
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Better than I expected.”
Yung, traveled in September
Premium game viewing awaits in Kruger's central region near Phabeni Gate. Early morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4s yield spectacular wildlife sightings, while Hazyview lodge provides peaceful evenings with authentic African dining.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator The Mzansi Experience From
15% Off- NZ$911
3 Day | Entabeni Nature Conservancy
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The location is just perfect, home of the BIG 5 and majestic Mountains. It is simply unforgettable and worth it.”
Nkateko, traveled in June
Daily game drives in Entabeni Game Reserve's open vehicles reveal spectacular wildlife. Waterberg mountains create dramatic backdrops for sundowners while expert guides lead Big 5 tracking through the African bush.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Entabeni Game Reserve Age Range 12 to 75 year olds Operator Timeline Travel DMC From $1,645
15% Off- NZ$1,398You save $247
Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They offered a quality service in every aspect: transportation, Safari lodging, vehicle and ranger.”
Silvio, traveled in September
Dawn safaris catch predators returning from night hunts in Kruger National Park. Closed vehicle evening drives and open vehicle morning adventures pass strategic waterholes. Tembo Guest Lodge in Hazyview provides comfortable accommodations with breakfast.
Duration 2 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Africa Moja Tours & Transfers From
15% Off- NZ$980
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The vehicle was very comfortable, and we saw three out of five of the big fives. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Bruno, traveled in March
Safari adventures unfold in Pilanesberg's volcanic terrain, where expert guides track Big Five through diverse habitats. Strategic bird hides overlook waterholes across 580 km of pristine bushveld, concluding in Johannesburg by late afternoon.
Duration 1 day Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park Age Range up to 89 year olds Operator Amatungulu Tour From
15% Off- NZ$199
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The lodge was lovely and the food was good.”
Rheanna, traveled in August
Kruger's wildlife-rich Skukuza area beckons from OR Tambo. FGASA-certified guides lead elephant, lion, and leopard tracking in open 4x4s, with strategic viewing stops. Hazyview lodge offers evening sundowners on the deck.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator The Mzansi Experience From
15% Off- NZ$1,188
Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour for wildlife and scenery. Grace's culinary skills kept us much better fed than expected.”
Hiran, traveled in April
Your wildlife adventure starts in Johannesburg, heading out at 6:30am for Kruger National Park. The 16-day journey spans three countries, featuring comfortable accommodations and expert guides for incredible game viewing experiences.
Duration 16 days Destinations South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Age Range 12 to 75 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Sunway Safaris From
15% Off- NZ$5,719+$576 local payments
South Africa Rainbow Route
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an absolutely wonderful tour from start to finish and I cannot recommend or praise it enough!”
Natalie, traveled in September
Greater Kruger's wilderness showcases prime Big 5 viewing from Johannesburg's gateway. The private game lodge overlooks Drakensberg Mountains while guests track leopards, lions, and elephants across 16 distinct ecosystems.
Duration 17 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Malolotja Nature Reserve, Hluhluwe, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Hermanus, Cape Town Age Range 12 to 70 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Sunway Safaris From
15% Off- NZ$5,354
Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls) (2026)
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Duration 15 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
15% Off- NZ$12,899+$1,050 upfront costs
Game drives in open Landcruisers traverse Balule Reserve from Johannesburg. Spotlight drives reveal nocturnal wildlife while authentic bush BBQ awaits at Marula Tree Boma. Armed rangers lead morning walks for intimate wildlife encounters.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Viva Safaris From
15% Off- NZ$1,319
What people love about Safari Tours from Johannesburg
This tour is amazing! You get to see SO much of South Africa- from mountains to coastline, historical sites, etc. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see and learn as much as possible about South Africa. I am 26, and my Mom is 54. We went on the tour together and had the time of our lives. There are varied activities depending on what you feel like doing certain days, the accommodation was great, and our guide Handre was incredible. It is great too that this is a small group tour (you are NOT stuck on a bus with 50 people being herded around). I felt like a traveller, not just a tourist.
3 day Kruger Safari Bush Escape
- 12 Day | Victoria Falls, Chobe, Kruger NP & Cape Town (South Africa)
Overall, I was happy with the “what I paid” versus “what I got”. I’d give it a solid 9 out of 10. We had a really good trip and I am glad I chose this vendor. NB: This is not really a group tour—it’s more like a package deal with a travel agent. So, you won’t have the same guide through out. But you also don’t have the hassle of traveling with 30-40 people at a time. I’m kind of an anxious traveler (you know the kind—I map out things in advance, print my tickets and itineraries in advance, read all the hotel reviews). So, when we got started I was very concerned that I didn’t have things like confirmation numbers or exact schedules. However, after a few days I realized this just seems to be how things are done there and I didn’t really need those things. Don’t worry—if you hit a snag (and you will—just little hiccups), Andrew is always available by phone or text. Be aware that currently (Sept 2024) Vic Falls (Zimbabwe) is almost completely a cash economy and they only wanted American dollars. I was unprepared for that. The border guards would not accept a credit card and neither would the Vic Falls national park people. Most other vendors also wanted cash and nobody has change. Bring plenty of $5’s and $1’s unless you want to overpay. Vic Falls was $50 each and border visa is nominally $35 each but in practice the border guard had me hand over my cash and then took what he felt was appropriate.
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
It was an eye opening experience. The drivers were cheerful and acomodating, as an older traveller they would show me where to change moneys, they showed me where to purchase food for the trip and water or juice. They knew about geography and history of the places we drove by and were friendly beyond belief, making the trips interesting and wonderful. ( I travel on my own) it does help a lot when someone makes one feel included and welcomed, and of course South Africa is a great place to see and the experince was something that will stay with me forever.
What our customers ask about Safari Tours from Johannesburg
What are the best months for a safari tour starting from Johannesburg?
Plan your safari between May and September, when the dry winter weather means more animals gather around water holes. The temperatures are pleasant - between 46°F and 79°F (8-26°C). The animals are easier to spot since there's less vegetation, and you'll get great photos in the clear winter light. If you want to avoid peak season crowds, try April or October. One of our travelers put it well: "We saw all the Big 5" during these prime viewing months.
How far is the drive from Johannesburg to the main safari destinations?
You'll spend about 5-7 hours on the road from Johannesburg to the safari areas. It's roughly 250 miles (400 kilometers) to Kruger National Park. Most tours leave early - between 6:30 and 7:00 AM - from either O.R. Tambo Airport or hotels in Sandton. As one traveler shared: "The shuttle departs no later than 7:00 AM with comfort stops along the way."
What are the common pickup points in Johannesburg for safari tours?
Tours will pick you up from three main spots: O.R. Tambo International Airport, hotels in Sandton City, or accommodations in the Rosebank area. If you're staying at the Holiday Inn Rosebank, they'll get you at 6:00 AM. Airport pickups happen between 6:30-7:00 AM at the bus terminal. A recent traveler confirmed: "Collection from any hotel in Johannesburg or O.R. Tambo Airport is included in most safari packages."
How many game drives are typically included in safari tours from Johannesburg?
On a 4-5 day safari, you'll usually go on 4-6 game drives. These happen in the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. You'll get two full days in Kruger National Park, plus extra drives if you're visiting private reserves. One of our travelers shared their experience: "We had multiple game drives each day, including exciting night drives with spotlights to see nocturnal animals."
What are the most visited game reserves for safari tours starting in Johannesburg?
Most visitors head to Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, or Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Kruger is massive - almost 2 million hectares - and home to the Big Five. Madikwe spans 75,000 hectares and is one of the best places to see African wild dogs. You can stay at places like Arathusa Safari Lodge in Sabi Sand or Tau Game Lodge in Madikwe.
What are the best wildlife viewing times for safaris starting from Johannesburg?
The animals are most active between 5:00-8:00 AM and 3:30-6:30 PM. Morning drives start around 5:30 AM while it's still dark - perfect for spotting nocturnal animals heading home and predators on their morning hunt. One of our travelers shared: "Our guide Wade explained that starting early was key - we saw all the Big 5 by 10:00 AM on both days of safari."
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