Safari Tours from Johannesburg
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10 best Safari tour packages from Johannesburg
Compiled by
MelissaJohannesburg travel expert at TourRadar
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- Kruger Safari with Eswatini (Start Johannesburg (until 22 December 2025))
- 3-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- South Africa Rainbow Route
- South Africa Luxury Safari Itinerary: 7 Days Kruger, Sabi Sands & Panorama Route
- Kruger & Panorama Escap: 5-Day South African Safari & Scenic Adventure
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Essential Safari
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really good experience with lovely staff, nice tours and an amazing lodge.”
Max, traveled in May
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 All Ages Welcome Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$1,375
Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
4 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 All Ages Welcome Operator Africa Moja Tours And Safaris From
- NZ$943
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- NZ$212
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent trip - can only recommend!”
Thomas, traveled in January
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 All Ages Welcome Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$1,054
Sunrise game drives highlight this premium safari from Johannesburg. Exclusive safari camps within Kruger Park host traditional South African braais under starlit skies. K9 anti-poaching efforts showcase MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Johannesburg, Durban, St Lucia, Hluhluwe, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini, Kruger National Park, Sabie, Mpumalanga Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,635
15% Off- NZ$2,240You save $395
3-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful lodge, beautiful grounds & great room.”
Bob, traveled in May
Safaris commence from Johannesburg's OR Tambo, heading to Hazyview for afternoon drives through Phabeni Gate. Wildlife viewing in open 4x4s fills your days, while evenings feature authentic African dining at the lodge's boma restaurant.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator The Mzansi Experience From
15% Off- NZ$1,222
South Africa Rainbow Route
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“You'll get a variety of experiences including safaris, hikes, national parks, beaches, wineries and cities.”
Vicky, traveled in August
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 Ages 12+ Operated in English, German Operator Sunway Safaris From
15% Off- NZ$5,705
Duration 7 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
15% Off- NZ$13,970
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Dullstroom, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Graskop, Malelane, Skukuza, Kruger National Park Age Range Ages 9+ Operated in English, German Operator T.S TOURS From
15% Off- NZ$3,879
Morning safaris depart from Johannesburg through Crocodile Bridge Gate into Kruger National Park. Open vehicles traverse southern Kruger's renowned wildlife areas, returning to Marloth Park's intimate lodge setting.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator The Mzansi Experience From
15% Off- NZ$1,432
What people love about Safari Tours from Johannesburg
- 9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure
We had a wonderful tour, made possible by a great guide. We wanted to get a taste of a variety of parks and found the destinations very thoughtfully put together. It is a lot of driving to see the various areas but there were strategic breaks. Loved staying inside the parks and having critters outside the veranda . We saw 13 rhinos in one day! Wade was great at seeing things we would have missed and always able to manoeuvre the car for best views and photos. They are quite happy to tailor your experience so don’t be afraid to ask.
- 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.
- 5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
Excellent program really well run safari by Viva Safari. Accomm was basic but clean and comfortable, scheduling ran like clockwork, food was excellent, staff charming and efficient and we saw loads of animals.
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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