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Big Five Safari Johannesburg
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Safari
(208)
From Johannesburg: Full-Day Big Five Safari Experience with Lunch at Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION7 hours 50 minutes - 8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
TimelineMap
Start point
Johannesburg
3 hr 17 min by a/c van187 km
1. Pilanesberg National Park
Guided tour, Vehicle tour & Lunch
Spend the day exploring one of South Africa’s accessible Big Five reserves, with around five hours of game-drive time. The reserve’s varied landscapes and waterholes create plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife in different settings.
Things to do
Open-Vehicle Big Five Safari
Traditional Bush Braai Lunch
3 hr 20 min by a/c van216 km
End point
Johannesburg
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Enjoy a small-group safari day with bush braai lunch and included Johannesburg hotel transfers for ease.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a small-group open-vehicle game drive in Pilanesberg National Park with a bush braai lunch of grilled meats and sides. Stay refreshed with bottled water and drinks throughout, plus Johannesburg hotel pickup and drop-off and a radio network for better wildlife viewing.
- Upgrades: Choose park conservation and entrance fees included for a simpler package, or skip these in favor of arranging your own park entry on the day.
- Why choose this: Get a full-day scheduled safari that removes the need to self-drive, book separate game drives, or figure out where to stop for meals during the day.
Enjoy a small-group safari day with bush braai lunch and included Johannesburg hotel transfers for ease.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a small-group open-vehicle game drive in Pilanesberg National Park with a bush braai lunch of grilled meats and sides. Stay refreshed with bottled water and drinks throughout, plus Johannesburg hotel pickup and drop-off and a radio network for better wildlife viewing.
- Upgrades: Choose park conservation and entrance fees included for a simpler package, or skip these in favor of arranging your own park entry on the day.
- Why choose this: Get a full-day scheduled safari that removes the need to self-drive, book separate game drives, or figure out where to stop for meals during the day.
Inclusions
- Full-day small-group open-vehicle game drive
- Traditional bush braai lunch with beverages
- Additional bottled water and refreshing drinks
- Pickup and drop-off in Johannesburg
- Radio network for enhanced game viewing
- Park conservation and entrance fees [as per option selected]
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Additional information
- Departure time: The safari departs promptly at 9am from Manyane Gate or Johannesburg.
- Return time: You return to the departure area at approximately 3pm.
- Group size: Each open safari vehicle accommodates a maximum of 10 passengers.
- Safari duration: You spend about 5 hours driving in the reserve plus a 1-hour lunch stop.
- Pickup and drop-off: Pickup and drop-off are provided from any Johannesburg hotel or nearby lodge or guesthouse.
- Park entry tickets: Park conservation and entrance fees are included or excluded depending on the option selected.
- Entry included option: If you select the "Shared Small-Group Safari with Park Entry Tickets Included", your park fees are covered.
- Entry excluded option: If you select the "Shared Small-Group Safari without Park Entry Tickets", park entry tickets are not included.
- Age information: No specific age requirements are mentioned for this safari.
- Seasonality: The tour has no stated seasonal availability restrictions.
- Weather notes: No specific weather-related conditions are mentioned for this experience.
- Accessibility note: No information is provided about accessibility for this safari.
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is not included, and it is highly recommended that you arrange it separately.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Safari
From Hoedspruit: Half-Day Big Five Safari Experience at Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 50 minutes - 5 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
TimelineMap
Start point
Hoedspruit
7 min by a/c van8.1 km
1. Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve
Vehicle tour, Sightseeing & Guided tour
Spend around three hours exploring a Big Five reserve in an open safari vehicle, where a qualified ranger helps you read tracks, interpret animal behaviour and spot wildlife in the bush. The reserve’s mix of grassland, thickets and mountain scenery adds variety to the drive.
Things to do
Guided Open-Vehicle Game Drive
Big Five Wildlife Spotting
Morning Coffee & Rusks (Sunrise Option)
Sunset Sundowner (Sunset Option)
7 min by a/c van8.1 km
End point
Hoedspruit
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Set out on a 3-hour Big Five safari through Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve from Hoedspruit.
- Everything you get: Hotel or lodge pickup and drop-off in or near Hoedspruit, a qualified game ranger, an approximately 3-hour open-vehicle game drive, plus drinks and snacks.
- Options: Choose a morning safari to watch the bush awaken at sunrise, or an afternoon safari to experience the reserve during golden hour and enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets.
- Why choose this: Search for the Big Five in their natural habitat while experiencing Blue Canyon's changing landscapes and atmosphere from an open safari vehicle.
Set out on a 3-hour Big Five safari through Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve from Hoedspruit.
- Everything you get: Hotel or lodge pickup and drop-off in or near Hoedspruit, a qualified game ranger, an approximately 3-hour open-vehicle game drive, plus drinks and snacks.
- Options: Choose a morning safari to watch the bush awaken at sunrise, or an afternoon safari to experience the reserve during golden hour and enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets.
- Why choose this: Search for the Big Five in their natural habitat while experiencing Blue Canyon's changing landscapes and atmosphere from an open safari vehicle.
Inclusions
- 3-hour safari drive
- Pick-up and drop-off at a hotel/lodge in or near Hoedspruit
- Expert game ranger
- Drinks and snacks
- Sunrise or sunset safari departure [as per option selected]
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- Comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. A windbreaker or jacket, hat, scarf, and sunscreen are recommended.
- Sun and insect protection: Bring sunscreen and insect repellent for time spent outdoors.
- Camera and binoculars: Bring a camera and binoculars if you'd like to capture or get a closer look at wildlife during the game drive.
- Identification details: You don't need to carry your original passport or ID for entry, but keep your passport or ID number handy for the reserve's indemnity form.
- Money: Bring cash or a credit card for personal purchases or gratuities.
Accessibility
- Open safari vehicle: The experience takes place in an open safari vehicle. Guests should be able to board and travel comfortably in this type of vehicle.
Additional information
- Pickup: Pickup is available from your overnight accommodation in or near Hoedspruit. You'll be transferred to the entrance gate of Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, where you'll meet your guide and board the open safari vehicle.
- Entry requirements: Original passports or IDs are not required to enter the private reserve. However, you'll need your passport or ID number for the reserve's indemnity form.
- Safari duration: The game drive lasts approximately 3 hours. Choose a morning safari or an afternoon/sunset safari when booking.
- Sunrise safari: If you're taking the morning safari, check whether your lodge can provide a packed breakfast, as you may return after 9am.
- Smoking and littering: Smoking and littering are not permitted during the experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 41 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Safari
(107)
From Sun City: 3-Hour Private Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION2 hours 50 minutes - 3 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
TimelineMap
Start point
Sun City
56 min by a/c van26.6 km
1. Pilanesberg National Park
Guided tour, Vehicle tour & Sightseeing
Spend around three hours exploring a malaria-free Big Five reserve in a private open vehicle. With your own guide and vehicle, your group can focus on wildlife sightings, photography and the changing bushveld landscape without sharing the drive with other guests.
Things to do
Private 3-Hour Open-Vehicle Game Drive
Big Five Wildlife Spotting
Snacks and Refreshments
56 min by a/c van26.6 km
End point
Sun City
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Enjoy flexible start times, Sun City hotel pickup and a safari vehicle reserved just for your group.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a 3-hour open-vehicle game drive in Pilanesberg with an expert local guide and your own private safari vehicle. Includes water, snacks and drinks, round-trip transfers from Sun City hotels and lodges, radio contact to improve sightings, all conservation and gate fees.
- Why choose this: Flexible start times make it easy to add an intense wildlife outing to your schedule without tying up the entire day.
Enjoy flexible start times, Sun City hotel pickup and a safari vehicle reserved just for your group.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a 3-hour open-vehicle game drive in Pilanesberg with an expert local guide and your own private safari vehicle. Includes water, snacks and drinks, round-trip transfers from Sun City hotels and lodges, radio contact to improve sightings, all conservation and gate fees.
- Why choose this: Flexible start times make it easy to add an intense wildlife outing to your schedule without tying up the entire day.
Inclusions
- Approximately 3-hour open-vehicle private game drive in Pilanesberg National Park with exclusive vehicle use
- Expert local guide dedicated to your private group
- Bottled water, tasty snacks and refreshing drinks
- Round-trip transfers
- Radio communication with other lodges to improve game sightings
- All conservation fees and gate fees
What to bring
- Age suitability: This private game drive is suitable for all ages, so you can bring the whole family.
- Sun protection: Bring sun protection such as hats and sunscreen for the open-vehicle drive.
- Camera: Bring a camera or smartphone if you want to capture wildlife sightings.
- Cash for extras: Bring cash or a card for personal extras like tips or souvenirs.
- Travel insurance: Arrange your own travel insurance in advance if you want additional coverage.
Additional information
- Pickup locations: You can be picked up from any Sun City hotel or nearby lodge or guesthouse.
- Gate pickup: Pickup is also available from Bakubung Gate or Sun City Resort.
- Duration: The private game drive lasts approximately 3 hours inside Pilanesberg National Park.
- Vehicle type: You will travel in an open vehicle dedicated exclusively to your private group.
- Guides: Expert local guides from top lodges will lead the experience and track sightings using radio communication.
- Inclusions note: All conservation fees and gate fees are already included in this experience.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Safari
(110)
From Johannesburg: Half-Day Lion & Safari Park Tour
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes - 5 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
TimelineMap
Start point
Johannesburg
51 min by a/c van55 km
1. Lion & Safari Park
Safety briefing, Guided tour & Vehicle tour
Lion & Safari Park offers close-up encounters with iconic African wildlife in a managed, family friendly environment. During the guided drive, you travel through bushveld habitats as guides look for lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and antelope while explaining conservation efforts.
Things to do
Park Orientation and Safety Briefing
2-Hour Guided Game Drive
53 min by a/c van61 km
2. Soweto (if option selected)
Explore place
26 min by a/c van25 km
End point
Johannesburg
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Enjoy a guided wildlife drive in a specialized vehicle with door-to-door transfers and family perks.
- Everything you get: Collection and drop-off from your Johannesburg accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with entry included to Lion & Safari Park. Join a 2-hour game drive in a specialized safari vehicle to spot wildlife, then relax on the return transfer back to your doorstep.
- Upgrades: Upgrade to add a Soweto visit alongside your safari park experience for a broader snapshot of life around Johannesburg.
- Why choose this: Great if you have limited time in Johannesburg and want a structured half-day in nature without committing to a long road trip or overnight stay.
Enjoy a guided wildlife drive in a specialized vehicle with door-to-door transfers and family perks.
- Everything you get: Collection and drop-off from your Johannesburg accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with entry included to Lion & Safari Park. Join a 2-hour game drive in a specialized safari vehicle to spot wildlife, then relax on the return transfer back to your doorstep.
- Upgrades: Upgrade to add a Soweto visit alongside your safari park experience for a broader snapshot of life around Johannesburg.
- Why choose this: Great if you have limited time in Johannesburg and want a structured half-day in nature without committing to a long road trip or overnight stay.
Inclusions
- Entry to Lion & Safari Park
- 2-hour game drive in a safari vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off from any accommodation in Johannesburg
- Transfers in an air-conditioned tour vehicle
- Visit to Soweto [as per option selected]
Exclusions
- Food and drinks at Wetlands Restaurant
What’s not allowed
- Animal interaction: Do not attempt to feed or touch the animals at any point during the tour.
- Noise: Do not make loud noises or sudden movements near the animals.
- Viewing areas: Stay within designated viewing areas throughout your visit.
Additional information
- Suitability: The tour is suitable for all ages, making it ideal for families and groups.
- Health note: The tour route is malaria-free, so you do not need malaria prophylaxis for this experience.
- Seasonality: The tour is available year-round, so you can book it in any season.
- Pickup window: Pick-up from Johannesburg hotels runs between 7:30am to 9:30am, and 1:30pm to 2pm.
- Drop-off window: Drop-off at Johannesburg hotels is typically between 1:30pm and 5:30pm.
- Flight timing: If flying from OR Tambo, book domestic flights from 7:30pm and international flights from 9pm or later.
- Safety briefing: A safety briefing is included before your game drive starts.
- Guides and staff: You must follow all instructions from park staff and your guide and take the advised precautions.
- Tour type upgrade: If you select the private tour option, it will be arranged at an additional cost.
- Dining: Food and drinks at Wetlands Restaurant are not included and must be paid for separately.
- Personal spend: Personal purchases such as souvenirs are not included in the tour price.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 41 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION7 hours 50 minutes - 8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
TimelineMap
14 min by a/c van12.3 km
1. Kruger National Park
Guided tour, Vehicle tour & Sightseeing
Spend around seven hours exploring Kruger on an open-vehicle safari, with extended time to search for the Big Five and other wildlife across varied habitats. The long drive lets you experience the park as the light and animal activity change throughout the day.
Things to do
Guided Open-Vehicle Big Five Safari Drive
Breakfast
Lunch
Maximize Big Five sightings with a 5am start, guided open-vehicle drive, and fees sorted in advance.
- Everything you get: Full-day guided open-vehicle safari in Kruger, with around 7 hours on the road as your expert guide tracks wildlife. Enjoy round-trip transfers from Hazyview or Hoedspruit, all conservation and entrance fees covered, plus blankets and waterproof ponchos on the vehicle.
- Why choose this: Hit the park at 5am so you are inside during the coolest, busiest wildlife hours, increasing your odds of memorable Big Five sightings.
Maximize Big Five sightings with a 5am start, guided open-vehicle drive, and fees sorted in advance.
- Everything you get: Full-day guided open-vehicle safari in Kruger, with around 7 hours on the road as your expert guide tracks wildlife. Enjoy round-trip transfers from Hazyview or Hoedspruit, all conservation and entrance fees covered, plus blankets and waterproof ponchos on the vehicle.
- Why choose this: Hit the park at 5am so you are inside during the coolest, busiest wildlife hours, increasing your odds of memorable Big Five sightings.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided open-vehicle safari drive through Kruger National Park
- Expert safari guide
- Round-trip transfers from Hazyview or Hoedspruit
- Conservation and entrance fees
- Blankets and waterproof ponchos on vehicles
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What to bring
- Meals and drinks: Bring your own breakfast, lunch, and drinks as these are not included on this full-day tour.
- Cash or card: Carry payment if you plan to buy food, drinks, or personal items at rest camps.
Additional information
- Tour start time: The full-day safari starts early at 5am.
- Breakfast stop: There is a breakfast stop at 7:30am at a rest camp, where breakfast is not included.
- Lunch stop: There is a lunch stop at 12pm at a rest camp or picnic spot, where lunch is not included.
- Transfers: Round-trip transfers operate from Hazyview or Hoedspruit for this safari.
- Safari vehicle: The guided safari uses open vehicles equipped with blankets and waterproof ponchos.
- Safari duration: The guided open-vehicle safari drive lasts about 7 hours within Kruger National Park.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 41 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Safari
(112)
From Hazyview: Ultimate Private Full-Day Kruger Park Safari Drive
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION7 hours 50 minutes - 8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
TimelineMap
Start point
Hazyview
14 min by a/c van12.3 km
1. Kruger National Park
Guided tour, Vehicle tour & Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring Kruger on a private guided safari, with routes adapted to your group's interests and the day's wildlife movements. The park's scale and varied habitats give you plenty of ground to cover between morning and afternoon.
Things to do
Private Guided Big Five Safari
Lunch
15 min by a/c van12.4 km
End point
Hazyview
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Set your own route and pace with a dedicated guide and hotel pickup, ideal for groups up to 10.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a full-day private guided safari in Kruger National Park with a qualified guide focused on wildlife spotting. Benefit from private pickup and drop-off from your Hazyview hotel or nearby lodge, plus complimentary water throughout the drive for your group of up to 10.
- Why choose this: Shape the day around the sightings you are most excited about, with a schedule that can adjust to animal activity instead of fixed game-drive times.
Set your own route and pace with a dedicated guide and hotel pickup, ideal for groups up to 10.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a full-day private guided safari in Kruger National Park with a qualified guide focused on wildlife spotting. Benefit from private pickup and drop-off from your Hazyview hotel or nearby lodge, plus complimentary water throughout the drive for your group of up to 10.
- Why choose this: Shape the day around the sightings you are most excited about, with a schedule that can adjust to animal activity instead of fixed game-drive times.
Inclusions
- Full-day private guided safari in Kruger National Park
- Private pick-up and drop-off from Hazyview and nearby lodges
- Complimentary water
Exclusions
- Conservation fees of R535 per person, payable on the day of the safari
- Lunch at Skukuza Rest Camp
- Additional beverages and snacks
What to bring
- Safari voucher: Bring your booking confirmation to present to your guide at pickup.
- Cash or card: Carry payment for Kruger conservation fees and your own meals and drinks.
- Sun protection: Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the open safari vehicle.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for changing weather.
- Footwear: Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes for rest camp stops.
- Essentials: Bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, and any personal medications.
- Kids' items: Pack any essentials your children may need, as there is no minimum age.
Additional information
- Tour type: This is a full-day private guided safari in Kruger National Park.
- Group size: A maximum of 10 guests are seated per safari vehicle.
- Weather: Safaris operate rain or shine, and ponchos will be provided if needed.
- Itinerary: Your guide can customize the route based on your wildlife interests.
- Hazyview transfers: Pickup and drop-off are offered from any hotel or residence in Hazyview.
- Johannesburg transfers: Private transfers from Johannesburg are available on request.
- Johannesburg pickup: If you choose Johannesburg transfers, pickup is between 7am and 7:30am.
- Johannesburg drop-off: If you choose Johannesburg transfers, drop-off is around 5pm at OR Tambo or your arranged address.
- Flight timing: If flying from OR Tambo, book domestic flights from 7:30pm and international from 9pm onward.
- Meals: Lunch is at Skukuza Rest Camp or another rest camp and is at your own expense.
- Extra purchases: Any additional beverages, snacks, or personal purchases are at your own expense.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 41 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Things to know before booking your Big Five safari from Johannesburg
- Check your departure point: Not every safari starts in Johannesburg. Some depart from Sun City, Hazyview, or Hoedspruit, so check the meeting point before booking.
- Pilanesberg is your main Big Five option from Johannesburg: The park offers both full-day and overnight safari experiences, making it a good fit whether you want a single day in the bush or a longer escape.
- Choose Lion & Safari Park for a shorter outing: If you're pressed for time, the half-day Lion & Safari Park tour includes door-to-door Johannesburg transfers and a 2-hour game drive.
- Go overnight for a slower safari: The 2-day Pilanesberg camping safari includes one night at Tlou Tented Safari Camp, meals, game drives, and transfers from Johannesburg or OR Tambo International Airport.
- Consider Sun City for a private drive: Staying in Sun City? The 3-hour private Pilanesberg game drive includes a dedicated safari vehicle, flexible start times, and hotel transfers.
- Explore Kruger National Park: The ultimate full-day Kruger Park safari offers around 7 hours of guided game viewing with a 5am start, while the private option gives your group a dedicated vehicle and guide with a more flexible pace.
- Try a private reserve experience: The big five safari experience at Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve offers a 3-hour open-vehicle game drive with a qualified ranger. Choose a morning drive or an afternoon safari with a sundowner.
- Open vehicles offer better visibility: Most of these experiences use open safari vehicles, giving you unobstructed views of wildlife and the surrounding landscape.
- Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed: Animals move freely through the reserves and national parks, so sightings vary from one drive to another. Experienced guides use their knowledge of the area and animal behavior to improve your chances.
- Morning drives can be especially rewarding: Cooler temperatures and increased animal activity can make early starts worthwhile, particularly for full-day Kruger safaris.
Top safari destinations from Johannesburg
Pilanesberg National Park
Set within an ancient volcanic crater, Pilanesberg National Park is one of South Africa's most accessible Big Five destinations from Johannesburg. The park's landscape combines open grasslands, wooded valleys, rocky hills, and waterholes, creating varied habitats for elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and other wildlife. Its relatively close proximity to Johannesburg makes it well suited to both day trips and overnight safari experiences.
Best for: Day safaris, overnight camping, private game drives, and first-time safari visitors
Recommended tour:
- From Johannesburg: 2-Day Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Camping Safari
Lion & Safari Park
Located near Johannesburg, Lion & Safari Park is a convenient wildlife destination for travelers who want a safari experience without committing to a long journey into a larger national park. The park provides opportunities to see African wildlife in a more accessible setting, making it particularly suitable for shorter itineraries.
Best for: Short itineraries and first-time wildlife experiences
Recommended tour:
- From Johannesburg: Half Day Lion & Safari Park Tour
Kruger National Park
Spanning almost 20,000 square kilometers across northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of the continent's largest and most renowned wildlife reserves. Its vast landscapes include savanna, woodland, river systems, and waterholes, supporting an exceptional diversity of animals and birds. The scale of the park means every game drive can feel different, with opportunities to encounter the Big Five alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos, wild dogs, and numerous other species.
Best for: Dedicated safari days, Big Five viewing, and travelers staying in the Greater Kruger region
Recommended tour:
- From Hazyview: Ultimate Private Full-Day Kruger Park Safari Drive
Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve
Near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve offers a more intimate alternative to exploring a vast national park. The reserve's varied bushveld landscape provides habitat for the Big Five and other African wildlife, while guided game drives offer the chance to explore in a smaller, private-reserve setting. Morning and afternoon drives provide different ways to experience the bush, including a sundowner during selected afternoon experiences.
Best for: Travelers staying around Hoedspruit and those looking for a shorter private-reserve experience
Recommended tour:
- From Hoedspruit: Half-Day Big Five Safari Experience at Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve
Popular Big Five safari tours from Johannesburg
Full-day safaris
Spend a full day in the bush with guided game drives, wildlife spotting, and time to explore the reserve without having to plan the day yourself. The Pilanesberg experience also includes a bush braai lunch.
Recommended tour:
- Full-Day Big Five Safari Experience with Lunch at Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
Half-day safaris
Short on time? Half-day experiences are a convenient way to add wildlife viewing to a busy Johannesburg itinerary without committing to a full day or overnight stay.
Recommended tours:
- From Johannesburg: Half Day Lion & Safari Park Tour
- From Hoedspruit: Half-Day Big Five Safari Experience at Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve
Overnight safaris
Slow down and spend a night in the bush with the 2-day Pilanesberg camping safari. Your stay includes a tented camp, meals, game drives, and transfers from Johannesburg or OR Tambo International Airport.
Recommended tour:
- From Johannesburg: 2-Day Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Camping Safari
Private safaris
Travel at your own pace with a dedicated safari vehicle and guide. Private options are particularly useful for families, couples, and groups who want more flexibility during their game drive.
Recommended tours:
- From Sun City: 3-Hour Private Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park
- From Hazyview: Ultimate Private Full-Day Kruger Park Safari Drive
Kruger safaris
For travelers continuing toward the Greater Kruger region, full-day game drives offer around seven hours of wildlife viewing, with an early start designed to make the most of peak animal activity.
Recommended tours:
- From Hazyview/Hoedspruit: Ultimate Full-Day Kruger Park Safari Drive
- From Hazyview: Ultimate Private Full-Day Kruger Park Safari Drive
Know before you go
Travel essentials
Best time to visit
Transportation
Travel hacks & tips
Time zone: Johannesburg follows South Africa Standard Time (SAST), which is UTC+2 throughout the year.
Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted, though some cash can be useful for smaller purchases and tips.
Language: English is widely spoken in Johannesburg and at major safari destinations.
Emergency number: Dial 112 from a mobile phone for emergency services in South Africa.
Big Five safaris around Johannesburg and South Africa's major wildlife regions operate year-round. For wildlife viewing, May to September is generally a particularly good period, as the cooler, drier conditions reduce vegetation and encourage animals to gather around available water.
October to March brings warmer weather and greener landscapes. This period can be rewarding for birdwatching and seeing young animals, although thicker vegetation can make some wildlife harder to spot.
For a balance of weather, wildlife viewing, and fewer visitors, consider the shoulder periods around April to May and September to October.
Getting to your safari
Johannesburg hotel transfers: The Lion & Safari Park and Pilanesberg experiences include transfers from specified Johannesburg accommodations, making them convenient if you're staying in the city.
OR Tambo International Airport: The 2-day Pilanesberg camping safari also offers round-trip transfers from OR Tambo International Airport, allowing you to head straight into your safari after landing.
Sun City: The private Pilanesberg experience includes pickup and drop-off from Sun City hotels and lodges.
Hazyview and Hoedspruit: The Kruger and Blue Canyon experiences currently depart from Hazyview or Hoedspruit. They aren't direct Johannesburg day trips, so plan your accommodation and onward travel accordingly.
Within the reserve
Open safari vehicles: Game drives take place in open safari vehicles, giving you wide views of the bush and better opportunities for wildlife photography.
Qualified guides: Experienced guides lead the drives, track wildlife, share information about animal behavior, and help you navigate the reserve safely.
Radio communication: Some experiences use radio networks to share wildlife sightings between safari vehicles, helping guides locate active animals.
- Check the departure point carefully: Johannesburg, Sun City, Hazyview, and Hoedspruit are separate starting points in this collection.
- Dress in layers: Early-morning drives can be chilly before temperatures rise later in the day.
- Pack binoculars: They are especially useful for spotting animals farther from the vehicle.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses: Open safari vehicles offer limited shade during daytime drives.
- Keep your camera ready: Wildlife sightings can happen without much warning.
- Take advantage of early starts: The 5am Kruger safari is designed around the cooler hours when wildlife is often more active.
- Consider private if flexibility matters: A private vehicle allows your group to adjust the pace around sightings rather than following a shared itinerary.
- Stay overnight for more bush time: A camping safari lets you experience the reserve across different times of day instead of fitting everything into one drive.
- Follow your guide's instructions: Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide confirms that it is safe to do so.
What to expect on a Big Five safari from Johannesburg
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Frequently asked questions about Big Five safaris from Johannesburg
What is the best Big Five safari from Johannesburg?
Pilanesberg National Park is one of the most convenient choices for a Big Five safari from Johannesburg. You can choose between a full-day game drive or a 2-day camping safari, depending on how much time you have.
Can I take a Big Five safari directly from Johannesburg?
Yes. Several experiences include pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg accommodations, including half-day and full-day safaris at Lion & Safari Park and Pilanesberg National Park. Some other experiences depart from Sun City, Hazyview, or Hoedspruit.
How far is Pilanesberg from Johannesburg?
Pilanesberg National Park is roughly 2–3 hours from Johannesburg by road, depending on your starting point and traffic. Guided day tours with transfers can save you the hassle of driving and navigating the park yourself.
Can I visit Kruger National Park from Johannesburg?
Yes, depending on the experience you choose. Kruger is much farther from Johannesburg than Pilanesberg, so the journey requires more planning. Some safari experiences may include Johannesburg transfers, while others depart from safari hubs closer to the park.
What is the difference between Pilanesberg and Kruger National Park?
Pilanesberg is smaller and more accessible from Johannesburg, making it well suited to day trips and short stays. Kruger is significantly larger and offers a more expansive wilderness experience, making it better suited to dedicated safari itineraries.
Can I see the Big Five on a safari from Johannesburg?
Yes. Pilanesberg and Kruger National Park are home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. However, these animals roam freely, so sightings are never guaranteed on any individual game drive.
What animals can I see besides the Big Five?
Depending on the reserve, you may also encounter giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, wild dogs, antelope, hyenas, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.
Are Big Five safaris from Johannesburg suitable for families?
Yes. Some safari experiences are suitable for families, but age restrictions and requirements can vary by tour. Check the individual experience details before booking, particularly for young children.
Are safari tours from Johannesburg private or shared?
Both options are available. Shared game drives are available for travelers looking for a more affordable experience, while private safaris provide a dedicated vehicle and guide with greater flexibility.
What time do Big Five safaris usually start?
Start times vary by experience. Early-morning drives are popular because wildlife can be particularly active during the cooler hours. Some full-day experiences start as early as 5am, while afternoon safaris offer the chance to experience the bush around sunset.