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Safaris From Johannesburg - Compare 288 Tours
So many incredible safari experiences begin in Johannesburg. That’s partly because it is Africa’s busiest international air gateway, with numerous flights arriving from around the globe every day. But it’s not just about the number of international flights. Johannesburg is a short drive (and an even shorter flight) from so many of South Africa’s best wildlife parks and reserves. Everyone knows about Kruger National Park and the reserves that surround it: you could easily just visit these and enjoy the most fantastic safari. But other options abound, and many of these have wildlife to satisfy both beginner and experienced safari-goers alike.
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4-Day Greater Kruger Safari with Marc's Treehouse
$834 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Indigo Safaris
5.0/5 – 100 Reviews
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5-Day Luxury Sabi Sands Promotion
$2,445 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Safari.com
4.7/5 – 184 Reviews
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5-Day Complete Kruger Park and Panoramic Tour Experience
$1,020 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Shinzelle Safaris
4.9/5 – 49 Reviews
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Best Seller
5-Day Malamala Exclusive Fly in Safari
$3,601 to $4,586 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), MalaMala GR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
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Ranger Buck Safaris
5.0/5 – 9 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Bakubung Bush Lodge Fully Inclusive Safari Package
$630 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 163 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Tremisana Lodge Kruger Park Safari]()
4-Day Tremisana Lodge Kruger Park Safari
$919 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Tshukudu GR, Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 151 Reviews
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Best Seller
![11-Day South Africa & Mauritius Family Safari & Beach]()
11-Day South Africa & Mauritius Family Safari & Beach
$6,142 pp (USD)
South Africa & Mauritius: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Resort
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Madikwe GR, Bel Ombre (Town & Beach), Mauritius (End)
Wayfairer Travel
5.0/5 – 130 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park]()
3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park
$381 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
4.9/5 – 185 Reviews
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4-Day Imbali Lodge Safari
$1,911 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)Luxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
4.9/5 – 31 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger National Park Experience]()
3-Day Kruger National Park Experience
$641 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryGuest House
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger, Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 18 Reviews
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6-Day Fly-in Self-Drive Kruger & Panorama Route Tour
$1,633 to $1,796 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Graskop (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Go Self-Drive Tours
4.8/5 – 11 Reviews
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![3-Day Sun City & Safari in Pilanesberg National Park]()
3-Day Sun City & Safari in Pilanesberg National Park
$498 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range ResortYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Sun City, Johannesburg (End)
Africa Incoming
5.0/5 – 7 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day 3 Nights Luxury Fly in Safari Kruger National Park]()
4-Day 3 Nights Luxury Fly in Safari Kruger National Park
$2,707 to $3,006 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
African Welcome Safaris
5.0/5 – 184 Reviews
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4-Day Affordable Kruger Bushcamp & Open Vehicle Drives
$684 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented Bush CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Wildlife Encounters
5.0/5 – 14 Reviews
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![7-Day Kruger Safari Experience Bush and Buffalos]()
7-Day Kruger Safari Experience Bush and Buffalos
$1,991 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge & Bungalow
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger Safari]()
3-Day Kruger Safari
$662 to $674 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 13 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Nhlalala Travel
5.0/5 – 3 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Kruger, Big 5 at Budget Price]()
3-Day Kruger, Big 5 at Budget Price
$800 to $900 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hoedspruit (Town), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 184 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger NP & Maseke Reserve Tented Safari]()
4-Day Kruger NP & Maseke Reserve Tented Safari
$796 to $877 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Kruger NP, Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
4.6/5 – 31 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger National Park Safari with Transfer]()
3-Day Kruger National Park Safari with Transfer
$762 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 38 Reviews
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![3-Day All Inclusive Kruger Safari and Blyde River Canyon]()
3-Day All Inclusive Kruger Safari and Blyde River Canyon
$687 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Balanta Imagine Safaris
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5 Questions About Safaris From Johannesburg
Answered by
Anthony Ham
Anthony has written numerous Lonely Planet guidebooks, including ‘South Africa’, ‘Lesotho & eSwatini’ and ‘Southern Africa’. He has written about the region for magazines and newspapers worldwide. He is also the author of ‘The Last Lions of Africa’.
5 Questions About Safaris From Johannesburg
Anthony Ham
What are the best places to go on safari from Johannesburg?
“You can visit Kruger National Park from Johannesburg, and it’s a fantastic safari destination. It’s easy to get to and around, it’s a massive park with so much wildlife to see seemingly at every turn, and there’s accommodation to suit every budget. If it all gets too crowded, then you could easily spend time in one of the private reserves (such as Sabi Sand Game Reserve, but there are many more) along Kruger’s western boundary. These reserves share the same wildlife with the national park. Other fabulous safari parks within reach of Johannesburg include Pilanesberg Game Reserve, and Marakele and Mapungubwe National Parks, while Madikwe Game Reserve is one of my favorite safari destinations anywhere in southern Africa. If you fly from Johannesburg, then you could easily reach just about anyplace in South Africa.”
1What are the pros and cons of a self-drive safari from Johannesburg?
“The best thing about a self-drive safari from Johannesburg is the freedom that you’ll enjoy. In fact, a self-drive safari is the best way to make sure that your safari experience is exactly as you want it to be. You decide where to go and when. If you find a lion on a kill or an elephant herd up close, then you’re the one who decides how long to stick around. And you don’t have to worry about what other travelers want to do. In short, you’re the boss of your trip. The downside of a self-drive safari is that if something goes wrong, you’re the one on the scene who has to deal with it (although a phone call to your safari operator will probably get someone there quickly to help). Most likely nothing will go wrong: it never has for me on my many self-drive safaris. Another possible negative is that you won’t have a guide to show you around or other safari travelers to share the experience with.”
2Should I go for a group or private safari from Johannesburg?
“There are lots of different versions of the Johannesburg safari, but the most popular are group or private safaris. A group safari means that you will share your trip with other travelers: you will share a guide, a vehicle for game drives and other activities. Whether this is a pro or a con will depend on your perspective: you might make lifelong friends, or you might prefer to be alone. And if you’re looking for a cheap or affordable budget safari, then a group safari will almost certainly be your only option. A private safari means that you will have your own guide and vehicle, and you’ll be the only one(s) out on the game drive. Obviously, you’ll be paying for it all yourself, which can be expensive. But it does allow for a more intimate safari experience and you’ll often end up forging really strong bonds with your guide and driver.”
3Can I see the Big Five animals on a safari from Johannesburg?
“You are spoiled for choice when it comes to seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) on a safari near Johannesburg. The most obvious place where this is possible is Kruger National Park and the surrounding reserves. I once saw the Big Five on a single afternoon game drive in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Closer to Johannesburg and very accessible, Pilanesberg Game Reserve can be crowded, but it’s an easy place to see elephant and rhino. Buffalo, lion and leopard can be harder to see, but they are possible to find with some luck. Another excellent destination for seeing the Big Five on a safari from Johannesburg is Madikwe Game Reserve. This is a fantastic place, with so much wildlife, first-rate expert guides and far fewer visitors than you’ll share the safari trails with in Kruger or Pilanesberg. It’s also a good place to possibly sight African wild dogs.”
4What is the cost of a safari from Johannesburg?
“As with any safari destination where there are many different packages and tours, the cost of a safari from Johannesburg varies greatly. If you’re on a multiday, cheap budget camping safari, you might be able to organize a safari that starts at around US$100 to US$150 per person per day. This should include guide, driver, vehicle, camping equipment, park entry fees, food, some drinks and game drives. But for this price, you may be expected to help out around camp with cooking and washing up, as well as setting up and taking down tents. For a more luxurious experience, prices start at around US$400 per person per day, but could go significantly higher for the best tented camps in high season (October to March) and if you’re on a private safari. If your safari involves any flights, this will also push up the price considerably. However much you pay, make sure you get a full list from your safari operator of what your safari price includes, so you don’t get any nasty surprises when it’s time for you to pay.”
5South Africa Safari Reviews
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
Where Big Five safaris are big business, there’s a wealth of choice
Glorious images of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo parading through pristine bush are central to South Africa’s popular image. So it comes as a surprise to some first-time visitors that, in reality, the proportion of this...
Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.
A world in one country
South Africa’s astounding array of landscapes – from semi-desert to savanna and snow-capped mountain to coral reef – means it offers a greater variety of wildlife experience than any other African country. There are surely few other...
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A great start to our trip!! Everything was on time and well done. Highly recommend for a day trip!
From beginning to end this was a very nice experience!! This turned out to be a very nice day trip from Jo'burg during a layover day. Had some great viewing in a lovely park...hard to believe its only a couple hours from the airport...
EG
Wonderful trip to Kruger National Park
Going for a Safari in Kruger National Park was an amazing experience that I enjoyed to the maximum. The compay was very organized and committed and the drivers were amazing. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to enjoy Africa's...
US
Safari in South Africa won,t disappoint
In January 2023 my wife and I went on safari in South Africa prior to going to Cape Town to embark on a cruise.. I corresponded with ‘Safariwithus’ in October of 2022 to book a trip that coordinated with our time schedule and location...
NL
what a great country you are.
Making new memories South Africa. what a great country you are. nature beautiful, beautiful mountains, long quiet roads,beautiful people we spent 3 days at Graaff Reinet, made a nice walk, delicious food and great nature. from there...