Wanderer Tours
Private Big Five safari from Johannesburg — guide and guests on a game drive
Wanderer Tours and Travel

Safaris from Johannesburg

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Private, personalised and built around your interests

A 30-second look at the safaris we run from Johannesburg.

Kruger Safari

Kruger Safari

Unleash your inner explorer. We offer private Kruger Park safaris for every adventure — witness the Big Five and hidden wonders.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Easy access, Big Five sightings and explore Pilanesberg's volcanic craters teeming with wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Walk With the Lions

Walk With the Lions

Ukutula Lion Park, near Johannesburg, offers visitors the chance to walk with lions — a unique close encounter that supports conservation while you learn about lion behaviour, biology and the threats they face in the wild.

Lion Safari Park

Lion Safari Park

A wildlife experience in South Africa's bushveld. It houses lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras, allowing visitors to get close to African wildlife.

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Luxury safari vehicle driving through golden bushveld at sunrise near Johannesburg
01 — Overview

Best Safari Near Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the perfect launchpad for an authentic South African safari. Whether you have a single day or a full week, there is a safari near Johannesburg to suit every traveller. From the volcanic crater of Pilanesberg National Park to the legendary Kruger National Park, our private guided tours bring you face-to-face with the Big Five and the country's most iconic wildlife. We hand-pick reserves based on game density, road quality, and the comfort of our guests — so every drive feels effortless and every sighting feels earned.

Wanderer Tours & Travel specialises in tailor-made Johannesburg safari experiences. Our local guides have spent decades tracking lions, leopards and elephants across South Africa's reserves, and we use that knowledge to build itineraries around your interests — photography, conservation, family-friendly viewing, or pure adventure.

Pilanesberg National Park — open safari vehicle on a bushveld game drive
02 — Closest Reserve

Pilanesberg Safari Tours

A Pilanesberg safari is the most popular day trip from Johannesburg. Situated roughly two-and-a-half to three hours from the city, Pilanesberg National Park sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano and is malaria-free — making it ideal for families and first-time safari-goers. The reserve is home to over 7,000 animals, including all of the Big Five, and its compact size means more sightings in less time. Our Pilanesberg tours include hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, an experienced guide, and morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles within the park.

Close-up portrait of a male lion in golden hour light — Big Five safari from Johannesburg
03 — Bucket List

Big Five Safari from Johannesburg

A Big Five safari from Johannesburg is the bucket-list experience most travellers come to South Africa for. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino can all be seen in the reserves we visit. We combine reserves strategically to maximise your chances — Pilanesberg for a strong all-round Big Five experience, private Kruger concessions for off-road tracking, and selected Greater Kruger lodges for night drives and walking safaris. Our guides communicate constantly with rangers across the reserves to follow fresh sightings.

Kruger National Park scenery — full-day safari from Johannesburg
04 — Short on Time

Day Trips from Johannesburg

If you only have one day, a full-day safari from Johannesburg still delivers an incredible amount of wildlife. We collect you early from your Johannesburg hotel, drive in comfort to the reserve, run two extended game drives with a relaxed lunch in between, and return you to the city in the evening. For travellers who want more, two- and three-day overnight options at Pilanesberg and Kruger let you experience sunrise and sunset drives — the times when predators are most active.

Pair your safari with our other Johannesburg experiences: a Johannesburg day tour, a visit to the Kruger National Park, or one of our things to do in Johannesburg for a complete South African itinerary.

Elephants and zebras gathered at a waterhole at sunset on a Johannesburg safari
05 — What You'll See

Wildlife You Can Expect to See

Each reserve offers a slightly different cast of characters. On a typical Johannesburg safari you can expect lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, wildebeest, kudu, impala, warthog, jackals, and hundreds of bird species — from lilac-breasted rollers to martial eagles. Seasonal migrations and waterhole activity change what you see month to month, and our guides tailor each drive to current sightings.

Safari guests in khaki clothing enjoying sundowners on an open vehicle in the African bush
06 — Be Prepared

Travel Tips for Your Johannesburg Safari

Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, beige or brown — and avoid bright whites and blacks that can disturb wildlife. Layers are important: early morning game drives can be cold even in summer, while afternoons heat up quickly. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, insect repellent, a small daypack, and binoculars if you have them. Camera batteries and memory cards should be fully charged the night before — there is nothing worse than missing a leopard sighting because your battery died.

The dry winter months from May to September are widely considered the best time to go on safari near Johannesburg. Vegetation thins out, animals concentrate around waterholes, and sightings are at their peak. The green season (October to April) is lush, dramatic and ideal for birdwatchers and photographers who prefer richer light.

Lion encounter — booking a private safari from Johannesburg with Wanderer Tours & Travel
07 — Plan Your Trip

Booking Your Johannesburg Safari

Booking with Wanderer Tours & Travel is simple. Tell us when you're travelling, who's coming with you, and what you want to see — we'll build a private safari itinerary around it. Every booking includes door-to-door transport from Johannesburg, professional English-speaking guides, park fees where specified, and our 24/7 support line throughout your trip. Planning a longer holiday? We can combine your safari with airport transfers, a private chauffeur service, and extensions into Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Frequently Asked Questions About Johannesburg Safaris

What is the best safari near Johannesburg?

The best safari near Johannesburg depends on how much time you have. Popular options include Pilanesberg National Park, Dinokeng Game Reserve, and private game reserves offering Big Five game drives. Many visitors choose a full-day safari from Johannesburg for the best wildlife experience.

Can I see the Big Five on a Johannesburg safari?

Yes. Many safari destinations near Johannesburg, including Pilanesberg National Park and selected private reserves, are home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. While sightings can never be guaranteed, experienced guides maximise your chances during each game drive.

How far is Pilanesberg from Johannesburg?

Pilanesberg National Park is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Johannesburg, making it one of the most popular safari destinations for day trips and overnight safaris from the city.

Is a day safari from Johannesburg worth it?

Absolutely. A day safari from Johannesburg is ideal for travellers with limited time who still want to experience South Africa's incredible wildlife. Full-day tours include return transport, professional guides, and multiple game drives.

What animals can I see on a Johannesburg safari?

Depending on the reserve and season, you may see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, wildebeest, numerous antelope species, and hundreds of bird species. Every safari offers unique wildlife sightings.

What should I wear on a safari near Johannesburg?

Wear neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Early morning safaris can be cool, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.

What is included in your Johannesburg safari tours?

Most Johannesburg safari tours include return transport from Johannesburg, a professional safari guide, game drives, park entrance fees (where specified), selected meals depending on the tour, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Always check the individual tour inclusions before booking.

Are Johannesburg safaris suitable for families?

Yes. Many safari tours near Johannesburg are family-friendly and suitable for children. Some game reserves also offer educational wildlife experiences designed specifically for younger visitors.

When is the best time to go on safari near Johannesburg?

Safaris operate year-round. The dry winter months (May to September) are generally considered the best for wildlife viewing because animals gather around water sources and vegetation is less dense.

Can I book a private safari from Johannesburg?

Yes. Private safaris are available for couples, families, and small groups. A private safari offers flexible departure times, personalised service, and a more exclusive wildlife experience.

How long does a Johannesburg safari last?

Safari experiences vary depending on the package selected. Options include half-day safaris, full-day safaris, overnight safaris, and multi-day safari experiences.

Do you offer hotel pickup in Johannesburg?

Yes. We offer pickup from most hotels, guesthouses, and accommodation in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. Pickup details are confirmed when your booking is made.

Is Pilanesberg better than Kruger for a short trip?

For travellers staying in Johannesburg, Pilanesberg is often the better choice for a day trip because it is much closer. Kruger National Park offers a larger safari experience but usually requires several days to enjoy fully.

Are your Johannesburg safari guides experienced?

Yes. Our safari tours are led by experienced guides with extensive knowledge of South African wildlife, conservation, and local ecosystems, helping guests enjoy an informative and memorable safari experience.

Why book your Johannesburg safari with Wanderer Tours & Travel?

We provide professionally organised safari experiences with reliable transport, knowledgeable guides, carefully selected game reserves, and personalised service. Whether you're visiting Johannesburg for a day or planning a longer South African holiday, we make experiencing the country's wildlife simple and unforgettable.