What's the typical duration of tours starting in Johannesburg to explore South Africa?

South African tours departing from Johannesburg range from quick 3-day getaways to comprehensive 14-day explorations. The most sought-after itineraries include a 14-day South Africa Highlights tour and a 9-day Nature's Wonders safari. Tour operator Explore! offers a well-structured two-week journey from OR Tambo Airport that covers essential destinations like Kruger National Park Garden Route and Cape Town. A TourRadar traveler noted "There was so much packed into 15 days it was incredible. Handre made sure everyone had a great experience explaining about the terrain animals history and local people."

What are the most common first-day activities when starting a tour from Johannesburg?

Visitors beginning their South African journey in Johannesburg often start with cultural experiences in Soweto Township followed by visits to the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. Tour operators like Explore! begin with a local Potjiekos lunch then guide guests through Soweto via tuk-tuk stopping at significant sites like the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela's former residence on Vilakazi Street. A TourRadar traveler noted "The first day orientation in Johannesburg gave us great insights into South Africa's history and culture."

What's the travel time from Johannesburg to key attractions like Kruger National Park?

The road journey from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park takes 5-6 hours with regular comfort breaks. Most tours leave Johannesburg around 7 AM reaching Kruger in time for afternoon wildlife viewing. Companies like Hotspots2c include stops along the scenic Panorama Route making the journey part of the experience. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Well organized transport with good stops - arrived at Kruger perfectly timed for our first game drive."

What are the most common destinations visited on tours starting from Johannesburg?

Tours from Johannesburg typically connect travelers to Kruger National Park Blyde River Canyon the Panorama Route and Cape Town. Stops include natural wonders like God's Window Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Accommodations range from Forever Blyde Canyon to Phelwana Game Lodge. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Panorama Route is great and we were given enough time to see the views and amazing wildlife."

What are the common pickup points for tours starting in Johannesburg?

Tour operators provide pickups at three main locations: OR Tambo International Airport hotels in Rosebank (including Holiday Inn Rosebank) and Sandton district accommodations (like Sandton Sun Hotel). Most safari departures begin early with pickups scheduled between 5:30-7:00 AM. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "The pickup from OR Tambo was seamless - our guide was waiting at 6 AM and we were on our way to Kruger Park by 6:30 AM."

What's the best season to start a tour from Johannesburg?

Spring months (September through November) offer ideal conditions for Johannesburg departures with mild temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in Kruger National Park. Winter (June-August) provides prime game viewing despite cold morning temperatures. A TourRadar traveler shared: "October was perfect - comfortable temperatures in Johannesburg and amazing wildlife sightings as we headed to Kruger."

South Africa Tours from Johannesburg

Find your perfect adventure! We have 211 tours of South Africa that start in Johannesburg, South Africa. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 1 and 22 days.

10 best South Africa tour packages from Johannesburg

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Safari
9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"The 9-day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure was perfect for our family."
Karri, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, St Lucia, Durban,Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
KwaZulu-Natal
Operated in
English
Operator
Endless Summer Tours
From
US$2,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Safari in South Africa - 8 days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kruger National Park, Soweto
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$2,730per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Working Safari/Conferencing at luxury bush lodges, Kruger National Park & Panorama Route
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"All included tour - professional guide, comfortable transportation, very good hotels, all meals and taste of great South Africa's wines."
Sandra, traveled in October
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Graskop, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Hoedspruit,Kruger National Park,Skukuza+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tour
From
US$2,145per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Namaqualand Flower Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The visits to Museums, National Parks and very good accommodation. We travelled from Kimberley down to the coast and up again."
Erika, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Karoo National Park, Cape Town,West Coast National Park,Langebaan,Lamberts Bay,Clanwilliam,Springbok,Augrabies Falls National Park,Kimberley+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tour
From
US$1,090per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
South Africa Highlights
4.2 (20 traveler reviews)
"An excellent trip in terms of variety and the things packed in. I've done a number of trips and one of the best."
Anita, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Soweto, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Hazyview,Kruger National Park,Port Elizabeth,Tsitsikamma National Park,Plettenberg Bay,Wilderness National Park,Hermanus,Stellenbosch,Cape Town+9 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
From $4,370
US$3,500per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
4.5 (26 traveler reviews)
"Amazing, best way to do Kruger on a budget. Got to love it!"
JR, traveled in January
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
20% Off
From
US$598per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Safari - 3 days
5.0 (10 traveler reviews)
"One of the best tours we have ever been on! Highly recommend it for anyone!"
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Kruger National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tour
20% Off
From
US$850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
5-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Graskop+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
20% Off
From
US$1,022per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Wildlife
Tailor-Made Best South Africa Tours, Daily Departure & Private Trip
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town,Table Mountain,Robben Island,Paarl,Stellenbosch,Franschhoek+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
20% Off
From
US$5,469per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"The lodge was nice along with the food. We saw lots of animals thanks to our tour guides."
Patrick, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
LimpopoKruger National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Viva Safaris
20% Off
From
US$1,450per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The team executed the extensive tour itinerary really well, with prompt and attentive service."
Anindya, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
21% Off
From $3,599
US$2,843per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amazing South Africa
4.6 (8 traveler reviews)
"We could not be happier about our experience. The office support was great with our ongoing delays."
Arlene, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
15% Off
From $3,365
US$2,861per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Safari
5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
4.4 (36 traveler reviews)
"Super nice experience with good guides and friendly staff!"
Twan, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Graskop+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
15% Off
From
US$962per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
South Africa : Wildlife, Garden Route & Mother City Cape Town
4.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Our honeymoon vacation through South Africa was amazing! We got to see a little of everything and even with all the traveling around it was stress free."
Leslie, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Mabula, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn,Franschhoek,Cape Town+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
21% Off
From $4,199
US$3,317per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
The Big 5 in South Africa
5.0 (9 traveler reviews)
"Everything is fantastical and well planned. Itinerary is good. Rest all is simply perfect."
Pravin, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Mabula, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn,Franschhoek,Cape Town+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
15% Off
From $4,712
US$4,005per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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