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."

Safari Tours from Johannesburg

A South African safari experience awaits, and every second is thrilling. Think about exploring Pilanesberg Game Reserve on safari, spotting the Big Five in their natural environment, enjoying game drives in air-conditioned vehicles, learning about wildlife from knowledgeable guides, and passing by scenic Hartbeespoort Dam. It’s wildlife at its finest, and you'll make memories to last forever.

10 best Safari tour packages from Johannesburg

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Safari
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"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
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tour
From
US$140per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Kruger Safari & The Garden Route
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Port Elizabeth,Addo Elephant National Park,Tsitsikamma National Park,Stormsrivier,Garden Route,Knysna,Mossel Bay,Barrydale,Franschhoek,Stellenbosch,Cape Town+10 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
From
US$4,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"They offered a quality service in every aspect: transportation, Safari lodging, vehicle and ranger."
Silvio, traveled in September
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
From
US$535per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
3-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Beautiful lodge, beautiful grounds & great room."
Bob, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
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, Mbombela, Hazyview, Kruger National Park,Skukuza,Graskop,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Bourke's Luck Potholes+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
From
US$1,254per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Highlights of South Africa
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Port Elizabeth,Addo Elephant National Park,Tsitsikamma National Park,Plettenberg Bay,Knysna,Mossel Bay,Barrydale,Franschhoek,Stellenbosch,Cape Town+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
From
US$4,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
South Africa Rainbow Route
4.6 (5 traveler reviews)
"It was an absolutely wonderful tour from start to finish and I cannot recommend or praise it enough!"
Natalie, traveled in September
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+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Sunway Safaris
From
US$3,365per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
4-Day Kruger National Park Essential Safari
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
From
US$991per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Ultimate Kruger Park Big 5 Safari
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"Great knowledge about animal behaviour, animal identification, South African politics, and Rugby rules!"
KyleKushnier, traveled in February
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Endless Summer Tours
From
US$1,650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger National Park Xplorer
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
SouthernXplorer
From
US$866per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Victoria Falls & Chobe 5 Days & 4 Nights Discover Safari (Includes Inter-Tour Flights)
5.0 (8 traveler reviews)
"The accommodation and restaurant were fine. The combined day with the Game Drive and Sunset cruise on the Chobe was sublime."
Norman, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 8+
National Park
Chobe National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
HoneyBadger Travel & Tours
From
US$1,500per 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 (38 traveler reviews)
"Super nice experience with good guides and friendly staff!"
Twan, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza,Graskop,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Mbombela+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
From
US$1,180per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
4.5 (26 traveler reviews)
"All staff was thoughtful, considerate and well informed. As a scientist I must say I was very impressed."
Maureen, traveled in February
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
From
US$734per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger National Park 3D/2N
4.9 (6 traveler reviews)
"saw the big 5. great food"
Jeffrey, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza
Age Range
Ages 10+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
From
US$817per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger National Park 4D/3N
4.1 (4 traveler reviews)
"Was good, enjoyed the safari."
Petrus, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
From
US$1,092per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari Tours from Johannesburg

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10 best Safari tour packages from Johannesburg