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.

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10 best Safari tour packages from Johannesburg

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Safari
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
4.4 (14 reviews)
"Smooth transport and comfortable accommodations. Good value!"
Samuel, traveled in February
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Graskop,Pilgrimsrest+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
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US$957per person
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Safari
3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Glamping Safari
5.0 (2 reviews)
"All was perfect, specialy the Yunani guides."
sylvie, traveled in September
Duration
3 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$645per person
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Safari
Magnificent South Africa
5.0 (8 reviews)
"Every detail thought of & covered."
Barbara, traveled in October
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Dullstroom, Makalali Reserve,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Hazyview,Kruger National Park,Eswatini,St Lucia,Umhlanga,Port Elizabeth,Stormsrivier,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Oudtshoorn,Cape Town+14 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Wingbuddy
From
US$4,879per person
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Safari
5-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari
4.0 (1 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
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Safari
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
5.0 (1 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 Tours
From
US$140per person
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Safari
Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
5.0 (3 reviews)
"they absolutely delivered on every single one. the service was professional, seamless, and clearly built by people who know Africa inside out."
Martin, traveled in June
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
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US$535per person
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Safari
Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives
4.8 (25 reviews)
"Amazing trip and first overall impression of Africa."
Cece, traveled in December
Duration
8 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% off
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US$999per person
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Safari
Kruger National Park, Panorama Route & Eswatini Tour
5.0 (2 reviews)
"The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly our remarkable guide, Jakes, whose expertise and knowledge added great value to our adventure."
kevin, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Bourke's Luck Potholes,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Kruger National Park,Eswatini,Mbabane,Lobamba,Ezulwini+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tours
20% off
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US$1,340per person
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Safari
Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Safari - 3 days
5.0 (12 reviews)
"saw lots of animals and back to our hotel via the Panorama route which is very beautiful."
Magnus, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Bourke's Luck Potholes,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Kruger National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tours
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US$950per person
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Safari
16 Day Botswana Pioneer (Camping)
Duration
16 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Drifters Adventure Tours
20% off
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US$3,569per person
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Safari
Okavango Experience (8 destinations)
4.6 (64 reviews)
"Amazing trip! Very memorable."
Siew, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Victoria FallsChobe National ParkOkavango+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
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US$1,920per person
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Safari
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
4.5 (28 reviews)
"Enjoyed stay in lodge, unique experience on sunrise walking tour in Kruger park, as well sunset game drive."
Anwar, traveled in February
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
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US$734per person
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Safari
5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
4.4 (39 reviews)
"South Africa is really beautiful. The overall trip was good."
Ezekiel, traveled in February
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
20% off
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US$1,180per person
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Victoria Falls & Chobe 5 Days & 4 Nights Discover Safari (Includes Inter-Tour Flights)
5.0 (11 reviews)
"Our game drives at Chobe were great, as well as the river cruise, seeing dozens of different animals including some of the rare ones."
Mason, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 8+
National Park
Victoria FallsChobe National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
HoneyBadger Travel & Tours
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US$1,650per person
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Safari
Kruger & Coast
4.8 (22 reviews)
"One of the best vacations I've ever had. It's a must do."
Akeem, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Eswatini,Hlane Royal National Park,St Lucia,Isimangaliso Wetland Park,Durban+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
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US$1,495per person
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