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
Best of South Africa (20 Days) - Johannesburg, Kruger, Swaziland,Drakensberg, Lesotho, Garden Route and Cape Town
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Our package was a great value for the money."
Curtis, traveled in March
Duration
20 days
Destinations
South Africa Swaziland Lesotho
Age Range
Ages 9+
Operated in
English
Operator
T.S TOURS
From
US$5,800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger, Coast & Cape
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Beautiful country with amazing animals."
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Eswatini,Hlane Royal National Park,St Lucia,Isimangaliso Wetland Park,Durban,Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park,Golden Gate Highlands National Park,Cintsa,Addo Elephant National Park,Garden Route,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Oudtshoorn,Cape Town,Simon's Town+16 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $3,495
US$2,971per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
4.4 (14 traveler reviews)
"The lodge was beautiful, the room/hut was just lovely and so big, the bed so comfy, the bathroom lovely."
Kassy, traveled in August
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
15% Off
From
US$957per person
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Safari
South Africa Odyssey
4.8 (3 traveler reviews)
"Tour itinerary was comprehensive and suitable for all who wants to experience a little bit of everything."
Yee, traveled in August
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Pretoria, Hazyview,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Kruger National Park,Mbabane,Durban,St Lucia,Umhlanga,Port Elizabeth,Tsitsikamma National Park,Stormsrivier,Knysna,Oudtshoorn,Barrydale,Hermanus,Cape Town+14 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Cullinan Guided Journeys
15% Off
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US$4,272per person
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Safari
Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"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
15% Off
From
US$535per person
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Safari
Kruger and the Kingdoms Safari
4.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The accommodation was excellent especially in Johannesburg and in Hazyview. The planned activities as well as the optional drives we paid for were excellent."
Claire, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Soweto, Sabie, Hazyview,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Kruger National Park,Mpumalanga,Eswatini,Ezulwini,Hluhluwe,Durban,Umhlanga+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Cullinan Guided Journeys
15% Off
From
US$2,054per person
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Safari
Kruger National Park, Panorama Route & Eswatini Tour
5.0 (2 traveler 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 Tour
15% Off
From
US$1,340per person
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Kruger to Vic Falls
4.4 (13 traveler reviews)
"A fabulous introduction to Southern Africa! So much wildlife and scenery."
Nuccio, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $2,510
US$2,259per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Big Five and The Mighty Falls: South Africa & Zimbabwe
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park,Victoria Falls,Cape Town,Table Mountain,Hout Bay,Seal Island,Chapman's Peak+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
10% Off
From
US$4,599per person
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Safari
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,Table Mountain,Hout Bay,Seal Island,Chapman's Peak,Robben Island+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
10% Off
From
US$3,344per person
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Safari
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
4.5 (28 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, Skukuza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
10% Off
From
US$734per person
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Safari
Okavango Experience
4.6 (63 traveler reviews)
"The experience was great. Need to expect long days, bumpy roads and lots of heat."
Eric, traveled in October
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
25% Off
From $1,931
US$1,449per person
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Safari
Kruger & Coast
4.8 (22 traveler reviews)
"The destinations we visited were very good."
Ashley, traveled in January
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
20% Off
From $1,670
US$1,336per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
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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
20% Off
From
US$1,180per person
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