Johannesburg safari guide
Best Safaris from Johannesburg, Compared
From a one-day Pilanesberg game drive to five days in Kruger: compare duration, style and price, then book online.
Quick picks
Pilanesberg is about 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, so a full Big Five game drive fits in one day.
View safari →Best valueThe 4-day Pilanesberg budget safari gives the most game-drive time for the lowest price.
View safari →First Kruger tripThree days covers the drive to Kruger and two full days of Big Five searching.
View safari →Luxury & leopardsPrivate Sabi Sands lodges allow off-road tracking with expert rangers.
View safari →Johannesburg safaris side by side
Prices from, in US$ per person sharing. Sorted shortest first.
| Safari | Days | Reserve | Style | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilanesberg Big Five Safari Day Trip from Johannesburg | 1 | Pilanesberg | Day trip | Short stopovers | US$305 |
| 2-Day Authentic Big Five Camping Safari at Pilanesberg | 2 | Pilanesberg | Budget camping | Backpackers, solo travellers | US$427 |
| 2-Day Budget Kruger Safari from Johannesburg | 2 | Greater Kruger | Budget | Kruger on a tight schedule | US$812 |
| 3-Day Kruger Big Five Safari from Johannesburg | 3 | Kruger | Value | First-time visitors | US$891 |
| 3-Day Pilanesberg Safari – Kwa Maritane | 3 | Pilanesberg | Mid-range lodge | Families (malaria-free) | US$1,508 |
| 3-Day Madikwe Big Five Safari | 3 | Madikwe | Luxury lodge | Couples, malaria-free luxury | US$2,495 |
| 4-Day Pilanesberg Big Five Safari – Budget Adventure | 4 | Pilanesberg | Budget | Best value per day | US$762 |
| 4-Day Wildlife Safari – Kruger & Panorama Route | 4 | Kruger + Panorama | Value | Wildlife and scenery | US$1,055 |
| 4-Day Luxury Safari at Elephant Plains, Sabi Sands | 4 | Sabi Sands | Luxury lodge | Leopards, close sightings | US$2,232 |
| 5-Day Big Five Kruger & Scenic Panorama Adventure | 5 | Kruger + Panorama | Mid-range | Unhurried full safari | US$1,741 |
Book a safari from Johannesburg
Pilanesberg Big Five Safari Day Trip from Johannesburg
From US$305.00 pp
2-Day Authentic Big Five Camping Safari at Pilanesberg
From US$427.00 pp
2-Day Budget Kruger Safari from Johannesburg
From US$812.00 pp
3-Day Kruger Big Five Safari from Johannesburg
From US$891.00 pp
3-Day Pilanesberg Safari – Kwa Maritane
From US$1,508.00 pp
3-Day Madikwe Big Five Safari
From US$2,495.00 pp
4-Day Pilanesberg Big Five Safari – Budget Adventure
From US$762.00 pp
4-Day Wildlife Safari – Kruger & Panorama Route
From US$1,055.00 pp
4-Day Luxury Safari at Elephant Plains, Sabi Sands
From US$2,232.00 pp
5-Day Big Five Kruger & Scenic Panorama Adventure
From US$1,741.00 pp
What happens after you book?
- 1
Book online or enquire
Choose your date and travellers. Solo and child prices update automatically.
- 2
Pay a deposit
Pay securely by card or PayPal. Lodge-based trips such as Sabi Sands are confirmed after we check availability; if full, you are refunded.
- 3
We confirm by email
You receive your booking confirmation, pickup details and voucher from our Centurion team.
- 4
Chat with us anytime
Questions before you travel? Message us on WhatsApp and talk to a real person.
See our cancellation policy, or request a tailor-made itinerary.
Johannesburg safari FAQs
What is the best safari from Johannesburg?
For one day, Pilanesberg is the closest Big Five reserve. With 3–5 days, Kruger National Park offers the widest wildlife experience. For luxury and leopard sightings, choose a private Sabi Sands lodge; for malaria-free luxury, choose Madikwe.
How far is Kruger from Johannesburg?
Kruger is roughly 5–6 hours by road from Johannesburg, which is why we recommend at least 3 days. Pilanesberg is about 2.5 hours away.
Is Pilanesberg malaria-free?
Yes. Pilanesberg and Madikwe are in malaria-free areas, which makes them popular with families and travellers who prefer to avoid anti-malaria medication.
Do you pick up from Johannesburg hotels or the airport?
Most safaris include pickup in Johannesburg or Pretoria. Each package lists its pickup details; ask us if you need an airport pickup.
Can I go on safari alone?
Yes. Solo travellers can book any package online and the price updates automatically. Budget camping safaris are popular with solo travellers.
Can children join?
Children aged 3–11 pay half price. For children under 3, please contact us before booking.