It’s not far to get into the bush from Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. Within four to five hours’ drive from Johannesburg, there are numerous game reserves and safari parks. Reserves are within an hour’s drive away for day visitors, but those who want to go on safari for a few days can travel further.

One of the best things about the following game reserves is that, in addition to being very close to the city, they are all in areas free of malaria, so no medicine is required. Discover hundreds of bird species, the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), and innumerable other creatures at our collection of reserves and safari parks close to Johannesburg.

1. The Game Reserve at Pilanesberg

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is situated in the area that separates the moister eastern Lowveld from the drier western Kalahari, surrounded by picturesque ancient volcanic hills. All of the Big Five, with elephants and white rhinos being particularly prevalent, are among the diverse range of flora and animals that have emerged from this combination.

Although there are many guided excursions available, Pilanesberg is also a fantastic destination for independent travelers. The reserve is surrounded by Sun City, a posh resort complex that provides a variety of activities for all age groups, and is also one of the most varied safari locations close to Johannesburg.

Because Pilanesberg is malaria-free, it’s a fantastic option for families or anyone who don’t want to take antimalarial drugs. It can be visited as a day trip or overnight stay from Johannesburg because of its close proximity. For visitors with little time or locals want to make the most of their weekends, this makes it perfect.

Three hours’ drive from Johannesburg
Where to stay: There are lodging alternatives for all kinds of tourists, ranging from luxurious lodges and family-friendly choices to simple chalets and safari tents.
Activities include hot-air balloon rides, game drives, bird watching, and photography from animal hides.

 

2. The Game Reserve of Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the greatest safari destinations in the region, despite being four to five hours’ drive from Johannesburg. It is the sixth largest reserve in South Africa and is home to a diverse range of animals, including over 350 bird species and about 90 mammal species. In addition to being home to all five of the Big Five, it is also a fantastic area to see endangered African wild dogs and cheetahs.

Madikwe functions similarly to a private game reserve even though it is state-owned. Self-drive game drives are prohibited, as are day trips. At one of the upscale lodges or camps located within the reserve, visitors must reserve a package that includes meals, game drives, and other activities. Because it is located in an area free of malaria, it is a great choice for families.

4 to 5 hours away from Johannesburg
Accommodations: There are a number of safari lodges in Madikwe. These include ultra-luxury choices like Madikwe Safari Lodge and basic eco hotels like Mosetlha Bush Camp. Packages including meals and escorted wildlife drives are available at all lodges.
Activities include photography safaris, game drives, fishing, bird watching, training for ranger skills, spa services, and wellness seminars.

 

3. Game Reserve Mabula

In addition to the typical game drives, Mabula Game Reserve, one of the top private Big Five game reserves close to Johannesburg, offers a variety of other activities. The reserve is home to lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, honey badgers, red hartebeest, eland, hyenas, and jackals. It is situated in the malaria-free Waterberg region of the province of Limpopo. Birds abound as well, including the Amur falcon and the lilac-breasted roller.

The activities available go far beyond game drives. Take a quad bike ride, go on a guided stargazing drive in the evening, or reserve a balloon trip over the reserve as the sun rises.

Two and a half hours away from Johannesburg
Accommodations: There are a number of upscale resorts and tented camps in Mabula.
Activities include hot-air balloon rides, game drives, spa services, quad biking, bird watching, stargazing, dam picnics, tennis, bush walks, horseback riding, and crocodile feeding displays.

4. The Game Reserve of Dinokeng

The first (and now the only) game reserve in Gauteng Province with free-roaming Big Five animals was Dinokeng, which is located just north of Pretoria. You could also be able to see brown hyenas, giraffes, and cheetahs.

In addition to guided drives, boat excursions, and walking safaris, several vehicle types include self-drive routes. Another option is to give sports like clay target shooting a try. There are chances for microlight flights and hot-air balloon rides for the more daring.

One hour’s drive from Johannesburg
Where to stay: There are thirty different lodging options, ranging from four-star resorts to self-catering cottages.
Activities include clay target shooting, cultural excursions, boat cruises, game drives, bush walks, fishing, hot-air balloon rides, and microlight flights.

 

5. Game Reserve at Welgevonden

Welgevonden Game Reserve, another malaria-free safari destination that is conveniently accessible from Johannesburg, is situated in the Waterberg district of the Limpopo Province, less than four hours north of the city. There are lots of places to stay on the reserve, and open safari vehicles are used for all wildlife drives. Numerous additional activities are available as well, such as strolling and safaris on horseback.

Among the 50 animal species of Welgevonden, you can identify the Big Five. Along with almost 300 different kinds of birds, there are other rarer creatures like honey badgers and brown hyenas.

Three and a half hours from Johannesburg
Where to stay: Welgevonden has a variety of lodging options, ranging from luxury lodges and exclusive-use homes to self-catering and budget campgrounds.
Activities include San Bushman rock-art excursions, game drives, walking safaris, stargazing, and horseback safaris.

 

6. Private Reserve of Plumari

You may leave Johannesburg and enter the wilderness in about ninety minutes. The Plumari Private Reserve is a stunning region of marshes, mountains, and bushveld. It is among the Big Five game reserves that are closest to Johannesburg.

Rhinos, lions, elephants, giraffes, porcupines, and honey badgers are among the creatures you may encounter during a game drive. There are also about 200 different species of birds to observe. Additionally, the area is home to a conservation breeding program for endangered species such golden wildebeest, sable antelope, black impala, and king buffalo.

Johannesburg is one and a half hours away.
Where to stay: The pet-friendly Warthogs Bush Lodge has 10 chalets, while the four-star Askari Lodge and Spa has 48 suites and a spa.
Activities include game drives, mountain biking, horseback riding, clay target shooting, hiking, birdwatching, trail jogging, 4×4 vehicle routes, and spa services.

7. Private Game Reserve in Mziki

Johannesburg is only a couple of hours away from Mziki Private Game Reserve. Three of the Big Five—elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—as well as wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and many antelope species can be found there. More than 300 distinct bird species can be found there as well. The reserve can be explored in a game-drive vehicle, on foot, or by barge.

For families with kids, Mziki is an excellent choice. The area is malaria-free, and animal viewing is open to all ages. Children can take mini-ranger classes at the reserve to learn how to recognize tree species, animal cries, and even how to get a car ready for a game drive. A camp treasure search, cultural activities, and a final quiz are all included in the course.

Two hours’ drive from Johannesburg
Where to stay: The only lodging option in the reserve is Mziki Safari Lodge. It provides cottages, classic round rondavels with thatched roofs, and rooms in the main lodge.
Activities include barge cruises, game drives, birdwatching, archery, fishing, bush hikes, and mini-ranger courses.