South Africa is generally popular in terms of the amazing wild animals and vibrancy of the ecosystem, and Johannesburg being a busy metropolis situated at the center of the nation can be a perfect entry point of those who want to have a chance to see the world-class safari parks and game reserves that are offered by South Africa. When in Johannesburg, it is a city full of culture, history and modernity but its surroundings are a collection of safari parks and game reserves that all provide one with the chance to view some of the most iconic animals in Africa as they move in their natural habitats.
To the people in search of the true African safari experience, the best Safari parks and game reserves around Johannesburg are found here with variety of possibilities to explore; intimate quaint reservation to the grand national parks. We will delve in this all-encompassing guide on some of the best found in the nation when it comes to wildlife, seeing the Big Five, and having a glimpse at the scenic view of the natural landscapes in South Africa, all within few hours drive around the city of Johannesburg.
1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular and best safari parks and game reserves in Africa and can simply not be missed by one passing by or anywhere around Johannesburg. Kruger, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, is located at a distance of 4-5 hours round trip by driving to the city where the amazing wildlife is found. Occupying a land area of more than 20,000 square kilometers, the park has got a lot to offer to the visitors in terms of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and a nongenerous amount of other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, and many species of birds.
Kruger is very accessible to Johannesburg and can be viewed either by self-drive or guided safaris and they can be done as a one-day trip or even a multi-day stay. There is an excellent network of well-maintained roads in the park that can guide the tourists to move around the reserve at their own pace, and there are many forms of accommodations to suit every form of traveler with upscale lodges as well as less expensive ones.
Another thing that Kruger national park is also known by is its conservation activities and the opportunity that it provides to its visitors to contribute to the current projects which are taking effect to ensure that the natural heritage of the South Africa is not destroyed by poachers of endangered species. Game drives, walking safaris, and accommodation in one of the numerous camps in the National Park, Kruger National Park is definitely among the best parks and game reserves with respect to safari in the country.
2. Pilanesberg National Park
Other tourist attractions that are a drive of 2-3 hour to the Johannesburg area include Pilanesberg National Park which is a large reserve and is situated at the crater of an ancient volcano. The Pilanesberg is the ideal destination to have a safari experience in the neighbourhood of Johannesburg due to the wide variety of wildlife and magnificent natural scenes. It harbors a rich diverse of animals such as the Big Five besides cheetahs, hyenas and other species of antelopes.
Pilanesberg also has various forms of safari that tourist can experience such as self-drive safari, guided game drives and even hot air balloon safari where one can have a different view of the park. Another interesting thing about the park is its beautiful sceneries where long stretches of plain land, rocky outcrops, as well as green coverings are found. Additionally, Pilanesberg has accommodation options with a large combination of luxurious and comfortable accommodations, starting with a high-end lodge and freezy accommodation.
The park is also conveniently located and accessible to the people in Johannesburg hence is a very good destination when one has little time left and yet he feels like having the excitement of a safari. Also, Pilanesberg belongs to the Pilanesberg Biosphere Reserve of the North West Province, which is devoted to sustainable conservation and protection of wildlife, which increases the level of attraction of green travelers.
3. Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve.
The Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve is only around an hour drive away to Johannesburg and thus, gives a more close-up and friendly form of safari experience. Although the size of this reserve is not so great in comparison with other ones, it is characterized by the great biodiversity including a big number of various bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Natural beauty is also a big attraction to the area with dramatic mountain view, scenic valleys, many hiking trails, this is an all time destination especially to lovers of nature.
The visitor will find a mix of wildlife life experiences in the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve through guided walks, bird watching and game drives. Although the Big Five are not as dominant in this reserve, there are many animals to be observed, i.e. giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and some species of antelopes. There is also a collection of eco-lodges and boutique accommodation in the area, which offers an easy and natural fly-away to those who do not need to travel far to be able to reconnect with nature in Johannesburg.
4. Dinokeng Game Reserve
Situated within an easy 45 minutes north of Johannesburg, the Dinokeng Game Reserve is among the easiest and most convenient locations to enjoy the safari adventure very near the city. Dinokeng is among the single most wound up game reserves with the Big Five in South Africa and tourists are able to indulge in a wide range of safari activities that include game drives, guided bush walks and bird watching.
The reserve is a mixture of open grasslands, savannahs, and woodlands that covers more than 18,000 hectares thus turning it into a perfect habitat of a large variety of wildlife. It is possible to spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, cheetahs, wild dogs, and more than 200 species of birds. Dinokeng is also an ideal place either in short or long stay because of its diversity in accommodations and availability of luxury lodges, self-catering cottages, and so on.
Dinokeng is also quite family-friendly and suitable to the first tourists going to the safari as the reserve is full of child-friendly activities, including educational programs, guided tours, and experiences of animal tracking. It is a good destination when one wants to have a quick run to the African bush because it is close to Johannesburg.
5. Madikwe Game Reserve
One of the best or the best of the private game reserves in the country is the Madikwe Game Reserve which is situated in the northwestern region of the country bordering Botswana and it is approximately between 3-4 hours driving distance with the Johannesburg capital. Madikwe is the best place to watch a safari in a unique and luxurious style having less people and impressive nature of wildlife.
The reserve occupies a total of more than 75,000 hectares of malaria free habitat and houses more than a host of wildlife and these include the Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs and more than 350 bird species. The conservation of wildlife is probably one of the best things about Madikwe, and in fact, it aims at restoring endangered wildlife specifically the African wild dog and cheetah to the place.
Tourists in Madikwe will have an opportunity to view the game in open-vehicle guided tours, go on foot, and even at night, as the night animals of the bush will emerge. Luxurious lodges and camps have been made available in Madikwe and a good number of the reserves offer packages that are inclusive of meals and drinks and the safari activities, making it the best option of seeking a luxury safari adventure in and around Johannesburg.
6. Timbavati Private Nature reserve.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is one of the best guilt-free places in the vicinity of Johannesburg, especially to those who want to enjoy the excitement of having a safari on their own. Timbavati is found in the region greater Kruger national park where there is a beautiful reserve which has exclusive access to the Big Five including a driven rare population of white lion species. The reserve is also known to be keen on protecting wildlife and provides a closer and more personalized safari to the guests.
Timbavati exists in the special game viewing where guests are guided in the wilderness to follow the animals in their natural habitat. Tourists can also spend time in up-market lodges that in most cases offer spectacular views of the bush, private plunge pools, and fine dining experiences. Timbavati is a place where one can immerse themselves in the wild, and also give it a chance to closely interact with the animals in more intimate setting.
7. KwaZulu-Natal Game Reserves
It is not right next to Johannesburg yet the KwaZulu-Natal region that can be accessed within a flight lasting 1-2 hours, is home to a number of game reserves worth paying a visit. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, or Phinda Private Game Reserve are the reserves which provide excellent wildlife experience and the chance at sightseeing such animals like elephants, rhinos, lions, and other typical species. KwaZulu-Natal also has a wide variety of landscape which features wetlands, grasslands and coastal forests thus making it a special safari event.
Conclusion
South Africa is home to some of the finest safari parks and reserves in the world and in the case of the visitors of the city or staying in Johannesburg, there are several alternatives available to visit the beautiful wildlife and natural beauty of the country. A combination of the renowned Kruger National Park, the secluded activities of Madikwe, or the more obtainable ones including Pilanesberg and Dinokeng, there exists a safari location to meet the preferences of each traveler.
These parks and reserves are home to an excellent abundance of wildlife, spectacular sceneries, and conservation ethos; and they offer the safari experience that you will remember and which will endure in your memory as the wild heart of Africa. Therefore, when it comes to going on a safari with Johannesburg, these high-ranking places will provide the adventure of a lifetime.
