Johannesburg is the starting point for some of the world's premier African safaris. With a population of just under a million and coined the "City of Gold," due to diamond and gold mining here since the 1800s which helped the city become a metropolitan center of business and culture. Flying into Johannesburg, you can explore Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves, where cheetahs, wild dogs and the Big Five can be spotted during the day and you'll relax in luxurious safari lodges on private reserves in the evenings. Also from Johannesburg, fly north to neighboring Botswana and explore the Chobe River on a luxury safari cruise spotting elephants from your floating suite. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your trip and one of our South Africa experts can help you find the perfect lodge and safari.

10 Best Safaris from Johannesburg for 2020

Johannesburg Safaris (13 Results)

All Johannesburg Safaris

South Africa Big Five Safari

Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal
9 Days from $3,188

After arriving in Johannesburg, spend 9 days traveling through KwaZulu Natal and Kruger National Park on this authentic safari in search of the Big 5 wildlife. You'll also enjoy a trip to Dolphin Coast where optional boat excursions offer close encounters with bottle-nose dolphins!

A herd of elephants of all sizes make their way across the valley.

Wildlife and the Falls

Johannesburg to Johannesburg
13 Days from $13,295

Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 4-day African river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg & 3 nights at a luxury safari lodge in greater Kruger National Park. Along the way, see the "Big 5" plains animals as you do daily game drives.

Stars of South Africa

15 Days from $13,995

This two-week adventure combines a stay in Cape Town, a river cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen, and a stay in the private Tintswalo Atlantic game lodge. Experience the best of South Africa with the opportunity to visit national parks, take game drives, and visit Victoria Falls, all in one itinerary!

Golden Trails of Africa

17 Days from $15,895

Explore Africa by land and river boat on this 17-day combination tour! Cruise the Chobe River, visit local villages, take a safari through the Serengeti and Tarangire National Park, and tour Victoria Falls, all from aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen and a host of luxurious hotels in the heart of wild Africa.

A close up of a type of traditional dress worn in Africa.

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth

9 Days from $7,315

Board the African Dream for a 9-day cruise along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, from Johannesburg to Zambia this itinerary provides an intimate look at the nature of South Africa. Get an up-close experience of the region's wildlife, observe the grandness of Victoria Falls, and meet the locals during face-to-face interactions.

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth

Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
9 Days from $7,286

Enjoy this 9-day exploration of Southern Africa, and sailing aboard Zimbabwean Dream. Get an up-close experience of the region's wildlife, observe the grandness of Victoria Falls, and meet the locals during face-to-face interactions.

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth

Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
10 Days from $8,244

Board the African Dream for a 14-day cruise to the ends of the Earth. Get an up-close experience of the region's wildlife, observe the grandness of Victoria Falls, and meet the locals during face-to-face interactions.

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth with Extended Stay at The Cape of Good Hope

Port-to-Port Cruise
13 Days from $10,287

After touring South Africa board the African Dream to cruise along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. From Johannesburg to Zambia this itinerary provides an intimate look at the nature of South Africa. Get an up-close experience of the region's wildlife, observe the grandness of Victoria Falls, and meet the locals during face-to-face interactions.

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth with Extended Stay at the Cape of Good Hope

Cape Town to Victoria Falls
13 Days from $10,201

Tour South Africa before boarding the Zimbabwean Dream for the cruise portion of the tour, through the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Start the tour in Cape Town, the city known for its harbor and landmarks. Get an up-close experience of the region's wildlife, observe the grandness of Victoria Falls, and meet the locals during face-to-face interactions.

A herd of zebras quench their thirst at a watering hole.

South Africa Big Five Luxury Safari

9 Days from $8,439

This 9-day South Africa trip highlights Johannesburg, private Phinda Reserve, the beaches of Dolphin Coast, and culminates with a stay at &Beyond Leadwood Lodge outside Kruger National Park.

Best Luxury Safaris Visiting Johannesburg

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Wildlife and the Falls	$13295	13	Jun 7, 2020	Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 4-day African river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg & 3 nights …
Golden Trails of Africa	$15895	17	Jun 7, 2020	Explore Africa by land and river boat on this 17-day combination tour! Cruise the Chobe River, visit local villages, take a safari through the …
South Africa Big Five Luxury Safari	$8439	9	May 28, 2020	This 9-day South Africa trip highlights Johannesburg, private Phinda Reserve, the beaches of Dolphin Coast, and culminates with a stay at &Beyond …
South Africa Luxury Family Safari	$14160	12	May 28, 2020	Enjoy a 12-day family friendly luxury safari visiting some of the best game reserves & wine lands in South Africa. Explore the vibrant city of Cape …
Rivers & Rails of Africa	$14295	13	Jun 5, 2020	This 13-day tour combines a stay in Cape Town, a Chobe River cruise aboard the comfortable Zambezi Queen, a safari in Chobe National Park, and a stay …

Johannesburg Safari Tips & Travel Guide

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South Africa Safari: 10 Zany Creatures You Never Even Knew Existed

Africa is world-renowned for its wildlife. We have all heard about the "Big Five" game animals, but have you ever heard of a Dugong? How about a Galago? A Kudu? Or a Pangolin? In this article, we reveal some of Africa's more unique inhabitants.

Johannesburg Highlights
Since the 1800s, the city of Johannesburg has been one of South Africa's most important cities and a literal gem - this has historically been the base for much of the diamond mining that has made this country wealthy. Any trip to Johannesburg could include:

A visit to Kruger National Park for a traditional safari in an open-air vehicle to spot elephant, lion, cheetah, cape buffalo, giraffe, and hippo.
Exploration of coastal KwaZulu-Natal, where dolphins can be spotted off the shores.
An in-depth discovery of Swaziland, including a visit to an authetnic Zulu homestead and the Matsamo Cultural Village.
Cultural tours of Johannesburg and other major South African cities to see how they appreciate their historic past but keep a sharp eye towards the future.