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 2019

Johannesburg Safaris (12 Results)

All Johannesburg Safaris

South Africa Big Five Safari

Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal
9 Days from $3,108

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

14 Days from $12,995

Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 5-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 $13,695

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 $15,695

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

2019
9 Days from $7,100

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 with Extended Stay at The Cape of Good Hope

Port-to-Port Cruise
12 Days from $9,544

Board the African Dream for a 12-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.

Highlights of South Africa

14 Days from $3,535

Spend two weeks traveling along South Africa's southern coast exploring cities like Johannesburg & Cape Town, tasting wine, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, and searching for the Big 5 in Kruger National Park.

Zulus & Zebras

7 Days from $2,019

Experience the unique Zulu culture of small villages and the thrill of searching for Africa's Big 5 on this week-long safari through South Africa. Starting in Johannesburg, you'll visit Kruger National Park, the Kingdom of eSwatini, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park en route to your departure point in Durban City.

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

South Africa Big Five Luxury Safari

9 Days from $8,279

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.

Discover Africa

10 Days from $9,299

From the luxurious Zambezi Queen, this 10-day itinerary showcases the best of South Africa & Botswana, including wildlife viewing, stops in Chobe National Park, and even a visit to the renowned Victoria Falls. You'll see elephants, leopards, lions, gazelles, and buffalo.

Best Luxury Safaris Visiting Johannesburg

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Wildlife and the Falls	$12995	14	Mar 10, 2019	Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 5-day African river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg & 3 nights …
Golden Trails of Africa	$15695	17	Mar 10, 2019	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	$8280	9	Feb 18, 2019	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	$176781	12	Feb 18, 2019	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	$13995	14	Mar 8, 2019	This 14-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.