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 2021-2022

All Johannesburg Safaris

South Africa Big Five Safari

Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal
9 Days from $2,865

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! End your tour with a stay at Rhino Post Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park.

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

Wildlife and the Falls

Johannesburg to Johannesburg
13 Days from $13,695

Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 4-day African river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg and 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 $14,295

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 $16,495

Explore Africa by land and river boat on this 17-day safari cruise! 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.

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth

Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
9 Days from $7,315

From Johannesburg, South Africa, enjoy this 9-day exploration cruise of Southern Africa aboard the luxurious Zimbabwean Dream. Get an up-close experience of the region's wildlife, observe the grandness of Victoria Falls, and meet the locals. Along the way you'll visit Chobe National Park, Lake Kariba, and other top destinations.

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 offers 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
13 Days from $10,287

From Johannesburg to Zambia along the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers, this 13-day itinerary provides an intimate look at the nature of South Africa from aboard the African 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.

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

South Africa Big Five Luxury Safari

9 Days from $7,573

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. Wildlife is at the heart of this unforgettable South Africa experience.

Discover Africa

10 Days from $10,799

From the luxurious Zambezi Queen, this 10-day Africa river cruise 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.

South Africa Luxury Family Safari

12 Days from $11,984

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 Town before you head off for wildlife viewing in Tswalu and Sabi Sands Reserve. Kayaking among penguins, wine tasting, and horseback riding are all part of this exciting adventure.

Best Luxury Safaris Visiting Johannesburg

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Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Wildlife and the Falls	$13695	13	Aug 1, 2021	Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 4-day African river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg and 3 … 0
Golden Trails of Africa	$16495	17	Aug 1, 2021	Explore Africa by land and river boat on this 17-day safari cruise! Cruise the Chobe River, visit local villages, take a safari through the Serengeti … 0
South Africa Big Five Luxury Safari	$7574	9	Jul 31, 2021	This 9-day South Africa trip highlights Johannesburg, private Phinda Reserve, the beaches of Dolphin Coast, and culminates with a stay at &Beyond … 0
South Africa Luxury Family Safari	$11984	12	Jul 31, 2021	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 … 0
Rivers & Rails of Africa	$14695	13	Aug 13, 2021	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 … 0

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.