Johannesburg as a Safari Add-On: Pilanesberg, Sabi Sands and Kruger

Johannesburg as a Safari Add-On: Pilanesberg, Sabi Sands and Kruger

For many travellers, Johannesburg is simply where the plane lands, but it can also be the starting point of a very good safari. Within a short drive or flight of O.R. Tambo International Airport sit some of South Africa's best wildlife areas: Pilanesberg, the Private Reserves of the Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park. Add a few days to your trip, and you can swap city streets for Big Five game-viewing without losing a day to travel.

The three options are very different. Pilanesberg is the easy, malaria-free drive. The Sabi Sands is a luxury Private Reserve on the Kruger's western boundary, famed for its leopards. The Kruger itself is the classic, large-scale wildlife experience. This guide compares them, explains how to reach each one from Johannesburg and shows how to fit a safari around a city stay, so you can choose the right add-on for your dates, budget and style. If this is your first trip, start with your first safari in Africa and our South Africa safari page.

What is the best safari to add to a Johannesburg stay?

For the easiest option, choose Pilanesberg: it is a 2-3 hour drive from Johannesburg, malaria-free and home to the Big Five. For the most luxurious and exclusive experience, choose a lodge in the Sabi Sands, reached by a short flight, (45-60 minutes) plus a lodge transfer. For a larger-scale, classic safari with more variety of price and style, choose the Kruger National Park and the Private Reserves around it.

Key Takeaways

• Pilanesberg: 2-3 hours by road from Johannesburg, malaria-free, with the Big Five, and good for short stays and families.
• Sabi Sands: a Private Reserve bordering the Kruger, accessed by a short flight, with off-road driving, night drives and exceptional leopard sightings. It is not malaria-free.
• Kruger: vast, varied and available at a wide range of prices, from rest camps to luxury lodges.
• Time needed: two to three nights is enough for Pilanesberg, and three to four nights suits the Sabi Sands and Kruger.
• Best season: the dry winter, from May to September, is best for game viewing, though each area is rewarding year-round.
• Plan the logistics: check flight schedules and transfer times, and allow a buffer between your international flight and your safari.
• Use a specialist: the right lodge, location and flight timing change the experience.

Why Add a Safari to Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has plenty to offer, from museums and history to food and design, but most visitors who come to South Africa are really looking for wildlife and scenery. Adding a safari makes sense for several reasons.

Close, easy and efficient

Johannesburg is the main gateway to South Africa, and a safari is only a short transfer away. That means you can combine a city stay with wildlife without a long internal journey. This is especially useful for travellers on a limited number of days, or those flying in from the UK or USA. See direct flights to Johannesburg from the USA and UK for how to get here.

Variety for different travellers

Pilanesberg, the Sabi Sands and the Kruger suit different tastes and budgets. You can choose a self-drive, a family-friendly lodge or an ultra-luxury camp, depending on which you desire.

A natural first step before further travel

A short safari in South Africa is also a good introduction before a longer trip elsewhere, for example to Botswana or the Victoria Falls, and many guests use Johannesburg as the start or end of a bigger journey.

Pilanesberg: The Easy Drive

Pilanesberg is the simplest safari to add to Johannesburg. It is close to the city, safe from malaria and set in a striking landscape, making it ideal for short trips.

What makes Pilanesberg special

The park lies on the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic crater, which gives it a dramatic landscape of hills, valleys and open plains around a central lake. It is home to the Big Five, as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, wild dog and a wide range of birds. The malaria-free status makes it appealing for families and anyone who prefers to avoid prophylaxis.

Getting there

Pilanesberg is 170 kms from Johannesburg, and the drive usually takes a little over two hours, depending on traffic and which entrance gate you use. Many lodges arrange road transfers, but self-driving is straightforward with good roads. See South Africa's North West province.

Where to stay

Pilanesberg offers a range from self-catering to luxury lodges. Nearby, Sun City Cascades is a resort-style base, while the wider area also includes Private Reserves such as Marataba. Another malaria-free option in the region is Madikwe, with lodges such as Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, Madikwe Safari Lodge and Jamala Madikwe. For more on malaria-free choices, read malaria-free safari and malaria-free safari destinations.

Best for

Short stays of 2-3 nights, families, first-time safari-goers, travellers avoiding malaria and anyone on a tighter budget.

Specialist tip: if you want exclusivity and off-road driving, consider a Private Reserve near Pilanesberg or Madikwe rather than the National Park alone.

Sabi Sands: Luxury and Leopards

The Sabi Sands is the choice for travellers who want the best South African luxury safari. It combines high-end lodges with outstanding game viewing and a strong reputation for leopard sightings.

What makes the Sabi Sands special

The Sabi Sands is a Private Reserve that borders the Kruger National Park on its western side. Its boundary with the Kruger is unfenced, so wildlife moves freely between them, but it is not itself part of the Kruger. Because it is private, lodges can offer off-road driving, night drives and walking safaris, which means closer, more exclusive sightings and fewer vehicles. Note that it is not malaria-free.

Getting there

From Johannesburg, scheduled flights to Skukuza or Kruger Mpumalanga International take 45-60 minutes, followed by a road transfer arranged by your lodge. Skukuza is often the most convenient for southern lodges, but transfer times vary, so we will confirm the best airport for your chosen camp. Driving is possible but long, so most guests fly. Read about Kruger and Mpumalanga.

Where to stay

The Sabi Sands and neighbouring reserves have some of Africa's most celebrated lodges, including Londolozi Founders Camp, Londolozi Private Granite Suites, Singita Boulders, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. Read South Africa's most luxurious safari lodges.

Best for

Luxury travellers, honeymooners, photographers, leopard enthusiasts and anyone who wants close, private game viewing.

Specialist tip: book a minimum of three nights to give yourself several drives, because wildlife sightings, especially of leopards, are never guaranteed on a single outing.

Kruger National Park: The Classic Safari

The Kruger is South Africa's flagship National Park and one of Africa's great wildlife destinations. Its size and variety mean it can suit nearly every budget and style.

What makes the Kruger special

The park covers a vast area of savanna, with the Big Five, large herds of elephant and buffalo, and a long list of predators and birds. You can explore on a self-drive, join guided drives from rest camps, or stay at a private lodge in a concession or neighbouring reserve. Read safari in the Kruger National Park.

Getting there

From Johannesburg you can fly to a Kruger-area airport in less than an hour or drive, which takes several hours depending on your destination. Flying is usually best for a short add-on. See the Kruger and Mpumalanga and our 3-night safari in the Kruger.

Where to stay

Options range from National Park rest camps to luxury concessions. Examples include

Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni in the Kruger, Royal Malewane in the Thornybush area, and Thornybush Game Lodge. Read our review of the best of Royal Malewane.

Best for

Self-drive travellers, families, repeat visitors and anyone who wants the full Kruger experience at a range of prices. See national parks vs game reserves for how the two compare.

Specialist tip: if you drive yourself, start early and move slowly, and consider adding a night or two in a private lodge for guided drives and off-road access.

Pilanesberg vs Sabi Sand vs Kruger: Quick Comparison

Best Time to Go

All three areas are good year-round, but the experience changes with the season. Choosing your timing helps with both wildlife and comfort.

May to September: the dry winter

This is generally the best period for game viewing. Vegetation thins out and animals gather at water, making them easier to see. Mornings can be cold on open vehicles, so pack layers. Read our guide to winter game viewing in South Africa.

October to April: summer

Summer is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape is green and the birdlife is excellent, with many animals having young, but vegetation is thicker and sightings can be harder. Malaria risk is generally higher in the wet season.

For a broader view, see the best time to visit South Africa.

How to Fit a Safari Around Johannesburg

The key is a smooth connection between your international flight, your city time and your safari. These sample plans show how it can work.

4 nights: Johannesburg and Pilanesberg

One night in Johannesburg to recover from the flight, followed by a drive to Pilanesberg for two nights, then a final night back in the city before departure.

5 to 6 nights: Johannesburg and the Sabi Sands

Arrive in Johannesburg, spend a night, then fly to the Kruger area for three nights in a Private Reserve, and return for a final evening in the city.

7 to 8 nights: Johannesburg, Kruger and Cape Town

Add the Cape to a safari for a classic South Africa combination. See Classic South Africa, Cape Town and the Winelands.

Beyond South Africa

Johannesburg is also the gateway to Botswana, the Victoria Falls and Mauritius. See Classic Botswana, Ultimate Botswana and Victoria Falls and South Africa and Mauritius.

Spending Time in Johannesburg

A city stay adds depth to a safari trip, and it can be as short as one night. Johannesburg has a rich history and a lively contemporary scene.

What to see and do

Visit the Apartheid Museum, explore Soweto, wander through art and design districts and sample the food. Read our Johannesburg highlights and the guide to Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Where to stay

For a comfortable base, see The Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg. For more on the city, our press page compares Cape Town vs Johannesburg.

Safety and transfers

We recommend pre-booked private transfers and local guides in Johannesburg. For general advice, read safety tips for USA travellers to Africa.

Practical Tips

A few details make the difference on a short safari. Here is what we suggest.

• Check the baggage limits: light aircraft to the Kruger area and many lodges have soft-bag weight limits. Read what to pack for your African safari holiday.
• Leave a buffer: allow a night in Johannesburg between an international arrival and your safari flight, particularly after a long-haul journey.
• Health: Pilanesberg and Madikwe are malaria-free, but the Sabi Sands and Kruger are not. Speak to a travel clinic well before you travel.
• Dress in layers: winter mornings are cold on open vehicles, while summer is hot.
• Bring binoculars and a camera: you will use them daily.
• Insurance: we recommend travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Why Book with Africa Travel?

A short safari depends on tight logistics and a good lodge. Africa Travel is a boutique, owner-run specialist with offices in the UK and South Africa and more than 30 years of experience designing trips across the continent.

• First-hand knowledge: our recommendations are based on personal experience and regular site inspections. Meet our experts and read more about us.
• Joined-up planning: we coordinate international flights, domestic flights, transfers, city stays and lodges so that everything connects seamlessly.
• Tailor-made: we design each trip around your dates, budget and interests.
• Financial protection: flights and flight-inclusive holidays are protected by the ATOL scheme (ATOL number 3384).
• Industry recognition: Africa Travel has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller as one the World's Top Travel Specialists.
• Dedicated support: our London and Cape Town teams are on hand before, during  and after your trip. Check our FAQs or contact us to begin planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far is Pilanesberg from Johannesburg?

Approximately 170 kms, with the drive typically taking a little over two hours, depending on traffic and which entrance gate you use.

2. Is Pilanesberg malaria-free?

Yes. Pilanesberg and Madikwe are popular malaria-free options. The Sabi Sands and Kruger are not, so seek advice from a travel clinic. See malaria-free safari destinations.

3. How do I get from Johannesburg to the Sabi Sand?

Most guests take a scheduled flight to Skukuza or Kruger Mpumalanga International, which takes 45-60 minutes, followed by a road transfer arranged by the lodge. Africa Travel will advise on the best airport.

4. What is the difference between the Sabi Sands and the Kruger?

The Sabi Sands is a Private Reserve that borders the Kruger and shares an unfenced boundary. Private lodges there can offer off-road driving, night drives and walking safaris, while the Kruger is a National Park with more restrictions but a wider range of prices. Read national parks vs game reserves.

5. How many nights do I need for a Johannesburg safari add-on?

Two to three nights for Pilanesberg, and three to four nights for the Sabi Sands or Kruger, plus a night in Johannesburg on either side if possible.

6. What is the best time of year for these safaris?

The dry winter, May to September, is generally best for wildlife viewing. Summer is greener and quieter, with afternoon storms. See the best time to visit South Africa.

7. Can I self-drive in Pilanesberg and the Kruger?

Yes both allow self-drive, with good roads and clear rules. Read self-drive in South Africa and top 10 tips for a self-drive safari.

8. Can I combine a Johannesburg safari with Cape Town or Botswana?

Absolutely. Many itineraries combine a short safari with Cape Town, the Winelands, Botswana or the Victoria Falls. See Classic South Africa and Ultimate Botswana and Victoria Falls.