Top Gauteng Nature and Wildlife Tours

The Pilanesberg National Park is home to Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. On this full-day tour, increase your chance of wildlife sightings with two guided game drives in an open safari vehicle, tuck into a delicious lunch looking out over a popular waterhole, and perhaps spot giraffe, hippos, zebras, and antelope in their natural environment.

Johannesburg is known for being a gateway to fantastic wildlife encounters, and this option is perfect for time-tight travelers interested in seeing a variety of animal species in just half a day. Enjoy included hotel pickup and travel to the Safari Lion Park. Animals that reside at the park include rare white lions, brown lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebra, and antelopes.

Skip the stress of self-driving Johannesburg in the early hours, and enjoy wide-angle views from an open safari vehicle on this full-day tour to Pilanesberg National Park. This compact reserve is home to all of the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and elephants—and your dedicated safari guides will help you spot them. Your day includes lunch, hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a bottle of water: breakfast is at your own expense.

Go in search of wildlife, even if you have limited time, with this small-group half-day tour from Johannesburg. Enjoy hotel pickup from your accommodations in the morning and transfer to the Rhino and Lion Reserve in Krugersdorp, home to more than 30 species of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, cheetahs, tigers, and leopards.

This Lion and Safari Park trip is a great pick for travelers visiting Johannesburg or Pretoria. Only a short 45-minute drive away, the vast 1,000-hectare (2,471-acre) landscape is home to an abundance of wildlife—including cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, lions, and zebras. Once inside the grounds, a guide takes you on a ride around the grassy plains to spot the magnificent creatures safely from your vehicle.

If you’ve only got a day to fit in a safari drive, this visit to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve ensures you make the most of it. Begin with an early morning pickup, then head straight to Pilanesberg for a 4x4 safari drive. During the tour, look out for the “Big Five”, take a break for lunch, then take part in an afternoon drive for even more wildlife spotting. Note that park admission is not included.

Break away from the classic game drive and enjoy wildlife viewing atop a horse on this exciting half-day tour. With a private guide, trot through a wildlife reserve to observe South African animals in their natural habitats. This is a fun excursion for anyone, even kids who are three and older, and doesn’t require any prior horseback riding experience.

Spend a day connecting with nature when you embark on this guided bushwalk through the Ukutula Conservation Center. With a small group and guide, learn about African wildlife and their behavioral traits as you walk through the park and observe them in their natural habitat. Qualified rangers and safari guides are with you at all times to ensure your safety.

Get to know the ins and outs of daily life in an elephant sanctuary on this half-day tour. Pickup and drop-off in Johannesburg or Pretoria means no need to rent a car, and you can relax on the ride up to the Magaliesburg mountains. Once there, embark on a 2-hour tour that includes in-depth facts and figures about African elephants and the sanctuary's efforts regarding rescue and rehabilitation.

Get more out of your time in South Africa by combining a hot air balloon ride with a game viewing experience. Traveling by hot air balloon instead of car allows you to fly over several game reserves in a short space of time in the scenic Cradle of Humankind area. Along the way, look out for local wildlife—including four of the “Big Five”, and access incredible photo opportunities too.

Enjoy about an hour's scenic drive from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg to the Northwest. A Guided Safari at Lion and Safari Park where you guaranteed to see Africa's wild carnivores such Lions, Hyenas, Wild dogs, Cheetahs and a variety of antelopes at close range. No additional cost for transport - you will be collected and returned to your hotel by an experienced Tour Guide in a private air-conditioned minivan. Fine restaurants on site for some local dishes or refreshments on the go.

Go in search of Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) and other wildlife at Pilanesberg National Park with this private personalized safari tour. Increase your chances of spotting wildlife with an early morning start and a qualified and experienced field guide, and enjoy the convenience of having your transfers, entrance fees, brunch, lunch, snacks, and beverages included.

Combine history and wildlife on this combo tour to the Cradle of Humankind and Rhino and Lion Reserve on this private full-day tour from Johannesburg. See where some of the oldest human and hominid fossils have been found, then look for lions, rhinos, and wild dogs on a safari drive. Includes transfers from Johannesburg.

About 90 minutes from Johannesburg, the Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeesport Dam and Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary let these intelligent and sensitive creatures live their best lives. Skip the stress of self-driving in South Africa when you join this door-to-door adventure, with a guide to explain elephants’ habits, family structures, dynamics, and even anatomy and to show you monkeys running wild and free.

Animal lovers visiting Johannesburg—this is the tour for you. Combine multiple wildlife encounters on the same trip to help you save time and maximize your time in the city. First, visit monkeys in their natural environment; then, get the chance to walk side-by-side with elephants. The trip also includes a chance to see bush babies, and educational talks to expand your knowledge of animal behavior.

Visit the Lion and safari Park of Johannesburg without the hassle of renting a car. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your Johannesburg and Pretoria hotels and admission to the lion park. Where you can explore at your leisure to see more than 85 lions, including the rare white lion and other animals such as wild dogs, hyenas and cheetahs take a 2 hour safari drive to see the animals

Get more from a visit to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre by going with a guide and not just independently. This tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria also includes pickup and drop-off for an easy day learning about cheetahs and wild dogs. Hear about the conservation efforts for cheetahs, as well as the wildlife research that takes place at this attraction.

Welcome to Pilanesberg National Park. Tucked away in South Africa’s North West Province, Pilanesberg National Park is a breath-taking malaria-free destination that promises an unforgettable safari adventure. Just two hours from Johannesburg, this stunning reserve, cradled in an ancient volcanic crater, bursts with diverse wildlife, including the iconic Big Five. With dramatic landscapes, vibrant ecosystems, and thrilling game drives, Pilanesberg delivers the magic of Africa’s wild heart—perfect for explorers seeking awe-inspiring encounters and serene escapes. Discover luxury at the 4-star Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, meaning “Place of the Rock,” perched on the slopes of an ancient volcano in Pilanesberg National Park. Enjoy elegant rooms, thrilling game drives, and a unique underground hide with a waterhole view.

This is a great pick for time-tight travelers keen to spot the Big 5. Save time researching which game reserve to go to, and enjoy a stress-free day where everything is organized for you, including round-trip transport, lunch, and National Park fees. Go to Pilanesberg National Park at sunrise—the best time for viewing wildlife, and spend several hours on an exciting SUV game drive.

This is an excellent pick for travelers visiting Johannesburg who would like a stress-free private day trip to spot some of the country’s magnificent wildlife. First, visit the vast landscape of Pilanesberg National Park to look out for the Big Five, and enjoy the personalized service of having a private guide. The trip also includes a gourmet lunch and a game drive at Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.

Experience the breathtaking beauty and wildlife of Pilanesberg Nature Reserve on a day safari from Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Sandton. Set out on a safari through this popular game reserve, keeping an eye out for the park's 'Big Five' as well as impalas, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and its diverse bird life. You can book and depart on short notice, ideal for busy travelers, and a 24-hour cancellation policy makes for a stress-free experience.

The guide is an experienced Adventure and Safari guide Your tour includes information and conversation about any topics relating to South Africa. The guide is third generation South African The private game reserve is one if the best in the country The variation in animals in this reserve would be difficult to encounter anywhere else in Douth Africa The caves are beautiful and the experience enjoyable The tour is new but is hosted by a company with many 5 star ratings

Kruger National Park—the “prince” of Africa’s national parks—is one of the most beloved parks for wildlife in the world. On this 3-day private tour, you’ll begin with a ride along South Africa’s Panorama Route, passing historic towns and high mountains. Then enter the park’s Phabeni Gate for two days of game drives, searching for elephants, lions, and more, while enjoying included accommodations and meals.