Top Pretoria Wildlife Watching in 2026

An early bird catches the fattest worm. Our 5am game drive in summer is the best time to see the animals while they are more active, you stand a very good chance of encountering the big 5 before its too hot. Choose between our 5am, 9am and 4pm game drive. Escape for the day with our exciting day trips. Perfect for those with limited time. Our expertly crafted tours offer a taste of adventure in just one day. Explore the new destinations and make the most of your time. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of South Africa's diverse habitats. Encounter the Big Five and other rare wildlife species in their natural habitats, birdwatch, and explore South Africa's unique fauna and flora. Led by expert guides, our sustainable tours offer unforgettable experiences that will leave you in awe. Experience the thrill of up-close wildlife encounters on our nature tours and safaris.

Dinokeng game reserve it's located 40kms frome Pretoria, and 1 and half hours from Johannesburg. It's an anti malaria free zone. It's the home of Big five of Africa and other animal species roaming freely in 18500 hectares game reserve, where you are going to enjoy early morning game drives,midmorning, late afternoon gamedrive with our qualified game ranger. Atmosphere is spectacular for young and the old so let's enjoy.

Just outside the capital of South Africa, lies the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for over a thousand creatures. This small-group tour, limited to just 15 travelers, takes you on a game drive in a closed, air-conditioned vehicle through the reserve where you can spot game such as cheetah, buffalo, zebras, hippo, and rhinos. National park fees and round-trip transportation from select hotels are included.

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.

You should go on a hot air balloon ride at least once in your life. It offers a tranquil and scenic experience like no other—the rustic vibes, the breeze, and the feeling of flight are immaculate! Hot air balloons often happen in the wee hours of the morning when temperatures are cool and you witness a more spectacular sunrise on air and the wind conditions aren’t as strong as the rest of the day. Hot air balloon rides are sensitive to the weather, so if the wind is stronger than usual, they may be canceled for safety reasons. It’s essential to book your trip in advance so you can assure you’ll have a spot. Wearing a hat or cap, especially when you’re near the gas jets, is highly recommended as It can get really hot there. There are no fixed routes for hot air balloon rides, the pilot will follow where the wind condition is best, so you might wonder where will we get picked up after the flight? The touring company vehicles will follow up to pick you up from where you land.

This is The African Experience in one day. Safari and Cultural Tour only 1 hour from Johannesburg. You get the opportunity to experience wild game including preditors from the car at close range and then find out all about the African Culture and meet the local people. Shane is a third generation South African and will share many stories of his experiences living in Africa for over 60 years. Your guide has a passion for his country and culture that includes the apartheid years and the New South Africa. He will answer all your questions and share his accumulated knowledge of this beautiful country. Shane is the author of the book White Boy. A true story of a boy growing up in the Apartheid era.

"Experience the breathtaking beauty of South Africa from a new perspective with our hot air balloon ride. Drift gently above the landscape as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills and wildlife below. *Highlights:* - *Breathtaking views*: Witness the stunning scenery of South Africa's countryside - *Peaceful experience*: Enjoy the serenity of floating above the world - *Unique perspective*: See wildlife and landscapes from a new and thrilling angle *What makes it unique:* - *Early morning flights* offer the best light and most tranquil experience - *Expert pilots* ensure a safe and memorable journey - *Champagne toast* after the flight to celebrate your adventure *Book now and:* - *Soar above the world* in a hot air balloon - *Capture unforgettable moments* with stunning views - *Experience the magic* of flight over South Africa's beautiful landscapes *Join us for a serene and spectacular hot air balloon ride!*"

Spend a day observing South African wildlife on this safari adventure to Pilanesberg National Park. The early morning and evening are the best chances to see wildlife, and this adventure includes two private game drives during those peak times. Ride in an open-air vehicle for unobstructed views of your surroundings and try to catch sight of the Big 5.

A compact national park just a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg offers a wealth of wildlife—including the Big Five. Skip the stress of driving Johannesburg and join an experienced ranger on this overnight package with a 3-star lodge, two meals, and round-trip transfers from your Johannesburg hotel. You'll enjoy two to four game drives depending on timings, including at sunset and sunrise when the animals are most active.