The best safari escapes close to Johannesburg

This might be South Africa’s most unique safari stay. Perched above the Sabie River on a restored railway bridge, Kruger Shalati lets you sleep in a converted train carriage, though “carriage” doesn’t quite do it justice. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, air-conditioning, plush linen, and locally made gowns. Don’t miss cocktails in the infinity pool suspended over the river, or the wine cellar and gourmet dinner menu that rival anything in the city.

Yes, it’s as extra as it sounds—and completely worth the hype.

Best for: Honeymooners and those celebrating special occasions

Kruger National Park | 1 hour flight to Skukuza + 15min transfer, or 5 hour drive

Sitting on a rim overlooking the golden escarpments of the Waterberg, Babohi is a quiet showstopper that feels far more remote than it is. Set within a malaria-free UNESCO biosphere reserve, this adults-only lodge combines modern design with a conservation-first ethos.

Gone is the old-school safari décor of dark wood and thatch. Instead, expect plush double-volume suites and marble bathrooms, an infinity pool, and excellent food. It’s a gorgeously modern lodge with a conservation-first ethos, and guides who genuinely love every cheetah, hyena, or hornbill you spot.

Best for: Couples craving modern safari luxury

Limpopo | 3 hour drive 

No roundup of safari escapes near the City of Gold would be complete without a mention of Pilanesberg. This National Park is a go-to for weekend holidays, and Kwa Maritane is one of the best choices out there if you want to bring the kids along.

Built on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater, the lodge manages to keep all generations happy. Kids can splash in the rock pool while adults enjoy drinks at the waterhole bar. Another highlight is the underground hide, where you can do some impromptu after-hours game viewing without leaving your chair.

Best for: Families looking for kid-friendly perks without sacrificing on safari style

North West | 2.5 hour drive

Need a cheap-but-charming bush stop? As Gauteng’s only Big Five reserve, Dinokeng is still a fairly well-kept secret and attracts mostly local visitors. For a weekend breakaway, iKhaya LamaDube delivers.

The self-catering chalets have small plunge pools, shaded patios, and kitchenettes, so it’s perfect for braais or bush dinners under the stars. Guests rave about the staff, who take service seriously, and have even been known to step in during an Eskom outage with wood, braai gear, and ice.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers or large groups.

Gauteng | 1.5 hour drive

Madikwe is a favourite among Joburg safari lovers for a reason. It’s wild, malaria-free, and wonderfully crowd-free, with regular sightings of lion, leopard, wild dog and elephant. Tau’s thatched suites are strung along the edge of a permanent waterhole. So even when you’re off the vehicle, the game viewing doesn’t stop. Expect morning coffee with elephants, sundowners with zebra, and the odd hippo bellow at midnight.

At evening sundowners, you’ll probably spot the lights of Gaborone sparkling in the distance.

Best for: Serious safari-goers who want to get away from the madding crowds.

North West | 4-hour drive or 1‑hour charter from Lanseria

Just 90 minutes from Johannesburg, Lejwe La Metsi is an exclusive safari escape nestled in the Waterberg’s rolling hills. With only five villas on 2,500 hectares of pristine reserve, it offers privacy, luxury, and personalised experiences, from mountaintop hikes to custom picnic lunches. The lodge is deeply committed to conservation, working to protect rare species like the Zambezi sable antelope.

With its marble finishes, lush gardens, and heartfelt hospitality, Lejwe blends elegance with a sense of home. Meaning “Rock of Water,” the name reflects the natural springs that flow throughout the property, leaving guests feeling refreshed, grounded, and connected to nature.

Best for: couples, small groups, and families seeking privacy, luxury, and a deeply personalised safari experience.

Limpopo | 1‑hour 30-minute drive from Johannesburg

Safari Plains is a luxury safari lodge in the Mabula Private Game Reserve that offers a truly family-friendly bush escape. With spacious tented suites, hearty dining, and special touches like kids’ menus and bedtime storybooks, it’s perfect for parents travelling with little ones.

The standout Kiddies Bumble game drive lets children enjoy a shorter, interactive safari experience, spotting giraffes, zebras, and more. Adults can explore the reserve on classic safaris, guided walks, or even hot air balloon rides. At Safari Plains, every family member gets to experience the magic of the wild in comfort and style.

Best for: multigenerational families and families with young children (especially parents introducing their kids to the bush for the first time) who want to experience a luxury safari without compromising on comfort or convenience.

Limpopo | 2.5-hour drive 

Just three hours from Johannesburg, Ivory Tree Game Lodge offers a luxurious safari experience in the heart of Pilanesberg National Park. Nestled in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains and ancient elephant trails, the lodge blends stylish comfort with immersive wildlife encounters.

While guests come hoping to spot the Big Five, it’s the magical moments (like being quietly surrounded by a herd of elephants) that make the experience unforgettable. With five-star dining, outdoor showers, and plush rooms, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the bush without sacrificing comfort. Ivory Tree is where wild adventure meets refined relaxation. 

Best for: couples, groups of friends, and adult families seeking a refined, immersive safari experience with all the comforts of luxury travel.

North West | 3-hour drive or 1‑hour charter from Lanseria