10 Places to Experience a Safari Near Gauteng

Gauteng, also known as the “place of gold,” is the smallest province in South Africa but is surrounded by amazing places to experience a safari. The province is home to and bordered by numerous game reserves that offer an authentic safari experience.

Here are the top 10 places to experience a safari near Gauteng.

Dinokeng Game Reserve

Located near Cullinan, Dinokeng Game Reserve is the only Big Five game reserve in Gauteng. The reserve offers a variety of safari experiences, including game drives, bush walks, and hot air balloon safaris. Visitors can spot several species of antelope, lions, elephants, and more.

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Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Situated in the North-West Province, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is just a short drive from Johannesburg. The reserve has over 7000 animals and over 300 bird species. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided bush walks, and hot air balloon safaris.

Welgevonden Game Reserve

Welgevonden Game Reserve is in the Waterberg region of Limpopo Province, just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg. The reserve is home to over 50 mammal species, including the Big Five. Game drives, guided walks, and horseback safaris are all available.

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge

Cradle Moon brings the rural safari experience closer to the city; it is just outside of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Its scenic landscape draws nature lovers of all kinds for hikes, cycling, swimming, boat rides, and game drives. Visitors can expect to see plenty of wildlife such as Rhino, Leopard, Eland, Giraffe, Hartebeest, and Wildebeest.

Lion & Safari Park

Located just outside of Johannesburg, Lion & Safari Park is a popular game reserve that offers visitors the chance to see lions up close. The park has a breeding program for endangered species and offers guided tours to learn more about the animals and their conservation efforts.

Entabeni Safari Conservancy

Just three hours from Johannesburg, Entabeni Safari Conservancy is part of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere and offers a diverse range of wildlife. The conservancy is known for its stunning scenery, including the famous Hanglip Mountain, and provides various accommodation options, from luxury lodges to tented camps.

Mabula Game Reserve

Mabula Game Reserve gives visitors an extraordinary encounter with South Africa’s bushveld. It is located just two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Johannesburg in the Malaria Free Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province. Visitors can enjoy a variety of animals, birds, plant life, and a magical and unforgettable experience.

Kololo Game Reserve

Kololo Game Reserve, located about two and a half hours from Johannesburg, is situated in the Waterberg area and offers a family-friendly safari experience. The reserve is malaria-free and is known for its abundant wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species.

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Madikwe Game Reserve

Roughly a four-and-a-half hours’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Madikwe Game Reserve can be found near the Botswana border. Madikwe is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa. It is one of the lesser-known reserves, which makes it a perfect getaway. It is one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers visitors a Big 5 safari experience over 750km².

Marakele National Park

Last on this list is Marakele National Park, which is in the Waterberg region of Limpopo. The park has breathtaking scenery and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy guided game drives or take on the hiking trails to experience the park’s natural splendour.

Gauteng may be a small province, but there are so many amazing game reserves and national parks nearby that offer authentic safari experiences. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these top 10 places provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy wild nature and have a memorable trip.