Top 12 Safari Lodges Near Johannesburg, South Africa - Updated 2024

Mitali
Mitali 
Updated
| 5 min read

One of the biggest South African cities, Johannesburg is a go-to tourist spot for many travelers around the world. It offers plenty of non-touristy things to do. What used to be the centre for gold mining is now a city filled with vibrant hubs and cultural centres. What’s more, you can learn about the past in Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill or check out artworks at Wits Art Museum. There are also weekend trips from Johannesburg that are worth checking out. From Johannesburg, you can head to Pretoria or various safari lodges. Staying in a safari lodge is the ideal way to explore the Gauteng province. It allows you to be closer to nature and catch a glimpse of wildlife while offering accommodation and access to modern amenities. If you are planning a trip to Gauteng, keep scrolling for a list of the top safari lodges near Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tip from tour guide

Jakes

Jakes
South Africa

Safari Game drive

While staying at safari lodges you have the choice to do an optional activity like a sunset game drive, game drive to a bush braai, early morning game drive/walk or a night game drive.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 22, 2024.

1. LookOut Safari Lodge (from USD 140)

Located 116 km (72.08 mi) away from Johannesburg, this safari lodge offers self-catering tents that are uniquely designed and reflect the local flavours of the bushlands.

The four-poster beds equipped with mosquito curtains ensure a full night’s rest. Guests can decompress in the bathtub after a long day of exploration. The tents also feature a functional kitchen where hearty meals can be prepared.

Guests can enjoy sitting around a campfire under a starlit sky and sipping wine while roasting meat on the outdoor braai. If you want to pamper your overworked limbs with a deep soak, hop inside the hot tub amidst the bushes to rejuvenate. Some family chalets feature a private splash pool set on a wooden deck where the family can enjoy a swim.

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LookOut Safari Lodge

Address: Look Our Safari Lodge Dinokeng Game Reserve; Nokeng tsa Taemane
2.49 km (1.6 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Spa and wellness centre Darts

2. Foreva Wild (from USD 74)

Foreva Wild is the place to be, about a two-hour drive from Johannesburg if you want to retreat into nature. Resting in a peaceful neighborhood within the Dinokeng Game Reserve, the lodge offers comfortable rooms with WiFi and a TV for entertainment. This affordable game lodge in Gauteng also serves continental breakfast every morning. There is a playground on the property for children. Board games and puzzles are also supplied for the kids to have a good time when they are here.

With an array of fun activities such as walking tours, game drives, cycling, fishing, and archery, you will never have a dull moment during your stay in this lodge.

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Foreva Wild

Wifi Available

Address: Erf 50, Welgevonden JR124, Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng
9.42 km (5.9 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Family rooms Free parking Internet services

3. Ngala Lodge (from USD 238)

Located in the Pride of Africa Nature Reserve, this luxury safari lodge near Johannesburg is around an hour and a half from the city. The premium property offers a beautiful swimming pool and barbeque facilities. Each accommodation in this safari lodge has a luxurious and modern design. Book the self-catering lodge if you are coming as a group of six and want to have your own kitchenette.

While you’re here, don’t forget to go on a two-hour game drive. You can also go on bush walks, try bird-watching, and experience a hot air balloon in the surrounding areas.

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Ngala Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: Pride Of Africa Nature Reserve, Haakdoringfontein
10.41 km (6.5 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Family rooms Breakfast in the room

4. Monateng Safari Lodge (from USD 39)

Offering the ultimate relaxing experience, this safari accommodation near Johannesburg features an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge at Wallmannsthal. There is even a playground for the little ones. You can also find a restaurant, a bar, and barbeque facilities on site for all kinds of food and drinks.

Every room here has a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a patio overlooking a garden. There are multiple activities one can enjoy around the lodge, such as hiking, game drives, water sports, and playing tennis. It is located just 20 km (12.4 mi) from Wonderboom Airport and around an hour from Johannesburg.

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Monateng Safari Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: Monateng Safari Lodge
18.98 km (11.8 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Restaurant Bar Tennis court Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Games room

Johannesburg Tour Guide

Thabang Molefe

Thabang Molefe

My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchanging knowledge, I’m an outgoing person who loves discovering and learning about history, culture and nature. As part of my value standard, I always try to change the way “the world” perceive certain parts of South Africa and Africa as a hole. I have traveled the southern African region extensively and speak various South African languages. Looking forward to meet you on one of my tours.

Tours by Thabang

5. Askari Game Lodge and Spa (from USD 174)

Stay in this safari lodge located within Plumari Private Reserve in Magaliesburg, just an hour away from Johannesburg. What used to be a farmhouse is now a property that comes with a luxurious outdoor pool. There are different accommodation types here, such as rooms and suites for two and three-bedroom cottages, all of which feature traditional South African decor.

Guests can also take advantage of the property-wide free WiFi. Other in-room amenities include a private bathroom and a minibar. You can relax at a spa or enjoy the beautiful garden. You can also participate in a variety of activities for an extra charge, such as game drives, tours, hiking, and even interacting with elephants.

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African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Doornspruit Road, Hekpoort
95.86 km (59.6 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre

6. Honey Lodge (from USD 31)

Honey Lodge is located in Klipdrift, around an hour and 20 minutes away from Johannesburg. Guests can take advantage of an outdoor pool, a shared TV lounge, and a garden. As for accommodations, the lodge offers rooms with an en-suite bathroom and a private entrance. You can enjoy guided game drives for an extra charge. Just 4.3 km (2.7 mi) away is Dinokeng Game Reserve.

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Honey Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: 122 Kaallaagte -JR
5.5 km (3.5 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services Safety deposit box BBQ facilities Heating

7. Marulani Bush Lodge (from USD 66)

Situated within Dinokeng Game Reserve, Marulani Bush Lodge offers self-catering and private accommodations. Every chalet has a covered patio with a fire pit, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. Other in-room amenities include WiFi and air conditioning. Guests can participate in game drives for an additional fee. The nearest airport, Wonderboom Airport, is merely 36 km (22.3 mi) away, while Johannesburg is less than 2 hours away.

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Marulani Bush Lodge

Address: 19 Rooibank Road Dinokeng Game Reserve
7.2 km (4.5 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

BBQ facilities Picnic area Outdoor fireplace Game drives Fire extinguishers

8. Thekwane Lodge (from USD 66)

Guests staying in this self-catering accommodation in Klipdrift, an hour and a half from Johannesburg, will have access to an outdoor pool, a shared lounge, and a garden. What’s more, WiFi is available throughout the property. Guests can also check out the terrace and enjoy their meals while using the barbeque. A shared kitchen is present on the property, too. Activities here include game drives.

Stayed at this property?

Thekwane Holiday House

Wifi Available

Address: Welgevonden 124 JR portion 44, Dinokeng Game Reserve Fisant Road
10.11 km (6.3 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Laundry Breakfast in the room

9. Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge (from USD 92)

Located in Muldersdrift, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge offers a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy delicious classic Irish and English breakfasts and a buffet. They can also hang out in the bar or garden or enjoy beautiful views from a terrace. What’s more, WiFi is available throughout the property to keep you connected.

Game drives, walking tours, and hiking are some of the activities offered here. Honeydew Mazes is just 13 km (8 mi) from the property, and Johannesburg is just an hour away.

Stayed at this property?

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Plot 59, Farm Zwartkops Beyers Naude Drive,
76.84 km (47.8 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing

10. Sibani Lodge (from USD 166)

Located within Mount Savannah Game Reserve, this beautiful lodge offers a comfortable stay. Its amenities include a magnificent outdoor pool and WiFi connection throughout the property to keep you updated with what’s happening online even while you’re on vacation. There are seating areas in all rooms, while select accommodations have a dining area and a patio.

This safari lodge is a highly favored accommodation for those who love hiking, and some activities offered here include game drives and walking tours. What’s more, it is located just 6 km (3.7 mi) from Magaliesberg Mountain Bike Trail. However, if you just want to unwind, a picnic area and massages services are available on site. From here, you can reach Johannesburg in less than 50 minutes.

Stayed at this property?

Sibani Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: Portion 39, Farm Danielsrust No. 518, R563, Mogale City, Krugersdorp
88.74 km (55.2 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Room service Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry Family rooms Ironing service

11. Crimson Bush Lodge (from USD 41)

This beautiful lodge is located 10 km (6.2 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve. Guests staying here will be given access to a garden with a swimming pool. Every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a well-equipped kitchen, and a patio. Other on-site amenities include a barbecue and a terrace. You can go on game drives for an additional charge. Wonderboom Airport is 37 km (22.9 mi) away, while Johannesburg is an hour and a half away.

Stayed at this property?

Crimson Bush Lodge

Address: Portion 6 Dewagendrift welgevonden Dinokeng Game Reserve Gauteng
8.92 km (5.6 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Room service Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning Family rooms

12. Izapa Bush And Game Lodge (from USD 88)

Izapa Bush and Game Lodge is a classy accommodation that features an outdoor pool and a restaurant. It has chalets that are ideal for two people. These chalets also come with a patio and an en-suite bathroom. A bar is also present on the property, allowing guests to enjoy themselves. Guests can borrow bikes for free to explore the area or go on game drives or walking tours. Additionally, this lodge is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg.

Stayed at this property?

Izapa Bush And Game Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: 23 of 19 Farm Bokenhoutskloof, Moloto Road 284 JR
17.35 km (10.8 mi) from Dinokeng Game Reserve

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre

Relax in a safari lodge

South Africa is known for its wide variety of flora and fauna, and if you are still wondering about where to stay, there is no better way other than to surround yourself with nature than by staying in a safari lodge. Skip the boutique hotels just this time and consider staying in one of the safari lodges listed above. They offer great accommodations and a wide variety of activities for guests. For a hassle-free trip, book a safari lodge today.

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Frequently asked questions about safari lodges near Johannesburg, South Africa


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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