Wildlife Safaris in Johannesburg — the 8 We Would Book

1.Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 384 reviews · 5 hours · from $167Our pick

Travel from Johannesburg or Pretoria in an air-conditioned vehicle, then join a one-hour open-vehicle drive at Lion and Safari Park. Expect close views of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and possibly a white lion. Guides such as Thapelo, Dusty, Sipho, and AJ have earned praise for their humor and animal knowledge.

“The park is a must see, we saw the feeding of the lions. Our guide from the tour company, Tumi was very friendly and knowledgeable.”

Check dates and seats →Read our full review

2.Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $207Top rated

Join guide Jason of Deeprift Ventours for a small-group day from Johannesburg, Sandton, or Rosebank. See lions from an open vehicle, visit Sterkfontein Caves, and explore Maropeng’s engaging human-evolution exhibits. The tour includes transport, entry fees, and bottled water, but not lunch.

“Jason gave us a great Cradle of Humankind / Lion Safari tour. The tour schedule brought us to the Safari as it opened, when the animals were most active. One young female walked to the steel cage enclosed jeep, reared up on her hind legs and looked me straight in the eyes. Amazing. The CoH was even more interesting, showing the timeline of Earth creation through to modern homo sapien(s). Multiple skeletons found in this area document homo's evolution from 4.2 million years ago to today.”

Check dates and seats →Read our full review

3.Captivating Safari Lion Park Experience (Half Day Guided Tour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · from $94

Travel from Johannesburg in an air-conditioned vehicle to Lion and Safari Park for a guided two-hour game drive. Solly or another driver handles pickup, while the park guide explains lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebra, and antelopes. Expect close views, strong photo chances, and a zoo-like setting rather than a true wilderness safari.

“Le safari était top! La guide du Lion safari park était vraiment gentille, passionnée et patiente. Les explications étaient très complètes et intéressantes. Bonne expérience !”

Check dates and seats →Read our full review

4.Rhino & Lion Safari and Wonder Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 49 reviews · 8 hours · from $121

Leave Johannesburg by hotel pickup for Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Take a game drive, visit the Wildlife Centre and Predator Camp, then descend to Wonder Cave, a 2.2-billion-year-old chamber. Guides such as Gabriel, Marvin, and Donald are praised for adding useful local and wildlife knowledge. Lunch is available at three reserve restaurants.

“It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! Our driver, Izik, was fantastic—he picked us up from our accommodation and drove us to the destination in a very comfortable car. From the moment we arrived, the adventure began. The landscapes were breathtaking, and even the rainy weather did not diminish the enjoyment of the trip. Our guide, Donald, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife. He shared fascinating insights about the animals we encountered, including brown and white lions. The highlights were three male cheetahs crossing the road right next to our vehicle! The second part of our tour was the Wonder Caves, which were absolutely breathtaking.…”

Check dates and seats →Read our full review

5.Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 9 hours · from $224

Spend a full day with a small group of up to 13, visiting Lion and Safari Park, Sterkfontein Caves, and Maropeng. Your English or Afrikaans-speaking guide handles pickup from Johannesburg, Sandton, or Pretoria. Jason Pollard is one named guide associated with the experience.

“Head loss of fun, Jason the guide was awesome! Overall it exceeds our expectations!”

Check dates and seats →Read our full review

6.Private Rhino and Lion Park, Cradle Caves or Maropeng Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 25 reviews · 6 hours · from $87Best value

Join Shane for a private, small-group day from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Spend about three hours at Rhino and Lion Park, then choose Maropeng Museum or Sterkfontein Caves, home of Little Foot and other ancient fossils. Hotel pickup, transport, and an English-speaking guide are included, while entrance fees are extra.

“Shane was amazing! punctual, attentive, kind and provided a wonderful tour for us.”

Check dates and seats →Read our full review

7.Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $121

From your Johannesburg hotel, an English-speaking guide takes you to Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve for a two-hour open-vehicle drive. Look for lions, white rhinos, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, and antelope, then browse souvenirs before returning. Small groups are limited to 15 people.

Check dates and seats →Read our full review

8.Lion Park Safari and Cultural Village Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12 reviews · 1 day · from $219

Leave Johannesburg at 8am for a 4x4 safari at the 600-hectare Lion and Safari Park, then visit Lesedi Cultural Village to learn about Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele traditions. Your driver-guide provides transport, entry fees, and bottled water. French, Portuguese, and English guiding is available.

Check dates and seats →Read our full review