Weekend bush getaways near Johannesburg

Big 5 game lodges, bush camps and game reserves for safaris close to Johannesburg and Gauteng

Looking for a weekend away in the bush? Then try out one of these malaria-free safari destinations within a few hours’ drive of Johannesburg:

Dinokeng Game Reserve

Situated near Cullinan within an hour’s drive of Johannesburg lies the recently formed Big 5 reserve with fantastic self-catering and catered accommodation options offering great affordable safaris for the budget conscious.

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve 

Only 2 and a half hours drive from Johannesburg lies this superb Big 5 private game reserve with a number of small, intimate and exclusive 10 bed (5 room) bush camps to choose from.

Pilanesberg National Park

The spectacular Pilanesberg National Park is situated on the doorstep of the world –famous Sun City resort within 2 hour’s drive of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The reserve offers self-catering, camping and luxury lodge accommodation. Visitors can also explore the park in their own vehicles on a self-drive safari. Healthy Big 5 game viewing as well as great general game numbers make this a very rewarding safari destination.

Marakele National Park

Set within the mountains of the Waterberg, only two hours away from Gauteng, is this lovely gem of a national park. Great camping facilities at Tlopi and the lovely self-catering tented camp, Bontle, on the edge of a dam provide great value and reasonably priced accommodation. The super-luxurious Marataba Tented Camp is situated on its own game rich private concession within the park and is one of the Safari Index’s favourite safari destinations.