Contributions by Beverley Wilcock
Tired of the sights and sounds of the concrete jungle, and desperately want to return to your roots? As South Africans, one of our favourite pastimes is heading to the bush to reconnect with nature and spot as many of the Big Five as possible. We're lucky to have several game reserves within driving distance of Joburg, so they're ideal for a weekend getaway or a fun day trip when the weather's nice. Here's a list of these for you to check out.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Dinokeng Game Reserve is one of the best game reserves near Joburg. Not only is it ~104 km from Joburg on the N1, but it's Gauteng’s only reserve with all the Big Five! Worried about malaria? There's no need to be, because Dinokeng is a malaria-free zone. At Dinokeng, you'll also get more bang for your buck...and probably a lot of buck for your camera roll. Your fees aid in conservation efforts, and Gogo and Grandpa get pensioners’ prices from Monday to Thursday.
You can make it a day visit, though we'd recommend you stay overnight; there’s far too much to see and do in just a couple of hours. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants within the reserve, get some biltong (standard and necessary), take a self-drive safari, or go all out with a guided safari to hit the best spots. Dinokeng is so stunning, they even have a wedding venue. Visit their website for the full list of activities, prices, or to buy your permits.
Details: N1 North Hammanskraal, 0400 | 012 711 4391 | [email protected]
Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Looking for a well-deserved winter getaway for you and your family? Plan an escape to Qwabi Private Game Reserve at their private and secluded LETAMO. 58 well-appointed rooms and suites are dotted across an expansive lawn, which leads down to the main lodge area and pool deck. This is the ideal destination for relaxation and tranquillity in nature.
Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
Advertised as the nearest faraway place, the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve really has it all. Situated within the Cradle of Humankind and a quick 45-minute drive from Joburg, here you won’t just be bowled over by nature, but you’ll also be visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you’re on the hunt for a family outing or a wilder venue for your next conference, this is the place to be.
Recently acquired a 4x4 and want to test your skills? Come try out the 4x4 routes, but we can’t guarantee you’ll be leaving with a clean car. While here, you can also visit the WonderCave, Wildlife Centre or just picnic in the Day Visitor’s Area. There are even play areas throughout the reserve for the kids to entertain themselves. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to be leaving feeling one with nature. And the best part? You don’t even need to go far, far away. Jealous, Shrek?
Details: 520 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp | 011 957 0349 | [email protected]
Lion & Safari Park
Our country boasts the most incredible wildlife, so why not experience it for yourself at the Lion & Safari Park in Harties? You can enjoy a guided mini-tour (one-and-a-half hours), where you’ll spot powerful predators, such as hyenas, wild dogs, lions and, if you’re lucky, a leopard lazing in a tree. Or go on a self-drive with your own vehicle between 08:30 and 17:00, allowing you to take your time and admire nature at your own pace.
Travel time: 58 minutes from Johannesburg.
Details: [email protected] | 087 150 0100 | R512 Pelindaba Road, Lanseria, Broederstroom, Kalkheuvel.
Welgevonden Private Game Reserve
Need your next weekend getaway? We’ve found it for you. It’s well found, in fact. Because that’s exactly what Welgevonden translates to from Dutch. Whether you want to drive the 250 km or fly for 45 min, Welgevonden is well within reach of Joburg and worth the visit. Welgevonden offers 3-day, 4-day or 5-day game drive safaris, and their website is filled with accommodation specials running from January to December.
If you’d prefer to get a little more up close and personal with Timon, Pumba and maybe even Simba (if you dare), you can enjoy a guided walking safari. The guides are there to keep you safe, so you don’t become lunch and rather return to the lodge safely for your own lunch. Some of Welgevonden’s lodges also offer stargazing for the night owls among us. Visit Welgevonden’s website for all the information you need to book your next weekend getaway.
Details: 087 813 0501 or 014 161 0800 | [email protected]
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
If game drives, per se, are not your thing, but you still want to get out in nature and see a buck (or two), then Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve should be your next destination. Approximately half an hour to 45 minutes from Joburg, just off the N3, this conservation area is a prime example of the Highveld grassland biome. Take a day or night hike through this unspoilt area. Choose your day route: Bokmakierie, Cheetah or Toktokkie (no, not the game we used to play, ringing neighbours’ doorbells and running away!) You can choose your overnight hiking trail too and decide how long you want to wander through nature. There are six huts to stay in and an enviro loo (we’ll leave this one for you to decipher…)
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is open from early morning on weekdays and weekends; day visitors need to exit the reserve by 18:00. For the best experience, get there early so you can enjoy a midday picnic at Holhoek, which you can reach by car or bicycle. Yup, you can cycle at Suikerbos Nature Reserve too, so bring your road bike if you’re looking for a stunning 60 km route.
Details: Heidelberg Road, R550 off N3 | [email protected]
Mongena Game Lodge
Need to escape the crazy city? Then why not head to a bush lodge that guarantees a safari experience like no other? Mongena Game Lodge is a malaria-free retreat where you can experience the best of nature. It's a great location if you’re into bird watching, while the game you can expect to see includes lion, elephant, rhino, cheetah, zebra, warthog, hyena, and buffalo.
Travel time: From 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Details: 012 711 8920 | Rust de Winter Road, Dinokeng Game Reserve, Hammanskraal.
Mabula Game Lodge
This one's worth a little extra driving time. If you happen to be in Limpopo looking for a game adventure and a breather, book a stay at the Mabula Game Lodge. Not only will you experience diverse landscapes ranging from grassland plains to rocky stretches, but you’ll also find free-roaming wildlife, including the Big Five, who call this reserve home. Safari drives take place twice a day and are a magical experience that you don’t want to miss!
Travel time: Just under 3 hours.
Details: www.mabula.com | 014 734 7000 | Mabula Private Game Reserve, Rhenosterhoek Spruit Road, Bela-Bela.
Pilanesberg National Park
The Pilanesberg is one of the country’s most popular wildlife destinations, so if you feel like experiencing everything the beautiful bushveld has to offer, visit Pilanesberg National Park. Take in the spectacular landscape, go on game viewing drives (self-drive or guided) or do some bird watching during a game walk. There are almost 200km of game drive routes to choose from, with plenty of hideouts and scenic picnic spots. As for accommodation, you're spoilt for choice with many lodges in the area.
Travel time: 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Details: pilanesbergnationalpark.org | 014 555 1600 | Pilanesberg National Park, Pilanesberg.
Loved our list of game viewing opportunities close to Joburg? Here are some great spots to have a weekend away close to the city.
