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Lejwe La Metsi
Lejwe La Metsi
Lejwe La Metsi

The best safari escapes close to Johannesburg

Whether you’re floating above hippos, brunching with giraffes, or self-catering under African stars, these escapes prove that a week off isn’t needed for a soul-stirring safari from Jozi.

Sophie Baker
Written by Sophie Baker
City Expert, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria
Written by: Liesl Bartlett
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Johannesburg may be a city of skyscrapers, but within a few hours (or a short flight), you can be swapping traffic for elephant tracks. And if there’s one thing Joburgers won’t stop telling everyone, it’s that here, safari isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Or even a once-yearly thing. It’s something you can do over the weekend.

From luxe fly-in escapes to self-catering bush stays, these lodges are some of the best ways to get away from the city’s constant buzz and get your dose of lie-ins. Oh, wait, make that lions.

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The best safari escapes close to Johannesburg

1. Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge

Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge
Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge
Kyle Lewin

This might be South Africa’s most unique safari stay. Perched above the Sabie River on a restored railway bridge, Kruger Shalati lets you sleep in a converted train carriage, though “carriage” doesn’t quite do it justice. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, air-conditioning, plush linen, and locally made gowns. Don’t miss cocktails in the infinity pool suspended over the river, or the wine cellar and gourmet dinner menu that rival anything in the city.

Yes, it’s as extra as it sounds—and completely worth the hype.

Best for: Honeymooners and those celebrating special occasions

Kruger National Park | 1 hour flight to Skukuza + 15min transfer, or 5 hour drive

2. Babohi Lodge – Qwabi, Waterberg

Babohi Lodge – Qwabi, Waterberg
Babohi Lodge – Qwabi, Waterberg
Newmark Hotel

Sitting on a rim overlooking the golden escarpments of the Waterberg, Babohi is a quiet showstopper that feels far more remote than it is. Set within a malaria-free UNESCO biosphere reserve, this adults-only lodge combines modern design with a conservation-first ethos.

Gone is the old-school safari décor of dark wood and thatch. Instead, expect plush double-volume suites and marble bathrooms, an infinity pool, and excellent food. It’s a gorgeously modern lodge with a conservation-first ethos, and guides who genuinely love every cheetah, hyena, or hornbill you spot.

Best for: Couples craving modern safari luxury

Limpopo | 3 hour drive 

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3. Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge – Pilanesberg

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge – Pilanesberg
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge – Pilanesberg
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

No roundup of safari escapes near the City of Gold would be complete without a mention of Pilanesberg. This National Park is a go-to for weekend holidays, and Kwa Maritane is one of the best choices out there if you want to bring the kids along.

Built on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater, the lodge manages to keep all generations happy. Kids can splash in the rock pool while adults enjoy drinks at the waterhole bar. Another highlight is the underground hide, where you can do some impromptu after-hours game viewing without leaving your chair.