Safari in South Africa near Johannesburg

[CAM1976]

Hello, can anyone recommend a great place for safari within an hours flight from Johannesburg? I'd like to see the Big Five and as my daughter will be nearly one there will have to be a creche and the safari area needs to be malaria free. Can anyone help please? Thank you!

Hi CAM1976, hope you enjoy your trip to SA. No idea about creche's in safari parks but would suggest you google and take it from there. Obviously the Kruger is out as it's in a Malaria area.

Last time we were over, as DD was only 4.2, we didn't bother with a safari as they're really not that child friendly. Instead we took her to a wild life park about an hour's drive from Jo'burg. It's a bit like a gigantic safari park (no elephants ) but they have nearly all other African bush animals. DD had opportunity to go into cage with lion cubs which was fab fun for her....bit frighting for me though. You can also drive around the lion enclosure....go at feeding time and see the lions being given dead animal carcasses - if you're that way inclined - which DP & DD were! There is big BBQ area, cafe, play area. It's a great day for kids, although I guess with your DD only being a year it'll be different for her.

Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the safari park, but will speak to DP tomorrow (he's on a footie night out at the moment) and post the name.

Sorry I'm not that much help!

The Waterberg is malaria free and 3 hours drive from Joburg or a short flight. Quite a few options there but one which is often recommended, for all including families with small children, is Ant's Nest - google for details.