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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Safari-flying into Johannesburg

10 replies

DuvetDownn · 12/03/2023 13:06

I’m thinking of booking flights to Johannesburg this Autumn and going on a safari and then staying somewhere else so making it a twin or multi centre holiday.
Has anyone else done this and if so do you have any tips where to go/stay?
We are open to getting extra short flights if we need to and I don’t think I want to go in safari for more than five nights. We can be flexible on the duration of the whole trip.
I have already been to Cape Town twice so am happy to miss or include it.
Thsnks.

OP posts:
Hbh17 · 12/03/2023 13:12

It's very straightforward as you can fly from Jburg to some of the smaller airports in or near the Kruger. I think Huidsprit is one? But I would strongly recommend booking with a company who can arrange it all for you (Aadvark Safaris are excellent. Not only will it make travel simple, but you will have the best game drives with people who know where to go and what they are looking for. It's a long and expensive trip, so the expertise is invaluable.
And Beyond camps/lodges are gorgeous places to stay.

MissyB1 · 12/03/2023 13:15

We went to a Game park called Pilansberg when we were visitng friends in Jo'burg. We stayed at Sun city (water park resort with accomodation) first, it's not far from Pilansberg. Bit of a drive to Sun City from Jo'burg but not too bad.

WildFlowerBees · 12/03/2023 13:17

We flew into jo'burg then got a bush flight to Madikwe, the traversing rights there were fantastic and we were able to off road to find cheetah. It's a Malaria free zone and the Sanctuary Makanyane was brilliant, no more than 8 to safari jeep open top so we didn't miss anything. We stayed 5 days and saw everything. That trip will stay with me forever. We moved on to Zambia which I didn't enjoy as much.

The lodges aren't as important as the area you choose, check the traversing maps so you're not too limited on how far you can go on your am & pm safaris.

Porridgeislife · 12/03/2023 13:20

We’ve been to Madikwe twice and it was fabulous. Four ish hours drive from Johannesburg airport or a short air transfer.

TeenDivided · 12/03/2023 13:20

MissyB1 · 12/03/2023 13:15

We went to a Game park called Pilansberg when we were visitng friends in Jo'burg. We stayed at Sun city (water park resort with accomodation) first, it's not far from Pilansberg. Bit of a drive to Sun City from Jo'burg but not too bad.

We did that too in 2012 with 2 DC age 7 and 13.
We did 2 Sun City, 4 Pilansberg, 4 Madikwe, 2 Sun City, home.

People here are very sniffy about Sun City but it let us acclimatise to SA and recover from the flights before the Safari part of the holiday.

We had an 'escorted' holiday which basically meant we were met at the airport and then transported between locations.

Original poster
DuvetDownn · 12/03/2023 13:26

Wow, perfect thank you, this was just what I was after. I actually really fancy Sun City after seeing The Lost Palace Hotel in an Adam Sandler film.
I am off to Google all these suggestions.

OP posts:
Holidayqueen1 · 13/03/2023 11:30

Hi
we've recently come back from doing exactly what you’re looking for!
we got a flight to Durban then drove to St Lucia ( amazing- hippo boat tour def recommended) then 3 nights at Rhino River Lodge in Manyoni private reserve, I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough, it was amazing!!! And malaria free which was an important consideration for us. Our South African friends also recommended Nambiti.
I went to Sun City and Pilanesburg years ago and loved it there too!

TeenDivided · 13/03/2023 11:46

Pilansberg v Madikwe

Pilansberg had tarmac tracks and even some built in toilets. It was a good introduction to Safari for us.

Madikwe was earth tracks and if needed friendly bushes. It felt more natural.

Original poster
DuvetDownn · 13/03/2023 12:10

Thank you.

OP posts:
Sandgroper · 13/03/2023 16:40

We did a similar trip when DS were 4 and 6. My DH commuted (4 years) for work from the UK and was taken to these places (we visited as a family) by his work colleagues. He loved them so much he took us back as a family.

We drove from Joburg to Bella Bela, Limpopo about 2 hrs. We stayed at “Bersig Eco Estate” (small safari lodge) in a thatched roof chalet which was fantastic. Had lovely pool, playground for kids and private bbqs. The owners were very helpful and we would go back again. On our drive in we had a giraffe and a couple of zebras cross the road in front our our car, was so amazing. We chose this area as it was Malaria free.

A short drive away was “Mabula Game lodge” where we hired a guide for a morning and did a private safari. Afterwards we had a lovely lunch at the restaurant and the DS even got to see some white lion cubs…. There was also a great playground there as well

Another amazing place nearby was “Adventures with the Elephants”, an elephant sanctuary and conservation place. Only had small groups and you could meet the elephants up close and the handlers. We also had a ride of the elephants but I think they only do nature walks with them now, which is probably better. They even had some baby meerkats in the reception which DS got to touch and learn about.

the trip was 10 years ago and they still talk about it and how amazing it was.

we also had time in Cape Town beforehand but I see you have already been there. Wherever you choose to go it will be amazing!

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