Gauteng Nature & Game Reserves
The bustling City of Gold (as Johannesburg is affectionately known) is surrounded by spectacular natural areas, making it easy to go on safari in South Africa without having to leave the province of Gauteng.
Botanical gardens, bird sanctuaries, nature reserves, and a veritable treasure trove of archaeological, paleontological and geological sites (such as the renowned Cradle of Humankind) await visitors that want to enjoy their African adventure in new and exciting ways.
Some of these areas can be toured on foot, following well laid-out paths through the countryside and taking in the prettiness and variety of the local fauna and flora. Other places are best seen on guided or self-driven game drives and staying in a game lodge gives you easy access to these highlights. Guided tours are fabulous because the visitors get to relax and enjoy the ride, follow and see animals that may otherwise have escaped them, and learn more about the species and their habitat.
Witness some of South Africa’s wild and endangered species up-close at the Lion and Rhino Park, just outside Johannesburg. Or, visit the De Wildt Cheetah Research Station on the way to the scenic Hartbeespoort Dam. The Tswaing Nature Reserve has amazing wildlife and birds, but is best known for its crater, which was caused by the impact of a meteor some 220 000 years ago. Or, relish the rare opportunity to see the Big Five (buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard and lion) in their natural environment at the Dinokeng Game Reserve, close to Pretoria.
Just a short drive from these game and nature reserves are some of the hottest eating and shopping spots in Africa, making Gauteng a multifaceted destination with so much to offer.
Click on the game reserve, national park or nature reserve you wish to visit on the Gauteng map or select from the full list below, to view additional information about the reserves and for listings of all lodges listed in the relevant area.
Game & Nature Reserves in Gauteng
Staying Overnight

Northcliff Gap
Northcliff Gap is a superb property offering Johannesburg self catering in the affluent suburb of Northcliff. This exquisite house, property and ...

Tshikwalo Guest House
Mokha Guest House is located near to Klipdrift, within the Dinokeng Game Reserve and offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests. Tshikw...

Little Mongena Tented Camp
Little Mongena Tented Camp offers accommodation in an intimate lodge situated on the banks of the Mongena Dam. The lodge is a short 90 minute dri...

The Residence Boutique Hotel
The Residence is a one of a kind boutique hotel. No effort has been spared in creating the most exquisite surroundings that surpass your greatest...

Castello di Monte
Shrouded by a beautiful garden with lavender bushes and olive trees in the front and lemon trees with a trellised garden at the back, the stucco ...

Ngala Lodge
Ngala Lodge offers accommodation in the peaceful malaria-free Dinokeng Reserve which is the first free-roaming Big 5 game reserve in Gauteng. The...

The Peech Hotel
The Peech Hotel is Joburg's newest boutique hotel. Situated centrally in Melrose, The Peech features luxurious rooms, contemporary design and ple...

Lethabo Estate
Lethabo Estate in Lanseria is set on the banks of the Crocodile River, centrally positioned very near Lanseria International Airport and a short ...

DaVinci Suites
Located on the well known and prestigious Nelson Mandela Square, the DaVinci Suites offers guests all the luxuries and comforts they have come t...
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