3-day Johnnesburg Layover

Due to lack of Frequent Flyer Award seats near New Year's holiday, I will be laying over in Johannesburg from Saturday through until my evening flight on Tuesday, Jan. 3-6.

I am considering doing a safari but I will be traveling alone. Any suggestions on good companies to contact? Is Pilanesberg a better choice since it's a shorter drive than Kroger? My primary interest is in big cats and birds.

I would need pick-up and drop off at Jo'burg Int'l Airport. Thanks.

Pilanesberg is close to Sun City resort and casino so that might be an added option. Many of the organizations can arrange transportation, just contact them directly with your questions. You can also arrange tours to Pilanesberg from Sun City.

http://www.sun-city-south-africa.com/

Just remember that period is PEAK Summer holiday period for the locals so it will book up soon, if not booked out already. Most local people will only go back to work on Monday 5th, and those with children may take an extra week, so expect the more popular places to be very busy/crowded.

Due to lack of Frequent Flyer Award seats near New Year's holiday, I will be laying over in Johannesburg from Saturday through until my evening flight on Tuesday, Jan. 3-6.

 

I am considering doing a safari but I will be traveling alone. Any suggestions on good companies to contact? Is Pilanesberg a better choice since it's a shorter drive than Kroger? My primary interest is in big cats and birds.

 

I would need pick-up and drop off at Jo'burg Int'l Airport. Thanks.

Would not recommend driving to Kruger but you can fly in. Our choice is Tanda Tula. They will pick you up at Phalaborwa airport. Our visits there have been spectacular and we even saw white lion.

You mentioned that your main interest is big cats - you won't see any at Pilansberg so I would not recommend this option.

If you go to Kruger, you will need to take anti malaria meds as Kruger is a summer rainfall area and a malaria area. It's also very, very hot there in Jan and very very busy - as Starlight mentioned it is peak holiday season for locals.

I would recommend Madikwe game reserve. It is not a malaria area and there are transfer options. We have been there and it is perfect for a two/three night safari. There are big cats and plenty of birds.

http://www.madikwe-game-reserve.co.za/transport/index.php

Enjoy your time in Johannesburg!

Thanks for the recommendations. Malaria meds not a problem as I will already be taking for our cruise. I did not know about Madikwe so I will investigate that park as well.

Thanks for the recommendations. Malaria meds not a problem as I will already be taking for our cruise. I did not know about Madikwe so I will investigate that park as well.

I recommend MalaMala Game Reserve. You can catch a FedAir flight from the airport directly to MalaMala's airstrip. We were there in July and saw the Big Five as well as many birds and other animals. Great drive rangers, food and lodging - though not inexpensive.

Thanks for the additional recommendation of MalaMala reserve.

Thanks for the additional recommendation of MalaMala reserve.

FYI, if you visit my below travel blog, you can see some of my pictures from our recent game safaris.

FYI, if you visit my below travel blog, you can see some of my pictures from our recent game safaris.

Thanks for sharing your photos.