There is something special about experiencing a safari with your people. The gasp when the first elephant steps out of the bush, the group photo at sundown, the retelling of the day over dinner — it is so much better shared. But I also know the truth about organising anything for a big group: it can feel like herding cats. Different budgets, different dates, who is driving, who is paying, where does everyone meet?
My dear friend, this is exactly the part we take off your hands. For years I have arranged group safaris out of Johannesburg for extended families, groups of friends, church groups, sports clubs, book clubs, stokvels, work teams and reunion parties. You make one enquiry. I handle the rest. Here is how group safari tours work with us — and why they are one of the easiest big-group outings you will ever plan.
A cheerful diverse group on safari in and around a closed-canopy game-drive vehicle at golden hour near Johannesburg, with elephants in the background
A safari is better with your people — we make organising a group outing from Johannesburg effortless.
Why a safari is the perfect group outing
- It works for every age and interest. Grandparents, teenagers, toddlers, the sporty, the quiet, the foodies — everyone finds their moment on a game drive.
- It is all-inclusive and effortless. One organiser (us) handles transport, park fees, guiding and meals, so nobody in the group has to coordinate logistics on the day.
- It actually brings people together. Shared awe is a powerful thing. Groups that go on safari come back closer than when they left.
- It is malaria-free and close. Our reserves near Johannesburg mean no tablets, no long-haul travel, and an easy day out or overnight escape.
- It scales. Whether you are 6 or 40-plus, we match the vehicles and catering to your numbers.
One organiser, one enquiry — how group bookings work
The magic of booking a group safari with us is that you only ever deal with one person: me and my team. Here is the simple flow:
1. You tell us the basics
Rough group size, the kind of safari you want (half-day, full-day or overnight), and a date or two that could work. You do not need final numbers yet.
2. We put together a group plan and quote
We recommend the best reserve and package for your group, the right number of vehicles, and a clear per-person price — all in writing.
3. We handle the details
Pickups (we can collect from multiple points), dietary needs across the group, special requests, and a schedule that works for everyone.
4. Your group just shows up and enjoys
We collect everyone, guide the day, feed the group and bring everyone home safely. You get to be a guest at your own event, not the stressed organiser.
2026 group safari prices
Our group safaris are priced per person, on the same honest pricing as our regular tours — and for larger groups we are always happy to talk about the best arrangement for your numbers.
| Safari | Reserve | 2026 price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Safari Escape | Dinokeng | from R1,699 |
| Dinokeng Big Five Day Safari | Dinokeng | from R2,499 |
| Pilanesberg Big Five Day Safari | Pilanesberg | from R3,399 |
| Overnight Group Getaway | Pilanesberg / Waterberg | from R6,649 |
| Luxury Group Escape | Premier lodges | up to R16,149 |
For exact group pricing — especially for larger parties — send us your numbers and we will put together the best plan for your budget.
Perfect for every kind of group
- Extended families & reunions — three generations, one unforgettable day. Malaria-free and easy for the little ones and the grandparents alike.
- Groups of friends — birthdays, girls' trips, guys' weekends, milestone celebrations in the bush.
- Church & faith groups — we cater dietary needs and keep the whole group together and well looked after.
- Clubs & societies — book clubs, running clubs, photography groups, stokvels, social clubs. A safari is a brilliant group event.
- Sports teams & work teams — a day in the bush that actually builds the team (see our corporate safari functions for the work-event version).
- Special-interest groups — birders, photographers and nature lovers who want time to really watch and shoot.
A happy group of friends and family posing together for a photo beside a safari vehicle in the golden bushveld
The group photo you will keep forever — taken on one of our group safaris in the bush.
What makes group safaris easy with us
- Flexible group sizes. From a single vehicle for 6 to a convoy for 40-plus — we scale to you.
- Multiple pickup points. Not everyone lives in the same suburb. We can arrange sensible collection points so nobody has an impossible early start.
- Catering for the whole group. Halaal, vegetarian, vegan, kosher and allergy-friendly options — all arranged in advance so there are no awkward surprises.
- One clear quote. Per-person pricing in writing, so splitting the cost is simple and transparent.
- Experienced guides. FGASA-qualified guides who know how to look after a big, mixed group and keep everyone engaged.
- A real human on WhatsApp. From your first enquiry to the day itself, you have a direct line to us.
Day trip or overnight for a group?
Both are wonderful — here is my honest steer:
- Go day trip if your group wants something easy, affordable and achievable on a single day. Our half-day and full-day options are perfect, and everyone sleeps in their own bed that night.
- Go overnight if your group wants the full experience — an evening drive, a bush dinner together, and a dawn drive the next morning. For reunions, big birthdays and once-in-a-lifetime group celebrations, the overnight getaway is unbeatable.
Tell me what your group is like and what you are celebrating, and I will point you to the right one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest group you can handle? We regularly arrange safaris for groups of 40-plus using multiple vehicles. Tell us your numbers and we will make it work.
Can everyone be collected from different places? Yes — within reason we arrange multiple pickup points so your group does not all have to gather in one spot at dawn.
Can you cater for mixed dietary needs across a big group? Absolutely. Halaal, vegetarian, vegan, kosher and allergies — just send us the list in advance.
How do we handle paying as a group? We quote a clear per-person price in writing, which makes splitting the cost between your group simple. We will talk you through the deposit and payment options.
Is it malaria-free? Yes — the reserves we use near Johannesburg are malaria-free, which is ideal for large mixed-age groups.
How far ahead should we book a group safari? The earlier the better for larger groups and peak dates — but we have pulled off plenty of well-organised group outings at shorter notice too. Message us and we will tell you honestly what is possible for your dates.
Let's plan your group safari
Stop trying to coordinate the spreadsheet, the lifts and the lunch orders yourself. Send me your group size, a rough date and the kind of day you are imagining, and I will come back with a clear plan and quote — and then handle every detail so you can simply enjoy it with your people.
📞 +27 78 017 8562 · WhatsApp us now · [email protected] · Book your safari
More reading: how much a South African safari really costs, the best Big Five day trips from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg safari packages, weekend overnight getaways, corporate safari functions, safari birthday & celebration packages, safari with kids, and our complete guide to safari in South Africa.
— Thabo Makate, Co-Founder, Bakubung Africa Safaris & Tours 🦁
