You've decided you want to do a safari from Johannesburg. Brilliant. Now comes the part that trips most people up: actually booking one.
Not because it's complicated — it isn't — but because you're staring at a dozen operators, a hundred lodges, and a thousand Google results, and you can't tell who's a real operator and who's a middleman reselling someone else's trip at a markup. You don't know what's included in the price, whether you need to book months ahead or can go next weekend, or what happens after you click "enquire."
So let me take all of that away right now.
I'm Thabo Makate, co-founder of Bakubung Africa Safaris & Tours. We've been running day safaris and overnight getaways from Johannesburg since 2018, and I've personally helped thousands of guests go from "I'd love to do a safari" to "that was the best day of my trip." In this guide I'll walk you through the entire booking process, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect, what to ask, and what happens next.
A safari guide in khaki warmly welcoming a couple beside a game-drive vehicle on a red dirt track in the South African bushveld
Booking a safari should feel like this: straightforward, friendly, and exciting. Not stressful.
Step 1: Choose Your Type of Safari
The first question isn't "where" — it's "how long?" Your time window decides everything else.
Half-Day Safari (4–5 hours in the bush). Best for tight schedules, layovers or a first taste. You'll see Big Five territory and be back by lunchtime. From R1,699 per person.
Full-Day Safari (8–12 hours). The sweet spot for most people. Two game-drive windows (morning and afternoon), lunch in the reserve, and the best odds of seeing everything. From R2,499 (Dinokeng) or R3,399 (Pilanesberg).
Overnight Getaway (1–2 nights). Unlocks the golden-hour and dawn drives that day-trippers miss — the best sightings, a boma dinner, and a night under the stars. From R6,649 per person. Read more in our weekend safari getaways guide.
Not sure which suits you? Tell us your dates and how much time you have, and we'll recommend the perfect option.
Step 2: Pick Your Reserve
From Johannesburg you have three outstanding choices, and all of them are malaria-free:
Dinokeng (approx. 1 hour from the city). Big Five, closest to Johannesburg, ideal for short windows and families.
Pilanesberg (approx. 2.5 hours). An ancient volcanic crater — our flagship, and the best all-round Big Five experience from the city. See the full Pilanesberg day-trip guide.
The Waterberg (approx. 3 hours). Rolling mountains, exclusive lodges, and a beautifully remote feeling. Best for romantic getaways and longer stays.
We'll recommend the right reserve based on your time, budget and what you want from the day. For the complete rundown, see our guide to the best safari day trips from Johannesburg.
Step 3: Contact Us (This Is the Easy Part)
Forget lengthy booking forms and "we'll get back to you in 48 hours." Here's how it works with us:
- WhatsApp or email us. Tell us your preferred dates, how many people, and any special requirements (kids, dietary needs, a celebration, a proposal — we've seen it all).
- We reply quickly — usually within a few hours, often faster — with a recommended option, a clear price and what's included.
- You confirm. A simple deposit secures your date. No complicated paperwork.
That's it. Three messages and you're booked.
A happy family of four enjoying a game drive in a safari vehicle, the daughter pointing excitedly at wildlife in the green bushveld
This is what's waiting on the other side of that booking message. Don't overthink it — just send it.
Step 4: Know Exactly What's Included
One of the biggest frustrations with safari booking is hidden costs. Here's our commitment: every price we quote is all-inclusive. That means:
- ✅ Door-to-door transport (home, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off)
- ✅ Park/reserve entry fees
- ✅ A professional, FGASA-qualified guide
- ✅ Bottled water
- ✅ Lunch (on full-day options)
- ✅ All meals and accommodation (on overnight options)
No surprises at the end. No "park fees extra" catch. For the detailed breakdown of what safaris cost and why, see our honest pricing guide.
Step 5: Prepare for the Day
Once you're booked, preparation is simple:
What to wear: Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown). Layers — mornings can be cold, even in summer. Closed shoes are ideal but not essential.
What to bring: Camera, sunscreen, a hat, and a sense of adventure. We supply water and binoculars are available. Check our full safari packing list for the complete guide.
What to expect: Your guide handles everything from the moment they arrive at your door. For the full hour-by-hour experience, read what to expect on your first safari.
How Far Ahead Should You Book?
This depends on when you want to go:
| Scenario | Lead time |
|---|---|
| Normal weekday/weekend | 3–7 days is usually fine |
| School holidays or long weekends | 2–4 weeks |
| December festive season | As early as possible (October onwards) |
| Last-minute "can I go tomorrow?" | WhatsApp us — we often have same-day space |
The golden rule: the earlier you reach out, the more choice you get. But don't let "I should have booked sooner" stop you — send the message anyway.
How to Choose the Right Operator (and Avoid the Wrong One)
This part is important. Not all operators are the same, and the wrong choice can turn a once-in-a-lifetime experience into a disappointing one. Here are the green flags to look for:
- They're an actual operator, not a reseller. A reseller adds a markup and has no control over the experience. We run our own trips with our own guides.
- Door-to-door transport is included. If they're asking you to meet at a parking lot, that's a red flag.
- FGASA-qualified guides. Not just drivers. Trained wildlife professionals.
- Clear, all-inclusive pricing. No "from" prices that balloon with extras.
- Real reviews from real guests. We have 4.9 stars from over 2,500 verified reviews.
- They answer quickly and personally. You're talking to a person, not a call centre.
I've written a full breakdown in how to choose the best safari tour operator in Johannesburg. It's worth five minutes before you commit to anyone.
What About Special Requirements?
Dietary needs. Halaal, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, allergies — all handled as standard. Just mention it when you book.
Travelling with children. Absolutely. Our reserves are malaria-free and our guides are experienced with families. Read the full family safari guide.
Celebrations. Birthday, anniversary, proposal? Tell us and we'll arrange champagne, a cake, or a private setup. See our safari celebration packages.
Accessibility. Let us know about any mobility requirements and we'll do everything we can to accommodate them.
LGBTQ+ travellers. We're proudly LGBTQ+ owned and every guest is warmly welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a safari for tomorrow? Often, yes. WhatsApp us and we'll check availability. The sooner the better, but last-minute is what we do.
Do I need travel insurance? It's always a good idea when travelling, but it's not required for a day trip. For overnight stays, we recommend it.
What if it rains? Game drives go ahead in most weather. Animals are often more active in cool or overcast conditions. Heavy storms (rare) are short-lived.
Can I pay in instalments? A deposit secures your booking, with the balance due before the trip. Talk to us about what works for you.
Do you do group bookings? Absolutely — from couples to corporate teams of 40+. We coordinate multiple vehicles seamlessly.
What's your cancellation policy? Flexible and fair. We know plans change — reach out and we'll work with you.
Stop Researching. Start Booking.
You've read enough. You've compared enough. You know you want to do this. The only thing between you and a Big Five safari is one short message.
Send us your dates, your group size, and anything special you're after. We'll come back with a recommendation, a price, and everything you need to say yes. No pressure, no hard sell — just a straight answer from someone who does this every single day.
The bush is waiting. Let's get you there.
📞 +27 78 017 8562 · WhatsApp us now · [email protected] · Book your safari
— Thabo Makate, Co-Founder, Bakubung Africa Safaris & Tours 🦁
