Family Safari near Johannesburg: Less time on the road, more time in the bush

African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa – Johannesburg's closest true wilderness escape. Wild enough to forget the city, close enough to be back by Monday.

Looking for a family safari near Johannesburg? At African Hills, you’ll spend less time driving and more time spotting wildlife, exploring the bush and making memories together – all just over an hour from the city.

July 29, 2026
African Hills Media Team
Blog

You’ve packed the overnight bags, convinced the kids to leave their tablets behind and finally found a weekend when everyone’s schedules line up. The last thing you want is to spend half the trip on the road before the holiday has even begun.

The good news? You don’t have to.

African Hills offers one of the closest family safari experiences near Johannesburg. Just over an hour from the city, it’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend escape, yet once you arrive, the sounds of traffic are replaced by birdsong, open landscapes and wildlife roaming freely.

Less time on the road means more time doing what really matters – being together.

Why Families Choose African Hills

Every family enjoys the bush differently, and that’s exactly what makes African Hills so special.

Parents love the convenience of being close to Johannesburg, while children love the excitement of discovering wildlife in a private game reserve. Instead of spending an entire day travelling, families can arrive before lunch and be out on an afternoon game drive the very same day.

It’s an ideal destination for:

Weekend family getaways
School holiday adventures
Multi-generational family trips
Birthday celebrations
Families introducing children to their very first safari

Because sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t require crossing the country to find them.

A Safari Designed for Every Age

Safari experiences have a way of slowing everyone down.

One moment you’re watching giraffe browsing through the trees, the next you’re following a herd of zebra across the plains or spotting antelope disappearing into the bush. Every game drive is different, which makes every outing exciting and educational for younger guests.

At African Hills, family game drives are designed to be enjoyed together. Our experienced guides don’t simply drive through the reserve—they bring the bush to life, sharing fascinating stories about the wildlife, the landscape and the conservation efforts that continue to shape the Plumari Private Reserve.

For many children, it’s their first real safari experience—and often the one they’ll remember for years to come.

Learning Happens Naturally

One of African Hills’ most popular family experiences is the Junior Ranger Programme, designed to encourage children to discover the bush through observation, exploration and hands-on learning.

As young adventurers immerse themselves in the Junior Ranger experience, parents can enjoy a different kind of escape. Whether it’s a relaxing treatment at the African Hills Spa, a quiet moment beside the pool or simply soaking up the peaceful surroundings, everyone gets to enjoy the holiday in their own way.

It’s a reminder that some of the best classrooms don’t have four walls.

More Than Just Game Drives

A family safari isn’t only about what happens from the back of a game viewer.

African Hills offers a variety of experiences that allow families to discover the reserve from different perspectives.

Meet one of Africa’s most iconic animals during an elephant experience, where guests can learn more about these magnificent creatures while enjoying an unforgettable encounter.

If your family enjoys exploring on foot, guided hikes provide an opportunity to discover the smaller wonders of the bush—from indigenous plants and birdlife to animal tracks and the hidden stories found along the trails.

History lovers can also join one of the lodge’s guided history tours, offering fascinating insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage and surrounding landscape.

Whether you’re spotting wildlife, walking through the bush or learning about the region’s history, every activity creates another opportunity to connect with nature.

Time Together Matters

The best family holidays aren’t built around busy itineraries.

They’re built around shared moments.

Between activities, children have space to enjoy the natural surroundings while parents can unwind, take in the mountain views or simply enjoy the slower pace of life that the bush naturally encourages.

After a day outdoors, families come together over a memorable dining experience. Whether it’s breakfast before an early morning activity, lunch overlooking the gardens or dinner after an afternoon game drive, every meal becomes another opportunity to reconnect while enjoying fresh, locally inspired cuisine.

Because sometimes the conversations around the dinner table become the memories everyone talks about long after the holiday is over.

Comfortable Family Accommodation

Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers or grandparents, African Hills offers a range of accommodation options designed for comfort and convenience.

With spacious family-friendly rooms, peaceful surroundings and warm hospitality, every stay feels relaxed from the moment you arrive.

After a day filled with adventure, there’s nothing better than returning to comfortable accommodation surrounded by the beauty of the Magaliesberg.

A Family Safari That's Closer Than You Think

As part of the Plumari Group, African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa combines authentic bush experiences with the convenience of being one of the closest private safari lodges to Johannesburg.

There’s no need for lengthy road trips or complicated travel plans. Instead, families can spend their time where it matters most – exploring the bush, enjoying quality time together and creating memories that will last long after the weekend ends.

Your Next Family Safari Starts Here

Whether you’re planning a school holiday, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a family safari near Johannesburg, African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and unforgettable family experiences.

From family game drives and the Junior Ranger Programme to elephant experiences, guided hikes, history tours, the African Hills Spa, exceptional dining and comfortable family accommodation, there’s something for every generation to enjoy.

Less time on the road. More time in the bush.

African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa – Johannesburg’s closest true wilderness escape. Wild enough to forget the city, close enough to be back by Monday.

(Valid 1 November 2025 - 31 October 2026)
ALL RATES ARE DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST
* MIN Two-night stay

5-12 Years, half price of rack when sharing with parents (Under 5 stay free )

The good news? You don’t have to.

Less time on the road means more time doing what really matters – being together.

Family Safari near Johannesburg: Less time on the road, more time in the bush