The fast-paced nature of Johannesburg city life requires you to take regular breaks in a contrasting environment — such as nature — which can allow you to ground yourself, de-stress and immerse yourself in the wonder that surrounds you. A huge aspect of being able to enjoy a holiday is the travel time it’ll take to reach your destination. After all, driving too far can be quite exhausting, which defeats the purpose of taking a holiday for relaxation and rejuvenation. Added to that, the convenience of a holiday destination that is only a few hours away also means you spend less on fuel and can get to the fun part quicker!
Here are some amazing safari lodge options you can enjoy near Johannesburg, all conveniently located within a 4-hour drive:
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Black Rhino Game Lodge
The Black Rhino Game Lodge is located in the greater Pilanesberg National Park, which is a 2 and a half hour drive away from Johannesburg. It finds itself nestled near an ancient volcanic crater and surrounded by trees from an old Tamboti forest.
For those looking for an authentic safari escape with a dash of luxury, the Black Rhino Game Lodge is the perfect accommodation to consider. It boasts of 14 luxury suites and 4 family suites. The 14 luxury suites provide ultimate privacy for guests, featuring immaculate en-suite bathrooms including a private outdoor shower which makes showering quite an unforgettable experience.
You can also expect facilities for making tea and coffee, a TV, air conditioning, a mini bar, and a private patio that provides expansive views of the surrounding bushveld. For those with families, the family suites offer a swimming pool and a lounge area with a TV. Other amenities at Black Rhino include a restaurant that serves delicious food, a bar, lounge areas, WiFi, a viewing deck, laundry services and 3 plunge pools.
There are plenty of fun activities to partake in at this lodge. These include quad biking, archery, birdwatching, hot air balloon safaris that provide an aerial view of the wildlife, and game drives in 4×4 vehicles which take place in the morning and afternoon.
With over 7000 animals, including the famous Big 5, and 300 bird species residing in the borders of the Pilanesberg National Park, expect to frequently spot majestic animals and create memories that last a lifetime.
Highlights: The package is inclusive of accommodation, three meals and two game drives.
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Lush Private Lodge
Opened in 2016, this luxurious lodge is located 2 and a half hours away from Johannesburg on a private concession in the greater Pilanesberg National Park, called the Black Rhino Reserve. The first thing that immediately stands out about this accommodation is its ultra-modern decor which is minimalistic in nature, as well as its Italian hospitality, which is a reflection of its owners’ culture and tradition.
Lush Private Lodge is situated in the perfect location in the greater Pilanesberg National Park — between a hill and a plain — which shelters it from the wind and provides great sunlight in the mornings. The lodge also finds itself surrounded by Kalahari and Lowveld fauna and flora, next to ground that was created by a volcano.
Those who consider themselves ‘foodies’ will enjoy the decadent food served at Lush Private Lodge, made by a top chef. With a myriad of activities to choose from, this lodge is also an adventurer’s paradise where you can go on guided bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, game drives, and more.Â
Accommodation choices include 3 Bush-Facing Suites and 2 Mountain-Facing Suites, each equipped with top-of-the-line features such as foldable windows that open up to the wilderness; providing the ultimate experience of indoor-outdoor living. There is also an emperor-sized bed, air conditioning, a walk-in rain shower and a private splash pool.
Highlights: It’s a luxury accommodation inclusive of all meals and snacks, as well as tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Also included are selected alcoholic beverages and two game activities per day.
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Ivory Tree Game Lodge
The Ivory Tree Game Lodge, located in the Pilanesberg National Park, which is malaria-free; is over 2 hours away from Johannesburg. It’s a great destination for a long weekend getaway.
It has 67 upmarket hotel suites with 3 different types of rooms and a private villa. The first type of suite, the standard room, is equipped with twin beds or a king-sized bed as well as an en-suite bathroom. There is also an outdoor shower and an outdoor area.
The second type of suite, the luxury suite, is fitted with a king-sized bed, a lounge area with satellite TV, a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom, and for half of the luxury suites, an outdoor area that’s fitted with a plunge pool.
The executive suite comes with a king-sized bed, satellite TV, an en-suite bathroom, a coffee machine, and an expansive private patio with a plunge pool that’s perfect for cooling down on hot days.
The Pillane Villa is the epitome of opulence, providing four standard rooms that can house up to 8 guests. A huge benefit of booking the villa is that you get private use of a vehicle and guide, which is perfect for families and groups that value flexibility.
Shared amenities at Ivory Tree include a spa, 2 conference venues, intimate lounges, an outdoor patio, a gift shop, a bush dinner venue, and outdoor dining areas which include a boma. Experience group safaris, drumming, archery, air gunning, hot air ballooning and Segway tours at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge.
Highlights: The Ivory Tree Game Lodge is inclusive of accommodation, all meals, tea and snacks, as well as two daily safari activities.
Book the Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Consider the above 3 lodges for a quick getaway from Johannesburg. You can also find other incredible accommodations near Johannesburg that are offering specials for South African residents that you can enjoy.
