10 Beautiful game reserves near Joburg

Winter is the best time of year to go game-viewing. The weather is cooler and the veld less thick so you're able to see more animals. If you're looking to get away to enjoy some time in nature, we've compiled a list of 10 unique game reserves near Joburg where you'll be able to explore and enjoy African's wildlife!

1. Bushwa Private Game Lodge, Vaalwater (From R1500 per person)

Bushwa offers guests three unique safari accommodation options. The accommodation is in four luxury safari style tents with indoor baths and outdoor showers. In addition guests can relax on sun loungers on their private decks. The main lodge consists of a bar area, dining area, various lounges and places to relax and an exquisite deck and rim flow pool.

2. Silver Cloud Game Lodge & Conference Centre, Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) (From R1500 per unit)

As the dawn breaks into a beautiful sunrise, every cloud in the sky turns silver and announces the silent start of a new day. Situated at the magnificent foothills of the Waterberg Mountains, Silver Cloud Game Lodge and Conference Centre offers you the perfect getaway destination for leisure or business.

3. Mongena Game Lodge, Dinokeng Game Reserve (From R1080 per person)

The lodge prides itself on a 28 hectare scenic dam flanked by the Pienaars- and Boekenhout rivers where sunset cruises and bass fishing is offered. An exquisite boathouse venue is available for private functions and boma dinners. The Lodge is named after the Boekenhout tree, which is indigenous to the area. The resident Zebra and Nyala herd living within the gardens of the main lodge has become a trademark for Mongena and is cherished by young and old.

4. Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve (From R4360 per person)

On the far northern border of South Africa lies a beautiful area known as the Great Marico and it is in this spectacular setting that Tau Game Lodge is situated. Privately owned Tau Game Lodge was built in 1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole, which attracts a variety of game, as does the diverse vegetation which thrives in the fertile topsoil. The lodge was designed to reflect the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever possible.

5. Bona Bona Game Lodge, Klerksdorp (From R285 per person)

Bona Bona, meaning to "look” or “see” in Tswana, is a true sanctuary for body, mind and spirit. The game lodge is truly a piece of Africa where nature and sophistication meet. With buildings that blend into the bushveld, your soul will find a reviving resting place.

6. Morokolo Game Lodge, Pilanesberg National Park (From R2600 per person)

Special: 10% off until 31 August

Morokolo Game Lodge is situated on the northern slopes of the Pilanesberg Mountains in the Black Rhino Game Reserve, recently incorporated into the Pilanesberg National Park and boasts one the richest varieties of African wildlife, predators, fauna & flora in Africa. We are 40 minutes away from Sun City.

7. De Kleine Serengeti Game Lodge, Dinokeng Game Reserve (From R900 per unit)

Situated on prime land in the Dinokeng free roaming big 5 game reserve, De Kleine Serengeti Game Lodge borders the Pienaars River on the one side and the tar road to Rust de Winter dam on the other. What makes De Kleine Serengeti so special is a lovely dam with hundreds of ducks and beyond that a grass plain where game can be seen for most of the day without leaving the comfort of the lodge.

8. Zwahili Game Lodge, Modimolle (Nylstroom) (From R2550 per person)

Embrace a true African experience at this exclusive private game lodge which is situated 2 hours North of Johannesburg in a malaria free area at the foot of the Waterberg in the Springbok Flats of the Limpopo Province. Game viewing is led by an experienced ranger in an open Safari Landrover offering sightings of Lion, Leopard, kudu, giraffe, blue wildebeest, and many more. A maximum of 20 guests are accommodated thereby ensuring a personal and tranquil experience further enhanced by excellent cuisine.

9. Ubumanzi Game Lodge , Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) (From R1050 per person)

Ubumanzi is situated in the Waterberg Mountains only a 90 minute drive from Pretoria. Experience nature at its purest. Timeless tranquillity emanates from the exuberance of birdsong, bushveld and game. A visit to Ubumanzi cannot be matched. Ubumanzi is small and exclusive with the accent on personalised service and attention to detail to make your stay a truly rewarding experience.

10. Mhondoro Game Lodge, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve (From R4900 per person)

Mhondoro Game Lodge is a luxury accommodation in Welgevonden Game Reserve, a malaria-free and Big 5 game reserve in Limpopo, South Africa. Unique features at Mhondoro include a custom-built stargazing ‘star deck’; and a waterhole with underground game viewing hide that is connected with the main lodge by a tunnel. At ground level, the hide provides excellent photographic opportunities from a distinctive perspective, as well as the excitement of getting really up close, anytime day or night, to elephants and other wildlife drinking from the waterhole. Mhondoro is the only 5-star safari lodge that has this feature.