The Best Day Trips to Take From Johannesburg

If you’re looking to get out of the city there’s no need to travel far. An overabundance of exciting game reserves, small towns, and parks—perfect for day outings—surround Johannesburg.

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Soweto, Gauteng

A guided tour will lead visitors to the most interesting spots in Soweto, from the Hector Pietersen Memorial and Museum and Freedom Square, to an informal settlement and the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

*Approximate travel time 35 minutes

Lesedi Cultural Village, Cradle of Humankind

Located within the Cradle of Humankind, visitors discover African traditions and cultures by visiting five homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele tribes.

*Approximate travel time 50 minutes

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Krugersdorp

This self-drive park refers to itself as “the nearest faraway place,” as it’s so close to Johannesburg. The reserve is home to the Big 5 and also caters to large groups of vulture, endemic to the nearby Magaliesberg Mountains.

*Approximate travel time 50 minutes

Enquire about lion feeding times when entering the camp, it’s quite a sight

Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park, Krugersdorp

Situated within the Khatlhampi Private Reserve, the park has been transformed into a platform for the display of outdoor sculptures and installations. Visitors can enjoy picnics on the lawns or stroll through the lush gardens and trails.

*Approximate travel time 50 minutes

Nirox Sculpture Park often host exciting events, including exhibitions and concerts

Magalies Meander, Magaliesburg

Visiting Magaliesburg is perfect for those wanting to escape into nature. From mountain biking, fly-fishing, hiking, horse riding, and even adventurous canopy tours to quaint restaurants, there’s something for the whole family.

*Approximate travel time one hour

Hartbeespoort Dam, North West

Hartbeespoort Dam boasts a variety of fine restaurants and cafés, boat cruises, hot air balloon safaris, and other activities for the adventurous traveler. The aerial cableway should top this list, as it offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding area.

*Approximate travel time one hour

Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind

The discovery of a fossil that’s over 2 million years old in the Sterkfontein Caves, nicknamed Mrs. Ples, sparked the notion that South Africa is the birthplace of humankind. Explore the caves (dress comfortably) and visit the educational exhibition center.

*Approximate travel time one hour and ten minutes

Cullinan, Gauteng

This old mining town is a living museum and popular day trip destination—it’s also home to the largest diamond ever found. The main street is lined with restaurants and there are many tours, including that of the diamond mine, on offer.

*Approximate travel time one hour and 15 minutes

Pilanesberg Game Reserve, North West

If you’re craving a visit to the bush, Pilansberg Game Reserve is the perfect place for a one-day safari. The reserve is set within an extinct volcanic crater, the only one of its kind in the world, and is home to the Big 5.

*Approximate travel time two hours and 30 minutes

Adventures with Elephants, Bela Bela

Adventures with Elephants, a responsible tourism operation, offer visitors personal experiences with elephants. Learn about these gentle giants through basic interactions, safaris, and even joining them for a swim.

*Approximate travel time two hours and 50 minutes

Chishuru, an 18-year-old male elephant at Adventures with Elephants

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.