Best Day Trips from Johannesburg

Johannesburg's position in the Highveld plateau of Gauteng Province places it within striking distance of some of southern Africa's most remarkable destinations. The Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City resort complex are just two hours northwest — far enough from Johannesburg's light pollution to offer excellent big game viewing and family activities. The Magaliesberg mountain range and its spa resorts are 90 minutes away. The historic Boer War battlefield sites and the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria (just 30 minutes by Gautrain) offer essential South African historical context. For the most ambitious day trippers, a sunrise departure can reach the Kruger National Park's southern gate in under five hours.