Into the Wild: Guided Big 5 Bush Walk Near Johannesburg
Experience a thrilling Half-Day Big 5 Walking Safari just outside Johannesburg. Step into the untamed African bush on foot and leave the city behind, if only for a few hours. Guided by expert professionals, you’ll explore wild terrain where every sound, track, and movement tells a story. From Big 5 encounters to birdsong and fresh animal tracks, this is the most immersive safari experience in Gauteng. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers, this guided bush walk offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with nature, learn about wildlife, and witness Africa up close. It’s the only Big 5 walking experience of its kind so close to Johannesburg — safe, thrilling, and deeply memorable. Are you ready to walk where the wild things are?
Day Tour Highlights
-
Encounter Big 5 On Foot –Walk in Big 5 territory with expert guides just an hour from Johannesburg.
-
6-Hours Trail –6-hour walk—twice as long as any other Big 5 safari experience near Johannesburg.
-
Learn About The Bush In Detail –Learn to track, interpret, and understand the bush with every step you take.
Detailed Itinerary
Half-Day Big 5 Walking Safari – Itinerary
05:50 – Arrival, Indemnity & Pre-Walk Safety Briefing
Your adventure starts bright and early at Mongena Game Reserve, only an hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your qualified professional trails guide, fill in indemnity forms, and receive a comprehensive safety and etiquette briefing. We’ll cover bush-walking protocols, what to expect from the trail, and how to stay safe while maximizing your wildlife experience on foot.
06:20 – Depart for Big 5 Bush Walk
As the golden sunrise warms the savanna, we set off into Big 5 territory. This is one of the most active times of the day in the bush, with fresh tracks, bird calls, and nocturnal predator movements still lingering in the air. You’ll start your walking safari immersed in the magic of the wild—far from the crowds and fences of city life.
06:20 – 12:00 – 6-Hour Guided Walking Safari
This 6-hour bush walk is Gauteng’s longest Big 5 walking safari—twice as long as most others in the region. We move at a relaxed pace, following signs of wildlife activity instead of sticking to rigid trails. That means every walk is different.
You might:
-
Track white rhinos through the mist
-
Encounter a herd of elephants at rest
-
Stumble upon fresh lion tracks near a watering hole
-
Spot rare birds, dung beetles, and medicinal plants
Your guide will interpret the landscape as we go—pointing out tracks, signs, alarm calls, and hidden behaviors that vehicles often miss. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior, bird identification, tracking skills, and traditional bush knowledge.
We stop often for water breaks and take time to appreciate both the large game and the little miracles of the bush—flowers, insects, scat, feathers, and more.
12:20 – Return, Lunch & Debrief at Kingfisher Restaurant
After the walk, we return to Mongena’s beautiful Kingfisher Restaurant, where a well-earned lunch and refreshing drinks await you. Overlooking a peaceful dam, it’s the perfect setting to share stories, ask questions, and reflect on your adventure before heading back to Johannesburg.
Why This Walking Safari Stands Out:
-
Only 1 hour from Johannesburg – perfect for travelers with limited time
-
6-hour walk – Gauteng’s longest Big 5 walking experience
-
Small group sizes – for safety, intimacy, and a deeper nature connection
-
Expert trails guides – FGASA-qualified and passionate about conservation
Traveler Reviews
-
Once in a lifetime, do it! - Fantastic experience with knowledge, fun, informative guides. Wian and Val took us right through the bush, we saw lion, elephant, rhino, buck all on foot. It was an incredible... read more Departure57939724483
23 April, 2025 Great half/one-day safari at Mongena, easily accessible from Joberg, with lots of animals to see! - Perfect day safari at Mongena Private Game Reserve with Wian. From initial contact whilst organising the trip, right through to the tour itself, Wian was friendly, accommodating (of our changing... read more zoetrekker
10 June, 2024 Unforgettable experience - I can’t even describe how amazing this experience was!! Thanks so much Wian for making this possible. He always made sure I got the best angles of all the animals,... read more Ebner F
4 July, 2024
Prices & Info
ZAR 1,850.00 P/Person
4-8 People P/Trail
Included:
- Professional Trails Guides
- All Entrance & Conservation Fees
- Trail Snack Pack
- Bottled Water, Tea & Coffee
Not Included:
- International/domestic flights
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Payments & Refunds:
To confirm your booking, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due no later than 4 weeks before your scheduled tour date.
For bookings made within 4 weeks of the tour, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations:
-
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before your tour, you’ll receive a 50% refund.
-
Cancellations made within 4 weeks of the tour are non-refundable.
Videos & Webinars
Booking Form
Private Bush Walks
Step away from the ordinary and into the heart of the wild—on your own schedule. The air is thick with the scent of sunbaked earth, birds flit through the canopy, and the soft crunch of your footsteps blends with the quiet hum of the African bush. A Private Bush Walk with One Day Safaris offers an exclusive, tailor-made experience for couples, corporate teams, and private groups of 2 to 8 people, with the choice of a full-day or half-day adventure. With no set path, we follow the rhythms of the wilderness—tracking wildlife, uncovering hidden wonders, and embracing the raw beauty of nature at a comfortable, unhurried pace. As the only experience of its kind in Gauteng, we ensure an unforgettable adventure, led by expert guides and crafted just for you. Your journey into the wild starts when you choose—are you ready?
Into the Wild: Guided Big 5 Bush Walk Near Johannesburg
Experience a thrilling Half-Day Big 5 Walking Safari just outside Johannesburg. Step into the untamed African bush on foot and leave the city behind, if only for a few hours. Guided by expert professionals, you’ll explore wild terrain where every sound, track, and movement tells a story. From Big 5 encounters to birdsong and fresh animal tracks, this is the most immersive safari experience in Gauteng. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers, this guided bush walk offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with nature, learn about wildlife, and witness Africa up close. It’s the only Big 5 walking experience of its kind so close to Johannesburg — safe, thrilling, and deeply memorable. Are you ready to walk where the wild things are?
Day Tour Highlights
-
Encounter Big 5 On Foot –Walk in Big 5 territory with expert guides just an hour from Johannesburg.
-
6-Hours Trail –6-hour walk—twice as long as any other Big 5 safari experience near Johannesburg.
-
Learn About The Bush In Detail –Learn to track, interpret, and understand the bush with every step you take.
Detailed Itinerary
Half-Day Big 5 Walking Safari – Itinerary
05:50 – Arrival, Indemnity & Pre-Walk Safety Briefing
Your adventure starts bright and early at Mongena Game Reserve, only an hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your qualified professional trails guide, fill in indemnity forms, and receive a comprehensive safety and etiquette briefing. We’ll cover bush-walking protocols, what to expect from the trail, and how to stay safe while maximizing your wildlife experience on foot.
06:20 – Depart for Big 5 Bush Walk
As the golden sunrise warms the savanna, we set off into Big 5 territory. This is one of the most active times of the day in the bush, with fresh tracks, bird calls, and nocturnal predator movements still lingering in the air. You’ll start your walking safari immersed in the magic of the wild—far from the crowds and fences of city life.
06:20 – 12:00 – 6-Hour Guided Walking Safari
This 6-hour bush walk is Gauteng’s longest Big 5 walking safari—twice as long as most others in the region. We move at a relaxed pace, following signs of wildlife activity instead of sticking to rigid trails. That means every walk is different.
You might:
-
Track white rhinos through the mist
-
Encounter a herd of elephants at rest
-
Stumble upon fresh lion tracks near a watering hole
-
Spot rare birds, dung beetles, and medicinal plants
Your guide will interpret the landscape as we go—pointing out tracks, signs, alarm calls, and hidden behaviors that vehicles often miss. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior, bird identification, tracking skills, and traditional bush knowledge.
We stop often for water breaks and take time to appreciate both the large game and the little miracles of the bush—flowers, insects, scat, feathers, and more.
12:20 – Return, Lunch & Debrief at Kingfisher Restaurant
After the walk, we return to Mongena’s beautiful Kingfisher Restaurant, where a well-earned lunch and refreshing drinks await you. Overlooking a peaceful dam, it’s the perfect setting to share stories, ask questions, and reflect on your adventure before heading back to Johannesburg.
Why This Walking Safari Stands Out:
-
Only 1 hour from Johannesburg – perfect for travelers with limited time
-
6-hour walk – Gauteng’s longest Big 5 walking experience
-
Small group sizes – for safety, intimacy, and a deeper nature connection
-
Expert trails guides – FGASA-qualified and passionate about conservation
Traveler Reviews
- Excellent One Day Safari. - We had an extra day in Johannesburg and chose One Day Safari for a day trip. We booked a private full day safari with Wiam who picked us up... read more btravel2010
4 July, 2025
Prices & Info
ZAR 1,850.00 P/Person
4-8 People P/Trail
Included:
- Professional Trails Guides
- All Entrance & Conservation Fees
- Trail Snack Pack
- Bottled Water, Tea & Coffee
Not Included:
- International/domestic flights
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Payments & Refunds:
To confirm your booking, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due no later than 4 weeks before your scheduled tour date.
For bookings made within 4 weeks of the tour, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations:
-
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before your tour, you’ll receive a 50% refund.
-
Cancellations made within 4 weeks of the tour are non-refundable.
Videos & Webinars
Booking Form
Private Bush Walks
Step away from the ordinary and into the heart of the wild—on your own schedule. The air is thick with the scent of sunbaked earth, birds flit through the canopy, and the soft crunch of your footsteps blends with the quiet hum of the African bush. A Private Bush Walk with One Day Safaris offers an exclusive, tailor-made experience for couples, corporate teams, and private groups of 2 to 8 people, with the choice of a full-day or half-day adventure. With no set path, we follow the rhythms of the wilderness—tracking wildlife, uncovering hidden wonders, and embracing the raw beauty of nature at a comfortable, unhurried pace. As the only experience of its kind in Gauteng, we ensure an unforgettable adventure, led by expert guides and crafted just for you. Your journey into the wild starts when you choose—are you ready?