Rhino & Lion Safari + Wondercave Day Tour from Johannesburg
Underground caves, open-air safari, and four of Africa's Big Five in one day
A full-day tour from Johannesburg combines two distinct experiences: an underground descent into Wonder Caves, one of South Africa's largest caverns, followed by a game drive through Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve to see rhinos, lions, wild dogs, cheetahs and other African wildlife. Hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide are included. The reserve sits 45 minutes north of Johannesburg in the Cradle of Humankind.
Step-by-step itinerary
Safari and Wondercave Day Tour
- Arrive at Wonder Caves around 11am
- Explore Wonder Caves underground
- Enjoy safari at Rhino and Lion Reserve
- Watch animal feeding or shows
- Relax at Bothongo Reserve restaurants
- Return to Sandton or Johannesburg
What’s included
- Bottled water and snacks.
- air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- English-speaking guide.
- all fees and taxes.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Africa Moja Tours & Safaris
Prices and times updated yesterday
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The experience
Wonder Caves arrives first, around 11am. You descend 87 stairs at a 45-degree angle, dropping 22 meters below the surface, then take an elevator down another 18 meters into the chamber. The cave is the third largest in South Africa and dates back 5 to 10 million years. Italian miners discovered it in 1898 and extracted about 15% of the mineral formations before mining stopped in 1902. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the descent itself is the main draw: the scale and age of the formation are what make the visit concrete.
The safari portion runs from 12pm to 2:30pm at Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, situated in the Cradle of Humankind north of Krugersdorp. The reserve holds over 100 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. You'll see four of the Big Five, plus African wild dogs, cheetahs, zebras, sable antelope and others. The reserve also operates a Wildlife Centre where rescued, hand-reared or rehabilitated animals serve as ambassadors. These encounters are woven into the drive. Depending on the day you book, you may witness a lion, cheetah or wild dog feeding, a snake show, or the Vulture Hide where scavengers are fed: the specific demonstration changes, so ask when you reserve.
After the drive, there's time at one of two on-site restaurants: the Thatch Café at the welcome center, or the Neck & Deck Restaurant, an Afro-fusion venue with seating for 300 and a wine cellar. You'll be dropped back at your Johannesburg or Sandton hotel by 4pm. The full day runs eight hours from pickup to return.
Is this one for you?Eight hours from pickup to return means you'll be back in Johannesburg by 4pm, leaving the rest of your day free. The fixed schedule packs two distinct experiences (underground and open-air) into one trip, so you don't need a second day to combine them.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What exactly is Wonder Caves and how deep does the descent go?
Wonder Caves is the third largest cave chamber in South Africa, formed over 5 to 10 million years. Entry involves descending 87 stairs at a 45-degree angle for 22 meters, then an elevator drop of another 18 meters into the cavern itself. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Will I actually see rhinos and lions on the game drive?
Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve holds over 100 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. You're guaranteed to see four of the Big Five, plus African wild dogs, cheetahs, zebras and antelope. The reserve also runs a Wildlife Centre with rescued and rehabilitated animals that are part of the experience, so sightings are reliable rather than dependent on chance.
What happens during the safari? Is it a guided drive or do I drive myself?
An English-speaking guide leads the open-air game drive from 12pm to 2:30pm. The guide also arranges access to demonstrations that vary by day: lion, cheetah or wild dog feeding, a snake show, or the Vulture Hide where scavengers are fed.
How far is Bothongo from Johannesburg and how much driving is involved?
Bothongo Nature Reserve is 45 minutes north of Johannesburg in the Cradle of Humankind. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Johannesburg or Sandton are included, so you don't drive yourself. The full day is eight hours from pickup to return.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
Lunch is not included, but two restaurants operate on-site: the Thatch Café at the welcome center and the Neck & Deck Restaurant, an Afro-fusion venue with a wine cellar and seating for 300. You'll have time to eat between the cave visit and the drive back.
Rhino & Lion Safari + Wondercave Day Tour from Johannesburg
8h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 183 per person
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