Sunset game drives debut at Bothongo Rhino and Lion reserve

At a Glance

• Bothongo Rhino and Lion Reserve launched new weekend Sunset Safari Game Drives.
• Visitors can explore the bushveld’s wildlife between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in guided tours.
• Includes full-day access with family-friendly options and scenic outdoor activities.

Just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve has introduced a new way to experience South Africa’s wilderness — the Sunset Safari Game Drives.

The weekend-only experience invites visitors to explore the reserve between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., when the light softens and the bushveld comes alive with evening sounds.

It’s a chance to see the savannah in its most striking form, bathed in golden hues that turn every moment into a photograph. 

Nestled in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, the 1,200-hectare reserve is home to more than 600 animals, including lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

The new evening safaris open a fresh chapter for one of Gauteng’s most popular wildlife destinations, offering an accessible yet immersive outdoor escape for city residents. 

As the sun slips behind the Highveld hills, guests venture through open grasslands and rugged terrain while the rhythm of the wild shifts around them.

Predators stir, antelope graze in the fading light, and birds settle into the trees — a moment when day yields to night and the bush reveals its quieter mysteries. 

“There’s nothing quite like being in the bush as the sun sets,” says field guide Didi Mahlo.

“The light softens, the air cools, and the landscape glows. You hear nocturnal creatures start to stir — it’s an entirely different side of Africa that many people never get to see.”

An evening for all ages 

Each Sunset Safari booking includes full-day access to the reserve, allowing visitors to enjoy a self-drive safari before the guided evening tour begins.

Families can picnic or braai at scenic spots, take a dip in the pool, and later join the open game-viewing vehicle that accommodates up to 20 guests.

One child under 12 rides free with every paying adult, making it a family-friendly outing that balances adventure and affordability.

Where nature meets convenience 

For families, friends, and couples seeking a relaxed but memorable outdoor experience, the Bothongo Sunset Safari blends wildlife, tranquility, and accessibility.

It’s a reminder that you don’t have to travel far from Johannesburg to witness the beauty of Africa’s wilderness — especially when it’s framed by the colors of sunset.