About Safari Club SA
The Safari Club SA is in the suburb of Kempton Park, a short 5-minute (and complimentary) transfer from Johann...
... esburg's OR Tambo International Airport. It always aimed to be a good-value, three-star guesthouse, offering a refreshing change to the larger hotels typically found around the airport. Now, under new ownership, we understand the new owner has made the move of taking over The Safari Club in a bid to reinvent the establishment.
We found the Safari Club SA to be a tranquil and welcome delight after hours on a plane and time spent negotiating airports. Its clean and comfortable rooms are of a good standard, and whilst the service may lack the subtleties of many more upmarket places, the will to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed is genuine.
Our view
We found the Safari Club SA to be a tranquil and welcome delight after hours on a plane and time spent negotiating airports. Its clean and comfortable rooms are of a good standard, and whilst the service may lack the subtleties of many more upmarket places, the will to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed is genuine.
Accommodation
16 Rooms
Children
Open
All year
Activities
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Microlight
Private activities
Quad-biking
Traveller reviews of Safari Club SA
8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 12 Jul 2023, 1 nights
"Safari Club SA review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 31 Aug 2022, 1 nights
"Safari Club SA review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 5 Sep 2019, 1 nights
"Comfortable overnight accommodation"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 12 Aug 2013, 1 nights
"Easy layover spot"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 11 Jun 2012, 1 nights
"Good sleep after overnight flight from London"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 6 Nov 2011, 1 nights
"The Safari Club SA review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 26 Oct 2011, 1 nights
"safari club"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 11 Jun 2011, 1 nights
"Great introduction to Africa"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 26 Jul 2011, 1 nights
"review"
Overall rating: Excellent



















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the trips. See our 20 pictures of Safari Club SA to get the candid view.
View gallerySafari Club SA: Our full report
The Safari Club SA is in the suburb of Kempton Park, a short 5-minute (and complimentary) transfer from Johann...
... esburg's OR Tambo International Airport. It always aimed to be a good-value, three-star guesthouse, offering a refreshing change to the larger hotels typically found around the airport. Now, under new ownership, we understand the new owner has made the move of taking over The Safari Club in a bid to reinvent the establishment.
After the short, but lightly disconcerting, drive through fairly harsh industrial- type surroundings, the tranquil grounds of Safari Club SA come as a welcome surprise. Whilst the high boundary wall and remote-controlled gates may seem a bit over the top elsewhere in the world, in Johannesburg these security measures quickly put guests at ease.
Five of Safari Club SA's 16 spacious bedrooms are in the main thatched house and a further 11 make up an L-shaped block set in the gardens. The décor of each room is corporate, bordering on clinical, with either very light or very dark-coloured furniture, dark leather headboards, white walls, tiled floors and floor-to-ceiling tiles in most bathrooms. This is softened by a touch of well-coordinated colour, both in the fabrics for the bed cushions and lampshades and in the floor rugs. Each room has air conditioning, a TV, a safe and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. One of the rooms in the main house also has a bath.
In contrast to the fairly mild colour scheme found in the rooms at Safari Club SA, the communal areas are full of vibrant shades and quirky artwork. The main building has a spacious lounge in which black and brown leather seats are set alongside cream ones; a black and silver patterned lampshade is on a coffee table near scarlet cushions; wrought-iron candlestick holders sit next to a sculpted trio of white giraffe heads; and all are watched over by a human-sized angel made of woven bark complete with twinkly lights and tinsel wings! It's an atmosphere of fun, bordering on the theatrical, all made cosy by a wood burning fire. A staircase leads up to a mezzanine level under a sloping thatched roof held up by wooden beams, where you'll find another comfortable seating area and a well-stocked bar.
Evening meals at the Safari Club SA are often served in the small dining room which has a black-and-white chequered floor and is set with wrought- iron furniture topped with cherry-red place settings - all reflected in a large gilded mirror encircled by twinkly lights. Breakfasts are usually served in a more sedate room on tables where wooden tables are set with neutral- coloured place settings. During the day, meals might also be taken on the outside terrace.
The Safari Club SA has a large, well-tended lawn surrounded by pretty gardens. The centerpiece is a small pool with sun loungers set up nearby. When outside, the nearby road noise can be heard as a dull roar punctuated by the occasional plane flying over, but indoors, these noises are barely discernible.
Geographics
- Location
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- This is really a place for one night only – it's an option for an overnight stop near Johannesburg International Airport.
- Directions
- Safari Club SA is a 10–15 minute complimentary transfer from Johannesburg International Airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- The food at the Safari Club SA is what you'd expect of a three-star guesthouse. Breakfast is a buffet selection of cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit, juices and toast, plus the choice of cooked eggs.
Dinner can be arranged in advance and for an additional cost. It's usually a three-course set menu with a choice of two mains. When we visited in May 2011 we were served a fresh salad with a tasty dressing to start. There was then a choice of chicken cordon bleu with a cheese sauce or battered fish with chips. Both were served with mixed vegetables. Dessert was a warm toffee sponge accompanied by ice cream. The dishes were well cooked and had nice flavours but lacked finesse. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All drinks served at the Safari Club SA are at an additional cost. There is an 'honesty' bar system in place, where guests are welcome to help themselves to drinks, noting them down in the available book to be added to the room bill.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at the Safari Club SA.
- Equipment
- The guesthouse has cots available on request for young children.
- Notes
- The Safari Club SA has two family rooms. One is in the main house and has four single beds. The second is in the garden block and has a double bed and a set of bunk beds.
Communications
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception at the guesthouse. Travellers with their own laptop can request the password for access to the free wireless connection. There is also a guest computer available for internet use at R30 for 30 minutes.
- TV & radio
- Each room at the Safari Club has a small TV with about eight basic MNet (SA cable) channels available. The main areas each have a stereo and music is often played during pre-dinner drinks and meal times.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- Johannesburg has a good hospital within easy reach of the guesthouse.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The guesthouse and its grounds are enclosed within a high wall and set behind an electric gate. Each room can be locked with its own key and has a small safe for valuables.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers placed throughout the guesthouse and its grounds.
Activities
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Microlight
Private activities
Quad-biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is offered to guests spending two or more nights at the Safari Club SA. There is an additional charge for this service of about R5–15 per item.
- Accepted payment on location
- Any bills at the guesthouse can be settled by Visa or MasterCard, or in cash using South African rand or US dollars.
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Safari Club SA's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Safari Club SA.
Other lodges in Johannesburg
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

City Lodge JNB
About 300m from International Arrivals at Johannesburg's O R Tambo International Airport, City Lodge makes a very convenient, well-priced stopover.

InterContinental at JNB
A short walk from the arrivals hall, The InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is a good quality airport hotel.

The Airport Grand
The Airport Grand Hotel is reasonably priced overnight hotel situated a short drive from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport.
When to go to Johannesburg
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Safari Club SA in Johannesburg
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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