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Weekend Getaways Near Joburg and Pretoria 2019 

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Weekend Getaways Near Joburg and Pretoria 2019
When you need a break from city life, escape on a great weekend getaway! Here's a list of the best family, romantic and solo getaways near Joburg and Pretoria.
Title Image

Weekend Getaways Near Joburg and Pretoria 2019

When you need a break from city life, escape on a great weekend getaway! Here's a list of the best family, romantic and solo getaways near Joburg and Pretoria.
Title Image
Weekend Getaways Near Joburg and Pretoria 2019
When you need a break from city life, escape on a great weekend getaway! Here's a list of the best family, romantic and solo getaways near Joburg and Pretoria.

City living has its perks but now and then it’s good to take time to recharge those batteries. When you need a break from the relentless streets and bright lights of Joburg and Pretoria, have a look at our guide for stunning weekend getaways in Gauteng.

Don’t forget to check what’s happening in Joburg and Pretoria today.

Family Getaways

If you’re in the market for an awesome family getaway weekend, we’ve got just the list for you! From outdoor family getaways into the bush to an informative look into man’s past. Make your next family getaway a memorable one.

Hartbeespoort

If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, Hartbeespoort is right for you! Located less than an hour’s drive from Joburg, it is one of the best inland water sports locations in South Africa. If you’re not that into water sports there are other awesome activities to do in the area.

a popular inland water sports destination@rooikatkruger

Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Snake and Animal Park, Bush Babies monkey sanctuary and the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre. The Welwitchia Fleamarket is the perfect place to meander through, you may even find a treasure.

A drive through the tunnel and over the dam wall is a favourite (remember to hoot!). Local foodies will enjoy a visit to the Van Gaalen Cheese Factory. Book a day in advance to avoid disappointment.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 85km/89km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: lodges, guest houses, self-catering resorts

Magaliesburg

The small town of Magaliesburg is located roughly an hour’s drive westward from Joburg or Pretoria. The village is nestled in a valley between picturesque mountains, rivers and indigenous woodlands.

nestled in picturesque mountains@nomadswithnomaps

A stop at the Magalies Tourist Shack will bring you up to date with what’s happening in the region whether it’s the Adoons Mountain Bike Relay or the CellarRats Wine Fest.

Other activities include hot air balloon safaris, geological trips into caves, food festivals, mountain bike rentals and elephant safaris. The children will love Goblins Cove, which feels as if it’s straight out of Lord of the Rings.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 77km/103km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: guest farms, country lodges, game lodge & spas, self-catering guest houses, chalets

Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park offers a great family bush getaway. Located just over 2 hours drive from Joburg, Pilanesberg National Park is both rich in game and not too far from the big city if you get in the mood for some city slicking.

the perfect family bush getaway@pilanesberg_

Sun City is just a 10 minute drive from Pilanesberg National Park if the city starts to beckon you. Birding is a popular activity for those preferring a slower pace.

If you’re wanting a novel experience, Pilanesberg offers balloon safaris. Relax at the end of the day with sundowners while you watch the sun setting over the stunning landscape.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 208km/204km
  • Opening hours:
    • March and April: 6:00 - 18:30
    • May to September: 6:30 - 18:00
    • September and October: 6:00 - 18:30
    • November to February: 5:30 - 19:00
  • Accommodation: private lodges, self-catering resorts, self-catering bush lodges, safari & bush lodges
  • More Info: Pilanesberg National Park website

The Cradle of Humankind

Just 30 minutes from Joburg lies the Cradle of Humankind, the origins of man’s journey on Earth. The Cradle of Humankind covers a 47 000 hectare area which includes 40 fossil sites, of which 13 have been excavated.

the cradle of humankind covers 47 000 ha@abigailseeber

The Sterkfontein Caves is also worth a visit. Walk, crawl and climb through millions of years of history. When you emerge on the other side it is customary to rub the nose of Uncle Ron’s bronze statue (for luck).

Maropeng is a museum offering a fun, interactive way to engage with man’s origin. If you’re feeling adventurous there are hot air balloon rides. Private tours by Paleotours can be organised in advance. These tours happen at the Rhino and Lion Park.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 61km/76km
  • Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 9:00 - 17:00
  • Accommodation: tented camps, country estates, guest houses, game lodges, hotels, safari & bush lodges
  • More Info: The Cradle of Humankind website

Romantic Getaways

Planning a romantic weekend getaway? We’ve compiled a list of some romantic locations to get the heart a flutter.

Bela Bela Region

Just 2 hours outside Joburg lies the two small towns of Bela Bela and Modimolle (previously the Warmbaths and Nylstroom). Bela Bela, “The pot that boils” in Tswana, is home to a geothermic hot springs which produces 22 000 litres of water per hour at a temperature of 52 degrees celsius.

home to geothermic hot springs@kieksie

In addition to hot springs, the Hydeo Centre offers treatments focusing on health and relaxation. There are also pool-based activities to keep the kids, or the young at heart, entertained.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 169km/112km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: self-catering lodges, country hotel cottages, tented camps, guest farms, luxury suites

Waterberg

The Waterberg Biosphere offers over 15 000 hectares to explore. The attractions appease the visitors’ need to experience the outdoors, wildlife and history. Waterberg is the first region in northern South Africa to be named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

lilac-breasted roller at mabula private game reserve@sarah_jane.mcfadzean

Mabula Private Game Reserve is a malaria free private game reserve that houses 12 000 ha of Big Five. The Mabula lodge’s double and twin rooms in the bush offer affordable accommodation with breakfast, lunch, dinner and two game drives per day included!

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 172km/115km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: game lodges, safari & bush lounges, luxury tented camps, self-catering cottages
  • More Info: Mabula Game Lodge

Muldersdrift

Muldersdrift lies in the Kromdraai Valley Grasslands, home to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Appreciate the beauty of the grasslands landscape and natural vegetation of Muldersdrift.

watch the sun set over the landscape@lethabo.e

Muldersdrift was once in the ‘real’ countryside, a fair way outside of Joburg. Today, Muldersdrift still boasts its smallholdings and farms but has become more of a centrally located village with its borders mingling with Northgate’s outer suburbs.

Muldersdrift offers the luxury of peaceful evenings, just a short drive from Sandton, Fourways, Randburg and Pretoria. Activities in the area include abseiling into the Wonder Caves, fly-fishing at Kloofzicht Lodge, game drives in Heia Safari Game Reserve and beer tasting at Gilroy Brewery.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 47km/64km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: B&Bs, country hotels, guest houses, self-catering country cottages, tented camps

Potchefstroom

Potchefstroom, the capital of the former Transvaal Republic, is known for being an academic city. The town was founded in 1838 by the Voortrekkers and has managed to retain much of its early charm in contrast to bustling Joburg.

relax at boskop dam and nature reserve@beedle72

Potchefstroom has a strong agricultural economy, highly regarded educational institutions and numerous national monuments from when the town was a major centre for the Transvaal. Potchefstroom’s trails make it a popular hiking destination and Boskop Dam Nature Reserve, just 25km away, is a popular picnic and angling site.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 120km/190km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: B&Bs, guest houses, hotels

Solo Getaways

Now and then the need arises for a solo weekend getaway. Cullinan and Dullstroom are two perfect locations to recharge those batteries and get that much needed “me-time”.

Cullinan

Just an hour and a half’s drive from Joburg, Cullinan is known for being the location of the world’s largest diamond discovery (3106 carats!) The Cullinan Diamond is now in several pieces in the Crown Jewels. Cullinan and the surrounding towns still house some lesser known jewels for visitors looking to escape the big smoke.

the world's largest diamond discovery location@cullinandiamonds

Cullinan has felt the effect of mining moving away from the town. The sleepy town with its oak trees and broekie lace cottages are reminders of more active times when Premier Mines was involved in the town. Many of these houses have been turned into shops and cafes, the perfect place to buy homemade jam or a piece from the past.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 104km/46km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: country lodges, bush lodge & spas, country inns

Dullstroom

Located 2 and a half hours from Joburg, is the charming little village of Dullstroom. It is situated in the heart of the Highlanders Meander. It is known for its lakes, clear streams and stunning scenery. Dullstroom dates back to the Dutch Settlers in the early 1880s. The town’s architecture is a mixture between 19th and 20th century designs.

mecca of fly-fishing@t0nilisa

Considered to be a mecca of fly-fishing, it is nestled in an extensive region suited to trout fishing. The two species of trout, rainbow and brown trout, occur in the numerous streams, rivers and dams. There are a wide range of specialist tackle shops for anglers to choose from in order to get fly, reel and rod.

  • Distance from Joburg/Pretoria city centre: 262km/230km
  • Opening hours: depends on the activity
  • Accommodation: B&Bs, backpackers, self-catering, country house & spas, hotel & spas, boutique hotels

Now that you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to recharge those batteries this weekend! Whether you choose to go on a family getaway, a romantic getaway with your significant other or decide to strike out on a solo mission, enjoy exploring someplace new while getting in some R&R.

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