9 Relaxing Weekend Getaways Near Gauteng (2024)

I recently wrote a post about weekend getaways in Gauteng, which has been quite popular. This is the second post in the series and it covers weekend getaways near Gauteng. These are family-friendly places that I’ve personally stayed at and enjoyed with my family. However, they are also great places for romantic weekend getaways . They can be found in nature reserves or game reserves in the provinces surrounding Gauteng, and most are less than 3 hours away from Johannesburg. The approximate distance from Johannesburg is shown in brackets.

Weekend getaways in Limpopo

1.Safari Plains (+/- 2 hours)

Just over two hours away from Johannesburg, Safari Plains is situated within the Greater Mabula Private Game Reserve against the backdrop of the majestic Waterberg Mountains. The reserve is home to the Big 5, cheetahs, hippos and much more. The twenty glamourous air-conditioned tented suites are set along winding sandy pathways and are reminiscent of a bygone era, but enhanced with modern luxuries. Apart from game drives you can do quad biking, horse-back safaris and stargazing.

Read more about Safari Plains or book here.

Also, have a look at Safari Plains' sister property, Mabula Game Lodge.

2. Zebras Crossing Very Private Game Lodge (+/- 2 hours)

This charming, intimate lodge in the shadow of the Waterberg Mountains can accommodate sixteen people in six comfortable suites, and large groups can book out the entire lodge. Surrounded by bushveld where non-predatory game like zebras, giraffes and antelopes roam freely, it’s a great place to relax and de-stress. Activities include hiking, game drives, swimming, table tennis and a library.

Read more about Zebras Crossing Very Private Game Lodge or book here.

Weekend Getaways in Mpumalanga

3. Walkersons Hotel and Spa (+/- 3 hours)

Set in the serene Dullstroom countryside in Mpumalanga, and oozing old-world exclusivity and charm, Walkersons Hotel and Spa is built in the style of a Scottish country manor. The charming stone cottages are set between shimmering blue trout dams and rolling hills teeming with zebras and antelopes. The luxurious accommodation, fine country dining and relaxing spa treatments will keep you contented in between activities that include hiking, horse-riding, fishing, and bird-watching.

See more about Walkersons Hotel and Spa or book here.

Weekend Getaways in North West Province

4. Moledi Gorge (+/- 1h30)

Perched high on a cliff, in a malaria-free private reserve in the North West province, this exclusive lodge overlooks a spectacular gorge. The 7 deluxe rooms and presidential / honeymoon suite open onto private balconies while the elegant communal areas lead onto expansive decks, all offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Game drives are offered in the reserve where you can see plains game, and meals are often served in the bush or the hammock gardens.

See more about Moledi Gorge or book here.

5. Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge (+/- 2 hours)

Built on the slopes of an ancient volcano in the malaria-free Big 5 Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is set amidst spectacular scenery. With 90 hotel rooms and some self-catering chalets with private plunge pools, it feels more like a resort than a bush lodge. There are a wide array of outdoor and recreational activities including game drives, bush walks, spa treatments, rock climbing, star gazing, tennis and more.

See more about Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge or book here.

6. ANEW Resort Hunters Rest (1h20)

ANEW Hotel Hunters Rest is a picturesque sub-tropical country resort steeped in history. It is adjacent to the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, a scenic nature reserve known for its sable antelopes as well as its hiking trails, and hotel guests have direct access to the reserve. There are 98 rooms (including 6 self-catering units) set in lush gardens, a 9-hole golf course, a lovely spa and many other facilities.

Read more about ANEW Resort Hunters Rest or book here.

Self-catering getaways in North West Province

These self-catering resorts in the North-West province make great family holiday destinations as well as affordable weekend getaways near Johannesburg. They are situated in nature reserves where wildlife roam freely and offer abundant activities for the whole family.

7. Dikhololo Resort (1h40)

Situated in a wildlife reserve near Brits in the North-West province, Dikhololo is a sprawling resort with accommodation ranging from two-sleeper to eight-sleeper units. Activities include game drives, swimming, spa treatments, quad-biking, kayaking and many other sports.

Read more about Dikhololo Resort or book here.

8. Mount Amanzi (1 hour)

Set along the banks of the Crocodile River, in the shadow of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Mount Amanzi is located close to the main attractions in the Hartbeespoort area. It has 166 comfortable chalets of varying sizes, with some positioned on the riverfront. Among the many activities and facilities are cold and heated pools, a games room, tennis and volleyball courts, putt-putt and fishing.

See more about Mount Amanzi or book here.

9. Magalies Park (1 hour)

Located alongside the Magalies River, at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Magalies Park is a self-catering golfing estate in a bird sanctuary. The chalets are set in natural parklands and there's a wide range of sports and entertainment facilities and activities, including barge cruises, mountain biking, fishing, an 18-hole golf course and a water park.

Book here.

What are your favourite weekend getaways near Gauteng ?