Weekend trips from Johannesburg
Need a getaway? That long awaited chance to refresh and unwind after the 9-5 weekly routine or a family trip to rekindle bonds and catch up on quality time that seems ever so elusive. A weekend away from the bustling city of Johannesburg can be just what the Doc ordered to recharge your batteries.
Magaliesberg
For the ultimate countryside escapade, strap on your toughest boots and head over to Magaliesberg. This beautiful mountain range lies roughly an hour away, north-west from Johannesburg and is chock-full of activity to appease the adventurer in us all. You may want to split your weekend experiencing ground-based pleasures on your first day, such as mountain walks, quad-biking, hiking or horse-riding at Saddle Creek Ranch.
Go back to where it all began. Discover the beginnings of mankind at Maporeng’s visitor centre located at the Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site. Young and old will find fascinating fossils, keys to the earliest traces of human existence on Earth, their stories of survival and migration to other continents. The exhibition is detailed, interactive and eye-opening to the nature of human evolution. The best part is that on weekends their guided tours are carried out at no extra cost!
The following day, set your sights higher! Have a spot of complimentary coffee and bikkies, then climb aboard one of Bill Harrop’s Hot Air Balloons and hover splendidly in the air over Magalies River Valley with champagne in hand. For convenience, you can nab a balloon-lodge package, which will include breakfast, a balloon trip, dinner and accommodation at one of their recommended nearby cosy, country cottages. No car? No worries. A mini-bus can be arranged from hotels in Johannesburg or Sandton right to the departure point of your awaiting hot air balloon. Bill Harrop’s really has you covered.
Accommodation: When you visit Magaliesberg, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to settling in. Typically if it’s a trip for two, private lodges such as Budmarsh are the way to go. If you prefer being closer to the riverside or meander check Magalies River Lodge or Hunter’s Rest for family-friendly activities, whereas country houses such as Mount Grace Country House and Spa provide more peaceful private ambience near the bordering mountains.
Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa
Nestled further in the Magaliesberg Mountains is Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa. Both adults and kids are sure to find holiday heaven; toddlers will love their own supervised sandpit to build castles on and the teens will enjoy the games room, post-supper movies and bonfires. Lovely ladies curl up next to the fireplace in the lounge during winter with a book, leave the stress of cooking behind and indulge in hearty buffets and candle lit dinners. Lay in bliss at the hotel Spa and discover why it has fittingly become a 2013 World Luxury Award nominee. Lads get sporty in the sun and play traditional outdoor cricket or try something extreme like mountain biking or crossbow shooting. Better yet, all adventurists will want to have a swing at the signature Magaliesberg Canopy Tour which accompanies Sparkling Waters Hotel and is often discounted to residents. Check out their website for packages and specials to come!
Accommodation: Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa specialise in making the most out of your Magaliesberg stay. Fifty six spacious, wooden furnished, media-equipped rooms with radio and TV await families big and small.
Askari Game Lodge and Spa
Make your next long-weekend unforgettable with the complete African safari encounter. The Askari Game Lodge is situated on Plumari Reserve. A reserve, which can only mean one thing…you, will be living near animals in their own natural habitat. Meet them face-to-face! Book a game drive and let an experienced guide wheel around the bushveld and stop by incredibly close to native flowers and wildlife; including Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Lion and Leopards (the legendary South African Big 5). If you’d like to pump those muscles, take a nature walk and uncover prehistoric rock carvings. Even more edifying, the museum on-site is open daily and free to all guests; its displays of hardened tools from the Stone Age to beautifully crafted wooden wagons reveal the intense craftsmanship of bygone eras. Do not leave Askari Game Lodge without scheduling the elephant experience, where you get to touch, feed, walk and bond with Africa’s smart, gentle giants. After braving the outdoors, pamper yourself at the lodge spa and head back to your chalet feeling reinvigorated. Create your own special bed and breakfast packages with the activities that suit you and tailor your stay to your own liking.
Drakensburg
No matter your age or interest, here’s where your visual senses will be spoilt luxuriously. The highest mountain range in Southern Africa, the Drakensburg in Kwa Zulu-Natal is a visionary sweep of summits and peaks that border South Africa and Lesotho. Begin with a self-drive away from Joburg city en-route to Heidelberg and you will already notice the change in scenery, from skyscrapers to flower fields and dams. Keep your car-trip smooth as there are many windy cliff-roads and remain comfortable by stopping to stretch and refresh at passing pit-stops such as Villiers. (Refuel the car or grab a bite to eat). A great place to stop over is at Bergview in Harrismith, just an hour before you arrive, feed the resident goats and ducks and lookout at the Platberg highlands peaking in the skies signalling the majesty of mountains to come. Drive a little further, past Sterkfontein Dam, and spend the first part of your weekend here in the Northern part of Drakensburg, where you can explore the Royal Natal National Park. Inhale fresh air as you stroll through the nature reserve and climb up hiking paths to photograph the towering Tugela Falls, while those who wish may fish for trout at the rivers below. Gaze at the famous rocked wall Amphitheatre and while taking in its scenic views you may spot a Black Eagle in flight. If you’d like to stay the night, Royal Natal National Park has all sorts of accommodation from self-contained, fully equipped Thendele Cottages to campsites at the Mahai River. More secluded comfort can be found at resorts a little further out at Alpine Health or the pricier Cavern.
After recharging overnight, or if you are ready to move on the same day, head over to Giant’s Castle in central Drakensburg. A pleasant southerly drive from the Royal Natal National Park will see you reach Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve. Antelope and Eland can be seen sprinting at the reserve, as well as historically engaging San art paintings at the Main Cave Museum. The prehistoric etchings on rock and life-like figures of the San people huddled together transport visitors back in time, providing a sense of one of the earliest human populations. Have a meal at the Vulture Restaurant on-site and feast alongside bearded vultures. Further down, Kamberg Valley allows you to venture out and fish, swim or tube in the Mooi River, abseil or horse ride on a humble Appaloosa and come back to the cosy countryside feeling accomplished.
Accommodation: 2-6 bedded chalets or thatched self-catering huts offer spectacular mountain views at Giant’s Castle Camp. On the other hand Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is a sweet guesthouse which organizes tasty homemade food for you. Snap beautiful displays of swirling streams meeting the pebbled foot of the mountains and enjoy your Drakensburg stay!
Heidelberg
If wish to remain within the Gauteng province on your weekend and still experience laid-back relaxation, you’ll be surprised to find that it is indeed possible. Only an hour away from Johannesburg, a leisurely 50km drive will have you arrive in the rustic town of Heidelberg. Here there is no commotion, only stone buildings, Victorian architecture that has survived as historical wonders since the 18th century. If you ever wondered what rural life was like during the dark days of war, visit Diepkloof Farm Museum, whilst antique car lovers will want to see classic wheels and polished models at Heidelberg Transport Museum. Stay at the charming Heidelberg Kloof Lodge and visit Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve or call it a night at Protea Hotel which is 5km from the reserve. Naturalists may also rendezvous with all sorts of winged beauties at the Marievale Bird sanctuary. Heidelberg’s distinct change in scenery somehow manages to alter one’s perspective of the world. The pastoral landscape and calls of nature are peacefully captivating compared to the congestion that often clouds our judgment when caught up in traffic and hectic working conditions.
Vaal
There aren’t any beaches in Johannesburg, but never fret, the Vaal River and dam area accommodates with plenty of water activity naturally based at the Vaal Meander. Zip up your swimsuit and go water-skiing or wakeboarding, hire a boat and fish or try white water rafting. Slow it down in the evening, laze and watch the sunset as you cruise aboard the Liquid Lounge. The gently flowing streams on the riverbed and sprouting gardens is the perfect backdrop for a picnic or braai. For urbanites who would love to add shopping to the itinerary, hit the Vaal Mall while the next Big Easy can cart around one of the many green golf courses in the area. At night, the nearby sparkling tents at Carnival City light up. Leading you to live performances, bowling and the casino, Carnival City offers indoor entertainment at its complex while still feeling as though you’ve sneaked off from the midst of Joburg city. Riviera on Vaal offer great accommodation packages, often together with water-sport vouchers. Enjoy fine dining, wine and spa treatments overlooking the shimmering Vaal River. Children under 12 stay free and will be pleased with the load of games and crafts in house, from pine-cone painting to put-put and more.
Cullinan
So you’ve seen Gold Reef City or heard about the gold mines which have long enriched Johannesburg, now have a look at the other significant gem which makes the Gauteng region sparkle. Diamonds, including the world’s largest diamond (the Cullinan) have long been mined at the petite, picket-fenced village of Cullinan. 2 hours away from Joburg, Cullinan Mine tours reveal how these precious stones are formed, preserved, discovered and cut before they embellish jewellery. Encrusted deep within the quaint landscape of Cullinan lie not only diamonds, but timeless Edwardian artefacts. On Oak Avenue, the town’s main road, you’ll yet have more to discuss and admire other than a girl’s best friend. Lacy linen, handmade candles, silverware and soap can be found at The Art of Silver or Rust in White shops. Jan Harmsgat se Agterplaas is also an artsy spot with recyclable materials creatively hanging around to create a bohemian gist; live music and barnyard theatrical performances occur regularly. Have a tummy-full lunch at one of the town’s yummy food outlets, such as As Greek as it Gets or cross over to the park for a picnic. It’s difficult not to keep calm here; imagine you have stepped back in time on a lazy Sunday afternoon strolling cobbled streets and stopping at one of the restaurant gardens for coffee and a chat.
Accommodation: Zebra Country Lodges is safari-based with guided game drives, an Ndebele Cultural Village, tranquil gardens and a glittering lake to compliment your divine Cullinan getaway.
Tip for the daring: Pretoria Skydiving Club is 30 minutes away from Cullinan and a nice adrenaline rush (weather permitting) on the way back to Pretoria central.
Ask our travel consultant your questions here. She would love to assist.
