Top 32 weekend getaways near Johannesburg

If you’re in the mood for a weekend break, take a look through this list of great weekend getaways not too far from Johannesburg.

There’s a healthy spatter of game viewing destinations, a woodland wonderland, a couple of farm retreats, trout fishing havens and even an ox-wagon camp. We’ve included locations to cater for everything from a romantic trip for two, to beds in bulk for families and friends. There’s something for everyone wanting to get away from the city for a quick break.

Also read: 12 weekend breaks near Johannesburg for under R400

Please note that all prices below are subject to change at each establishment’s discretion. Please check with them before travelling.

1. Mangwa Valley Game Lodge, Dinokeng

Price: Self-catering 1 night stay for up to 6 people valued at R4 999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 41 minutes

Stay as a Family in a Self-catering Chalet in Dinokeng

Mangwa Valley Game Lodge is situated in the malaria-free Dinokeng Reserve, which is home to 15 different African wildlife species, including the Big Five. A guided game viewing on foot or in a game vehicle allows you to get up close and personal with these animals. Mangwa’s facilities are wonderful, and your time there will be memorable, relaxing, and luxurious. Evenings are exciting because guests enjoy sitting around the boma fire while listening to nocturnal animals, crickets chirping, and frogs croaking in the distance.

Also read: 5 unusual Gauteng getaways – these are not average B&Bs

2. Magalies Mountain Lodge, Pretoria

Price: 1-night midweek stay for 2 people valued at R899
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 2 hours

An overnight stay and spa spoils in the Magalies

At Magalies Mountain Lodge, we love the breathtaking views of the Magalies Mountains, the deliciously prepared food, the rejuvenating spa treatments, and the overall friendly service.

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and find peace and tranquillity at the foot of these famous mountains. This package is ideal for those looking for peace and quiet, outdoor adventures, an overnight stay, and spa pampering, all set against the majestic Magalies Mountains!

3. Waterglen Guest Lodge, Rustenberg

Price: A 1 night’s stay for 2 people valued at R999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 2 hours

Enjoy A B&B Stay in The African Bushveld in Rustenberg

The Waterglen Guest Lodge, one of Rustenburg’s most luxurious guest houses, is a peaceful, elegant, and idyllic oasis nestled against the magnificent Magalies Mountains.

You will be staying in one of 55 spacious and stylishly decorated en suite bedrooms. Each room has coffee/tea making facilities, satellite TV, a bar fridge, and microwave ovens (select rooms). Large walk-in closets, spacious showers/baths, and queen/king-size beds are among the special touches. All of the rooms have fans or air conditioning.

Also read: 10 unusual things to do in Joburg that won’t cost a fortune

4. Seasons Golf, Sport & Spa, Brits

Price: 1 night midweek stay for 2 valued at R2 999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 45 minutes

A 1 Night Midweek Stay for 2 People in Brits

The Seasons is the ideal place to unwind after a long day in Johannesburg or Pretoria. This resort at the foot of the Magalies Mountains provides true relaxation and refreshment. Despite being only an hour and 20 minutes from Johannesburg and 50 minutes from Pretoria, you will feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

5. Dunkeld Country and Equestrian Estate, Dullstroom

Price: From R2999 per night for two people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 2 hours 45 minutes

A full board stay for 2 on the countryside

It takes about three hours to drive from Johannesburg to reach the luxury Dunkeld Country and Equestrian Estate in Dullstroom. Gauteng families seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life will find the perfect getaway in this idyllic setting.

If you’re staying here, you won’t have to travel far to find a delicious meal. After a long day of exploring, grab a snack from the hotel’s on-site bakery and a hearty dinner at the 1883 restaurant. Visit Jazz Bar or Sporting Horse Restaurant for a late-afternoon cocktail.

Horseback riding, cycling, and swimming are just some of the family-friendly activities available in Dunkeld. Dullstroom has a lot to see and do if you’re looking for a day trip. Nearby attractions include Pilgrim’s Rest and the Echo Caves, which are both about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away.

6. Hornbill Lodge, Magaliesberg

Price: From R1 099 per night per person
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 13 minutes

Enjoy Magaliesberg with a 1 night stay for 2 people including breakfast

The Hornbill Lodge and Legends Restaurant has both a health spa and a restaurant inside its premises. On the picturesque banks of the great Magalies river, the lodge may be found in the picturesque Magaliesberg area of South Africa.

Have a wonderful time relaxing in one of the opulent rooms, which are tastefully appointed, tastefully decorated, and furnished with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. You will enjoy a private patio that looks out over the riverine forest, and your choice of accommodation will determine the view you will have.

Also read: 7 days of sushi specials in Johannesburg

7. Zoe Bush Lodge, Pretoria

Price: From R899 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 10 minutes

A 4-star bush lodge at a great discount

Visitors to Zoe Bush Lodge are able to reconnect with nature and take a breather on the farm’s beautiful grounds. You’ll be able to enjoy air-conditioned rooms, delicious breakfasts, access to a beautiful garden, and free Wi-Fi when you stay here!

A short drive from OR Tambo International Airport and the city of Johannesburg, it’s the ideal destination for those looking for luxury accommodations, excellent service, and plenty of adventure without having to travel far.

Also read: 5 of the best getaways near the Magaliesberg

8. Tshukudu Game Lodge, Hoedspruit

Price: R3 499 for 2 nights for 2 people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hours 26 minutes

Gauteng: A self-catering camp for a couples retreat

You and your significant other can get away from it all at the Tshukudu Game Lodge, where you can take in the splendour of the natural world while enjoying some much-needed R&R. Be courageous and get up close and personal with Africa’s Big 5 in order to have an experience that will leave you feeling awestruck. The reserve encompasses a land area of more than 3,700 hectares and is located in close proximity to the Kruger National Park. The wildlife preserve is well-known for its successful release of animals back into the wild. Rhinos were the first animals to be reintroduced to the reserve after it had been established as a protected area; consequently, the reserve was given the name “Tshukudu,” which is the Sotho word for “Rhino.”

9. Shingwedzi Hotel

Price: R699 per night for 2
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 45 minutes

Entrance to Tahiti Resort, an overnight stay, more!

Instead of bothering relatives in Gauteng, stay at Shingwedzi Hotel. Shingwedzi Hotel is near the airport and ideal for Benoni B&Bs. Shingwedzi Hotel, part of the Three Countries Estate, offers guests a unique African feel with clean rooms and convenient amenities. All rooms have DSTV and a flat-screen TV. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available for evening and morning drinks. Daily housekeeping and luggage storage are available. You don’t need to leave Shingwedzi Hotel to be entertained. Tahiti Resort is located in Three Countries Estate. Tahiti Resort has a pool and braai. If you don’t have beach towels, rent them at reception. Full bar available.

Also read: 13 things to do with your kids in Johannesburg for the school holidays

10. Modlito River Lodge, Hoedspruit

Price: 2 night stay for 2 people valued at R7 499
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hours 39 minutes

A Romantic 5-Star Safari Stay for 2 People in Hoedspruit

This popular five-star safari lodge is a great place to stay while on safari in Africa. Every day, guests at Moditlo River Lodge can look forward to an excellent chef creating top-notch meals and opulent rooms that offer complete privacy within the African bushveld.

Nearby is the world-famous Greater Kruger National Park and the Blue Canyon Conservancy, which is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and plants. Moditlo River Lodge is situated in the latter location.

11. Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate, Kameeldrift-East

Price: R1 699 per night for 2 people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 58 minutes

A Romantic 1-Night Stay For 2 People In The Winelands of Gauteng

An upscale country estate in Pretoria’s suburbs, Kievits Kroon is home to a 16-hectare property with excellent recreational and conferencing facilities. The estate, which was built in 1997, had a chapel and was a popular wedding location, but the chapel has been converted into a multipurpose meeting space.

142 luxurious hotel rooms, a cocktail pool bar, two restaurants, a wellness spa with excellent thermae facilities, including an indoor heated pool, an outdoor lap pool with heated vitality pool, a conference center, and a large banqueting and events venue are all available on the estate. The estate’s award-winning wine list is available for tasting in the estate’s various walk-in cellars.

12. Bingelela Beds, Nelspruit

Price: From R1 199, 2 night stay for 2 people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 48 minutes

A Great Accommodation Offer in Mpumalanga

Bingelela Beds is a seven-bedroom, three-star establishment located in what is affectionately known as ‘Paradise Country,’ so named because the region is home to unrivaled beauty, extraordinary natural phenomena, and a diverse range of life. You no longer have to worry about spending a fortune on Mpumalanga accommodation!

13. Mutapa Game Lodge, Limpopo

Price: From R1 499 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 2 hour 52 minutes

A family retreat in the Waterberg region

There’s a good reason why South Africans flock to the Waterberg for vacations in the bushveld. In terms of outdoor activities, you’ll have no shortage of things to see and do. The Waterberg region is well-known for its many game and nature reserves, but it also has a few interesting towns nearby that are well worth visiting.

Things to do in the Waterberg region while on a family vacation:

Try a variety of brews at L’Abri Fountain Brewery, Limpopo’s second largest brewery.
A 300-hectare wildlife reserve in Bela-Bela is the perfect place to get up close and personal with elephants. Encountering elephants is more than simply feeding and touching them; it’s an educational experience. In addition to swimming and safari trips, elephant-back adventures offer a variety of activities.

Four elderly Pedi ladies welcome you to their lovely home and their gracious hospitality. Observe their fascinating customs, which range from the way they prepare healthy meals to the music and dance they perform.

14. Sabaan Holiday Resort, Between Sabie and Hazyview

Price: A 2 night stay valued at R1 999 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 4 hours 36 minutes

Convenient family accommodation near Hazyview

Sabaan Holiday Resort is the perfect vacation spot.

It’s 18 km from Hazyview and 30 km from Sabie on the R536.
It lies along the magnificent Panorama Route, so plan a day trip to visit God’s Window, the Graskop Gorge Glass Lift, Aerial Cable & Treetop challenge, Big Swing & Zipline, Mac Mac Falls, and many other spectacular waterfalls. Drive through Kruger to see wildlife. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, playground, trampolines, and volleyball. You can take a file of local attractions with you on your trips. Fill your schedule by:

Kruger’s game viewing. Phabeni Gate, 30 km from the resort, grants access to the Big Five and other wildlife. Lowveld Extreme or GZ Adventures offer hiking, quad biking, and white river rafting. Chimpanzee Eden rehabilitates and orphans apes. It’s unique in South Africa. Sudwala Caves are the world’s oldest. Mpumalangans should see this.

15. Lions Rock Rapids, Hazyview

Price: R3 799 per night for a 2 night midweek stay
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 4 hours 42 minutes

A Sabie River Valley midweek camp stay (meals included!)

Your stay at these Paradise Country residences will be one to remember. A swimming pool overlooking the beach and river, numerous birds, and an unmistakable tranquility can be found on the grounds. On-site bars and lounges are available, as well as fishing and tubing on a nearby river. In the privacy of your air-conditioned tent, book a massage or simply relax on the covered deck, admiring the river’s natural beauty.

The on-site riverside restaurant, just a short walk from the luxury tents, serves all of your meals during your stay. The crackle of the nightly campfire can be heard from the open-air Boma at dusk!

16. Nsele Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Price: A bush retreat for 4 valued at R3 499
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hour 51 minutes

A bush retreat for 4 in Hoedspruit

In Zulu, the word nsele, which means “honey badger,” refers to an animal of great cultural significance. If you see one, you can be sure that a miracle is on its way. In our opinion, it is impossible to find an authentic, secluded, and affordable bush retreat of any kind.

Views of the African plains can be seen from the en-suite thatched chalet you’ll be staying in. Not only can you see and experience African wildlife and vegetation in all their diversity, but you can also sample the local bushveld cuisine, which is rich in aromas and flavors thanks to a variety of local ingredients and cooking methods. All of our meals are made from scratch, and they are always filling and delicious!

You can get a taste of the local cuisine in a nearby village by dining in a festive atmosphere. Try some traditional food, sorghum beer, and a little dancing to get a feel for local life.

17. Cuckoo Country Retreat, Hazyview

Price: From R899 per night for 2 people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 4 hours 28 minutes

A 1 night stay with breakfast in Hazyview

Cuckoo Country Retreat is the best place to stay in Mpumalanga if you want to tour the Panorama Route, go to the Kruger National Park, or spend time exploring historical towns. A 1 night stay in Hazyview
The Cuckoo Country Retreat has everything: beautiful views of the valley and nearby fruit farms, tall, imposing native trees, well-kept lawns, an inviting rock pool, and a boma where you can sit around a fire at night.

The property has its own animals, some of which are even tame, like the beautiful deer that wanders the gardens. At Cuckoo Country Retreat, the real magic happens in the evenings. If you listen closely, you can hear the soothing sounds of the Majajekulo river and the calls of the bush babies as they go about their nighttime activities.

18. Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge

Price: R2 999 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 4 hours 54 minutes

A 2-Night Safari Stay for Yourself and the Rest of the Family

The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga has a lot of beautiful natural sights. Self-guided day drives are a great way to see the area. Some places you should visit are Blyde River Canyon, Chimpanzee Eden, Pilgrim’s Rest, and the Graskop Gorge Big Swing.

The Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge is in the middle of the bush in Marloth Park, a nature conservation estate that is home to many animals, such as giraffes, zebras, kudus, warthogs, impalas, wildebeests, and many more. These animals are free to move around the lodge and the area around it.

19. PeZulu Tree House Lodge, Hoedspruit

Price: A 2 night stay for 2 people valued at R3 499
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hours 47 minutes

Enjoy the wonders of Hoedspruit with Tree House stay for 2

PeZulu Tree House Lodge is a small, private game lodge in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. It is in an area with a lot of wildlife. Each treehouse is built around the branches of growing trees and combines comfort and nature.
These unique luxury homes in the treetops give guests the best of both worlds: the comforts of home and the beauty of nature.

20. Sandown Castle Estate, Sandton

Price: From R1 099 per person per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 19 mins

One of the best self-catering apartments in Sandton

Sandton is a great place to go for both business and fun. It’s good for people who like to shop, eat, visit cities, or travel for business. If you want to stay in one of South Africa’s best cities, Sandton, do it in style at one of the best self-catering apartments there.

The rooms at Sandown Castle Estate are near Sandton CBD and are self-catered. The air-conditioned room has a double bed that can sleep two people. There is free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV (only OVHD), and a small kitchenette in the room. There is also a heating panel in the room.

21. Little Africa Safari Lodge, Limpopo

Price: A 2 night stay for 2 people valued at R6 699
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hours 39 min

Enjoy the Beauty of the Bushveld With an All-Inclusive 2 Night Stay for 2

The Kruger National Park is not far from the Little Africa Safari Lodge, which is in the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve. Even though you’re in the land of the Big Five, the lodge has its own amazing animals that roam free on the property. This makes game drives and bush walks popular things to do on the estate.

The Little Africa Safari Lodge has five luxury safari tents with private patios and views of the Moditlo river. All of the tents have their own bathrooms. Depending on what you want, the beds can be set up as either two single beds or one king-sized bed.

Also read: 10 (more) unusual things to do around Joburg

22. Honeyguide Tented Safari Camp, Limpopo

Price: Valued at R2 299
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hours 58 minutes

A picturesque one-night stay in the African bush for 2 people

The camp is in the beautiful Waterberg region. It has amazing wildlife experiences, like seeing the “Big Five,” as well as great food, great service, and a great place to watch birds. With the chance to see big game, a wide range of wildlife, and beautiful scenery all in one reserve, this safari vacation is sure to be one of a kind.

Enjoy Big Five game drives in the early morning and late afternoon. There is a lot of wildlife, drinks, snacks, and amazing views of the Yellowwood Gorge. At golden hour, you can sip a sundowner by the pool and watch the many birds.

23. Sterkspruit Mountain Haven, Nelspruit

Price: From R1 399 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hour 56 minutes

Mpumalanga: A quaint 2-night stay for up to 4 loved ones

Sterkspruit Mountain Haven is a great place for a family vacation because it has activities for kids and adults. The Kiepersol Barn will feel like your second home because it is made of wood and has a friendlyvibe. Enjoy this friendly atmosphere to strengthen family ties.

24. Zebra Nature Reserve, Cullinan

Price: R1 399 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 28 minutes

A B&B safari getaway for 2

Plan your next safari trip to end at Zebra Country Lodge. Many plains animals and many different kinds of birds live in this 400-hectare nature reserve. You can also go to the nearby Dinokeng Game Reserve to look for the Big Five. Visit the Ndebele Cultural Village to learn about the people who live there and how they live. You’ll get to try beer, eat traditional foods, and watch dances and shows that will captivate you! Adventure Zone is a great place to try zip lining, quad biking, abseiling, and a lot of other fun activities. If not, you could ride in a hot air balloon.

25. Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Price: R5 499 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 4 hour 51 minutes

A DB&B tented experience in Kruger National Park

The Mdluli Safari Lodge cares deeply about conservation. This is clear from the comfortable, high-end tents to the wild animals that roam along the Sabie river. You can even see these animals from the infinity pool or while relaxing at the bar and deck lounge.

26. Alveston Manor, Middelburg

Price: From R1 199 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 44 minutes

Enjoy a romantic getaway with a couples retreat package

Alveston Manor is a great place for couples to go when they want to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary. Enjoy a variety of spa treats, a romantic turndown with rose petals and chocolates, and a room service breakfast without worrying about your responsibilities back home.

This timeless, elegant boutique hotel is proud of its four-star rating, but it is even better known for making its guests feel at home with its friendly, personal atmosphere and the owners’ hands-on approach. The guests will have comfort, luxury, and ease of access. What more could you want?

27. Aan De Vliet, Sabie Valley

Price: 2 night stay valued at R1 699
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 56 minutes

Spend 2 nights on the banks of the Sabie River

The Aan De Vliet Holiday Resort is all about peace and quiet. Here, you can find a quiet place to read and take it easy. You can also look forward to swimming in two pools and having a braai that will blow your mind. Set along the beautiful Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, you’ll be happy to find many things to do nearby. Now you can have a trip that will teach you something by going to historical and cultural sites.

28. Timamoon Lodge, Hazyview

Price: R12 499 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 4 hour 24 minutes

A romantic 2-night DB&B escape with your favourite person

The eclectic Timamoon Lodge is up in the hills, surrounded by lots of greenery. Here you can find art and strange things that were made in Bali, Morocco, India, or Zanzibar. The private villa feels like it was made just for you and your partner. It is surrounded by forests and rivers. You can use special features like a private pool, an outdoor shower, a daybed outside, and more. Feel free to look around a little bit more than just your room. Take a walk to the on-site restaurant with a Balinese theme, where you can eat dinner with candles or watch a movie of your choice at the outdoor theater. You could even get a nice massage together at the spa…

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can take a hike and look forward to seeing endangered birds, antelope, and plants. You can choose to take a self-drive or guided day tour to either Kruger National Park or Blyde River Canyon, which are both close by. Timamoon has a very romantic atmosphere, so you and your loved one will remember your stay there for a long time.

29. The Highland Rose Country House and Spa, Dullstroom

Price: From R1 299 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 2 hours 43 mins

Enjoy a pleasant two-night B&B country escape in picturesque Dullstroom

We love that Highland Rose Country House has a classic style and is now known as the best place to stay in the area because of how hard they work to give their guests great service. The beautiful rose garden at the Highland Rose Country House and Serenity Spa gave it its name. It is in the charming village of Dullstroom on the Mpumalanga highveld.

Over the years, the Highland Rose Country House has earned a great reputation for its great service and friendly atmosphere. Today, it is thought to be one of the best places in the area, and both locals and tourists like to go there.

30. Ngama Tented Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Price: R 6 999 per night
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hour 44 minutes

A romantic full board stay for 2 nights

The Ngama Tented Safari Lodge offers an authentic bush adventure where you can have unforgettable dinners around the fire, share precious moments with your loved one, and fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush in a luxury tent.

This offer is great for couples who want to spend time in Africa surrounded by the animals and plants of the continent. Want to maybe celebrate your wedding anniversary?

31. Kololo Game Reserve

Price: R4 599 per person
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 28 mins

A DB&B stay in the heart of the Waterberg nature area

Kololo Game Reserve, which is in our country’s northernmost province, will make you feel alive with its natural beauty. All of the area’s mountains, gorges, cliffs, wetlands, and streams make it a great place for a wide range of plants to grow. This makes it a great place for a romantic picnic.

Rivers, forests, and rocky hills make up an endless savannah that is ready to welcome you. There is also a wide range of wildlife waiting to be found, which you can do from the two viewing decks at the restaurant. Your home will either be on a beautiful lawn or hidden in the African bush. You’ll be thrilled to hear that your chalet is near the fancy restaurant and beautiful pool. But there’s still more to do…

32. Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge, White River

Price: Price R4 499
Distance from Joburg city centre: 4 hours 8 minutes

A 2-night DB&B stay among the best Lowveld attractions

Between White River and Nelspruit/Mbombela is where the Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge is. It’s the perfect luxury lodge for people who want to see the sights in the Lowveld, like Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, and the beautiful Panorama Route.

Even though Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge doesn’t have any of the “Big Five,” it does have plains game like giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, kudus, nyalas, and warthogs. Visit Kruger National Park, which is only a 35-minute drive away, to see the Big Five.

Also read: Affordable weekend getaways near Durban

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