2024 has started off with a bang – so much so that a holiday is already in order. But holidays don’t have to be extravagant or expensive to be exciting. Sometimes, even short getaways can be the perfect break you need from the busyness of your life.
We’ve taken a look at some of the best little getaways all around the country that won’t break the bank or take too long to get to this Easter weekend, leaving you with plenty of cash and time to relax.
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Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg
The Cradle of Humankind is always a fun day trip. Whether you’re from Johannesburg or Pretoria, it’ll take you about 36 and 45 minutes respectively to get to this World Heritage site.
While the Sterkfontein caves remain closed to the public until further notice, you can still take a walk through the world-class exhibition. Or, if you’re wanting to look into the cosmos, book a night of stargazing. Tickets range from R125 to R540.
If you want to immerse yourself into human-kinds origins, stay the weekend. Yes, that’s right, there are several accommodation options in the area for you to choose from, and with it, some extra activities to consider. For example, you can add a trip to the Rhino and Lion nature reserve to your itinerary along with a day admiring the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens.
Driving time:
Pretoria: +/- 35 minutes
Johannesburg: +/- 45 minutes
The Drakensberg from Durban
If you live in Durban, chances are you’ve already spent a weekend or two up in the mystical Drakensberg mountains. But, if you’re new to the area or running out of ideas for short weekend getaways, then it might be time to revisit the Berg.
Nothing is as peaceful as camping (or glamping – which is infinitely better, especially in winter) in the quiet of a valley in the Berg. There isn’t much to do really other than fish (if you’re near a dam) or hike or just relax.
But, if you’re in the mood for some thrill, consider adding the Drakensberg Canopy Tours to your weekend to-do list. You’ll get to experience the natural beauty of mountains and the nature that comes with it, with minimal exercise.
Tickets are R650 per child (17 and younger) and R750 per adult, and each tour is approximately 3 hours.
You can make the canopy tour a day trip thing, depending on how far you are from the Drakensberg, and if you’re willing to make the drive. But, to truly enjoy the silence and beauty of the berg, we suggest taking advantage of the myriad of accommodation options at your disposal. Choose between camping, glamping, or staying in a chalet – there are so many choices.
Driving time:
Pietermaritzburg: +/- 4 hours
Durban CBD: +/- 4hours 30 minutes
Ballito: +/- 5hours
Cederberg from Cape Town
Let’s face it. The best mountain in South Africa according to Capetonians remains the idyllic and iconic Table Mountain. But sometimes even they need a break from the Mother City.
Hence why Cederberg is the go-to getaway for those in Cape Town and surrounds.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to activities – even if you decide to spend just the day there. Explore cave paintings or spend the day horse riding looking at the mountainous sites. Tea lovers will enjoy a day along with Rooibos Route, while adventure seekers can get their adrenalin pumping with activities like mountain biking and white river rafting.
It’s a bit of a trek from Cape Town, but it’s well worth the 2-hour drive – even just for the day.
Driving time:
Cape Town: +/- 2 hours
Hogsback From Port Elizabeth
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the middle coast. If you’re in Port Elizabeth or East London or surrounds, and want a quiet mountain getaway yourself, then Hogsback has to be on the top of your list.
The little village, hidden in the Amatola mountain range, is rife with history and fun things to do. You can spend your weekend away from your busy, noisy life taking in the wonderous eastern cape nature. From waterfalls to a mesmerizing Arboretum, Hogsback has plenty to offer, year-round.
Like the Drakensberg, you have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from.
It’s a bit of a drive from both PE and EL – but it’s well worth it, especially considering that you can go back multiple times and your itinerary will be different each trip.
Driving time:
Port Elizabeth: +/- 3 hours 20 minutes
East London: +/- 2 hours
Debengeni Falls from Polokwane
There are tons to do in Pretoria on any given weekend – especially if you’re an art or history nerd (like me). But getting away means getting away from the traffic and the noise altogether. Hence why we suggest taking the drive to the Debengeni Falls in Limpopo.
The falls are toted as one of the most beautiful and scenic attractions along the Magoebaskloof – an area along the northern Drakensberg – and it’s easy to see why.
As it’s set in a peaceful natural forest with surrounding pools, the Debengeni waterfall is the perfect spot for a day of relaxation. Have a picnic on the smooth rocks or take a dip in the crystal-clear pools. But, whatever you do, take in the natural beauty that Limpopo and the northern berg have to offer.
It’s a bit of a trek from Pretoria (about 4 hours) – but the Debengeni Falls are the perfect reason to consider spending the weekend in Limpopo.
Driving time:
Polokwane: +/- 1 hour 30 minutes
Pretoria: +/- 4 hours
Vredefort Dome from Pretoria
Nothing says the perfect day trip than a drive to the Vredefort Dome in Parys, Free State. A mere hour’s drive from Johannesburg sits the oldest astrobleme on Earth (PS – astrobleme means meteorite impact structure). Yup – our very own crater, which you can explore via various means of transport, including guided tour drives, self-drives, cycling, and hiking.
You can even explore the crater via rafting or canoeing! Super cool right? And with it being about 90 minutes from Johannesburg, you could do it in just a day.
But there are accommodation options if you want a little weekend getaway, too.
Driving time:
Johannesburg: +/- 1 hour 30 minutes
Pretoria: +/- 2 hours
Get packing
So that’s that – some of the best short trips or weekend getaways every Saffa needs to consider for their next break. So, grab your bags, the hubby and the kids, and take a much-deserved break – no matter how short it may be.
Article, written by Jade McGee, originally appeared in the March issue of Garden&Home.
