It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to cool down and we all start to break out our winter woollies. Johannesburg may not be the most obvious destination for a winter getaway, but with plenty of activities on offer, there’s no need to leave South Africa. From skiing in the Drakensberg to exploring nature reserves, here are 8 weekend getaways in and near Johannesburg this winter.
Also read | The 15 Best Places to Visit in Johannesburg
Insider tip: Please keep in mind that all prices listed below are subject to change at the discretion of each establishment. Please check with them before setting out.
1. Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge
Price: A romantic safari stay for 2 people in Marloth Park is valued at R1 999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 5 hours 5 minutes
The Royale Marlothi Safari beckons those who crave an incredible holiday getaway. Enjoy a 2-night stay for 2 in a luxurious room with daily breakfast included. While the room isn’t self-catering, the lodge’s location in Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route promises natural wonders.
Take self-guided day drives to explore the Blyde River Canyon, Chimpanzee Eden, Pilgrim’s Rest, and the Graskop Gorge Big Swing.
The Kruger National Park is a 30-minute drive away for more wildlife adventures. Nestled in Marloth Park’s heart, Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge lets you live among the wonders of nature. Giraffes, zebras, kudus, warthogs, impalas, wildebeests, and more roam freely, offering unforgettable close encounters. Have your camera ready for moments you’ll cherish forever.
2. Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate, Waterberg
Price: A romantic midweek bush stay for 2 people valued at R2 199 at the African Bush Chalet
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 4 minutes
Two nights (or more) at the luxurious Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate are worth the two-hour drive from Johannesburg North or Pretoria. This base camp, which is located on a hill surrounded by massive Marula trees and boasts stunning vistas of the unspoiled Bushveld, exudes a calming sense of harmony and balance. Grab this one-of-a-kind deal for a relaxing two-night stay in the renowned Waterberg region if you and a loved one seek these qualities.
You’ll feel right at home at Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate, where your dreams will take you deep into the heart of Africa. In addition to its stunning flora and fauna, this hidden 1300 hectare area is thankfully free of malaria.
3. Monte La Vue Hotel
Price: A luxurious 1-night stay for 2 people at the Monte La Vue Hotel valued at R999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 35 minutes
A romantic 1-night retreat at Monte La Vue Hotel in Fourways awaits you and your partner.
Life can get hectic, but this getaway offers the perfect escape. Pack your bags, switch off your phones, and relish uninterrupted quality time with your special someone.
The Monte La Vue Hotel is a luxurious oasis in Fourways amidst the bustling city. Take advantage of the outdoor pool, fitness centre, and serene garden. Savour meals at the hotel restaurant or on the terrace, and take advantage of the tasty breakfast for just R130.
Your Deluxe King Suite awaits, complete with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and scenic garden views, all at an affordable rate.
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4. Damview Holiday Apartment, Hartbeespoort (Cheaper option)
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 36 minutes
A romantic vacation is right around the corner. The Damview holiday apartments offer a penthouse as well as rooms to suit your every need. Within a 5-kilometre radius of shopping malls, restaurants, and nature’s tranquillity- the dam. Say ‘Happy New Year!’ by the dam with family and friends, then rest your head and wake up refreshed.
5. Sun Deck Lodge, Port Shepstone
Price: A 1-Night Stay for 2 People in Port Shepstone valued at R999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 22 minutes
Sun Deck Lodge takes great pride in making each guest feel at home in its spotless accommodations. Indulge yourself if you’re here purely for pleasure. They’re close to major shopping centres and the popular snake and animal park, making them ideal for vacationers. For those of you feeling artistic, the premises are surrounded by art galleries.
Within 45 minutes of the Hartbeespoort Dam, you’ll find Sun Deck Lodge in the heart of the picturesque town of Schoemansville.
Someone is always nearby, so they must be extra vigilant about noise. Do you seek quiet and serenity?
A swimming pool and barbecue area are available for guests to use.
Up to 30 guests can be accommodated at Sundeck Lodge. There are private en suite bathrooms in the exterior rooms and shared bathrooms for the interior rooms in the main house at Sun Deck.
6. Damview Holiday Apartment 2, Hartbeespoort
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 36 minutes
Spending quality time with loved ones and trying out exciting new things is a great gift. Soon, you and your significant other can escape on a romantic getaway. Damview’s holiday apartments have a penthouse and rooms to suit any traveller’s requirements. All the conveniences of civilization and the peace and quiet of nature can be found within a 5-kilometre radius of the dam. Celebrate the New Year with loved ones by the dam, and then get some shut-eye to start the year right.
7. Emerald Resort and Casino: River Resort, Vanderbijlpark
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 5 minutes
Take a few vacation days and escape with the family to one of Gauteng’s most popular tourist spots. You can expect a wonderful time, full of excitement and rest.
Located less than an hour from Johannesburg, Emerald Resort & Casino is a magnificent private estate on the verdant banks of the Vaal River that offers a tranquil, luxurious escape along with exciting gaming, resort experiences, and entertainment.
8. Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate, Waterberg (Cheaper option)
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 4 minutes
This base camp, located on a hill surrounded by massive Marula trees and boasts stunning vistas of the unspoiled Bushveld, exudes a calming sense of harmony and balance. Grab this one-of-a-kind deal for a relaxing midweek getaway in South Africa’s renowned Waterberg region if you and a loved one are interested in these activities.
You’ll feel right at home at Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate, where your dreams will take you deep into the heart of Africa. In addition to its stunning flora and fauna, this hidden 1300 hectare area is thankfully free of malaria.
9. Kololo Game Reserve, Limpopo
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 44 minutes
Located in our country’s northernmost province, the Kololo Game Reserve is a sight. The region’s mountains, gorges, cliffs, wetlands, and streams provide a plethora of plant life with ideal conditions for growth, making for a picturesque setting for a picnic. Both the pool and the restaurant are within walking distance from these chalets. The chalets are tucked away in the thick African bush or on picturesque lawns shaded by towering Seringa trees.
10. Oceanmotion Day Spa, Pretoria Meyerspark
Price: A romantic stay and spa package for 2 in Pretoria valued at R999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 58 minutes
Get away from it all at the luxurious Oceanmotion Day Spa. It’s perfect for a romantic evening out with your special someone. This would make a wonderful anniversary or birthday present for that special someone in your life. This is a fantastic plan for any important event. Bring your bridesmaids here for a stunning bachelorette party, for instance. The time you spend here is always cause for a party.
10. Lombok Lodge
Price: A 2-night stay in Port Shepstone valued at R999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 41 minutes
For free, you can spend two nights in a seaside room at Lombok Lodge. Enjoy chic accommodations and complimentary breakfasts every day with a travel companion.
11. Alveston Manor
Price: A 1-night stay for 2 people at Alverston Manor in Middelburg for R999
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 48 minutes
Escape to the charming Alveston Manor for a 1-night stay designed for lovebirds. Wake up to the delightful surprise of breakfast in bed. This offer is perfect for celebrating a birthday or anniversary or indulging in quality time together.
Alveston Manor, almost 2 hours away from Johannesburg, is the ideal luxury weekend escape.
The hotel boasts an award-winning spa and a restaurant serving delectable English-South African fusion cuisine. Elevate your experience with a romantic dinner or a couple’s spa treatment. Your room will provide comfort and convenience with amenities like a tea/coffee tray, crisp white linens, Bouquet DSTV, air-conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
12. Lourie Lodge
Price: A 1-night stay for 2 people at Lourie Lodge valued at R 1050
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 41 minutes
Embark on a delightful retreat at Lourie Lodge, where a 1-night stay for 2 awaits. Nestled in the upscale neighbourhood of Sandton, this exclusive Fourways guest lodge offers a luxurious escape from the everyday. Here, you’ll relish the perfect balance of city proximity and boutique accommodation comforts. Lourie Lodge boasts a tranquil, leafy paradise 20 minutes from Sandton City and a stone’s throw away from Fourways Mall and Montecasino.
Your stay will be in 1 of 10 impeccably furnished luxury rooms, each equipped with a private, spacious en-suite bathroom, TV, coffee/tea amenities, and Wi-Fi.
Wake up to a hearty English breakfast and dip in the inviting pool. Enjoy a voucher for a 50% discount on a spa treatment. Escape to Lourie Lodge for an unforgettable getaway.
13. Rustika Guest Lodge, Fourways
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 42 minutes
As far as five-star hotels go, Rustika Guest Lodge has it all. The establishment’s location in Fourways’s trendy and verdant neighbourhood makes it feel like a haven in the middle of the city. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway without leaving the city, the lodge is the place to stay. It’s amazing how peaceful it is there, considering its location in the middle of the city. Placed only 5 minutes from the action of Montecasino, Fourways Mall, and Cedar Square, fun and games are never far away.
14. Zebra Nature Reserve, Cullinan
Price: A 1-Night Safari Stay at a B&B in Cullinan valued at R1 399
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 35 minutes
The tranquil environment of the lodge makes it simple to ignore one’s obligations. Guests can escape the stresses of everyday life at this private game reserve in the midst of thick vegetation. On your vacation, you can go on a nature drive or just wander around the property searching for wildlife (such as zebras, antelope, wildebeest, and birds) (curious game graze close by).
15. The Highland Rose Country House and Spa, Dullstroom
Price: A 2-Night Countryside Stay for 2 at Dullstroom valued at R1 495
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 35 minutes
Named for its beautiful rose garden, the Highland Rose Country House and Serenity Spa can be found in the quaint town of Dullstroom in the Mpumalanga Highveld.
Since opening its doors, the Highland Rose Country House has received rave reviews for its warm hospitality and impeccable service. It has since evolved into one of the area’s most prestigious businesses, attracting customers from far and wide.
