15 Weekend Getaways in and close to Johannesburg this winter

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, many people may consider going on a winter holiday. While Johannesburg may not be the most obvious choice, plenty of activities are available to keep you entertained. From skiing in the Drakensberg to exploring nature reserves, many options exist for weekend getaways within and near Johannesburg. Here are 15 suggestions for your winter holiday.

Insider tip: Note that prices are subject to change, so it’s best to confirm with the establishments before planning your trip.

1. Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate, Waterberg

Price: R2,783 for a two-night stay for two people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 4 minutes

Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate is worth the long drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The lodge is surrounded by massive Marula trees boasting stunning, unspoiled Bushveld sights. This is an excellent deal for a relaxing two-night stay in the famous Waterberg.

2. Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate, Waterberg (Cheaper option)

Photo source: Instagram / @official_thulanigamelodge

Price: R2,409 for a one-night stay for two people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 4 minutes

This base camp gives harmony and balance on a hill with surrounding Marula trees and unspoiled Bushveld views. Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate will take you on journeys through Africa. This hidden 1300-hectare area is also malaria-free.

3. Damview Holiday Apartment, Hartbeespoort

Price: R1,500 for two nights’ accommodation for two people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 36 minutes

Damview holiday apartments offer rooms and a penthouse to suit you. It’s within 5 kilometres of restaurants, shopping malls, and nature’s tranquillity, the dam. This is a perfect romantic getaway to celebrate beautiful moments with loved ones, then rest your head and wake up refreshed.

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4. Damview Holiday Apartment 2, Hartbeespoort (Cheaper option)

Price: R750 for a one-night stay for two people
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 36 minutes

Having quality time with family and friends and trying exciting new things is a great gift. Damview’s holiday apartments feature a penthouse and rooms to suit anyone’s requirements. In addition, urban scenes and nature are within a 5-kilometre radius of the dam. So celebrate the New Year by the dam, and then get some rest to start the year right.

5. Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate

Photo source: Instagram / @worldluxuryhotelawards

Price: R2,022 for a romantic winelands getaway for two people in Gauteng
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 6 minutes

Discover a lush country estate near Pretoria, perfect for hosting retreats. The estate has two restaurants and a library bar. It also includes a wellness spa with thermae facilities. In addition, there is a conference centre, a cocktail pool bar, and an events venue. When it comes to accommodation, choose from 142 luxurious hotel rooms. Kievit’s extensive, award-winning wines are available in several walk-in cellars.

6. Valverde Eco Hotel, Muldersdrift

Price: R678 for a one-night stay for two people, including breakfast
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour

Escape the rush of city life and relax with family and friends at the Valverde Eco Hotel, just an hour away from Johannesburg. Enjoy various activities and amenities, including a refreshing dip in the pool, a chance to explore the bush, and authentic African cuisine.

7. Emerald Resort and Casino: River Resort, Vanderbijlpark

Photo source: Instagram / @sholene_rambharuth

Price: R1,962 for a fun-filled midweek stay for 2 Adults and children
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 5 minutes

Take a break from your daily routine and escape to the famous Emerald Resort & Casino with your family. Enjoy the serene location along the Vaal River and engage in fun activities, resort experiences, and entertainment.

8. Oceanmotion Day Spa, Pretoria Meyerspark

Photo source: Instagram / @oceanmotiondayspa

Price: R743 for a 1-night stay and a spa treatment for 2 in Johannesburg
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 58 mins

The Oceanmotion Day Spa in Pretoria Meyerspark is a perfect retreat for anyone who wants to unwind and relax. It offers an ideal getaway for couples looking to spend quality time together or for groups of friends seeking a fun and rejuvenating weekend escape. The spa’s peaceful ambience is an excellent environment to celebrate special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays. This luxurious spa is a perfect option if you’re planning a bachelorette party. The Oceanmotion Day Spa is known for providing top-notch services, making it a guest favourite.

9. The Highland Rose Country House and Spa, Dullstroom

Price: R2,000 for a 2-night countryside stay for 2 in Dullstroom
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 35 minutes

Experience warm hospitality and impeccable service at The Highland Rose Country House and Spa. It is in the charming town of Dullstroom, known for its scenic beauty. Inspired by the rose garden, this country house offers a peaceful and relaxing environment. Guests can enjoy a countryside retreat and escape the city life’s hustle and bustle. The Highland Rose Country House and Spa is a prestigious establishment that attracts visitors from far and wide. With glowing reviews, it has become a destination for those seeking a luxurious stay.

10. Sun Deck Lodge, Hartbeespoort

Price: R926 for a 1-night stay for 2 in Hartbeespoort
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 22 minutes

If you’re looking for a serene and peaceful vacation, Sun Deck Lodge in Hartbeespoort is an excellent option. The lodge offers immaculate accommodations, making each guest feel at home. The proximity to major shopping centres and popular tourist destinations such as the animal park and art galleries make Sun Deck Lodge the perfect spot for tourists. In addition, the lodge has a swimming pool and a barbecue area, providing guests with the ideal place to relax and unwind. The accommodations can cater for up to 30 guests, with the main house having shared bathrooms, while the outer rooms have private en suite bathrooms.

11. Lombok Lodge, Port Shepstone

Photo source: Instagram / @lomboklodgeportshepstone

Price: R1,100 for a stay in the seaside town of Port Shepstone
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 41 minutes

Experience chic accommodations and a seaside view at Lombok Lodge in Port Shepstone. Stay in one of the well-appointed rooms for two nights and enjoy complimentary breakfasts. You can also indulge in strolls along the shoreline and enjoy the ocean view with the beach nearby. Lombok Lodge offers a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it an ideal location for a getaway.

12. The Yacht House, Hartbeespoort

Price: R1,010 for a 1-night stay for 2 in Hartbeespoort
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 24 minutes

Indulge in a cosy and stylish stay at The Yacht House in Hartbeespoort. With its prime location near the top sights of Hartbeespoort Dam and the nearby mountains, The Yacht House is an ideal spot to explore the area. The hotel welcomes guests with warm hospitality, offering them access to its amenities and nearby attractions and activities.

13. Zebra Nature Reserve, Cullinan

Photo source: Instagram / @annalonngren

Price: R1,359 for a 1-night safari stay at a B&B in Cullinan
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 1 hour 35 minutes

Escape the stresses of everyday life at the Zebra Nature Reserve in Cullinan. It offers a one-night safari stay at a B&B, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. You can take a nature drive or explore the surrounding property to enjoy the beauty of the reserve’s thick vegetation. With its tranquil environment, the lodge is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

14. Hilton Sandton, Sandton

Price: R1,780.23 for a 1-night stay for 2 in Sandton
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 20 minutes

Hilton Sandton is an upscale hotel in Sandton, just 1 km from Nelson Mandela Square and 12 km from Zoo Lake. The polished rooms boast stunning city or garden views, with all the amenities to ensure guests stay comfortably. Guests have everything they need with Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Suites feature separate living rooms, while upgraded suites offer luxurious 4-poster beds.

15. Kololo Game Reserve, Limpopo

Photo source: Instagram / @skootj

Price: R9,900 for a 1-night bush stay for 2
Travel time from Joburg city centre: 3 hours 44 minutes

The Kololo Game Reserve is a stunning natural attraction in our country’s northernmost province. The reserve boasts an abundance of lush vegetation and fertile soil, providing the perfect conditions for plant life to thrive. The picturesque scenery of the reserve makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic amidst nature’s splendour. For those staying in the chalets, the restaurant and the pool are just a short stroll away. The chalets are situated either amidst the dense African bush or on idyllic lawns shaded by magnificent Seringa trees, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of daily life.

Picture: Image by Lynn Greyling from Pixabay