Long Weekend Escapes Around Joburg

If you’re in the mood for a break from the city over the upcoming long weekend, why not take a look through our top 5 travel destinations, all within a mere four hours from South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg? There’s a healthy spatter of game viewing destinations and forested hideaways, as well as cosy towns with restaurants and galleries galore. Take advantage of the time for a mini-break and recharge in our superb countryside!
 

1.
WHERE - Waterberg
HOURS TRAVEL - 2 hours from JHB
KNOWN FOR - game and bird viewing, San rock art, and hot springs
 
The Waterberg district, Bela-Bela (previously Warmbaths), and Biosphere Reserve is a true natural wonder. It features ancient mountains, a rich tapestry of biodiversity, thousands-year-old rock art, and a site of critical archaeological and palaeontological importance. Its rolling savannahs also make it a popular safari destination, where large herds of wildlife and the Big 5 can be seen. The Waterberg district is renowned for its spectacular views, which are most evident within the sprawling biosphere reserve and its pristine bush environment, while the Waterberg mountains speak of San existence here thousands of years ago, with the nearby Makapans Valley regarded as one of the country's most significant archaeological and palaeontological sites, as it has yielded hominid fossils dating back 3m years. Try visit Mokopane and book a guided tour of the valley and its intricate network of caves, which have been declared a national monument. The Waterberg is also known for its hot mineral springs - many of its towns actually developed around these natural phenomena, which can still be enjoyed today at Bela-Bela and Mookgophong. Its hot springs produce 22,000 litres per hour at 52 °C! Other outdoor pursuits that can be enjoyed include excellent fishing at the Mokolo Dam at Lephalale, bird watching at the exquisite Nyl floodplain, and hiking at Mookgophong.
 
 2.
WHERE - Magoebaskloof
HOURS TRAVEL - 4 hours from JHB
KNOWN FOR - hiking, camping, and fishing
 
Magoebaskloof is also known as ‘The land of the Silver Mist’. With the towering massif of the Wolkberg as backdrop, wooded wonderlands, and the pristine beauty of the surrounding grassland, Haenertsburg Village will remind you of a Swiss Village (without the snow, of course!). Rissik Street in Haenertsburg reminds one of the Pilgrim's Rest of old, with its trading-post buildings made of corrugated iron and shady roads.  Along this street you'll find several outstanding eateries, curio and antique shops, a museum and a rare second-hand bookstore. This area, with it's clear mountain streams and rivers are becoming a sought after destination for keen fishermen and hikers alike. Adventure enthusiasts will not go home disappointed as the activities offered varies from serious adrenaline to family sport.  Mountain biking, hiking or canopy tours. Pick your activity. And if there's one other thing Magoebaskloof residents can do, it's organise festivals. They hold at least five festivals each year: some are centred on the beauty of the area, such as the Spring Festival; others on local produce and amazing food, such as the Berry Festival or The Haenertsburg Food Wine and Beer Festival.
 
 3.
WHERE - Clarens
HOURS TRAVEL - 4 hours from JHB
KNOWN FOR - galleries, restaurants, fishing, and scenery 
 
Clarens is an artists' haven with many well-known artists either living in or frequenting the village, with many art galleries scattered around the village square and the town. The tranquil village ambience combined with scenic views and a mild climate has made Clarens a popular getaway for city dwellers. Clarens is known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and wonderful climate; it is one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa and has recently been acclaimed as the best Trout Fishing waters in South Africa. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its sandstone formations and cliffs is 17 km from Clarens, which is part of the scenic Highlands Route and is surrounded by mountains. The Rooiberge is the range encompassing the village, whilst further towards the southeast are the Maluti mountains in shades of purple and blue. All around are the sandstone cliffs with their multi-coloured layers - these horizontal strata are a characteristic feature of the area - many homes in the Clarens Valley are made from or clad in sandstone. There are various establishments offering accommodation, including bed & breakfasts, self-catering, lodges, backpackers and farm guest houses in the surrounding area.
Activities include horse riding, abseiling, hiking, fly fishing, fossil hunting, white water rafting and golf. Live music is often performed on weekends.
 
 4.
WHERE - Dullstroom
HOURS TRAVEL - 3 hours from JHB
KNOWN FOR - fishing, restaurants, history, and hiking
 
Dullstroom has everything you need to have the perfect family vacation - beautiful scenery, great activities, and a warm welcoming local population. Dullstroom is home to one South Africa’s finest trout fishing rivers which attracts eager anglers from across the world to try snag one of these elusive fish, even in the chilly months! Like many towns in the area, Dullstroom has its Boer War memories. Many died fighting and others died in concentration camps. A stone memorial and garden of remembrance commemorate the war and many of the visitors to Dullstroom come to pay respects to these individuals and to learn more about its unique history. Dullstroom offers a wide variety of accommodation establishments, ranging from family style to luxurious self catering accommodation, all at affordable prices. Dullstroom’s quaint architecture and village feel makes for the perfect romantic getaway, or relaxing fishing holiday, plus the many varied activities in and around Dullstroom - from horse riding to hiking to eating! - will keep you happy if the fish aren’t biting.
 
 5.
WHERE - Pilansberg
HOURS TRAVEL - 3 hours from JHB
KNOWN FOR - game, camping, birding, and balloon safaris
 
You may be wondering what sets Pilanesberg Game Reserve apart from other National Parks. What makes it so unique? Only three hours’ drive away from South Africa’s largest city (Johannesburg), Pilanesberg National Park offers the perfect opportunity to leave the city lights behind, and discover another world. The diversity of Pilanesberg’s accommodation options means that there is an offering to suit every taste. Whether you enjoy “roughing it” in a Safari tent in the bush, or a savouring a glass of fine wine in a big bubble-bath as you gaze out the window of your luxury lodge, Pilanesberg has something just for you. The Pilanesberg National Park exists in a transition zone between the dryness of the Kalahari and the wet Lowveld vegetation, which attracts an incredible variety of game animals, flora and fauna that are not often found living side by side. Virtually all of the animal species native to southern Africa can be found here, including the Big 5, wild dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope and more than 360 species of bird, all within a relatively small park. Pilanesberg National Park is set within the crater of an ancient volcano, formed 1.2 billion years ago by overflowing magma. The landscape and rock formations we see today are the enduring reminders of this magnificent occurrence.

 
So, whether you are looking to unwind in front of a fireplace with a glass of vino, admire the animals or the artists, or even get physical in the amazing wilderness, options abound which will leave you feeling refreshed and revived after just a few days off from the hustle of Joburg. Don’t forget to check your car prior to leaving so that you arrive at your destination safe and sound, and ready for a weekend of serious relaxation!

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