Weekend Getaways: 4 Options Near Pretoria & Johannesburg

Looking for Weekend Getaway options near Pretoria / Johannesburg? Don’t stress, I’ve got you covered. There are plenty of places to choose from. If you are looking for a weekend safari getaway from the stress of city life, look no further.

Here are 4 Options for Weekend Getaways near Pretoria

1. Dinokeng Game Reserve

The newly established Dinokeng Game Reserve spans 18,500 hectares and encompasses several farms, game farms, and small holdings in Gauteng. It’s one of best options for a weekend getaway near Pretoria.

Conveniently located within an hour’s drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, the reserve offers excellent opportunities for general plains game viewing, and specific sections boast the presence of the Big 5. Dinokeng provides a range of accommodation choices, from budget-friendly self-catering camps to opulent fully-catered luxury lodges.

2. Welgevonden Private Game Reserve

Situated amidst the pristine wilderness of the impressive Waterberg Mountain range, Welgevonden is in close proximity to Pretoria and Johannesburg.

The name “Welgevonden,” meaning ‘well found,’ aptly captures the essence of this picturesque region characterized by rocky plateaus, open woodland, and rejuvenated farmland intersected by clear streams and ravines.

This expansive 36,000-hectare, malaria-free reserve is home to thriving populations of wildlife, including recently reintroduced members of the Big 5. Among the notable inhabitants is South Africa’s national bird, the rare and cherished blue crane. There are plenty of accommodation options available for weekend getaways.

3. Marakele National Park

Marakele, meaning ‘Place of Sanctuary,’ stands out as one of South Africa’s most recently established national parks. Nestled in the scenic Waterberg region, it is easily accessible with a three-hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The park now hosts a diverse array of wildlife, reminiscent of the species that once inhabited this mountainous terrain, including the iconic Big 5.

Notably, Marakele features a significant Cape Vulture Colony, observable from the summits of its accessible mountains. The park boasts a basic road network, with the highlight being the breathtaking views from the summit of the Waterberg Massif.

4. Madikwe Game Reserve

Located roughly 4 hours away from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve stands as one of South Africa’s top-tier game reserves.

The reserve (which offers various weekend getaway accommodation options) boasts a remarkable range of habitat types, leading to an extraordinary diversity of animal species.

As a Big 5 reserve, Madikwe is home to all the major game species, featuring a high concentration of lions, both black and white rhinos, energetic elephant herds, and renowned packs of African Wild Dogs.

Well, there you have it, 4 options for Weekend Getaways near Pretoria and Johannesburg. If you’re traveling to Gauteng and you’re looking for a car to get around, make sure that you can contact Sani Car Hire in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

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