Written by: Hennie Fisher
Sources claim that around 145 million Valentine's cards are exchanged worldwide each year. Cards and bouquets of flowers are, of course, very romantic, but perhaps you would rather enjoy indulging in one of the many romantic weekend getaways in and around Pretoria instead.
While some people may find a small tent set up in the desert romantic, others prefer nothing less than a high-end staycation in a city hotel. Whatever your preference, as long as Cupid is in the air.
Kievits Kroon
Often referred to as Pretoria’s very own wine estate, Kievits Kroon - a mere 15 km outside of Pretoria – really does look and feel like a Cape wine estate. Think white-gabled, thatched-roof buildings and sprawling lawns. Here, there will be no time to be bored.
Kievits Kroon’s wellness and relaxation facilities are legendary, including steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, Swiss showers, a Rasul room, mud massages, scrub rooms and herbal baths. Spa treatments include signature massages, facials, detox foot baths and nail treatments. Of course, you can also simply lounge poolside under an umbrella while watching the sun set - cocktail in hand.
Other quirky treats include a giant chess board in the garden, as well as lawn croquet. Ask them to pack a romantic gourmet picnic and wander out under the African sun to find a spot where you can gaze into your partner's eyes and enjoy one of the best romantic weekend getaways mere minutes away from the city.
Phone: 012 819 8600
Flight Centre Travel Expo For Some Romantic Weekend Getaway Inspo
If planning a romantic weekend away has you dreaming of new destinations, Flight Centre’s much-anticipated Travel Expo is the perfect place to gather inspiration this month. Taking place from 19 - 22 February at Sandton City, the expo brings together leading airlines, hotels, cruise lines and travel experts under one roof, all offering exclusive deals and personalised advice. Whether you’re plotting a spontaneous Valentine’s escape, a slow-travel honeymoon or simply browsing for future getaways, it’s a chance to turn wanderlust into real plans - and discover where love (and your suitcase) could take you next. For more info, click here.
Out in Africa Wildlife Lodge
For those keen on a bush retreat, there is an array of fantastic romantic weekend getaways scattered around the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Although only a few kilometres down the road from Pretoria, you will feel as if you are deep in the African bush.
Tucked away amidst acacias and savanna is a tiny lodge called Out In Africa - a tribute to the movie, Out of Africa - where Ludger Helm and his partner, create memorable bush experiences.
Out in Africa offers a fantastic ‘lovebird’ package, available year-round, so there’s no need to even wait until Valentine’s Day to slip away for a romantic weekend getaway. Their restaurant - housed in an old railway dining car - is called Injabulo and features German cuisine alongside African and Mediterranean dishes.
What could be better than to dress up in flowy cream linen, hide away from the city’s buzz under mosquito nets and drink fancy, French Champagne as you listen to the calls of the African bush in the background?
Website: outinafrica-wildlifelodge.co.za
Phone: 082 638 0972
Dream Lodge
Completely in the opposite direction, to the west of the city, the Magaliesburg, Skeerpoort, Hekpoort, Hartbeespoort and Broederstroom region boasts a variety of destinations for romantic weekend getaways. One such place is Dream Lodge, which features three cottages - all completely separate from one another.
Agama Cottage is on a hilltop with uninterrupted views of the Magalies mountain range, while Chameleon Cottage is a more versatile option that can be used for much more than just romantic weekend getaways. It is Gecko Cottage that is the true Valentine’s find, though. With numerous candles set into the stone walls of the cottage, a fireplace and a deck from which to watch the sun set, romance is guaranteed. Outside, you’ll also have access to a small forest and a fire pit around which you can spend long, romantic hours.
Website: dreamlodge.co.za
Phone: 082 620 6369
Menlyn Boutique Hotel
Just off the N1, in the Menlyn area, you will find the modern Menlyn Boutique Hotel, which offers something unusual yet romantic. Apart from its many small seating areas tucked away in the beautiful courtyard, various impressive sculptures and water features are also scattered throughout the property. This hotel offers the ultimate in-city staycation for those looking for the ultimate romantic weekend getaway.
Website: menlynhotel.com
Phone: +27 (0)12 425 9580
CATS The Musical
Extend Valentine's by treating your partner to CATS, featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score, including the unforgettable ballad, Memory, along with breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes and an extraordinary, oversized junkyard set. The South African season features a stellar, local cast and promises a spellbinding theatrical experience. It runs at The Teatro at Montecasino until 22 February 2026 and it is an event not to be missed!
Rosemary Hill
Of course, Rosemary Hill – a famous wedding venue just outside of the city – also boasts incredible stays with unique, romantic pods perfect for a romantic weekend escape. They have various restaurants, coffee shops and wine bar options available too, and active couples will appreciate the well-manicured and fun trails to run and ride on. Both The Cove and The Stone Cottage are perfect for romantic weekend getaways.
Website: rosemaryhill.co.za
Phone: 012 802 0052
Romantic weekend getaways near Pretoria offer diverse experiences - from the Cape Dutch-style wellness facilities at Kievits Kroon to the bushveld-inspired settings amongst acacias in Dinokeng, city escapes at Menlyn Boutique Hotel and romantic cottages for adventure seekers. May your Valentine’s Day be filled with romance and love.
