Here are a few hand-picked options from our pocket catalogue of topical getaways within short driving distances from Pretoria.
Around 30km From Town
Jansen House Boutique Manor, Irene
This guest house functions within a beautifully restored manor house founded in 1904. It is located in a secluded and serene part of Irene, still being within city limits. They only have five rooms available on the exclusive property, including the presidential and garden suites. This pristine sheltered old mansion is the ideal romantic getaway for couples. Plus, you won’t be far from home at all.
Cullinan Diamond Lodge, Cullinan
An exceedingly cozy and warm establishment with a simple aesthetic located in the small and quiet mining town just east of the city. The lodge has twenty-eight twin rooms, a conference centre, and a restaurant on offer. It has also played host to many weddings and private functions. This accommodation option prides itself on old-fashioned hospitality and is in extremely close proximity to all the attractions that Cullinan has to offer such as Cullinan Diamond Mine Tours, The Village Wine Tasting, Il De Chocolat, and the McHardy House Museum.
Around 50km From Town
Leopard Lodge, Hartbeespoort
Located in Broederstroom within a very short distance of everything that the glorious Hartbeespoort has to offer, this idyllic spot sits perched high on the side of the Magaliesberg Mountains. Also the model venue for weddings and conferences, Leopard Lodge has one of the foremost views from their veranda of the valley floor and the massive Hartbeespoort Dam. There is a wide range of delightful rooms and alluring luxury suites available. The lodge could also be a prime weekend-away spot for the family. On the 248 hectare property resident wildife such as giraffe, kudu, blesbuck, impala, blue wildebeest, zebra, and warthog all roam free.
Oxbow Country Estate, Bronkhorstspruit
A tremendously romantic spot close to Bronkhorstspruit Dam. The estate is situated between tall trees surrounded by sprawling meadows and a man-made lake. The establishment is primarily focused around upscale weddings and functions, but features several varieties of rooms, and is perfect for that luxurious weekend away from home. The property also has several conferencing options and is a short drive from many activities in the town of Bronkhorstpruit, the dam and surrounds, such as the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple.
Around 80km From Town
Alto Log Cabin, The Cradle of Humankind (Muldersdrift)
Built on the dolomite riffs in the Kromdraai area, this sizeable wooden cabin makes for that perfect secluded fantasy with the whole family. It might sound like a bad 90’s horror movie plot, but there are no supernatural serial killers allowed. Situated fairly close to various attractions like Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, and the Sterkfontein Caves, among others. The fully furnished cabin features two bedrooms and a large wooden deck with braai facilities. The ultimate solitary experience for the entire family.
Hollybrooke Adventure Farm, Skeerpoort
This is the ideal getaway for those who need a dose of excitement and adrenaline to refresh their batteries. The farm is located in the Skeerpoort valley on the banks of the Magalies River. In addition to the intimate and blissful four-sleeper thatched roof chalets or the fourteen-sleeper “cowboy bunkhouse” accommodations, the farm has an extensive array of activities on offer. They play host to horse riding, eco quad bike trails, paintball, canoeing, clay pigeon shooting, an “orange tango” zipline and treetop adventure, and many more. Hollybrooke also has its own coffee shop and restaurant on the property.
Around 100km From Town
Pachelbel Guest Farm, Magaliesburg
Just outside of the Magaliesburg village is where this extraordinarily scenic minute farm finds itself. Nestled in the forest, sits four minimalist double guest rooms in true homegrown style. Breakfasts are included, and a romantic dinner is available on request. The guesthouse has a common dining room and lounging area which consists of a fireplace, books and board games for guests. The farm also features a bespoke spa with stress treatments and massage therapists on hand. This resort is the perfect romantic breakaway for any couple.
Zwartkloof Private Game Reserve, Bela Bela
This aesthetically pleasing private game lodge offers various self-catering accommodation options. These include a luxurious lodge, a tented camp, and the five-sleeper “lion camp” house. They also provide two substantial group camp sites including amenities and a broad assortment of facilities and activites. Zwartkloof presents activities and teambuilding exercises such as archery, rock climbing, paintball, swimming, boma concerts, treasure hunting, mountain biking, and many more. The private game drives supplies their guests with the opportunity to see an amazingly diverse variety of local fauna and flora in their natural habitat. This would be the way to go with a group of compatriots, or the entire family for that matter.
by David C. Steyn
