Bothongo Rhino and Lion Banner
Ibubesi ariel view of the pool

This is our ultimate guide for the top 5 road trip ideas from Johannesburg. And the best thing is that they are all less than 3 hours away.

Weekend getaways have never had more of a palpable sense due to COVID-19. So just trust us on the list below, these destinations are sure to curb all your wanderlust cravings.

If you’re childfree and carefree then this one is definitely for you.

Distance: 1hr:30min hours from Sandton City.

While you’re there: make sure you do absolutely nothing. That’s right, zero plans, leave your laptop at home (and the kids) and just bask in this luxurious beauty. You deserve to relax all day alongside the crystal clear pool and enjoy the mountain views!

If you lusting after some fitness, take a self guided or guided walk along the 20km MTB track.

Necessary to take with: a swimming costume and SPF 50

Moiled Gorge mountain view from the swimming pool

Are you an eco activist? Then we have just the spot to help inspire your next off-the-grid project.

Distance: 1hr:40m from Rosebank Mall.

While you’re there: Enjoy being at one with the environment, as this sustainable building is a masterpiece. Make sure you take a walk down to their impressive permaculture vegetable garden and pick a few fresh handfuls for your dinner.

Necessary to take with: all your food and drinks and bikini for a dip in the eco-friendly natural pool.

Witklipfpntein natural eco look

De Hook, Magaliesburg

Mmmm… Consider yourself an Epicurean? Then De Hoek will set your taste buds alight.

Distance: 1hr:00 from Clearwater Mall

While you’re there: Eat at the restaurant every opportunity you get, this is about satisfying your bubbling indulgences, plus calories on a getaway don’t count right? The food is exceptional; the wine is delectable, so wine not become a glutton and wine and dine for two full days. Oh and while you’re there make time for a pit stop for a massage at their Spa@Rest.

Necessary to take with: a novel, preferably fiction based fantasy you can really delve into.

De Hoek Dessert Trio

Nehema Manor Treehouse, Hartbeesport

Up for an adventure? Let us show you a truly unique sleeping experience…

Distance: 1hr:15min from Fourways Mall

While you’re there: Sleep under the trees for an unforgettable adventure. Book a luncheon at Silver Orange Bistro, situated on an orange orchard, just ten minutes from the Manor. Heavenly!

Necessary to take with: snacks, all your foodstuffs, specifically meat for the braai on your deck.

Nehema Manor view from under the trees
Image: @bucketlistb

Ibhubesi Lodge, Welgevonden

Having to drag the brood along? Well there’s space for everyone!

Distance: 2hr:30min from Mall of Africa.

While you’re there: Enjoy this family friendly self-catering private lodge that is booked in its entirety for you! Have a boma dinner under the African sky and because there is a Private Game Vehicle included in your stay, go take a trip to visit the wildlife.

Necessary to take with: binoculars, sun hats and animal/bird books to itemise your sightings. Also take with your own food and drinks but remember their resident chef will cook for you throughout your entire stay.

Share your views!

If you feel that we’ve missed one of your fave hangouts then please let us know in the comment section below.

Our latest posts

Follow Hello Lifestyle Magazine on Social

Receive weekly updates in your inbox.

Signup for our weekly newsletter for up-to-date news and information on the city.

By sharing your email address with us, you content to Hello Joburg’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You also content to receive emails from Hello Joburg and our partners regarding news, events, offers and promotions.

Enjoying our content?

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Stay up-to-date on the hottest, hippest and most happening things to do in Mzansi!

Hello lifestyle uses cookies to curate specific content that our readers enjoy. By continuing to navigate on our website, we assume you're cool with that. For more information on how we use cookies and how to disable them, please read our Terms and condtitions.