Here's where to spend your first weekend away after lockdown
We can’t cross provincial borders yet but we can explore our own provinces! With travel restrictions slowly being lifted and travelling within our provinces allowed, we can’t wait to start planning a weekend away. From many days of armchair travel during lockdown, we’re looking forward to piling everyone into the car and putting those roadtrip ideas into action.
South Africans love to venture out and explore and Thompsons Holidays has plenty of fabulous weekend getaway ideas for you to enjoy in your province, whether you are in the Cape, Gauteng, North West or KZN.
You will be surprised how many super destinations are within a short drive of your home for a weekend away. We are about to become tourists in our own country, and this is a great opportunity to explore places that we have had on the radar for ages. Here are a just a few ideas for exciting weekend getaway trips in your province.
Road trip ideas in the Western Cape
For those who reside in the Western Cape and who want to explore their province, the Cape Winelands region is packed with scenic drives, rich diversity and gorgeous estates that will remind you why international tourists flock here year after year. Heading south from Cape Town, Hermanus adds many more possibilities, like whale watching in the winter! The West Coast is a superb stretch of fishing villages and hamlets with cosy accommodation that is perfect for couples looking for great weekend getaways.
You can take a trip along the Garden Route and get inspired by the beauty of our country at Wilderness Beach Resort. Or, head for the mountains to soak up some R&R at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg. There are so many scenic routes, interesting places and stops to visit, you are sure to have plenty of choice when it comes to roadtrip ideas in Cape Town.
Best weekend getaways in Gauteng
A roadtrip from Johannesburg can lead you to many different and unique places in Gauteng that would pleasantly surprise you. Take the family to The Vaal for a fun family weekend away full of water sports and other activities. Riverside Sun is a great option for this.
Not far from Johannesburg, you can escape the hustle and bustle and experience farm life in Irene, Centurion. This is great way to spend a weekend away where you can relax and rejuvenate. A perfect spot for this is African Pride, Irene Country Lodge. Or, why not take a roadtrip with the girls and relax in luxury at a spa in Muldersdrift at Misty Hills?
Great weekend getaways in North West
The North West province is an adventurer’s playground with open spaces, Big 5 game reserves and adrenaline-fueled activities up for the taking on a weekend getaway.
The Magaliesberg offers hiking trails and zip lining adventures which are great fun for the whole family, while the Pilanesberg National Park, which neighbours Sun City, is ideal for a Big 5 weekend getaway.
Roadtrip ideas near Durban
For those lucky enough to reside in KZN, you have a large and fascinating province to explore, from long sandy coastlines to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains with many interesting towns and game parks in between. Go trekking in the mountains or visit the historic battlefields in the Midlands. The convenience and flexibility of having your own car for the duration of your holiday makes it possible to head out wherever the wind may take you. Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg and Fordoun in the Midlands are great options for a roadtrip near Durban.
Need some more inspiration for your next weekend getaway? Browse our local South Africa deals and get in touch about booking a weekend getaway in your own province.