Weekend Getaways

Nothing is as rejuvenating as a weekend getaway, an opportunity to get away from it all for a couple of days and recharge. Whether you’re looking to indulge your passion for an activity, such as hiking or fishing, or just want to escape and relax, there are so many options for local escapes. Want to take the kids away for some family time, or enjoy a romantic break with your loved one? Head to the beach to enjoy some sun, sea and sand, go game viewing on a mini safari, or be pampered at a spa with the girls on a weekend away. Not sure where to go? We have plenty of ideas so that you can choose the ultimate weekend break.

There are so many choices for weekend getaways

Escape to the Cape to hike Table Mountain.
Head for the Drakensberg for a family getaway.
Go trout fishing in Dullstroom.
Take the kids on a getaway through the Midlands Meander.
Embark on an adventure to God’s Window.
Sample wines and fabulous food in the Cape Winelands.
Enjoy game viewing in the Kruger National Park.
Go whale watching in Hermanus.
Be pampered at the Palace of the Lost City.

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a relaxing break away from routine. South Africa boasts plenty of exciting options for a weekend away, and many of them are incredibly affordable. Take your pick of weekend getaways, ranging from luxury to cheap packages, with the family, alone, with the girls, or on a camping trip with the guys. South Africa is so beautiful, and we have so many fascinating places to visit. Browse our affordable 2021 packages now and start exploring!

Weekend Getaways with Kids

How do I plan weekend getaways near me? Easy! Thompsons Holidays has plenty of weekend getaways with kids on offer at great prices and in many cases, children can share with their parents to make it even more affordable.

Here are some examples of fun-filled family weekend getaways:

The Drakensberg has excellent deals at family hotels and self-catering stays with hiking, horse riding, sports facilities and daily activity programs.
For those in Gauteng it is an easy drive to game farms in the west, while the Magalies Meander is full of fun surprises like hot-air ballooning and zip line canopy tours.
North East of Pretoria is the restored village of Cullinan with more activities than you manage in a day.
Sun City also has a wide variety of suitable accommodation for family weekend getaways and there is so much to keep kids active, from the Valley of Waves to Segway tours, quad bikes, putt-putt and a fun maze.
Clarens in the Free State is also a family favourite with craft markets, golf, hiking and pony rides.
Mpumalanga is home to the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route presents a number of interludes including historic Pilgrims Rest where you can still pan for Gold. The Graskop Gorge Lift takes you down into the hidden valley and there are zip lines and bungy jumps too.
The KZN south coast has superb beaches with year-round warm water, and when you have had enough sun head for the pristine Oribi Gorge with walks in the forest. The Wild Coast Sun is a destination for all ages with golf for adults and Wild Waves Water Park for the kids.
The Western Cape is tops for winter weekend getaways as you can head for the Overberg or up the west coast and stay in a self-catering cottage with a hearty fire and games around the table.
Or you can venture a little further to historic Swellendam or over the magnificent Swartberg Pass to charming Prince Albert for a classic small-town feel.
Hermanus is also ideal for family getaways, and kids will love spotting whales from the various nature paths that run along the coast.

Whether you’re looking for a fun resort-style family getaway, a self-catering hideaway in a scenic part of South Africa, or glamping in style, Thompsons can arrange anything to suit you and your kids.