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Best Weekend Getaways For Couples Near Johannesburg
Looking for the best weekend getaway near Johannesburg? These self-catering cottages and cabins are among our top picks. They all cost less than R600 per person per night and have been recommended by our team of Thrillquest journalists and contributors.
1. Stone Tin Lodge, Mpumalanga
Cost: From R350 per person if you’re 10 guests
Sunlight streams in warming Stone Tin Lodge during the day and come nightfall, a large central fireplace heats up the open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen area. The space is tastefully decorated with pale wood finishings, navy fabrics, and Nguni-skin rugs. Located on a private farm about 30 kilometers on the Lydenburg side of Dullstroom, this spacious three-bedroom country home overlooks two trout-filled dams surrounded by rolling hills.
The lodge is completely off the grid, running primarily from solar energy and gas (with a generator as backup). Each room in this corrugated iron and stone retreat is equipped with a basket filled with thick blankets, an en-suite bathroom, and the main room features a beautiful ball-and-claw bath. Guests can enjoy fishing, hiking to spot blesbok, black wildebeest, and zebra, or simply relax indoors by watching DStv, snuggling on the couch, and watching a movie.
Contact Details
- Email albertsadri9@gmail.com
- Web: stonetinlodge.co.za
- Phone: Adri: 072 264 8283
2. Riverman Cabin, Mpumalanga
Cost: R900 for two people sharing
Seven cozy self-catering country cottages ‒ six with fireplaces and one with a grand antique coal stove ‒ are nestled around a series of trout-filled dams. You can choose between the more secluded two- to four-sleeper log cabins (a popular choice is the private Wiggly Stone) or one of the four brick cottages, which are closer together and can accommodate two, four, or larger families of 10. The open-plan units are well-equipped, including a microwave and barbecue area, or you can dine at Mine View, the on-site restaurant.
Their signature trout dish is priced at an affordable R80, and you won’t have to worry about washing up (although hiring a housekeeper costs an extra 100 bucks, so you can do the math). There’s no television or good cellphone reception ‒ both of which can be a blessing in disguise. Bring some games to play by the fireplace, go for leisurely walks on the working sheep and cattle farm, or practice your swing at the driving range. The owners are even planning to make their own mampoer in the near future.
Contact Details
- Email info@rivermancabin.co.za
- Web: rivermancabin.co.za
- Phone: +27 132 850 155
Read Also: Top Fun Places For Kids And Adults In Johannesburg
3. Riverstill Guest House, Groot Marico
Cost: From R410 per person per night, minimum of two nights
Nestled deep within a valley, you’ll find the Riverstill Guest House. Wake up early and take a stroll down to the river to soak in the tranquility. If you’re in need of some quiet reflection, there’s a labyrinth available for private meditation, and guided tree walks can be organized as well. In addition to being a font of knowledge on a wide range of topics, the owner, Jacques du Plessis, is also a talented cook who specializes in preparing healthy, nourishing meals. The property is dotted with four charming, rustic cottages.
Contact Details
- Email jacques@riverstill.co.za
- Web: rivermancabin.co.za
- Phone: +27 14 503 1059
4. Lindani, Waterberg
Cost: Self-catering R390 per person in the tented camp; from R585 per person in other lodges
Nestled in its own bushveld back garden, Lindani offers a beautiful rock pool and the chance to see a group of warthogs grazing on the lawns. This self-catering retreat is a perfect getaway for families looking to reconnect with nature. Located 275 kilometers from Johannesburg, Lindani offers a variety of accommodation options, from cozy four-sleeper cottages to the spacious 18-sleeper Motseng lodge complex. Guests can enjoy leisurely hikes on the nearby trails, rent bicycles to explore the area, or simply relax by the riverside picnic sites. Owners Sam and Peggy van Coller ensure that guests have everything they need, with well-equipped self-catering units featuring gas stoves, braais, dishwashers, and other modern amenities.
Contact Details
- Email: info@lindani.co.za
- Phone: +27 (0)83 631 5579 / +27 (0)66 505 8366
- Web: lindani.co.za
- Melkrivier Road, Vaalwater, Limpopo
5. Kingfisher Cottage, Waterberg
Cost: From R500 per person per sharing
Nestled near the soothing Palala River, Kingfisher Cottage is a spacious bushveld retreat in the Waterberg region, just a three-hour drive from Johannesburg. Part of the Palala River Lodges collection, this property features a three-bedroom farmhouse with a charming fireplace as the focal point of the open-plan living space, as well as two en-suite rondavels nearby.
With a capacity for up to 10 guests, the cottage offers an on-site pool and a bird hide within walking distance. Take a leisurely drive with a picnic in hand to explore the 3000-hectare reserve and discover picturesque lookout points, 4×4 trails, and wildlife such as waterbuck, giraffe, and warthog. Alternatively, relax on the lodge’s porch, enjoying views of the Waterberg hills and the sounds of hippopotamuses nearby.
Contact Details
- Email: info@jembisa.com
- Phone: +27 (0) 82 570 8474 / +27 (0) 83 438 1166
- Web: kingfisher
6. Cheerio Trout Fishing & Holiday Resort, Magoebaskloof
Cost: From R700 per unit (sleeps two)
Three of the five cottages are face-brick, and those with an eye for design might not be too thrilled with the lounge furniture. However, if you’re looking for an affordable getaway with plenty of activities for an active family, these eight immaculate cottages are a great option. They offer fishing facilities and various children’s games. The cottages are spread out across well-kept lawns above the trout dams, each one boasting a unique style and layout, all of which are well-documented online. Just a friendly reminder not to mix up Cheerio Resort with the nearby Cheerio Gardens; while the latter is known for its stunning garden, it also features a fantastic special-event venue and two self-catering cottages.
Contact Details
- Email: reservations@cheerio.co.za
- Phone: +27 72 650 2366
- Web: cheerio.co.za
