Top 6 Places to visit within a 2 hrs drive from Pretoria

Pretoria boasts lush gardens, buzzing nightclubs and eateries, and a whole lot of rich South African history and heritage. The city is a melting pot of business, culture and entertainment. Because of its natural beauty, attractions and ability to host with aplomb, Pretoria and other surrounding places attract visitors from within and abroad.

Which are the top 6 places you should visit 2 hours’ drive from Pretoria?

Mookgophong

Mookgophong is a charming and thriving town at the foot of the Swaershoek Mountains encircled by peaceful nature reserves and steaming hot springs. The town is located approximately 160km from Pretoria, about a 1 hour 40 minute drive. Mookgophong is an attractive town with its clean tree-lined streets, retaining the distinctive charm and atmosphere of being steeped in history. Apart from the numerous holiday resorts that have developed around its hot springs, the area offers something for everybody. In this town, you can look forward to being accommodated in luxury and affordable establishments.

There are numerous trails and opportunities for leisurely walks and hiking tours where lovers of the outdoors can enjoy the unique Bushveld flora of the beautiful Waterberg. Various interesting motor routes can also be followed to explore this exciting district. Mookgophong also boasts of a rich variety of game animals and birds.

When you are in Mookgophong, consider staying at the Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate. These are Luxurious Bush Villas nestled in the bushveld close to the magnificent clubhouse, hydro spa and golf course. The Villas follow the theme of contemporary African chic and all 64 rooms are en-suite with a balcony. These Villas have been designed for sheer comfort and relaxation.

Pilanesberg

The Pilanesberg is a mountain in the North West Province, South Africa. The mountain is an ancient volcanic structure, circular in shape, that rises from flat surrounding plains. It is formed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills. Pilanesberg is home to the Big 5, along with an abundance of flora and fauna. This location is every wildlife and nature enthusiasts’ dream. The lodges in the area offer state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of accommodation in one of South Africa’s favourite wilderness areas.

In Pilanesberg, you can look forward to quad biking adventures, trying your hand at the ancient sport of archery and mastering this skill with a unique bow experience, and exploring the rich and dynamic history of the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela tribe, the people of Pilanesberg.

For accommodation, think of Morokolo Safari Lodge. Morokolo Safari Lodge attracts many special gatherings while the configuration of their luxury suites provides privacy and solitude for couples, families and small groups. So, whether you are a family, small group of friends or colleagues looking for an exclusive, private getaway, Morokolo Safari Lodge is the place for you. Morokolo Safari Lodges offers self-catering accommodation in either a 5 Suite Lodge or a 4 Suite Lodge.

Dullstroom

Dullstroom, also known as Emnothweni, is a small town in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The town lies 35 kilometres north of Belfast and some 53 kilometres south-west of Lydenburg. Dullstroom is also known as South Africa’s premier flyfishing area. Dullstroom is a tourist mecca that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and is commonly referred to as ‘Scotland’s Only Outpost in Africa’. Around two hours’ drive from both Gauteng and Nelspruit, Dullstroom makes up the perfect long weekend retreat for people.

With bird of prey shows, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding adventures, mountain bike and trail running routes, art galleries and health spas, you could stay a year in Dullstroom and still not run out of activities to do!

Your accommodated needs will be well taken care of at The Browns’ Luxury Guest Suites. These exclusive suites all have private entrances, and are equipped with state of the art in-room entertainment, satellite TV channels, Charlotte Rhys amenities, the finest Twining’s tea selection and Nespresso coffee machines. A large synthetic decking patio with built-in gas barbeque is available for general use of all guests, as well as a large well maintained and shaded children’s play area.

Magaliesberg

The Magaliesberg mountains are one of the oldest in the world. They extend across Gauteng and the North West province. This location is a relaxing getaway about 10 Pretoria with a wide of range of activities, places to stay and places of interest. This small village lies at the heart of a beautiful region of mountains, valleys, rivers and indigenous woodland – home to a variety of birds. But it is not all-natural bushveld. Here you will also find a wealth of hospitality – country guest houses, hotels, lodges, stores, art and craft studios, working farms, horse and mountain bike trails and much more.

De Hoek Country Hotel is an excellent choice for accommodation in this area. The 5-star boutique hotel offers a variety of different room options to cater to guest preferences and budgets. This hotel is ideal for a romantic breakaway, a wedding or even a little corporate team building. Staying at De Hoek includes taking your palate on holiday with the best dining options, whether you’re doing fine dining in the cosy ambience of The Conservatory or but still gorgeous The Bridge Bistro. Whether for rest and relaxation or an event, you’ll find everything you need at De Hoek Country Hotel.

Hartbeespoort Dam (Hartbeespoort)

Hartbeespoort Dam is an arch type dam situated in the North West Province of South Africa. It lies in a valley to the south of the Magaliesberg mountain range and north of the Witwatersberg mountain range, about 20 kilometres west of Pretoria. Hartbeespoort Dam, or Harties to locals, is a hive of activity and is a very popular weekend getaway. The 1620-hectare Hartbeespoort Dam functions both as a source of irrigation for farms in the area and as a resort, and the peace of the hills and valleys provide a perfect setting for adventure and relaxation.

Apart from luxury pent houses, B&B’s, guest houses, lodges, nature reserves with wild animals, you can enjoy game drives, hot air-ballooning, flea-markets, the aquarium, the private zoo, the snake-park, a breath-taking trip up the mountain on the cableway, etc.

Out of Africa Lodge will be more than glad to accommodate you. Out of Africa Lodge is a tranquil and secluded, private Bush Lodge retreat, situated on the private Peglarae Nature Estate. Nestled and rustic in the rich expanses, of the malaria-free setting, beneath the shadows of Moepel trees.

With 100 hectares of mountain, and a diversity of indigenous fauna and flora, breath-taking rock formations, and a variety of habitats that seems worlds apart, one could hardly imagine being 45 minutes away from both Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Cullinan

This destination is located 30 km east of the city of Pretoria along the diamond route and is heavily reliant on tourism and the mine that dominates the skyline. The charming little village of Cullinan  has managed to hold onto much of its mine village character.

You can look forward to the Cullinan golf course with its long and fascinating history, Buffelsdrift Conservation, Dinokeng Game Reserve which provides Big 5 game viewing really close to Pretoria. You can also look forward to the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, which is one of the world’s largest urban nature reserves, and Roodeplaat Dam which was constructed in 1956 and was initially called the ‘Pienaars Rivier Dam’.

If you want to really step back in time and experience farming as it once was, then the Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum, just 40 kilometres east of Pretoria is a must. Blue Valley is a perfect blend of hospitality, sport and nature, and Bronkhorstspruit Nature Reserve is situated on the southern edge of a large dam named after the town immediately north east of here, and is known for its waterbirds.

When you are in Cullinan, iZapa Bush and Game Lodge is a great place to stay. Situated approximately 35km from Pretoria, the game lodge forms part of 1000 hectare game reserve. The private chalets offered makes this an ideal breakaway for couples. The luxurious, beautifully decorated chalets makes any stay at the game lodge a period of pure indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying game drives, taking relaxing nature walks to enjoy both flora and fauna (there’s no dangerous game) or just relaxing at the pool there are so many options available to make the breakaway unforgettable

From the above, it’s clear to see that fun and adventure is just a drive away from Pretoria. No matter where you end up going, you can count on Afristay to be your travel partner.