Not leaving the city during the festive season? That's certainly not a problem! There are so many things to do, see and experience in the city, and best of all, you don't need to travel too far to experience it all. Everything is so close, you could just do day trips all holiday long. So, why not go on an adventure in Joburg with a day trip? Here’s a few places to add to your holiday bucket list.
The Fat Olive Restaurant
If you're looking for a beach setting outside of the city, The Fat Olive Restaurant is a good choice! Not only do they have stunning views of the dam, there is also a playground area, to keep the little ones entertained! The rustic restaurant is situated on the R512 route from Joburg to Harties! They also have paddle boats and a country restaurant surrounded by wildlife. If you visit over a weekend you will be entertained with live music whilst enjoying a mouth-watering meal. View their website here for more details.
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
Looking to spend time outside whilst enjoying a "digital detox" then get back to nature and take a hike at one of Joburg's most popular hiking trails. No booking is needed at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge you just arrive on the day and pay a conservancy fee of R50 per person ages 4 and up. Not only do they have a beautiful restaurant overlooking a man made beach, you will also be able to view some game and animals up close! Other activities that the family can enjoy are game drives, hotair ballooning, swimming, mountain biking, paddling and booze cruises. Read more about this beautiful location here.
Croc City & Reptile Park
This is a great option perfect for the entire family! For an afternoon of exploring, adventure, excitement and lots of scaly creatures, make sure you visit the Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park. It’s a thrilling outing, allowing visitors the opportunity to learn a little bit more about crocs and snakes while also getting up close and personal with them (you'll be able to touch a baby crocodile and non-venomous snakes, as well as a hairy tarantula!), brave the 150m long flyover where you'll zip over Nile Crocodiles as they watch from below. Here's why you need to visit the Croc City & Reptile Park.
Lion & Safari Park
Located on a 1 000 hectare wilderness reserve that offers visitors everything from guided safari tours, tented camping facilities and more, the Lion & Safari Park in the Cradle of Humankind is a mist visit if you're looking to spend a day out and about in nature. This must-see world-class facility is a memorable experience for locals and foreigners alike. Click here to find out more about the Lion & Safari Park and what activities and experiences they have to offer on their reserve.
Upside Down House
For something unique that'll turn your world on its head, quite literally, be sure to take a day trip out to Harties and visit the Upside Down House! It IS a house, that is upside down, and offers a great opportunity for mind boggling selfies and Insta-worthy pictures. And since you're in the area, why not spend the afternoon exploring all the other exciting things that Harties has to offer. Here is what you can can do on a day trip out in Hartbeespoort Dam.
City Sightseeing Johannesburg
Explore the city just like a tourist with City Sightseeing Johannesburg. This is your opportunity to see Joburg like never before with an exciting full day’s hop-on-hop-off adventure. Hop on the red double decker bus, get off and explore at one of the many various destinations you'll visit along the way, then hop back on and venture onto the next stop! A few places you'll see along the way includes Zoo Lake, the Johannesburg Zoo and the Military Museum, Constitution Hill, the Carlton Centre, the James Hall Museum of Transport, Gold Reef City and the Apartheid Museum. One day trips will start again in December 2020, so be sure to book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
The Big Red Barn
Will you be heading out to Pretoria any time soon? Looking for something to do while you're there? Something that's family friendly? Then why not make your way to The Big Red Barn in Irene? Not only does this spot offer a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal with your loved ones, but there are also plenty of outdoor activities that'll thrill visitors of all ages. Enjoy a day of treetop adventures at the onsite Acrobranch, race about with some pedal-powered go-karting, explore the cycle park and go on tractor rides. There's also some crafting fun and a chance to stop and smell the roses at Ludwig's Roses.
Montecasino Bird Gardens
It’s an oldie but a goodie, and a perfect day out for families! Take a stroll along the enchanted garden walkways and admire at the variety of beautiful and colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual creatures from around the world at the Montecasino Bird Gardens. After you have gotten your fill of sunshine and fresh air and explored the gardens, why not head into Montecasino to watch one of the latest blockbusters on circuit, delight your taste buds at one of their many restaurants, take a gamble on the casino floor to see if Lady Luck is on your side, and even treat the kids to fun games and cool prizes at the game arcade.
Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind had closed all of their activities and features, including the world-famous 4-million year old Sterkfontein Caves and the award-winning Maropeng Visitor Centre that takes guest back in time and showcases ancient fossils, stone tools, self-guided interactive tours, and more. So, be sure to follow Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind on Facebook to keep in loop with the latest announcements, news and information and events.
Sun City Resort
Yes, we know it takes at least two and a half hours to arrive at the ever-popular destination of Sun City Resort out in the Pilanesberg, but if you start your journey early in the morning, you're sure to get there in time to enjoy an exciting day trip! Why not make it a weekend trip and stay at the resort? Here, you and your loved ones will have a blast keeping cool at the Valley of Waves, getting lost in the Maze of the Lost City, exploring the South African Hall of Fame, discovering the Big 5 on a safari tour through the Pilanesberg National Park, relaxing with a well-deserved pamper at the Royal Salon Wellness Spa & Beauty Salon and much more.
