Roratau Bush Camp - Leeuwgedacht Conservancy, Welgedacht

Driving time: an hour and 30 minutes

Roratau Bush Camp can be found in the beautiful and tranquil Leeuwgedacht Conservancy - bordering Dinokeng Game Reserve. It's just a hop, skip and a jump from Johannesburg - an hour and a half's drive, to be exact. With the option to bring your own camping equipment or stay in one of their fully furnished tents, you’ll find that this is a perfect getaway option. One important thing to note is because they pride themselves on a peaceful and quiet camping environment, they have a no under 12 child policy.

If you’re worried that you’ll have to serve yourself all weekend, you’re in luck as there’s a restaurant and cash bar at the neighbouring lodge. And if you’re scared you might miss the rugby or footie, this restaurant also has DStv. Roratau, which means the place where the lions roar, is spot on. You’ll be surrounded by the incredible night sounds of lions, hyenas, jackals, owls and more. Not to worry though, these animals are on neighbouring reserves that are fenced off so you’re very much safe to walk around without fear. While the predators can’t get inside, the camp is home to a variety of animals that are free to wander the campsites. If you’re quiet and lucky enough you can encounter animals such as kudu, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, zebra, giraffes, and warthogs.

Details: rorataubushcamp.co.za | [email protected] | 084 603 9289 or 083 267 2145 | Facebook

B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp - Broederstroom, Magaliesburg

Driving time: 50 minutes to an hour

There is nothing more relaxing than escaping the city and unwinding to the sounds of the bushveld. And if you're looking to camp out in the wilderness, but in style and luxury, then be sure to book your escape with B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp in Broederstroom in the Magaliesberg. Not only is it close to home – being s mere hour's drive from the city – but it's a wonderful way to experience the wildlife – from luxurious glamping accommodation. Enjoy the breathtaking views, scenic trails, as well as adventure activities nearby the family-run farm. You can book a self-catering luxury tent from R1 400 per unit per night (sleeps two).

Details: www.bsorah.com | [email protected] | 063 572 1062 | Facebook | Twitter

B'sorah Luxury Tented Camp. Source: B'sorah Luxury Tented Camp

Rustig - Hekpoort, Hartebeestpoort, Magaliesburg

Driving time: an hour and 30 minutes

If you love hiking and the tranquility of nature, then you'll definitely love Rustig, out in Magaliesburg! Book yourself into one of their accommodation options – the three bedroom Heritage House; the five bedroom Farmhouse; the six bedroom Backpackers House; the two bedroom Stone House; or either one of the four or six sleeper tents – and enjoy a relaxing weekend away with family and friends. As for entertainment, Rustig offers amazing hiking trails to suit all experience and fitness level, as well as safe off-road running and biking trails. Unwind on one of the recliners next to their sparkling pool and even take a leisurely stroll through their beautiful gardens.

Details: www.rustig.co.za | [email protected] | 079 490 2690 | Facebook | Twitter

Source: Rustig

African Pride Irene Country Lodge 

Driving time: 39 minutes

For a country escape that's not too far from home, be sure to book a well-deserved weekend away at the stunning African Pride Irene Country Lodge in Irene, Pretoria. This is the ideal destination for the whole family. Expect plenty of relaxing and fun activities including visiting the Irene Farm where you can see their resident cows be milked from about 15:00 daily; indulging in a treatment at the award-winning Camdeboo Spa; or dining at the Meadow Green Restaurant. They also offer a variety of accommodation offers ranging from Bestie Getaways and romantic escapes to something perfect for the entire family.

Details: irenecountrylodge.co.za | [email protected] | 012 667 6464 | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Mongena Private Game Lodge

Driving time: one hour and 30 minutes

Situated in the Big 5 Dinokeng Game Reserve, 35km away from Pretoria , the Mongena Private Game Lodge offers getaway seekers a tranquil setting to relax and experience the wilderness. The lodge offers 24 air-conditioned en suite rooms situated in stunning indigenous landscaped gardens or enjoy the ultimate exclusive bush experience at their Tandala Trails Camp. Other than utter and complete relaxation in the middle of the bushveld, the lodge also offers guided safaris and bush walks, early morning and late afternoon cruises aboard a luxury boat, as well as divine dining at the Kingfisher Restaurant.

Details: www.mongena.co.za | [email protected] | 012 711 8920 | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Source: Mongena Private Game Lodge

Glenburn Lodge & Spa - Muldersdrift

Driving time: 45 minutes

If you are looking for an escape that's not too far but not too close, then why not gather the family, take a road trip to the Zwartkops Mountains and enjoy a relaxing weekend away at the Glenburn Lodge & Spa? Spend some time getting pampered at the award-winning Glenburn Spa. Reconnect with the great outdoors while taking in the sites and sounds on the various nature walks and mountain hiking trails hikes onsite. Or even visit a few interesting local spots in the area including the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve (offering game drives and tours through the Wonder Caves), Siverstar Casino, the Sterkfontein Caves, and Danielsrust Game Farm (offering horse trail rides, quad biking, paintball, archery and clay pigeon shooting).

Details: guvonhotels.co.za | [email protected] | 08611 48866 | Facebook | Instagram

Source: Glenburn Lodge & Spa

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Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.