Johannesburg is a city that rarely slows down. Between busy workweeks, traffic and packed schedules, finding time to switch off can feel like a holiday in itself. Fortunately, some of South Africa’s most rewarding weekend getaways are just a short drive away, offering the chance to trade city streets for mountain views, fresh air and a change of pace.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, looking for family weekend getaways near Johannesburg or organising a break with friends, you don’t need to travel hundreds of kilometres to feel like you’ve escaped.

From bushveld retreats and outdoor adventures to resorts where you can spend an entire weekend enjoying the facilities, the areas surrounding Johannesburg offer something for every kind of traveller.

One destination worth adding to your list is Rustenburg in the North West province. With its scenic Magaliesberg surroundings, outdoor activities and convenient access from Gauteng, it’s an appealing option for a short break. And if you’re looking for somewhere that combines relaxation, family-friendly entertainment and adventure in one place, ANEW Resort Hunters Rest offers a compelling reason to make the trip.

Here’s how to plan your next weekend escape from Johannesburg.

What are the best weekend getaways near Johannesburg?

Rustenburg and the Magaliesberg

Best for: Families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts

Around 90 minutes from Johannesburg in typical driving conditions, Rustenburg offers a change of scenery without requiring a full day of travel. The surrounding Magaliesberg landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities, scenic drives and nature-focused escapes. It’s a particularly practical choice for travellers who want to spend more time enjoying their destination and less time on the road.

For a resort experience with activities and facilities in one location, ANEW Resort Hunters Rest is a standout option in the area.

2.The Pilanesberg region

Best for: Wildlife lovers and bush getaways

If your idea of a weekend away involves an early-morning game drive and the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat, the Pilanesberg region is worth considering. A safari-focused break can be particularly rewarding for couples and families, offering a different pace from everyday city life.

Plan your game drives in advance and allow time to enjoy the surrounding landscape rather than trying to fit too many activities into two days.

Hartbeespoort Dam

Best for: Couples and spontaneous day trips

Hartbeespoort is a popular choice for Gauteng travellers looking for a short change of scenery. Enjoy mountain views, explore local markets and cafés, or plan an outdoor activity around the dam. It’s suitable for a relaxed day trip or a weekend built around exploring the surrounding area.

Where to stay for a weekend getaway

If your idea of the perfect weekend is waking up to mountain views, spending the day outdoors and ending the evening with a good meal, ANEW Resort Hunters Rest brings these experiences together in one destination.

Situated at the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains, the four-star country resort is approximately a 90-minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria under typical traffic conditions. Its setting offers a welcome change from the city, with indigenous vegetation, open spaces and views of the surrounding landscape.

The appeal lies in having the freedom to plan your weekend around what you enjoy. You can fill your itinerary with outdoor adventures, spend an afternoon beside the pool or book a spa treatment and take things at a slower pace. You also don’t need to organise a separate excursion for every day of your stay, as the resort has a range of facilities and activities available on site.

With 98 rooms and a variety of accommodation options, including family rooms and suites, Hunters Rest caters to couples, families and groups looking for a convenient escape from Johannesburg. Each room has a private patio overlooking the gardens or surrounding scenery, giving you space to relax between activities.

Explore the resort’s accommodation options and plan a weekend that suits your travel style.

Things to do at ANEW Resort Hunters Rest

Enjoy a round of golf

The resort’s nine-hole parkland-style golf course is a good option for golfers wanting to spend time outdoors against a mountain backdrop. It also gives friends or couples a relaxed activity to share during their stay.

Make the most of the swimming pools

Sometimes the best weekend plans involve doing very little. Spend a few hours beside the resort’s swimming pools, cool off after an active morning and enjoy a slower afternoon without needing to leave the property.

Get outdoors at the adventure centre

For travellers who prefer a little excitement, activities available at the resort include quad biking, archery, laser-based games and other adventure experiences. Availability, age requirements and booking arrangements vary, so check the official activities page before your visit.

Explore the surrounding nature

The nearby Kgaswane Nature Reserve offers opportunities to enjoy the Magaliesberg landscape, go for a nature walk and appreciate the area’s birdlife. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting fresh air and a break from screens and city noise. Check access arrangements and trail conditions before setting off.

Make time for the spa

If relaxation is your priority, book a treatment at Hunters Rest Day Spa. Massages, facials and other treatments offer a chance to unwind after a busy week, making this an especially appealing addition to a romantic weekend or a much-needed solo break. Advance reservations are recommended.

Other facilities include tennis courts, a gym, a games room with pool tables, foosball and table tennis, and putt-putt golf. The range of options means you can alternate between active mornings and quieter afternoons throughout your stay.

Explore: ANEW Resort Hunters Rest

Is ANEW Resort Hunters Rest a good destination for a family weekend away?

Absolutely. Family weekend getaways near Johannesburg are often easier to organise when accommodation and entertainment are available in the same place. Hunters Rest offers a mix of activities for children and adults, helping families spend more time together instead of negotiating a packed travel itinerary.

Children can enjoy the swimming pools, putt-putt course, games room and selected outdoor adventure activities, subject to age requirements and availability. Parents can join in the fun or take turns enjoying some downtime while the rest of the family explores the resort.

The accommodation options include family rooms and suites, allowing families to choose a setup that suits their group.

Is ANEW Resort Hunters Rest suitable for couples?

A weekend away doesn’t have to involve a packed schedule. For couples looking for romantic weekend getaways near Johannesburg, Hunters Rest offers a combination of scenic surroundings, leisure activities and opportunities to slow down together.

Start the day with breakfast before exploring the surrounding nature, playing a round of golf or trying an activity at the adventure centre. Later, book a couples’ spa experience, spend time beside the pool or simply enjoy a quiet break on your private patio.

What attractions are near ANEW Resort Hunters Rest?

Kgaswane Nature Reserve

Ideal for nature lovers, this reserve offers hiking opportunities, scenic mountain landscapes and birdwatching. It’s a great way to experience the natural surroundings of Rustenburg without planning a full-day excursion.

Magaliesberg Canopy Tours

For an adrenaline-filled outing, consider a guided canopy tour through the Magaliesberg landscape. Check the operator’s location, travel time and booking requirements before including it in your itinerary.

Pilanesberg National Park

Want to add a safari to your weekend? Pilanesberg offers game drives and opportunities to see African wildlife in a malaria-free reserve. Allow several hours for the drive from the resort, the park visit and your return journey, and check current gate times before departing.

Hartbeespoort Dam

If you’re happy to venture a little further, Hartbeespoort offers mountain scenery, waterside activities and places to stop for a meal or browse local markets. It’s an option for travellers who want to extend their exploration of the wider region.

The Cradle of Humankind

History and heritage enthusiasts can plan a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its important fossil discoveries and insights into human origins. Check the operating hours of individual visitor attractions before travelling.