The Magaliesberg is one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth and is an estimated 100 times older than Mount Everest. Image: Adobe Stock
Outings in under 90 minutes: Your guide to Johannesburg daycations
Take a break from the concrete jungle and explore these towns just a stone’s throw away from the bustling metro.
The Magaliesberg is one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth and is an estimated 100 times older than Mount Everest. Image: Adobe Stock
If the city pace is getting to you, here are some fun options to head out to without having to travel too far from Jozi.
Explore the Charming town of Cullinan
The commute is roughly 100km to this historical village in the North Eastern part of Gauteng. Take a stroll into the past in this mining time capsule and take in the sights of a quaint Victorian-influenced town. Learn about the “4 C’s “ on a Cullinan Diamond Mine tour, which offers surface and underground two-hour tours.
For those who love the outdoors, take a guided or self-guided tour at Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa’s first free-roaming Big 5 residential game reserve next to an urbanised area. After seeing the sights, enjoy a hearty meal at the one of the picturesque bistros on Oak Avenue Boulevard.
More info on the Cullinan tours: www.cullinan-tours.co.za
More info on the Dinokeng Game Drive here.
Fall in love with Parys, Free State
Situated on the banks of the Vaal River, and named after the city of love in France, you will come across a small city with a big heart. The day trip is 110km from Johannesburg and is well worth your time.
Meander around the Parys French quarter, Le Petit Paris Secret Passage, and discover vintage shops and even a nostalgic sweet store called Dicks Sweets, which sells sweets made popular in the 1980s and ’90s.
Visit the largest and oldest meteorite impact site in the world — at the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site. With fishing allowed under lockdown Level 3, avid fishermen can enjoy the fly-fishing opportunities at Erkhama on the Vaal River.
If you’d like to take it a little easier, take a walk down Bree Street for your spoil of coffee and gift shops. And before you leave, don’t forget to take a picture at the 1919 Parys Suspension Bridge over the Vaal River.
More info on the World Heritage Site here.
Uncover Hidden Gems in Potchefstroom, North West
It is widely known as “Potch” by the locals and when the students are off campus, visitors can take advantage of the quieter streets. Walk along the popular stretch known as Die Bult, and explore interesting shops and cafes. The trip is a 90-minute drive from Johannesburg and a nice break from the city.
Take a hike at Hartspad Adventure Trails, a newly developed mountain biking and trail route. Its total trail length of 23km is a culmination of shorter trails for quicker hiking opportunities.
Once the revised lockdown restrictions are lifted, head over to Boskop Dam, 14km from the centre of town, to enjoy a picnic at Tangle Wood Nature Estate. Activities include kayaking, beach volleyball, bass angling, birdwatching and swimming, and kids may bring along their own bicycles.
More info on Hartspad here.
Escape on the Magaliesberg Meander, Gauteng
This natural marvel that is the Magaliesberg is only 54km from Johannesburg. If you’re in the area on either a Wednesday or Saturday, be sure to visit the Van Gaalen Cheese Farm for an informative cheese tasting tour. The farm also has picnic sites, mountain bike trails and a restaurant overlooking the Magaliesberg mountains.
Another must-do outdoor experience is the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour. Zipline through one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world — an estimated 2,500 million years old. Before you embark on the ziplining adventure, enjoy a mini 2km game drive and spot zebra, duiker and blue wildebeest before starting at the first platform.
More info on the Magaliesberg canopy tours here.
