If you live in Johannesburg or Pretoria, you don’t have to venture far to have a blast! There are plenty of destinations in Gauteng that are perfect for a day trip with friends and family. Here are our top picks of the best day trips from Johannesburg.

Dinokeng Nature Reserve

Drive time: 1hr 30 min

A massively popular Big 5 game reserve, Dinokeng is open for self-driving day visitors at R250 per vehicle (excluding a R100 conservation fee). Visitors can look forward to seeing abundant game, or even attending special events like cheetah collaring operations. The reserve has ample bird hides, picnic sites and restaurants for a comfortable day out and about.

Krugersdorp

Drive time: 50 min 

Krugersdorp is within easy reach for a day trip from Johannesburg and offers loads to do. For those who enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities, Mogale Bungee lets visitors jump off the Kings Kloof Bridge amid splendid scenery. There’s also a paintball field, and the Pines Resort is the perfect place for the kids to have a blast on the slippy slides.

Magaliesburg

Drive time: 1hr 15 min

Who knew getting in nature was so easy to do in Gauteng? Step into Mountain Sanctuary Park for a day of beautiful hikes, picnics and mountain biking trails, or splurge on a hot air balloon ride. For those interested in plants and medicinal herbs, there’s the Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre where you can learn, shop or enjoy a coffee.

Maropeng

Drive time: 1hr

The world-famous Cradle of Humankind at Maropeng is an absolute must-visit at least once in your life. See an insightful exhibition at this World Heritage Site’s museum or take a guided tour and grab a bite at the on-site restaurant afterwards. Tickets start from R125 pp. Please note that the Sterkfontein Caves are currently closed until further notice.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Drive time: 50 min

This stunning nature reserve near Pretoria is home to various game like zebra, springbok, buffalo, cheetahs and an abundance of birdlife. Entry fees are R71 pp and there are game drives on offer from R272pp from time to time (phone ahead to check availability and book). Look no further for a perfect day trip from Johannesburg with the family!

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