5 places to consider for quick weekend getaways
The holidays are over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of our weekends to escape the city and enjoy some summer fun. At WOW, we love spending our weekends on the open road, heading to new destinations to explore.
The Automobile Association (AA) have suggested five places to consider for weekend getaways. We’ve visited them all and can confidently say that not only are they great destinations, the roads and routes that lead to them are fantastic for those who enjoy road tripping…
Simonstown
Nestled on False Bay and perfect for a quick getaway from Cape Town, the village of Simonstown is rich in history, character, atmosphere and warmth. Here, you can swim with Penguins at Boulders Beach, kayak along the coast, go fishing, visit nearby Cape Point or wander up the main street perusing the quaint shops. Simonstown is also a fantastic spot for foodies in search of friendly fare with ocean views. Here, fresh seafood is certainly the order of the day!
AA Tip: Take the “slow road” to Simonstown and follow the coast from Muizenberg through St James, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek. For weekend accommodation with views in all directions, stay at Avian Leisure, which is perched on the hillside overlooking False Bay.
Jeffrey’s Bay
Surf’s up! While Jeffrey’s Bay is home to one of the best surf breaks in the world – with surfers flocking here to catch the legendary waves – the town itself is a fabulous choice for weekend getaways from Port Elizabeth. If you stay at Neptunes Terrace, your apartment is just a stone’s throw away from the main beach with spectacular sea views. You’re also ideally situated to explore this paradise of sunshine, aloes, dolphins, shells and classic reefs, and within walking distance from all amenities, including the super tubes, main beach, clubs, restaurants and shops.
Clarens
Situated at the foot of the Maloti Mountain, the small town of Clarens offers beautiful natural surroundings. From your AA Quality Assured accommodation at Bornfree, you’ve got plenty to explore. The area’s pristine dams, rivers and streams are ideal for fly fishing while the grade 3 and 4 water rapids promise great white water river rafting along the Ash River. Besides the quaint attractions of the town, there’s horseback riding, golf, archery, hot air balloon rides, 4×4 trails, hiking, abseiling, mountain biking and more to keep you busy.
Muldersdrift
While not far from Johannesburg, Muldersdrift has a great country feel to it and is perfect for quick getaways. Here, you’ve got plenty of fresh air to enjoy in between hiking, bike riding, beer tasting and spa treatments. Plus, you’re perfectly situated for a visit to the Cradle of Humankind to learn about the origins of humankind and inspect stone tools that are over one million years old!
AA Tip: For a full-on relaxed feel, stay at Country Park.
Pilgrim’s Rest
Situated on the top of Robber’s Pass, on the historic old road to Pilgrim’s Rest,Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is a picturesque self-catering resort set within 2,400 hectares of pristine countryside of spectacular cliffs and gorges, forests, murmuring streams, plunging waterfalls and cool natural pools. Bird life is plentiful and wild animals such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, antelope and leopard inhabit the nature reserve.
Nearby attractions and activities in Mpumalanga include hiking God’s Window, the Pinnacle viewpoint, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Echo Caves, Mac Mac Falls, Berlin and Lisbon Falls, Blyde River Canyon, Sudwala Caves, Graskop and the big swing, Shangana Cultural Village, Pilgrim’s Rest, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, elephant interaction, and skyway trails.