Whether you’re looking to spend some quality time together as a family with the kids, a couple in need of a tranquil escape from the city, or a group of friends wanting to get away from the city life for the weekend, a farm getaway could be just what you need! Just imagine waking up to nothing but the sound of sheep bleating, roosters crowing or horses neighing in the distance ─ sounds heavenly, right? Well, look no further! LekkeSlaap gathered our favourite farm getaways in and around Gauteng.

The Lazy Lapa

Starting off slow with this gem on a small farm in the beautiful Magaliesburg, you can ease into your getaway with the help The Lazy Lapa’s relaxed atmosphere.

Bring the kiddos and spend some quality time in the unique open-plan farm-style house or relax on the comfy sofas in the outdoor thatched lapa. There is also a quaint wood-burning stove in the living area that adds plenty of character to the already one-of-a-kind house. 

Here, you can enjoy privacy as well as the exclusive use of the yard and pool area. Although pets are not allowed, there are plenty of little farm friends such as chickens, a rooster and tortoises to keep you company.

Where: An hour from Johannesburg
Accommodation: A self-catering house sleeping five guests
Facilities: Swimming pool, braai area, Wi-Fi
Activities: Swimming

Stone Hill

So, you’re in the mood for a farm getaway but don’t want to leave Bruno at home? No need to worry ─ Stone Hill will welcome you and your pets with open arms! Come stay in any of their 10 fully-equipped, self-catering timber cottages with log fireplaces. The cottages are individually fenced and at least 30 metres from each other so that your pets can play around without you having to worry.

Take a stroll on the farm, bike your way up the five-kilometre trail and let your pets run and play. The dogs will love the small river where they can swim and roll around in the muddy waters ─ please make sure your pets are protected against ticks!

Tip: Sparkling wine, chocolates and picnic baskets are available for romantic events, please arrange beforehand.
Where: In the bushveld above the town of Magaliesburg
Accommodation: Ten self-catering cottages sleeping two to six guests each
Facilities: Pet-friendly, swimming pool, laundry service, TV, braai area
Activities: Walking, birdwatching, cycling, swimming

Jakkalsroep Akkommodasie

If you’re in need of a hideaway, Jakkalsroep Akkommodasie is just that. Here, guests can enjoy the mild climate on a working farm in the heart of the bushveld. This is ideal for nature lovers and guests looking for a quick getaway as they can enjoy self-drive game drives and rent a picnic basket complete with a gas grill! Remember: Pets are welcome by arrangement.

Go for a hike, cycle, swim or enjoy the bird life. Those who prefer complete relaxation can enjoy a braai and the boma area, or unique and romantic packages right on their doorstep by prior arrangement. There really is something for everyone at Jakkalsroep Akkommodasie.

Where: 40 kilometres from Pretoria
Accommodation: Self-catering house sleeping four guests
Facilities: Swimming pools, braai area, pet-friendly, Wi-Fi
Activities: Hiking, cycling, birdwatching, swimming

Stornoway Lodge

In the mood for a farm stay but don’t want to compromise on luxury? Stornoway Lodge offers accommodation in self-catering units, ranging from glamping tents and cottages to a farmhouse and luxurious suites. At this lodge, there are more than enough activities for young and old! If you’re not walking around in the beautiful gardens, you can keep an eye out for the resident kingfisher around the lake, or try your hand at fishing ─ you get an award for every catfish you catch! Don’t let the little ones miss out on canoeing on the lake. Remember: They do have safety vests available for small children.

But if putting your feet up is more your style, you can relax around the swimming pool and work on your tan, or enjoy a massage in the privacy of your own suite!

Where: Five minutes from Lanseria International Airport
Accommodation: Nine luxury self-catering suites sleeping two to eight guests each
Facilities: Braai area, laundry service, restaurant, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, TV
Activities: Fishing, swimming, bird watching, game viewing

Zeekoe Lodge

For those wanting to experience the true tranquillity of slow living on a farm and enjoy the peace that nature has to offer, Zeekoe Lodge is the perfect destination for a much-needed breakaway. With more than enough space to make you forget about the confines of city life, you’re guaranteed to return home well-rested and as clear-headed as ever. Remember: Pets are welcome by prior arrangement.

Here, you can enjoy a nice braai after a day of fly fishing or bass fishing, or simply enjoy the magnificent views and the sound of the Vaal River right from your own private patio! 

Where: 70 kilometres from Johannesburg
Accommodation: Five self-catering options sleeping between two and eight guests
Facilities: Swimming pool, braai area, pet-friendly, Wi-Fi
Activities: Fly fishing, bass fishing

Sanctuary Life Guest Farm

This equestrian guest farm is situated only an hour from Johannesburg, just outside the town of Magaliesburg. With the Magaliesberg Mountain Range as the background and excellent views over the farm, this is an ideal option for a self-catering farm stay for horseback-riding enthusiasts. Bring the kids along, they’ll love the horses, donkeys, sheep and ducks!

Here, the activities include walking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and horseback riding ─ you can even bring your own horses on holiday and enjoy the paddocks, arena, lunging arena and lovely outrides they have to offer. Remember: A stable is available upon request.

Where: 20 kilometres outside of Magaliesburg
Accommodation: Three self-catering units sleeping two to six guests each
Facilities: Swimming pool, Wi-Fi, braai area, pet-friendly, wheelchair-friendly
Activities: Birdwatching, cycling, mountain biking

Die Wit Hangmat

This piece of heaven on earth is on a woodland farm in the stunning Leeuwkloof Valley. It’s surrounded by the Leeuwkloofpark Private Nature Reserve and nature lovers can expect to see various wildlife species while walking or cycling on the farm and stopping at the different picnic spots in the field from where you can hear hyenas, night owls, foxes and even lions! 

Activities on the farm include swimming, cycling, hiking and birdwatching. There is also a games room with a pool table, table tennis and a dart board. Dinokeng Game Reserve is only 25 kilometres away, where game drives are available for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Remember: A small pet is welcome by prior arrangement.

Where: Less than 60 minutes drive from Pretoria
Accommodation: Three rooms, one sleeping two adults and one child, and two sleeping two guests each
Facilities: Jacuzzi, braai area, pet-friendly, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, secure parking
Activities: Cycling, hiking, swimming, birdwatching

Elandsfontein Farm

Here they farm with peaches and cattle and offer you a taste of authentic South African country living. Walk or jog around the farm during the day or just lounge in the shade beneath the large trees. Both cottages are nestled among the trees with a view of maize fields and peach orchards.

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is located right next to the farm and ideal for day trips. It boasts zebras, various antelope, black wildebeests, buffalos, white rhinoceroses, cheetahs and a lion camp. The Groenkloof Nature Reserve is just 25 kilometres away and a hotspot for hiking among the antelope species and giraffes.

Where: 25 minutes’ drive from Pretoria
Accommodation: Two cottages sleeping two and six guests respectively
Facilities: Braai area, TV, Wi-Fi
Activities: Bird watching, game viewing, walking

With these lovely options, you have no excuse not to treat your loved ones to a peaceful farm stay. Do you have a favourite farm stay around Gauteng? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature image: Zeekoe Lodge on LekkeSlaap.co.za

This article has been updated by Liezl Hollis in 2023.