Finally, some freedom! After almost five months of being cooped up in our houses, not allowed to see friends and family, the president announced that the provincial borders are now open and we’re free to explore our own country again. 

But before you head to the Kruger National Park, Garden Route or uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, consider spending some time in Gauteng. We know, we know, many of you out there think there’s nothing to see in our country’s smallest province, but we’re here to prove you wrong. In this blog LekkeSlaap is showing you all the undiscovered gems Gauteng has been hiding right under our noses …

Klipkraal Gasteplaas

Klipkraal’s farm setting is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby city life and recharge their batteries amongst the hills of the Suikerbosrand where wildebeest, antelope, zebra and jackal roam freely. There are three self-catering cottages about one and a half kilometres apart: Kiepersol, Taaibos and Blinkblaar with beautiful views of the hills and grasslands. Please note that Taaibos is only accessible with a vehicle with a higher ground clearance.

De Kleine Serengeti Game Lodge

Situated in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, De Kleine Serengeti Game Lodge offers a wildlife and bush experience in luxury self-catering chalets and guest rooms. The lodge overlooks a dam and grass plains where game, such as eland, buffalo, kudu, ostrich, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of bird species, are often spotted. Game drives with snacks and beverages are available for those wanting to spot leopards, lions and cheetahs.

Stornoway Lodge

Stornoway Lodge is located just five minutes from Lanseria Airport and offers nine luxury self-catering suites with everything you’ll need for a relaxing getaway. Take a walk around the beautifully kept grounds and keep an eye out for the resident kingfisher, or any of the more than 100 bird species, when you pass the lake. You are more than welcome to take the canoes out for a spin, cool off in the swimming pool, or book a massage in the privacy of your own suite.

Mount Savannah Game Reserve

This game reserve is situated within the Cradle of Humankind on 2 000 hectares of unspoiled grassland, and provides the perfect setting for friends and family to spend quality time while enjoying some game viewing. There are four chalets with their own bathrooms, as well as a communal boma, pool, kitchen, lounge and dining room. Just bring your own meat and drinks ─ the lodge provides a starch and salad for your braai!

Siyaya Bush Lodge

Book a comfortably furnished chalet surrounded by bushveld in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. This lodge is ideal for families who travel together, but still want their own space. There are four air-conditioned chalets, each with two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and space to accommodate four guests. Outside there are private lapas with seating and braai facilities. Firewood is available at the camp, so no need to bring your own!

Lookout Safari Lodge

Dinokeng Game Reserve is rich in traditional culture, history, and wildlife and Lookout Safari Lodge is nestled within this popular tourist destination and offers luxurious accommodation and a unique bushveld experience. Stay in one of their self-catering chalets or tents, prepare meals in the communal kitchen or braai area, and relax on the viewing deck that overlooks the dam ─ the perfect spot to view the wildlife.

OuKlip Game Lodge

Another great find in the Dinokeng Game Reserve! OuKlip Game Lodge boasts fourteen glamping tents, suited to accommodate four guests each. All of them have comfortable beds, their own bathrooms and bomas with braai facilities. There is also a swimming pool on site where guests can cool off after an exciting day of game viewing. Don’t forget to keep an eye out while relaxing on your own patio ─ game has been spotted around the lodge!

Sibani Luxury Tents

These luxury tents are located in a privately-owned reserve, just 8.6 kilometres from the Cradle of Humankind and are ideal for those looking for a comfortable bush breakaway. Stay in one of the four tents with its own bathroom, hang out around the fire in the communal boma, or visit the communal entertainment area at the main lodge a few kilometres away. Game drives are also available to view wildlife including giraffe, red hartebeest, kudu, impala and zebra on site.

Saamrus Guest Farm

Saamrus Guest Farm is situated in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains, just a quick drive from the city. There are several self-catering, pet-friendly farm cottages with fenced gardens that are perfect for nature lovers and hikers wanting to break away with their furry friends. Other on-site facilities include a swimming pool and mountain-biking trails for you and Bruno to explore.

Leopard Rock

This comfortable self-catering holiday home is perched on the Witwatersrand Mountains and offers spectacular views of the valley and the Magaliesberg Mountain Range. Leopard Rock has six bedrooms that sleep twelve guests in total, as well as spacious lounges, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fully-equipped kitchen, three braai areas and a rooftop entertainment area from where you can enjoy the unbelievable views while sipping on a sundowner.

Forum Homini Boutique Hotel

A stay at this boutique hotel on the Letamo Game Farm Estate in the Cradle of Humankind includes breakfast and dinner. Each unit has a comfortable bed, air-conditioning and a TV. The hotel also offers fine dining at the award-winning Roots restaurant, spa treatments in your own room and picnics on the estate.

Cradle Boutique Hotel

Cradle Boutique Hotel in the Cradle Nature Reserve offers bed and breakfast accommodation. You’ll stay in one of their beautiful timber or thatched suites with en-suite bathrooms, private viewing decks and air-conditioning. Breakfast and other tasty meals are served in the Cradle Restaurant, and the hotel also features a wine cellar, swimming pool and communal braai areas. Guided game drives and walks can be arranged as well.

Have we proved you wrong or what? Who knew all of these great finds so close to the City of Gold were just waiting to be discovered! Do you know of more great stays in Gauteng? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature image: Cradle Boutique Hotel (LekkeSlaap.co.za)