Whether you celebrate with chocolate egg hunts, a Sunday church service, or traditional South African braai, the Easter holiday is a special time for families to be together. This often means serious traffic congestion as hordes of holidaymakers, churchgoers, and migrant workers set out for the long weekend.
Every year sees a bumper-to-bumper situation on the N1 with more than 1,500 buses heading from Gauteng to Moria, the headquarters of the Zion Christian Church where congregants attend the church’s Easter pilgrimage. The N3 between Johannesburg and Durban also experiences a high volume of traffic as families set off to the warm seas of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Over 3,000 cars are expected to pass Van Reenen every hour during the weekend. As the traffic volumes have led to high road fatalities over the years, we urge all drivers to be especially careful and road-wise during this period.
Fortunately for residents, Gauteng is a small province with plenty of holiday spots nearby. With an array of bush and waterside getaways virtually on your doorstep, there’s no need to travel far this Easter. Cut down your time on the road by choosing one of the family-friendly holiday destinations below*.
Hartbeespoort
Roughly 45 minutes from Joburg, Hartbeespoort is an excellent base to explore the surrounding attractions in the Magaliesburg and Cradle of Humankind. Family attractions include the Harties Cableway, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng, The Rhino and Lion Park, The Elephant Sanctuary, Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, and Lesedi Cultural Village.
Bali at Willinga Lodge & Spa is a 3-star accommodation set in a beautiful tropical garden on the slopes of the Magaliesberg mountain range, overlooking Hartbeespoort Dam. Although it mostly consists of 2-sleeper units, there is a family unit available where children over the age of 4 are welcome. The suites are very private and have their own separate entrances and decks with braai facilities. The outside Jacuzzi and saltwater rock pool are always popular in summer. Find out more.
Vaal River
At just over an hour away from Johannesburg, many holidaymakers head to the Vaal Dam for water sports and fun in the sun. Staying along the river allows for a more secluded retreat with easy access to activities and attractions around the dam.
Vaal Streams Eco Resort offers a variety of self-catering accommodation in Deneysville, on the Free State side of the Vaal River. The Ox Wagon Suites sleep 2 guests each; the Chalets sleep 5; and the large 4-bedroom River Lodge house accommodates groups of up to 12 guests. Leisure activities include fishing and river rafting. There is also a swimming pool, trampoline, and swings for the kids, as well as several entertainment areas, picnic spots, and braai facilities at the resort and river. Find out more.
Cullinan
The malaria-free bushveld of Cullinan lies only 35km from Pretoria. Tourists can enjoy game viewing, bird watching, horseback safaris, hiking trails, and micro light flips. Nearby attractions include the Diamond Mine in Cullinan, Rust De Winter Dam, and Mystic Monkeys and Feathers Wildlife Park.
Tranquillity Spa Lodge is set on a private game farm and provides 3-star accommodation in individual thatched chalets that sleep 2 or 4 guests. The lodge has a Boma for social gatherings, a lapa with bar and dining facilities, a spa, Jacuzzi, and 2 swimming pools. Find out more.
Whether you’re travelling near or far, we wish you a safe and memorable holiday. Where are you spending Easter this year?
*Please note that accommodation was available at time of publishing. Should accommodation be unavailable for your chosen dates, an alternative establishment will be suggested for your convenience. For accommodation bookings in the region of your choice, visit TravelGround.com.
Image 2 courtesy of Sowetan Live
