9 Day Trips that are Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

Being stuck at home with nothing to do is never fun. Boredom ensues, the walls start closing in, and you start wondering if the outside world exists at all. Cue the cabin fever! If you are not travelling at the moment, or you’ve had to cancel your holiday plans, never fear! Now is the perfect time to get inspired and start planning future trips. Day trips are an easy and cost-effective way to travel and are ideal for a quick break from the city. Join us as we take a look at day trips that are perfect for a quick weekend getaway!

Day trips from Cape Town

Franschhoek

Aptly named the “French Corner”, Franschhoek is a slice of French living in the heart of South Africa. If you’re after rolling hills, rambling vineyards and quaint country life, then Franschhoek is the ideal place for a day trip from Cape Town. Enjoy a foodie-themed weekend getaway by hopping on the wine tram and exploring the Franschhoek Wine Route, having lunch in one of the many top-rated restaurants, and doing an artisanal chocolate tasting. Finish off with a visit to the Huguenot Memorial.

Read: 8 Fun things to do in Franschhoek

Saldanha Bay

The West Coast is known for its wild, rocky coastline and its pristine, whitewashed villages. Beat the crowds on the beaches of Clifton and Muizenberg and take a day trip from Cape Town to the quiet seaside town of Saldanha Bay. Stretch out and relax on the peaceful beaches. If you feel like swimming, the tranquil waters in the bay are ideal for a dip. Make your day a perfect weekend getaway by enjoying a spot of lunch in the town, before taking a walk in the nearby Cape Columbine Nature Reserve.

Read: Get to know Cape Columbine and Paternoster

Greyton

For a quick and quiet weekend getaway, why not plan a day trip from Cape Town to the slow, sleepy village of Greyton in the Overberg? Take a leisurely stroll through the town and admire its historical architecture (some dating as far back as 1854!). Browse art galleries and go trinket shopping before stopping for a coffee and doing a bit of people watching. Don’t leave before stopping at the Greyton Farm Animal Sanctuary, which houses rescued farm animals. Kids will love the chance to pet a baby pig or donkey (call ahead to ensure they are open).

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Day trips from Johannesburg

Magaliesburg

If you’re in need of fresh air and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life then hop in the car and enjoy a relaxing day trip from Johannesburg to the beautiful mountain range of Magaliesburg. Take a tranquil walk along the many hiking trails and take in the sweeping mountain vistas. For a unique bird’s eye view of Magaliesburg, why not take a thrilling canopy tour across the ravine? If heights are not your thing, there is also horse riding, fly fishing and paintball on offer.

Read: Fun, cheap things to do in Pretoria

The Cradle of Humankind

Make your weekend getaway an educational one by taking an intriguing day trip from Johannesburg to the Cradle of Humankind. Travel back in time at the Sterkfontein Caves where the first fossil of the early hominid, Australopithecus Africanus, was discovered. Kids will love learning about the fascinating origins of humankind through the fun interactive exhibitions and lifelike replicas of early hominids on display.

Read: 7 Amazing heritage sites in Africa

Pilanesberg National Park

Avoid the crowds at the Kruger National Park and take a day trip from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park. Get closer to Mother Nature and take a guided game drive around the park, or do a self-drive and go game-spotting with friends! The park also offers plenty of other activities for a family-friendly weekend getaway, such as hot air ballooning, quad biking and drumming lessons.

Read: Top things to do in Sun City

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Day trips from Durban

The Midlands

The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands are lifted straight from the pages of a Tolkien fantasy novel and are an ideal weekend getaway to the countryside. Think rolling green hills, lush meadows, quaint towns and quirky charm. If you need a break from Durban’s beaches and crave a little greenery, then head on a day trip from Durban to the Midlands. Go fishing, ride a bike or play putt-putt. Take a hike through Karkloof Nature Reserve and admire the thundering beauty of Karkloof Falls.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Get closer to mother nature by taking a fun-filled day trip from Durban to iSimangaliso Wetland Park located on Lake St.Lucia. The park offers everything in terms of nature and wildlife, so do a bit of research beforehand and decide how you want to spend your day. Spot the Big Five at uMkhuze Game Reserve, go scuba diving along the corals of Sodwana Bay, or just throw out a towel and relax on the peaceful shores of Cape Vidal beach.

Read: Plan the perfect St. Lucia weekend

The Dlinza Forest

Does spending a day getting lost in a lush indigenous forest sound like the ultimate dreamy weekend getaway to you? Get ready for a magical day trip from Durban to the Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve, located just outside the historic town of Eshowe. Dlinza Forest consists of 250 hectares of indigenous forest and is best known for its aerial boardwalk that winds through tree-top canopies. Meander along the boardwalk and enjoy spotting butterflies and an extensive array of birdlife.

That concludes our list of best day trips for a quick and fun break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Feeling inspired? Grab your journal, or create a mood board, and get busy planning that ideal weekend getaway now so when it’s time to take it, you will have the perfect day planned and ready!

Read: Spoil yourself on a Buddhist retreat in KZN

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Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our suggestions for fun day trips from Cape Town or small town getaways around South Africa.

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Disclaimer!

All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information. All prices are subject to change unless stated otherwise.