Johannesburg

[trickynicky]

Last summer we had an amazing holiday to Cape Town/Garden route - holiday of a life time and truly loved SA. We are on a much stricter budget this summer.... (we like the SA winter by the way). So, the option within budget is to fly to J'burg and whilst we may be able to squeeze in a safari for a day or two, it won't be the Kruger sadly as I don't think our budget will make it. So, I would hugely welcome any recommendations regarding a suggested 2 week holiday beginning in Jo'burg. Very happy to drive around - and in fact wouldn't really want to stay in Jo'burg for more the (say max) 3 days or so. Anyone done a trip they'd recommend? Or have any suggestions? We are a family of 4 (with 2 x teens). Also recommended places to stay that are reasonable but not too basic!

Thank you

The pilanesburg is close to Johannesburg and has lots of options according to budget - some camping etc. Close by is The Kingdom resort which is very reasonably priced, clean and with a pool, waterpark and activities for the children. Hartbeespoort is also another favourite where there are lots of watersports and camping facilities available. I have found that the cost of accommodation is very much similar in CT though if you stay in cheaper areas - Simon's Town/Kalk Bay/Muizenburg rather than Camps Bay/Clifton etc. I have had very reasonable accommodation in CT for approximately £200 for a week that sleeps 4.

I was coming on to suggest Pilanesburg. Absolutely beautiful round there.

I see you don't want to stay in Joburg itself too long OP - and I know it doesn't always have a great reputation - but I really love it. Far more racially integrated than Cape Town, and much more an African city, with a real buzz. The Newtown area of the city centre has been regenerated for tourists, with lots of bars, restaurants etc. Melville is a nice place to base yourself - again lots of cafes, restaurants. I'd highly recommend a visit to the Apartheid Museum, and the museum at Liliesleaf.

We did the Kruger last year and it wasn’t super expensive. We drove from Johannesburg, it’s a lovely drive. Passed Gods window.

Stayed in the golf safari lodges about 5/10 minute drive from Kruger. We drove ourselves round the park.

This is where we stayed.

www.golfsafarisa.com/kruger-park-lodge/

Plenty of really nice reasonably priced Airbnb's in Melville. Or northern suburbs like Sandton but they will be more expensive. The Gautrain is great for getting around and Ubers are cheap and plentiful.

If you hire a car watch out for the four way stop as you come out of the airport, loads of tourists get fined for not stopping!

Swaziland or Eswatini as it is now could be a good choice. I worked there and loved it. Mbabane is a nice city with hikes all around, there are game parks and national parks and loads of craft places. Hluhuwe park in SA isn't too far away or you could do an overnight in Kruger if you desperately wanted to see big cats. Rhinos in hlane in Eswatini are amazing though!

Also close enough to go dive at sondwana bay and check out the coastal nat park.

Lots of accommodation is available on booking.com, never had any problems. NAT parks accomodation is generally a bit basic but stunning locations.

Thanks everyone for your amazing suggestions! I went to Johannesburg many many years ago on a work trip for 2 weeks and I don't, if I am honest, have fond memories. I realise that this is probably extremely outdated now as a view, so am very willing to stay there a little longer if recommended! We have literally fallen in love with SA so please, do keep suggestions coming in!

Thank you all.

What about the Drakensberg mountains? Close enough to Johannesburg to drive there in an afternoon or leave very early morning to avoid JHB traffic and you will be there by lunchtime with a breakfast stop on the way. The full board places are not that cheap, but there are some reasonably priced self-catering options if you don't mind doing a big grocery shop on the way there.

Swaziland is a great idea too, beautiful country.

Gosh I wouldn’t to stay in Joburg particularly. Agree re Pilansberg and Hartbeesport. The Cradle of Humankind is interesting and Apartheid Museum. And Gold Reef City. Swaziland is beautiful. Pilgrims Rest good for an overnight. But nothing, nothing can compare with the Kruger.

www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa-lesotho-eswatini-swaziland/travel-tips-and-articles/south-africa-and-swaziland-for-families/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d2760273

I second the Drakensburg mountains for a few days, especially if you like walking. The Kruger doesn't have to be expensive if you self drive and self cater at the park camps www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/#

But don’t forget to add the conservation fee on when calculating.

Agreed re Pilansberg and drakensberg. also maybe think about the Limpopo/ Waterberg area?

What do you enjoy OP? Hiking , cycling, game, culture?

Suggest Maropeng for a visit and the apartheid museum

Pilansberg was ok but I wasn’t overwhelmed. I would do Drakensberg and Kruger.