South Africa
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AI-Livingstone
08 Jun 2026Updated last time
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10 Best Places for Weekend Getaway From Durban, SA

Discover the Vibrant Charm of South Africa's Best Getaways

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of South Africa's scenic beauty and cultural richness. From the majestic Drakensberg Mountains to the wildlife haven of Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, and the artsy meanders of the Midlands, South Africa is a destination that beckons with an eclectic array of attractions. Each location is steeped in its own unique allure, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant landscapes, rich histories, and captivating wildlife that make these getaways truly enchanting. Whether you seek the serenity of mountain retreats, the thrill of a safari adventure, or the quaintness of country villages, these destinations promise experiences that resonate with the soul and create memories that last a lifetime.

Recommended Activities

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    Drakensberg Mountains

    The Drakensberg Mountains offer breathtaking views, incredible hiking trails, and a unique opportunity for adventure and relaxation. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its natural beauty and prehistoric San rock art.
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    Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

    This is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, boasting a high density of both rhino and lion populations. It's a key conservation area, offering visitors the chance to experience a Big Five safari and witness wildlife in their natural habitat.
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    The Midlands Meander

    The Midlands Meander route is renowned for its stunning scenery, artisanal foods, and craft shops. It's perfect for those wanting to explore a tranquil countryside, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience local arts and culture.
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    Ballito

    Ballito offers stunning beaches ideal for surfing and sunbathing, along with dolphin watching opportunities. The town has a laid-back coastal vibe, but also provides upmarket shopping and dining experiences.
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    iSimangaliso Wetland Park

    As a UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park features a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from coral reefs and sandy beaches to wetlands and savannahs. It's an excellent location for bird-watching, game viewing, and aquatic adventures.
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    Royal Natal National Park

    Royal Natal National Park is home to the iconic Amphitheatre, a breathtaking cliff face and source of the Tugela Falls. Hiking here provides visitors with majestic mountain scenery and the opportunity to explore the natural landscape.
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    Margate

    Margate is known for its beautiful beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular holiday destination that offers a variety of water sports and family-friendly attractions.
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    Pongola Game Reserve

    Pongola Game Reserve is one of the oldest reserves in South Africa, where visitors can indulge in exceptional big game viewing, including elephants and rhinos, in a less crowded and serene environment, complemented by activities like fishing and bird watching.
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    Howick

    Howick is famous for its scenic waterfalls, including the Howick Falls, and it serves as a gateway to the Midlands Meander. It combines natural beauty with historical significance, as it's near the capture site of Nelson Mandela.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Scottburgh

    Scottburgh is a picturesque coastal town known for its lovely beaches and warm, subtropical climate. It's a great spot for swimming, surfing, and watching the abundant marine life. The town also offers a family-friendly atmosphere with parks and recreational activities.
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Restaurants

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    The Test Kitchen

    The Test Kitchen

    An experimental and immersive dining experience with a tasting menu that is considered one of the best in the world.
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    Cube Tasting Kitchen

    Cube Tasting Kitchen

    Offers a multi-course tasting menu in a unique cube-shaped space, focusing on molecular gastronomy and creative culinary techniques.
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    Cargo Hold Restaurant

    Cargo Hold Restaurant

    Nestled in the stern of the Phantom ship with an incredible aquarium view, providing guests with an under-the-sea dining experience.
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    Die Mystic Boer

    Die Mystic Boer

    This quirky venue offers a blend of bohemian decor, lively local music, and unique South African cuisine.
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    Truth Coffee Roasting

    Truth Coffee Roasting

    Known for its steampunk décor, this café offers not just coffee but a full dining experience and has been cited as one of the world's best coffee shops.
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    Carnivore Restaurant

    Carnivore Restaurant

    A meat-lover's paradise that serves a selection of game meats in an African-themed setting, complete with traditional Maasai warrior servers.
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    Baobab Café

    Baobab Café

    Set under a giant Baobab tree, this café offers a natural and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a light meal created with fresh local ingredients.
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    Modernist Cuisine

    Modernist Cuisine

    This avant-garde restaurant showcases the intersection of art and science with food, creating a unique modernist cuisine experience.
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Hotels

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    The Oyster Box

    The Oyster Box

    An iconic hotel known for its colonial charm, seafront lighthouse, and views of the Indian Ocean.
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    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    Stay in unique cave suites or hut accommodations in this nature reserve located in the Cederberg Mountains.
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    The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa

    The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa

    This boutique hotel was once a power station and now offers a unique industrial-chic experience on Knysna's Thesen Island.
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    Tsala Treetop Lodge

    Tsala Treetop Lodge

    Experience a luxurious stay high above the forest floor in tree-house suites nestled amidst the canopy of an ancient forest.
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    Giraffe Manor

    Giraffe Manor

    An exclusive boutique hotel reminiscent of the 1930s and famous for its resident herd of Rothschild's giraffes that may visit you during breakfast.
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    The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel

    The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel

    This hotel features a rooftop Airstream trailer park, offering guests a quirky and unique accommodation option in the heart of Cape Town.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Andrea Bocelli | Cape Town

    Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Andrea Bocelli | Cape Town

    The event will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
    Map IconDHL Stadium in Cape Town (55.97 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Apr 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Andrea Bocelli | Cape Town
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    Rory Petzer

    Rory Petzer

    The event will take place at Mardi Gras Theatre in Johannesburg.
    Map IconMardi Gras Theatre in Johannesburg (244.93 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Jun 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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    Sonja en Tjokker

    Sonja en Tjokker

    The event will take place at Mardi Gras Theatre in Johannesburg.
    Map IconMardi Gras Theatre in Johannesburg (244.93 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Jun 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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    Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

    Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

    The event will take place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
    Map IconFNB Stadium in Johannesburg (259.34 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Jan 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
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    Calabash 2025 | Green Day, The Offspring & Fokofpolisiekar

    Calabash 2025 | Green Day, The Offspring & Fokofpolisiekar

    The event will take place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
    Map IconFNB Stadium in Johannesburg (259.34 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Jan 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Calabash 2025 | Green Day, The Offspring & Fokofpolisiekar
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    Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz 2024

    Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz 2024

    The event will take place at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
    Map IconSandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg (263.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon27 Sep 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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    Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz 2024 - Weekend Package

    Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz 2024 - Weekend Package

    The event will take place at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
    Map IconSandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg (263.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Getaways, if you are staying for a few weeks / months try to include some of the following shorter trips Drakensberg - our Mountain area for camping, hiking, river swims etc. ...

    Best Places to Stay in Durban, South Africa

    Getaways, if you are staying for a few weeks / months try to include some of the following shorter trips Drakensberg - our Mountain area for camping, hiking, river swims etc. ...

    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    I've managed to book an insanely cheap flight to Durban so I'll be heading down to explore the area for 2 days next month (a Thursday morning to Saturday evening tri...

    Making the most of a 2-day Durban Trip

    I've managed to book an insanely cheap flight to Durban so I'll be heading down to explore the area for 2 days next month (a Thursday morning to Saturday evening tri...

    /r/Durban
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  • Reddit Icon

    Anywhere in the Champagne Valley (Drakensberg) near Underberg.

    Quiet weekend away recommendations in kzn?

    Anywhere in the Champagne Valley (Drakensberg) near Underberg.

    /r/Durban
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hire a car and drive around or ... is magical. Safety tips: it's safe overall, nothing to worry about, may encounter higher chargers if found speaking german, stick to En...

    Any tips to travel Durban, Drakensberg and the surroundings?

    Hire a car and drive around or ... is magical. Safety tips: it's safe overall, nothing to worry about, may encounter higher chargers if found speaking german, stick to En...

    /r/askSouthAfrica
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  • Reddit Icon

    Consider staying in Umhlanga or Ballito, both are lovely with great beaches. Fwiw, I prefer Ballito. I'll leave the Capetonians to comment on CT. ... From Durban, drive a...

    Hi Guys just booked a trip to South Africa that I an really excited about, Please my itinerary below and would love any advice?

    Consider staying in Umhlanga or Ballito, both are lovely with great beaches. Fwiw, I prefer Ballito. I'll leave the Capetonians to comment on CT. ... From Durban, drive a...

    /r/askSouthAfrica
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Below is an article I wrote in which I explained where in South Africa I think you should visit, how much time I think you should spend at each of

    South Africa: Where Should I Visit & What Itinerary Should I Follow?

    Below is an article I wrote in which I explained where in South Africa I think you should visit, how much time I think you should spend at each of

    /r/CharlieTheTraveler
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  • Reddit Icon

    Holla trails in ballito and giba gorge are also good for trails, biking etc. Not sure if it's operating, but you can bungee off Moses mabhida stadium as well. Surf lesson...

    Durban Adventure

    Holla trails in ballito and giba gorge are also good for trails, biking etc. Not sure if it's operating, but you can bungee off Moses mabhida stadium as well. Surf lesson...

    /r/Durban
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    32 votes, 32 comments. Hi everyone. Small family traveling to Durban during Christmas period and we are looking for some fun things to do or

    Things to do in Durban

    32 votes, 32 comments. Hi everyone. Small family traveling to Durban during Christmas period and we are looking for some fun things to do or

    /r/Durban
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve. 2.5 hours from Durbs. Camp at Nyalazi campsite, very affordable ... Lake eland in Margate was really cool. Lots to do. And If I remember correc...

    Day trip to a game reserve

    Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve. 2.5 hours from Durbs. Camp at Nyalazi campsite, very affordable ... Lake eland in Margate was really cool. Lots to do. And If I remember correc...

    /r/Durban
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Ladysmith haven't been in some years grew up there but maybe bullers rest is still open if they interested in Anglo Boer war and history of area . Else go more via Draken...

    Suggestions for a Scenic 5-Day Road Trip: Johannesburg to Durban via Drakensberg & Midlands Meander

    Ladysmith haven't been in some years grew up there but maybe bullers rest is still open if they interested in Anglo Boer war and history of area . Else go more via Draken...

    /r/askSouthAfrica
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Drakensberg - our Mountain area for camping, hiking, river swims etc. ... South Coast - Port Shepstone etc. great beaches Hluhluwe - our game park areas depending on your budg...

    Has anyone been to Durban, South Africa?

    Drakensberg - our Mountain area for camping, hiking, river swims etc. ... South Coast - Port Shepstone etc. great beaches Hluhluwe - our game park areas depending on your budg...

    /r/femaletravels
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Umdloti or Ballito. ... Umhlanga is your go to place. ... We once did besch holiday in July two years ago, stayed in Umhlanga and then went Durban for uShaka marine world and ...

    Where is the best place to go on a baecation in Durban?

    Umdloti or Ballito. ... Umhlanga is your go to place. ... We once did besch holiday in July two years ago, stayed in Umhlanga and then went Durban for uShaka marine world and ...

    /r/askSouthAfrica
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Town beaches are fine in the morning, but can get kind of sketchy durning the late afternoon/evening, in parts. Umhlanga beaches are nice and safe, as are most other popular n...

    Coming to visit Durbs after 15 years away - questions!!

    Town beaches are fine in the morning, but can get kind of sketchy durning the late afternoon/evening, in parts. Umhlanga beaches are nice and safe, as are most other popular n...

    /r/Durban
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  • Reddit Icon

    Be careful around Margate, Kokstad to East London. ... You absolutely must make a stop in Kenton on Sea. Between East London and Port Elizabeth. ... I would highly recommend t...

    Planning a two-week coastal road trip from Durban to Cape Town - please recommend us your hidden gems

    Be careful around Margate, Kokstad to East London. ... You absolutely must make a stop in Kenton on Sea. Between East London and Port Elizabeth. ... I would highly recommend t...

    /r/southafrica
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  • Reddit Icon

    Kruger, Kgalagadi, Isimangaliso, Hluhluwe at every time of the year. Look for turtles laying eggs and the eggs hatching at Isimangaliso. Whale watching in Durban and Hermanus.

    what is your South African Bucket-List

    Kruger, Kgalagadi, Isimangaliso, Hluhluwe at every time of the year. Look for turtles laying eggs and the eggs hatching at Isimangaliso. Whale watching in Durban and Hermanus.

    /r/askSouthAfrica
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    I'll be heading to Durban soon and would love to explore Drakensberg for 7-8 days. I'll be renting a car and love to do day trips (hikes). Which places do you recomm...

    7 Days Drakensberg: Where to stay and what hikes (day trips) do you recommend to a solo traveller?

    I'll be heading to Durban soon and would love to explore Drakensberg for 7-8 days. I'll be renting a car and love to do day trips (hikes). Which places do you recomm...

    /r/travel
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  • Reddit Icon

    We already have a few short multi-day trips planned (beach trip to Ballito staying at a rented house very close to Salt Rock hotel, hiking in the Berg, few nights at a game re...

    Hidden gems in the Durban region for visitors?

    We already have a few short multi-day trips planned (beach trip to Ballito staying at a rented house very close to Salt Rock hotel, hiking in the Berg, few nights at a game re...

    /r/askSouthAfrica
    View on RedditView on Reddit