A province in South Africa, Gauteng is a stunning and rich region. It consists of urbanized cities. One of them is Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa and the capital. In English, Gauteng means Place of Gold, which is closely related to its thriving gold industry. While here, you might like to explore things to do alone in Johannesburg and browse through the exhibits at Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef Center. Also, swing by Pretoria to take souvenir pictures of iconic landmarks. Since the province is also sprinkled with dams, lakes, and rivers that attract anglers to catch anything, there are fishing lodges in the area that you can look into. If you’re traveling to this side of the world with your family, check out our list of the top family resorts in Gauteng, South Africa.
1. Vaal Marina Resort (from USD 63)
Reasonable pricing, but some amenities need improvement.
Variety of amenities including games room, water slide, and private pool.
Beautiful location on the Vaal River with exceptional dam views.
Limited dining options with a shop on site, but some inconveniences with closures and distance to other food options.
Escape to family-friendly bliss at Vaal Marina Resort. This serene getaway offers an abundance of entertainment for children, with a spacious outdoor play area, sports equipment, and a fun-filled game room. Parents can unwind in the tranquil surroundings while the kids explore and play. Plus, the on-site pool has a shallow end, making it safe for the young ones.
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Vaal Dam, the resort showcases breathtaking views and provides easy access to various water sports and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Vaal Marina Resort
Address: 18 Stryfontien
Accommodates: 14
Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Family rooms Games room
2. Pecan Bush Lodge (from USD 49)
Experience a warm and welcoming family-friendly retreat at Pecan Bush Lodge in Gauteng. Nestled in a bushveld setting, this lodge offers a unique and immersive experience for all ages. While parents can relax and rejuvenate in the pool and the bar, kids can enjoy outdoor time playing with others in the garden. Play equipment as well as indoor games are provided by the resort. There is a picnic area for families who wish to spend quality time together.
With comfortable accommodations and personalized service, Pecan Bush Lodge ensures a memorable escape for families seeking to connect with nature and each other in a peaceful and secluded setting.
Pecan Bush Lodge
Address: 368 Bekker Schools road Hekpoort, Magaliesburg, 1719
Accommodates: 12
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms
3. Peermont D'oreale Grande at Emperors Palace Johannesburg (from USD 207)
Families who wish to escape the urban chaos of Johannesburg can check out Peermont D'oreale Grande at Emperors Palace Johannesburg, a lavish 5-star resort that harks back to the classic European elegance of ages past. Guests can choose from a range of room and suite offerings, including spacious family rooms, all decked out in rich, luxurious decor and modern conveniences.
While parents head to the ancient Rome-themed spa, Octavia’s Sensorium, they can avail of babysitting services for their kids. There’s also a kids’ club, a playground, and a game room for their entertainment. Dine at the on-site Aurelia’s restaurant serving Mediterranean and South African cuisines. Take a swim in the expansive pools and marvel at how the place lights up at night - you’ll discover why this destination is indeed comparable to the always-buzzing Las Vegas.
Peermont D'oreale Grande at Emperors Palace Johannesburg
Address: 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park., Greater OR Tambo, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1620
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
4. First Group Magalies Park (from USD 93)
If you are searching the web for a fantastic place to stay while you’re on a family getaway in Gauteng, First Group Magalies Park might pique your interest. It offers excellent services, delightful amenities, and an experience that you will never forget. Plus the natural views from this 4-star resort will take your breath away.
It features a kids’ club, excellent wellness facilities, an exquisite restaurant on-site, a superb golf course, sports courts, and three lovely swimming pools with a designated area for children. To top it all off, this family holiday resort in Gauteng provides bike and walking tours for guests who want to explore the area and immerse in its culture.
First Group Magalies Park
Address: Krugersdorp & Skeerpoort Roads, Brits
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Tennis court Sauna Golf course (within 3 km) Garden
5. Emerald Resort & Casino (from USD 42)
Live a day (or two) in the life of the rich and famous by enjoying all of Emerald Resort & Casino’s offerings. It features high-end amenities and offers VIP treatment for all of its guests. Family rooms in this four-star kid-friendly resort in Gauteng are spacious, cozy, well-equipped with a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning, and provided with basic essentials.
In the morning, you can teach your kids some diving techniques at the outdoor swimming pool with shallow ends, along with views that will take your breath away. Your kids can swing and slide at the children’s playground while you take advantage of the spa’s pampering services.
Make the most of the night by starting it with a sumptuous family dinner in any of the five dining options on-site—most of which have kid-friendly buffets and special-diet menus—and ending it with some games of dice and cards at the casino.
Emerald Resort & Casino
Address: 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Garden
6. Seasons Golf, Leisure, Spa (from USD 58)
One of the best resorts in Gauteng is Seasons Golf, Leisure, Spa. It showcases a perfect balance between nature and modern amenities. From marvelous natural views to state-of-the-art facilities, this 4-star holiday resort in Gauteng is a lovely paradise that will make your family vacation a memorable one. Aside from playing a few games of golf, you can swim in any of the outdoor pools while your kids dive into the stunning children’s pool.
Additionally, you can enjoy picnicking in the garden or spend some relaxing afternoons at the spa while the young ones take advantage of the facilities in the game room. Plus a superb on-site restaurant serves delicious a la carte dishes with kiddie meals on the menu.
Seasons Golf, Leisure, Spa
Address: Bushveld View Estate, Plot 118
Accommodates: 10
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Sauna Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace
7. Monateng Safari Lodge (from USD 39)
Make the most of your vacation by staying at the fabulous and cozy Monateng Safari Lodge. This cheap resort in Gauteng has everything you need and more. It features a majestic swimming pool that treats you to gorgeous views of the area, an on-site restaurant where you can sample authentic local cuisine, and a picnic area with barbecue facilities.
For fun and entertainment, a children’s playground that your kids will surely love, game rooms, sports courts, and a lot more. Plus its stunning natural surroundings will make you feel every bit more relaxed while on vacation.
Monateng Safari Lodge
Address: Monateng Safari Lodge
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Bar Tennis court Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Games room
8. Bass Lake Country Lodge (from USD 57)
Great value for money with reasonable pricing for food and accommodation.
Tranquil and beautiful location with a serene lake, clean and spacious rooms, and various activities like paddle boating and fishing.
Peaceful and picturesque setting away from the city, with friendly and hospitable staff.
Delicious, well-presented meals with healthy portions, and special vegetarian options available.
Bass Lake Country Lodge, located around 30 minutes from Pretoria, is a popular destination for conferences and team-building events. As such, it offers premier conference facilities across its 43 acres (17.4 ha) of land. The lodge, perched on the hillside and surrounded by trees, features 18 luxury rooms with private bathrooms, a TV, a desk, and a wardrobe. There is also a sprawling garden and an outdoor pool on the vast property.
Families can try out the exclusive Bass Lake camping experience where they can stay in the heart of nature while enjoying comfortable amenities. There are large camping stands, recreation facilities, and braai (or grilling) areas as well.
Bass Lake Country Lodge
Address: Portion 64, Leeuwkloof, De Wagensdrift
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing
9. Mount Amanzi (from USD 67)
Reasonably priced breakfast with varied choices. Some units need updates.
Excellent outdoor facilities, heated pool, and kids' activities. Some units need updates.
Tranquil location with stunning mountainous views and private river access.
Good quality food, but slow service at the restaurant. Some issues with pricing and cleanliness.
If you are looking for accommodations with excellent amenities, serene surroundings, and picturesque views, Mount Amanzi is an ideal resort for you. It features a stunning outdoor pool where you can relax as you admire the astonishing scenery, a fabulous on-site restaurant where you can eat all the hearty food that you want, and superb spa facilities that will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Your kids will surely have lots of fun in this resort’s playground, mini-golf, and well-equipped game rooms. While at Mount Amanzi, you might love to invite your family to some bonding time at the picnic area.
Mount Amanzi
Address: Cnr Old Rustenburg Rd & R512
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Tennis court Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms
10. Arendsnes (from USD 42)
Reasonable pricing for rustic accommodations with beautiful views.
Clean swimming pool, picturesque environment, and tranquil surroundings.
Remote location in a calm and quiet area, excellent spot for fishing and nature lovers.
Self-catering with no breakfast included, but beautiful picnic spots along the Vaal river.
Situated in the charming city of Vanderbijlpark, Arendses will provide you with comfortable and convenient family rooms and a plethora of amenities that will make you want to stay longer than planned.
Some of its exceptional offerings include a saltwater swimming pool with a shallow end and lovely outdoor furniture, a delightful children’s playground, a picnic area, shops on-site, a wonderful sun terrace, and more. To top it all off, your furry best friends are welcome in this superb resort in Gauteng with a pool.
Arendsnes
Address: 21 oorbietjiesfontein
Accommodates: 12
Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre
11. Mangwa Valley Game Lodge (from USD 50)
Another exquisite paradise in Gauteng is Mangwa Valley Game Lodge. Ideal for family vacations, away from the noise and pollution of city life, this lovely resort will provide you with the peace, quiet, and relaxation that you long for. It houses a delightful restaurant that serves various cuisines, from Croatian to international, African, and more. Plus kids’ meals and special diets are included on their menu.
An inviting swimming pool awaits you to dive into it, and a fitness center is available for when you need to burn some vacation calories. Your kids can spend their time playing in the children’s playground and taking advantage of the game rooms, or together, you can participate in biking, walking, and hiking tours prepared by the property.
Mangwa Valley Game Lodge
Address: Mangwa Valley Game Lodge. Dinokeng Game Reserve De Wagendrift Rd South Africa
12. Klip-Els Guest Lodge (from USD 26)
Stay in the heart of nature and have a genuine “Bushveld” (or a sub-tropical woodland ecoregion in South Africa) experience at Klip-Els Guest Lodge. Accommodations include the lodge that overlooks the property’s garden area and a few chalets set adjacent to a rock pool. All rooms feature a private bathroom and a seating area while some also come with a balcony.
Guests can make use of the shared spaces including an outdoor pool, a lounge, and a kitchen. Families are welcome here - the staff even goes the extra mile to provide kids with games, books, music, and DVDs.
Klip-Els Guest Lodge
Address: 437 Aureole Avenue Northriding
Contactless check-in/check-out Process in place to check health of guests Face masks for guests available Outdoor pool Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas Shared lounge/TV area Swimming pool Golf course (within 3 km)
13. Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort (from USD 82)
Just an hour’s drive from Gauteng is the beautiful resort town of Hartbeespoort, often called Harties. One of the best family resorts in this area is the aptly named Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort. The property is close to Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort and Welwitschia Country Market.
The rooms here are equipped with free Wi-Fi, and some even have stunning views of the mountain. The kids will certainly have the time of their lives on the playground and swimming pool featured in this modest stay.
Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort
Address: R513, old Rusternburg rd 445 JQ, Portion 5
Accommodates: 6
Parking Bar Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Express check-in/check-out
Make the most of your upcoming family vacation in Gauteng
Gauteng is a stunning region in South Africa with a rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and fantastic tourist attractions. Also, it boasts breathtaking natural wonders that attract people from all over the world. Because of these things, Gauteng has become a lot of tourists’ favorite hideaway destination.
If you are planning a surprise vacation for your family to this majestic region in South Africa, you have a lot of accommodation options ranging from farm stays to pet-friendly rentals. To take your experience to another level, stay in any of the excellent resorts on this list.