Johannesburg is an urban renaissance that welcomes travellers from far and wide to experience the charm and elegance that the city has to offer. There is something for everyone to enjoy in The City of Gold. Johannesburg is a melting pot of diverse people, religions and ethnicities and with it offers travellers a colourful display of traditions, cuisine and culture. This city is entrenched in a tumultuous history, and a visit to the many museums will grant you a look into the past and allow you to appreciate the resilience and optimistic spirit of the people who call this now free country their home. Johannesburg also offers an ever-changing landscape and sceneries from jacaranda-lined streets, sweeping valleys, majestic mountain ranges, picturesque countrysides and breathtaking nature reserves granting travellers a glimpse into the diverse wildlife. Travelers will also find plenty of lodging options, from boutique hotels to self-catering accommodations. South Africa also is the perfect place to rekindle the love between couples under a night sky bursting with stars, or opting to enjoy a romantic dinner with the warm hues of the afternoon sunset as your backdrop. From Johannesburg, romantic vacations are possible. Fall in love with the beauty of South Africa and let the sparks fly with these romantic getaways from Johannesburg.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Port Elizabeth (from USD 161)
Luxurious but overpriced, with spacious suites and excellent dining options.
Large rooms, beautiful art collection, spa, cinema, and gym facilities.
Conveniently close to the beach and Boardwalk Mall, with a secure and peaceful environment.
Delicious breakfast and dinner, with exceptional service and friendly staff.
If you’re drawn to cities by the water, Port Elizabeth is the destination for you. Over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away from Johannesburg, this is definitely a getaway you’ll want to fly to. Trust us - the clean beaches and fantastic restaurants make it worth the trip. Enjoy a lazy day on Hobie Beach, and at sunset, head to Summerstrand Boardwalk to enjoy a romantic stroll. Perhaps you and your partner are football fans? If so, check Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium’s website for the latest events. While you’re here, consider booking a stay at Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel, a five-star hotel that’s popular among couples for its luxury suites and villas.
Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel
Address: 5 Brighton Drive, Summerstrand
669.63 km (416.1 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
2. Bela-Bela (from USD 32)
Bela-Bela is a picturesque safari destination which is famed for its lush bushvelds and sub-tropical climate. Bela-Bela offered travelers an opportunity to come up close and personal with South Africa’s diverse wildlife and flora with the chance to even catch the glimpses of the Big 5. Be sure to visit the warm baths of Bela-Bela. Enjoy the contemporary designs and the décor with a touch of African influence when you book a stay at this hotel. The rooms have an inviting charm and all the comfort one would need for an enjoyable stay. The hotel features a stunning outdoor pool where guests are encouraged to soak up some sun and enjoy endless hours along the poolside.
Elephant Springs
Address: 31 Sutter Road
405.0 km (251.7 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
3. Muldersdrift (from USD 116)
Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and find your piece of paradise in the tranquil town of Muldersdrift, a getaway near Johannesburg where you can enjoy a bucolic experience of South Africa. There is a selection of date ideas to consider when you visit Muldersdrift. Explore the beauty of Sterkfontein Caves, take a step back in history at the Cradle of Humankind, hike the Magaliesberg area or have tea at the tranquil Garden World. Opulent living awaits the couple who opts to stay at this five-star hotel located in a picturesque nature reserve. The interior of the lodge has been stylishly designed to transport guests into a world of luxury from the hand-cut sandstone times, the thatched roof to the mahogany wood. Each of the rooms of the lodge has been lavishly furnished and features private patios with panoramic views of the Zwartskop mountain range and the fly fishing dam. Guests will even be lucky to catch glimpses of grazing wildlife like zebras, kudus, impalas and more from the comfort of their rooms.
Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa
Address: Kromdraai Road
292.08 km (181.5 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
4. Dullstroom (from USD 81)
Reasonably priced with excellent value for money, excluding slightly expensive dinner options.
Spacious rooms with cozy fireplaces, spa facilities, and a well-maintained garden. Limited snack options at the bar.
Centrally located with easy access to town, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Outstanding dining experiences with delicious breakfast, excellent dinner, and a remarkable wine list.
Eager for a quiet weekend getaway from Johannesburg? Head to the small town of Dullstroom, which is located in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province and roughly 262 kilometers (163 miles) from Johannesburg. The drive is about three hours long, so be sure to pack some snacks and load up a good playlist. Also called Emnothweni, this town is the perfect venue for outdoorsy couples who are eager to get out and spend time in nature. Activities like horse riding and fly fishing are popular here, and Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre is a must-visit. If you and your significant other are looking for a great area to hike in, there are plenty of scenic trails to be found here. Book your stay at Highlander Hotel and enjoy a nice meal at the on-site gourmet restaurant after a long day outdoors.
The Highlander Hotel Dullstroom
Address: 2 Bosman Street
374.04 km (232.5 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Johannesburg Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
5. Fouriesburg (from USD 37)
Unlock the picturesque tranquillity and beauty of Fouriesburg which comes alive in a plethora of colors during the Autumn months. Fouriesburg is surrounded by the majestic Maluti Mountain Range and is the perfect hidden gem of a town for a memorable romantic weekend away. Take picnics along the scenic Caledon River, explore the Golden Gate National Park or embark on an adventurous Boesmanskrans hiking trail. Enjoy the comfort and luxury of this delightful country guests house. Escape the busyness of your everyday lifestyle and unwind in the serenity of the countryside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature providing the perfect spot to spend some quality time with the loved one. A continental breakfast is prepared for guests to enjoy every morning. There is a selection of hiking trails located close by for guests to explore or they could opt to make a picnic basket to enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the well-maintained lawns with the backdrop of the natural surrounding to set the mood.
Oranje Guest Farm
Address: Eastern Free State, Oranje Gasteplaas - R711- Posbus 4
31.14 km (19.4 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
6. Modimolle (from USD 38)
Modimolle is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away as it is steeped in history and has the Waterberg mountains as its backdrop. There is a myriad of opportunities to get lost in the natural beauty of Modimolle from the lush wilderness area to the fertile farmlands and the diverse nature reserves. There is a myriad of attractions to visit in the area from the Waterberg Mountain, Doorndraai Dam, Strijdom House & Waterberg Museum and much more. Everything is in place at this charming hotel to ensure that guests have a romantic stay, from the setting to the ambiance. Each of the rooms has been tastefully furnished with impeccable taste and fully equipped with everything guests would need for a memorable stay. The hotel is located in a secluded hideaway surrounded by the lushness of the Nile Valley with the Waterberg Mountains as your backdrop.
Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa
Address: Eersbewoon Road
416.42 km (258.8 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
7. Sutherland (from USD 261)
Reasonable pricing for spacious self-catering units with rustic charm and off-grid amenities.
Tranquil, remote location with knowledgeable guides, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Beautiful, remote farm in the Karoo with stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Delicious dining options with friendly staff, though limited menu for kids and wine selection.
Sutherland is where love stories begin as it welcomes travelers into a wonderland of unspoiled beauty and uninterrupted natural splendors. At night the sky comes alive in a display of twinkling stars setting the scene for sparks of romantic connections. During the winter months, the terrain is peppered with a layer of snow turning Sutherlands into a winter playground where travelers can cozy on up to their loved ones. Enjoy a bucolic escape to this charming cottage which has been fully furnished with all the creature comforts one would need for an unforgettable stay. Completely secluded from all the hustle and bustle of the city life, the peaceful setting encourages guests to reconnect and unwind. Enjoy the rustic charm of the cottage which features tasteful furnishings and a fireplace for those colder nights.
Rogge Cloof
Address: Rogge Cloof R354
884.11 km (549.4 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
8. Graskop (from USD 160)
High pricing compared to similar places in South Africa. Some guests felt they paid too much.
Spacious, well-equipped rooms with fast internet and ample electric outlets. Lovely location for peace and quiet.
Beautiful, quiet location with stunning views and close proximity to Panorama Route attractions.
Delicious breakfast with a good variety. Some guests enjoyed the dinner options, while others found room for improvement.
Graskop is laden with whimsical landscapes of cascading waterfalls and pristine natural beauty offering a myriad of romantic picnic spots to spoil your loved one. Step into a world of luxury and class when you opt to stay at this hotel. Each of the apartments of the estate has been designed and furnished with a sophisticated touch to ensure guests are comfortable and experience world-class service. Guests are encouraged to take romantic walks in the estate and soak up the natural beauty of the surrounding and the sweeping hills of the nearby valley.
Angels View Hotel
Address: Bushbuck ridge road, R533, Graskop Airstrip, Graskop
456.28 km (283.6 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
9. Hartbeestfontein (from USD 6110)
The town of Hartbeestfontein is located near Klerksdorp. Situated right on the intersection of the routes R503 and R507, this town was the source of the gold mines. The mines that were found on its southern rim. Experience world-class service at Marataba Safari Lodge which has been tailored to ignite the passion and offer date night options. Located along the foothills of the Waterberg mountain, the hotel is surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors of the Marakele National Park. The rooms feature an outdoor and indoor shower as well as a deck which offers spectacular views of the plains and the nearby river. Dine underneath the stars with a candlelit dinner and the stillness of the night.
Marataba Safari Lodge
Address: Marakele National Park
465.19 km (289.1 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
10. Kaapsehoop (from USD 31)
Kaapsehoop is characterized by green sceneries and natural beauty to explore and appreciate. The romantic setting of rolling valleys with misty mountains as your backdrop make this the ideal romantic hotspot. Kaapsehoop seems like a place straight out of a fairytale book rich in historical relevance and natural wonders. Let the romantic sparks fly as you check into this lodge offering panoramic views of the spell-bindingly beautiful valley. Each of the rooms has been delightfully furnished for the ease and comfort of the visiting guests, and the hosts are ever willing to assist with any requests you may have. The rooms also feature views of the beautiful garden which attract the sweet sounds of the diverse local birdlife.
Long Creek Lodge
Address: 87 Kruger Street
388.8 km (241.6 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
11. Willowmore (from USD 46)
Willowmore is a journey into the unspoiled beauty of the Karoo and is an oasis of breathtaking landscapes and spellbindingly beautiful sceneries. Looking for date ideas? Hike the Aasvoëlberg, explore the Angle-Boer War forts or enjoy a cup of tea with the one you love at Sophie’s Corner. Make yourself at home at this stunning guesthouse where guests are greeted with warm hospitality and invited to unwind and relax in the welcoming atmosphere. This guest house is a historical building and captures the essence of the regalness of the past in the design and décor of the interior giving it that old-world charm while not compromising on the modern comforts one comes to expect when booking a romantic getaway.
The Willow Historical Guest House
Address: 70 Wehmeyestreet
721.89 km (448.6 mi) from Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Spread the love in South Africa
Experience the homegrown hospitality and comfort when you opt to visit any of these getaways. While there are plenty of romantic things to do in Johannesburg, you can also take your special someone out of town for a new adventure!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to