The mid-year blues are wreaking havoc on your soul and you’re in dire need of a break, but the December holidays are still light years away and you’re running low on leave days. Don’t despair, TravelGround has the cure! We’ve rounded up a list of ten resorts in South Africa and Namibia, perfect for a weekend getaway filled with some much-needed R&R!

Midlands Saddle and Trout Resort

Near Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal

Escape to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains for a revitalising stay at Midlands Saddle and Trout Resort. Young and old are welcome at this resort set among stud farms, game reserves, battlefields, and bush along the Midlands Meander where you’ll definitely find that elusive euphoria!

Accommodation: 8 luxury self-catering chalets
Key features: Adventure golf, arts and crafts, cocktail lounge, birdwatching, board games, bowling, bowls, communal braai area, convenience store, trout dam, hiking trails, horseback riding, jungle gym, laundry service, library, restaurant, and wellness centre

Le Mirage Resort and Spa

Sossusvlei, Namibia

When crossing our border to Namibia, the stylish Le Mirage Resort and Spa near Sesriem awaits. Treat yourself to a massage at the Mystique Spa, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, indulge in a five-course dinner at the elegant restaurant, and feel the weight of the world lifting!

Accommodation: Camelthorn rooms (centre building) and Oasis rooms (castle-like building)
Key features: Jacuzzi, restaurant, swimming pool, and spa

Merry Pebbles Resort

Near Sabie, Mpumalanga

You won’t find a more peaceful place than Merry Pebbles Resort in the heart of the Bushveld. Situated on the banks of the Sabie River, this family-orientated holiday resort will revive your tired city soul and turn that frown upside down with tubing, swimming, trout fishing, and canoeing on the mighty Sabie River.

Accommodation: Self-catering chalets, bungalows, cottages, lodges, B&B units, and camping and caravan sites
Key features: Restaurant, heated and cold swimming pools, waterslides, flood-lit tennis courts, putt-putt course, outdoor chess, trampolines, and mountain biking and hiking trails

Herolds Bay Resort

Herold’s Bay, Western Cape

Just thinking about the gorgeous Garden Route is enough to gladden the hearts of most and at the Herolds Bay Resort near George, you can experience it firsthand! Built on a portion of the farm, Buffelsfontein, this resort offers a sweeping view of the Indian Ocean and forests with the silhouette of Mossel Bay in the distance. The informal, semi open-air venue, The Bush Lapa, has a bonfire which adds to the tranquil ambiance and live music shows are held on a monthly basis keeping the whole family entertained.

Accommodation: 4 private self-catering suites
Key features: Restaurant, 2 wedding and function venues, braai area, and conference facilities

Dinokeng Resort

Dinokeng, Gauteng

Tucked away on the outskirts of the only Big Five game reserve in Gauteng, the Dinokeng Resort will whisk you away to a timeless place where elephants frequent watering holes and buffaloes roam freely. The supertubes and jungle gym will provide endless fun-filled hours for the little ones, while you sit back and appreciate the peaceful sounds of chirping birds and wind whistling through the leaves.

Accommodation: B&B rooms, self-catering units, and 72 camp sites
Key features: Bomas, braai areas, outdoor swimming pools, heated indoor swimming pool, supertubes, mountain biking trails, trampolines, jungle gym, birdwatching, game drives, and a mobile spa 

The Kingdom Resort

Pilanesberg, North West

Laid out as a collection of small villages with the chalets grouped together to resemble a horseshoe-shaped kraal, The Kingdom Resort is just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and the ideal getaway for Gautengers. Surrounded by game-viewing opportunities and birdwatching galore, the abundant nature will help to bid your blues farewell.

Accommodation: Double suites, twin suites, presidential suites, 4-sleeper family suites, 4-sleeper and 6-sleeper chalets, and 4-sleeper, 6-sleeper and 8-sleeper villas
Key features: Braai area and swimming pool

Botterkloof Resort

Still Bay, Western Cape

Botterkloof Resort is located on an olive and wine farm along the Garden Route. When visiting this scenic farm, give yourself a boost by meditating in the charming chapel or reflecting on the bench under the towering blue gum trees ─ you’re guaranteed to return home with renewed energy!

Accommodation: 19 self-catering cottages and 2 B&B units
Key features: Swimming pool, farm stall, wine store, restaurant, children’s play area, bass fishing, and birdwatching

Swadini, A Forever Resort

Near Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga

Landlocked by the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and the Drakensberg peaks you’ll discover the cure for your blues on the banks of the Blyde River. At the award-winning Swadini, A Forever Resort you can stay in style or camp out like a cowboy. Mother Nature spent a few extra seconds developing ths part of the world and you’ll be in absolute awe when visiting Bourke’s Luck Potholes, The Pinnacle, Mac-Mac Falls, and God’s Window.

Accommodation: 4-sleeper and 6-sleeper self-catering chalets
Key features: Heated and cold swimming pools, hiking trails, game drives, river-rafting, boat cruises, braai area, and conference facilities

Hole in the Wall Resort

Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape

Surrounded by vast stretches of unspoilt coastline, Hole in the Wall Resort offers some of the most picturesque scenery in South Africa. The chalets are dotted atop a cliff with serene ocean views and privacy. This remote location on the Wild Coast will put a sparkle in your eye and a song in your heart!

Accommodation: 2-sleeper, 4-sleeper and 6-sleeper self-catering chalets
Key features: Swimming pool, braai areas, wellness spa, restaurant, bar, children’s play room, hiking, birdwatching, nature walks, and fishing

Chantilly Resort

Near Zinkwazi Beach, KwaZulu-Natal

Chantilly Resort was once an old homestead forming part of the Victoria County and has recently been converted into a resort set among age-old trees and hills covered in sugar cane. At this luxurious resort your mind will be eased and your strength restored ─ all you have to do is relax!

Accommodation: 6 luxury self-catering chalets
Key features: TV lounge, bar, wedding venue, and conference facilities

Stop complaining about the tiresome traffic, heavy workload, and lack of sleep ─ with these recharge options you now have the tools to kick-start the next six months. Simply pick a resort and let the rest and relaxation begin!

Feature image: Le Mirage Lodge (TravelGround)