The 7 best big group getaways near Johannesburg

Time Out Says

Just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, Vaal Villa is an ideal getaway destination for large groups looking to relax, reconnect and create lasting memories. At the beginning of every year, my family makes it a tradition to set the tone for the year ahead by going on vacation together, prioritising bonding time and shared experiences.

This January, we chose Vaal Villa in Vanderbijlpark, which offers seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. With a group of 11 adults and four children, I was slightly anxious about whether the property would truly cater to all our needs. From the moment we arrived, those concerns quickly disappeared.

Why stay at Vaal Villa?  

Large wooden gates secure the property and feature a striking, castle-like architectural design. While the exterior wall near the gate may not immediately impress and almost feels intentionally rustic or vintage, the inside of the property is nothing short of breathtaking. Once inside, you’re welcomed by well-maintained green lawns and neatly trimmed trees, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The gate entrance itself gives off an “old-money” aesthetic, which we absolutely loved.

Stepping into the villa is an experience on its own. The interiors are elegant and stylish, blending luxury with a vintage farmhouse feel. The high ceilings and beautifully decorated entrance make for a perfect photo spot. The property has two storeys, with the ground floor featuring two large, fully equipped kitchens fitted with modern appliances. From a dishwasher, microwave, oven and stove to a kettle, cutlery and crockery, everything needed for a self-catering stay was thoughtfully provided - a huge relief for a large family like ours.

What are the rooms like at Vaal Villa? 

All seven rooms were spacious, neat, and offered great views, overlooking the stunning greenery and river on the premises. The furniture in the rooms and throughout the premises is spectacular and vintage. 

One of the standout indoor spaces was a dedicated chill room ideal for relaxing and enjoying drinks. The room included an ice machine - a particularly thoughtful touch, especially on a hot summer day like the day we visited, as it meant we never had to worry about refilling ice trays.

What are the standout facilities at Vaal Villa? 

Vaal Villa is exceptionally family-friendly. The kids were thoroughly entertained by a designated play area featuring slides and a jungle gym, while the expansive green lawn provided ample space for outdoor games. We had packed a ball, and the little ones spent hours running around and playing freely. Meanwhile, the adults made the most of the pool area, enjoying relaxed moments by the pool. We also played on the pool table, which was available in one of the rooms. There is a television in one of the lounges, making it ideal for those who want to watch movies.

The property also boasts a boma and multiple living and entertainment areas. There is a spacious dining area furnished with beautiful architectural chairs and tables, perfect for hosting family meals. A study filled with a wide variety of books quickly became a favourite for the older generation. My dad, in particular, couldn’t stop raving about it, describing it as one of the most unique features of the villa. The collection encompasses a wide range of materials, from the Guinness Book of Records to books on Nelson Mandela and other diverse topics, catering to a variety of interests. 

Water-based activities were undoubtedly the biggest highlight of our stay. The villa features a clean swimming pool, and a jacuzzi. On our first night, the family spent hours in the jacuzzi well into the early morning, feeling completely safe and at ease. There is also an option for group boat rides,  kayaking or canoeing, adding another layer of fun to the experience.

The braai area is conveniently located next to one of the living spaces and overlooks a play and entertainment area. It features a pool table and a large table with plenty of seating, allowing some family members to relax and chat while others swim or braai. The multiple living rooms made it easy for everyone to enjoy their own space when needed - teens and young adults could play games, adults could have uninterrupted conversations, and kids could play without disturbing anyone. The soundproofing, particularly around the bedrooms, was impressive.

Adding to the charm of the villa is its impressive art collection. Several striking pieces are displayed throughout the house, some of which celebrate South African heritage, adding character and cultural depth to the space. I really enjoyed admiring the art around the premises.

My family is musical, and having two pianos on the premises was a great asset. We played music, sang, and created beautiful shared moments together.

To top it all off, the property offers reliable Wi-Fi, ensuring you can stay connected if needed.

Golf-lovers are also in for a treat. There is an on-site golf course.

The villa offers ample parking space and feels secure, even at night.

What’s the area like around the Vaal Villa? 

The Vaal Villa is located in Vanderbijlpark, directly on the banks of the Vaal River. As we drove around the area, we experienced a sense of peace and calm. The property is situated approximately 6 km from the Vaal Mall, with other convenience stores nearby. Overall, the area is neat and well-maintained, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. 

Why you should book a stay at the Vaal Villa? 

Another thing we appreciated about staying at Vaal Villa was the friendly staff. The caretakers were warm, welcoming and incredibly helpful. Management also communicated with us during our stay and shared activities that we could enjoy as a family. We tried out one of their recommendations, the  Emerald Resort & Casino, where the teens and young adults enjoyed bowling, the kids enjoyed the Magic Company, and we grabbed a meal at Wimpy. It was worth the visit.

The property offers excellent value for money, ranging from R13,000 per night. Vaal Villa is more than just accommodation - it’s an experience. With its well-rounded entertainment offerings, spacious design, thoughtful details, and its location along the serene Vaal River, it is the perfect destination for families and groups seeking comfort, fun, and meaningful time together.

If you want wow-factor architecture for your weekend, this stone-and-glass house set on a private reserve delivers. The living areas are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with views into the Magaliesberg bush, and there’s space for 12–14 across six bedrooms. Three of them are en-suite, each with a private deck and even an open fireplace.

You get indoor and outdoor dining for 14, a fire pit, a braai, and a fully stocked kitchen with Smeg and Miele appliances (plus a herb garden). Downstairs, there’s a games area with table tennis and a small pool table, and just outside is a natural swimming dam with floating loungers and a dinghy. The reserve itself covers 60 hectares, with hikes through protea forests and remnants of Boer War forts. Supposedly, there’s a resident leopard within the reserve - but don’t worry, she’s highly elusive!

Need to know: About 90 minutes from Joburg. A high-clearance car is recommended for the 4km sand road. From around R7,500–R8,500 per night for the whole property (discounts on three-night weekends).

This is the bush option for groups who want both wildlife and comfort. The house sleeps 14 across five bedrooms, a loft, and an apartment. There’s loads of space, plenty of ensuite bathrooms to go around, and an entertainment area built for all the demands of a giant group. Spread across three levels, the outside area features a pool, a fire pit, a braai area, and an expansive wooden deck that spills into the open-plan lounge, all designed for late afternoons.

The kitchen is fully equipped (two fridges/freezers, a Falcon gas stove, and a dishwasher), and the dining and lounge areas can actually accommodate a group of this size. Nyala, warthogs and bush babies wander the property, sometimes coming right up to the house. Game drives are easily arranged at Mabalingwe.

Need to know: About two and a half hours from Joburg. Rates vary with season but hover around R6,750–R9,000 a night for the full house.

On a trout farm inside the Zuikerboschhoek Conservancy, this lodge feels like an old family estate. African Leaves offers a flexible two-house layout for large groups. Oak House has five bedrooms (plus a kids’ nook), big verandas and a lapa under the trees, while the Silo House offers another three ensuite bedrooms and a much-coveted KolKol wood-fired hot tub. The two houses are situated about 700 metres apart, with a dam separating them. You can book one for a smaller group or take both for up to 16 guests, with 7 bathrooms shared among the eight bedrooms. They’re also pet-friendly for up to four dogs, so you truly can bring the whole family.

The real charm lies outside: walking trails to waterfalls, approximately 2 km of river running through the forest, stocked dams for fly fishing, and resident game, including fallow deer and blesbok. Inside, there’s everything you need for a cosy getaway (after all, it is chilly out there when the sun goes down): a proper function kitchen for group meals, a bar and a dining room built for long meals with conversations that run late into the night.

Need to know: About three and a half hours from Joburg. Rates vary, but expect to pay around R1,200–R2,000 per person per night, depending on the group size and season.

Highland House is a sleek six-bedroom home on Dullstroom’s golf estate, built for entertaining with open-plan living spaces, fireplaces and a full kitchen leading onto wide patios. With room for up to 14 guests and sweeping views over the fairways, it’s the polished cousin to the area’s usual rustic-style lodges and cabins. 

While it’s upscale, it’s also homely, and you won’t feel anxious sitting on a pristine couch or being too nervous to use the crockery. Plus, you’ll wake up wrapped in Egyptian cotton and look out over the undulating Dullstroom hills. If you do fancy leaving your little oasis, the town itself is just a few minutes away for coffee, pubs, and fly shops. If you do one thing, make sure you book a dinner at the famous Mrs Simpson. 

Need to know: About three and a half hours from Joburg. Rates start from approximately R7,500 per night for the entire house.

This riverside house in Clarens makes the most of its setting, with light streaming in through large windows and offering views of the valley and the Maluti mountains. It’s an easy walk into the village for galleries and beer, but you’ll probably spend most of the time around the long dining table or out in the garden.

This is ideal for families who want to experience nature and have plenty of space - especially those with younger children - but it also comes with all the convenience of Clarens’s food and art scene. For a fun family day out, do a short trail walk at the Clarens Village Conservancy. Some brave kids have been known to jump in the dam for a swim on a hot day, too!

Need to know: Just under four hours from Joburg. Sleeps up to 10 comfortably. Rates hover around R5,000–R6,000 a night, depending on the season.

Owlswood was clearly designed by someone who knows how big groups actually behave. There’s a pavilion by the pool for lounging, courtyards that flow into each other, and a kitchen that means business: double stoves, pizza oven, a cold room and enough counter space to feed a small army. What does this all mean? Basically, that people naturally congregate around the kitchen and entertainment area without anyone feeling like they’re stuck missing out on the action while they make braai sides. 

Six bedrooms sleep 12, but there’s a separate two-bedroom adjoining cottage too. Despite the modern style, it still retains plenty of farmhouse charm, and the living spaces are big enough for everyone to gather without tripping over each other. Step outside and you’ve got 275 hectares of walking trails, a lookout with sweeping views of Tankwani Gorge, and nyala, kudu and zebra grazing through the bush. Solar backup handles load shedding, and the security is tight, so all you need to worry about is who gets which bedroom. 

Need to know: About 90 minutes from Joburg. Rates are from R15,000 a night for up to 12 guests (two-night minimum).