Pretoria has some of the best day trip resorts to go and relax or for a quick outing.

They are perfect for getting away from the city life but to still being in the city for your convenience! Here is a list of ShowMe Pretoria’s top Tshwane resorts:

Derdepoort Recreation Resort

The 89-hectare Derdepoort Resort in Pretoria offers visitors a farm-style atmosphere and is the ideal destination for family outings, picnics, barbeques, and kids’ birthday parties. There is a shaded picnic area, modern swimming pool, paddling pool for the kids, play parks, ablution facilities, and a Tuck Shop. Operating Hours are Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 to 18:00; Saturdays and school holidays from 10:00 to 18:00, and Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. An admission fee is paid at the entrance.

Derdepoort Recreation Resort facilities:

• Swimming pool with super tube
• Youth camp
• Caravan park
• Braai area
• Play area
• Animal farm
• Conference room
• Three lapas/shelters
• Three power points

Admission Fee Per Person

(Please Note: The Prices change annually and are subject to change – Prices Updated 08 April 2022)

Tel: +27 (0)12 800 1279/80

Address:

Derdepoort Recreation Resort, Baviaanspoort Road, Derdepoort, Pretoria

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Die Draai Resort

As an area of undeveloped land situated on the banks of the Bronkhorstspruit river, this site is used for recreational purposes. .

Facilities:

Ablution and toilet facilities, barbeque facilities, undercover Lapa, children play parks, beautiful nature, put-put course.

Enquiries:

Telephone: +27 (0)79 930 8343
Fax: 086 640 4381

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Fountains Valley Resort

The Fountains Valley Resort, just outside Pretoria, is a popular recreational facility. Many years ago the resort site was placed under the stewardship of the Nature and Conservation Department, as the ground is the source of the Apies River, which provides Pretoria with some of its daily water needs. It took years to eradicate alien plant species threatening to choke the natural water supply, but Fountains Valley is once again a natural, indigenous garden that acts as a game and bird sanctuary.

The Fountains Valley Resort usually bursts into life at the weekend, with people arriving to braai (barbeque) – using the convenient facilities – or picnic in the well-maintained grounds. Music festivals are occasionally held at venue too.

Pretoria is well known for its hot summers, so visitors often come to Fountains Valley to cool off in the resort’s large, modern swimming pool. Smaller children can splash in the kiddies’ paddling pool, or play in the two designated areas. There are two tuck shops and a bar at which refreshments can be purchased. A lapa can be hired for functions.

Camping facilities are available for those who want to stay overnight at the resort. Visitors with caravans are also catered for and can escape the city and enjoy this natural setting, which is very close to the Groenkloof Nature Reserve. The resort has a 4×4 track for those looking for off-road adventures, and footpaths for those wishing to walk.

Season tickets are available.

Facilities

• Resort with a large modern pool
• Kids’ paddling pool
• Braai facilities
• Lapas for hire
• Two play areas for children
• Kiosk and bar
• Caravan park
• Picnic area

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Ga-Mothakga Recreation Resort

Pitse and Tlou Street, Atteridgeville

The SS Mendi memorial tombstone is located in this resort. Memorial services are held annually under the auspices of the South African Legion and the South African Defence Force.

Facilities

• Modern swimming pool
• Kids’ splash pool
• Youth camp
• Birdwatching facilities
• Picnic area
• Braai facilities

Enquiries:

Telephone: +27 (0)12 358 6741
Fax: 012 440 7264

Admission Fee per Person

Lapa Hire (All Times)

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Kwaggaspruit Nature Area

Bishop Bird Nature area was named after the Southern Red Bishop. Bishop bird Nature Area is situated less than one kilometre North from the Rooihuiskraal Historical terrain and forms part of its rich cultural history. This Nature Area is 16 ha in size and the site serves as a place where people can come and escape from everyday hassles and relax in the tranquillity and peacefulness of natural surroundings.

Activities and Facilities

• A short 2,08 km interpretive trail with a 3m high wooden deck in between the canopy of white stinkwood trees is the ideal place for bird enthusiasts to see birds in their natural environment.
• Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail. 

Wildlife

There is an abundance of bird species such as: Helmeted Guinea-fowl, Cape Robin – Chat, African Hoepoe, Karoo Thrush, Black-shouldered kite, to name just a few. Although the small animals such as mongoose, porcupine, hares, bushbabies a​nd reptiles are difficult to spot, they are still active in the nature area.

Vegetation

The vegetation in the nature area is classified as Bakenveld and consists of open grass areas with groupings of indigenous trees. There is also a wide variety of wild flowers to be seen.

Visiting hours

Summer ( September – April): 07:00 – 18:00

Winter ( May – August): 07:00 – 17:00   

How to get there

Travek West on the M25 Hendrik Verwoerd Dr. Turn left in Rooihuiskraal Rd. Turn left in Theuns van Niekerk Rd. Approximately 2km further, look for the Roosmaryn Place which leads to the entrance gate.

Bookings and Contact Numbers 
Bookings are only necessary for the guided walks – preferably 4 weeks in advance

Enquiries:

Tel: +27 (0)12 667 1630 / +27 (0)12 667 5790
Fax: 012 667 1633​

Admission Fee per Person

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Moretele Recreation Resort

Sibande Street, Mamelodi

Once a feeder dairy and vegetable farm for the Bothgotsong Old Age Home, Moretele Recreation Resort used to be called Vlakfontein. Since the farm
keeper was Mr Modau, for some Mamelodi D residents the park is known as “ga-modau”. Others call the park “Three Trees” because of the three trees that stand in line on the banks of the Moretele River. The resort started operating in 1986.

Facilities

• Modern swimming pool with kids’ splash pool
• Multi-purpose hall for private functions
• Children’s playground
• Picnic area with braai facilities
• Overnight facilities for groups, with hot water and toilets

Enquiries:

Telephone: +27 (0)72 097 4772

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Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain and Animal Farm

Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain and Animal Farm Rooihuiskraalweg, Rooihuiskraal Declared a national monument in 1981, the original farmstead dates back to the 1880s. It was the location of two battles during the Anglo-Boer war.

Facilities

• Animal farm
• Children’s playground
• Picnic area with braai stands
• Two barns
• Lapa for private functions
• Restaurant

Enquiries:

Tel: 012 358 1824

Fax to mail: 086 263 1930

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Zwartkops Resort

As an area of undeveloped land situated on the banks of the Hennops river, this site is used for recreational purposes.

Facilities:

• Picnic area
• Bird watching
• Mountain biking (no set trails)
• Undercover shelter (closed lapa for private functions)
• Barbeque facilities
• Children`s play Parks
• Hiking (no set trails)
• Shaded open area
• Natural landscape

Enquiries:

Telephone: 012 358 1740 / 012 666 7130
Fax: 012 666 0923

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Rooihuiskraal Reptile and indigenous bird park

This portion of land was part of the greater Brakfontein farm and the scene of two battles that took place during the Anglo-Transvaal War of 1880 – 1881. The first was an attempt by the British to seize cattle that the Boer Commando kept in the cattle kraals. The second battle was an attack led by Colonel GF Gildea and some 80 officers and 534 men on the Boer Commando that was stationed at Rooihuiskraal under Commandant RE Erasmus. In 1980 archaeologists excavated and confirmed the location of the Red Brick House mentioned in the war journals. The remains of the foundations of the house can be seen on the site.

Activities and facilities 

• Guided tours for school groups – bookings must be done at the children’s farm on the terrain
• Self-guided walk-through for the public
• 28 display units with interpretive signage
• Parking available in the resort
• Ablution facilities available in the resort

Vegetation

A wetland area on the eastern side provides just the right habitat for indigenous waterfowl and South Africa’s national bird the Blue Crane.

Visiting hours

• Mondays and Wednesdays: CLOSED
• Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 09:00 to 14:00
• Saturdays and Sundays: 09:00 to 15:00

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