Wanderlust: Travelling out of Pretoria

Finding little gems to visit is as easy as jumping in your car and travelling in any direction with a sense of adventure and a willingness to stop at any moment. Living in the city has its perks, but nothing beats a little weekend escape. For those looking for a getaway in Gauteng, a trip to Bronkhorstspruit and nearby Cullinan is a great option. 

Cullinan 

Cullinan’s historic charm makes it a fun stop on your way to Bronkhorstspruit. Take a stroll down the main boulevard lined with trinket stores, art galleries, and places to eat and drink. You can also venture out towards the old train station to find some more little gems, take a mine tour or sit and enjoy live music at the local brewhouse. 

Bronkhorstspruit 

Bronkhorstspruit is a place where you can truly let go of city stress and relax. An unpretentious town, “Bronkies” is best for kicking back and doing as little as possible, be it around Bronkhorstspruit Dam or out on a nature reserve. Clear skies allow for incredible stargazing at night, the open space means lots of spots to walk or hike during the day and the dam is an ideal spot for water sports, fishing or a scenic sundowner. 

A visit to the Nan Hua Buddist Temple, the largest Buddist temple and seminary in Africa, is a must when taking a trip to Bronkhorstspruit. You can take a guided tour through the grounds, admire the intricate architecture or book to attend a meditation retreat, a trip to the temple is guaranteed to make you feel calmer. The busiest time to visit is during their Chinese New Year festivities when there is a full program of cultural activities that starts with the traditional candle lighting ceremony and continues with festive activities such as dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese tea drinking and meditation.  

 This sort of trip is ideal for a few days out of the hustle and bustle of city life when driving for hours is not possible or wanted. Being a quiet part of the country, it gives you a chance to spend quality time with friends and family outdoors and to unwind a little before heading back to your home city.