By Refilwe Kekana
Sometimes the best getaways are the ones just outside the city. Close enough to reach without stress, yet far enough to completely change your mood. Our recent trip to Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve, just outside the small town of Carolina in Mpumalanga, was exactly that kind of escape.
We left Pretoria at around 16:00, just as the sun was preparing to set. There wasno rush, no pressure, just the quiet excitement that comes with leaving the citybehind.
The road to Doornkop
Travelling in the new Volkswagen Transporter made the journey feel effortless. It was spacious, smooth and ideal for a relaxed road trip, especially for a group.
The Transporter is surprisingly fuel-efficient for its size, which made a noticeable difference over the full trip. The space inside is generous, giving everyone room to sit comfortably without feeling restricted, and the added convenience of C-TYPE charging ports at the back meant everyone could keep their devices powered throughout the journey. The sound system was another highlight — crisp, immersive, and perfect for road trip playlists — paired with a top-tier touchscreen that made controlling music smooth and effortless. It’s one of those vehicles that quietly elevates the entire travel experience without you even realising it.
This was a couples’ getaway, three couples in total, and the Transporter handled it with ease. There was enough room for all of us and our luggage without anyone feeling cramped. That comfort mattered more than we expected, because it set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
Because the accommodation is self-catering, we made a quick stop at Makro before leaving to stock up on groceries. It was one of those simple decisions that made the whole trip easier, especially because we knew we would be arriving late.
As we drove through Mpumalanga, the scenery slowly began to shift. The roads opened up, the landscape softened and the city noise gave way to a kind of stillness that immediately makes you breathe differently. We stopped later in the evening for dinner, along with a few snacks and drinks for the last stretch of the journey. It was not elaborate, but it was exactly what we needed.
The route itself was straightforward, with a few toll gates along the way costing about R150 to R200 in total. Petrol for the round trip came to roughly R900 toR1,200, making it a manageable weekend drive for a group.
By the time we arrived at Doornkop, it was already late, but even in the dark, the change in atmosphere was clear. It felt as though we had stepped into a slower, quieter version of life.
Settling into the reserve
Our accommodation was simple, comfortable and beautifully in tune with the surroundings. Being in a self-catering unit gave us the freedom to settle in properly, cook our own meals and move at our own pace. It quickly started to feel less like a short stay and more like a home for the weekend.
We spent about R1,500 to R2,500 per night, depending on the unit, which also included access to the reserve and everything that comes with it. That felt fair for the setting, especially given the sense of privacy and calm that comes with being surrounded by nature.
Where the silence becomes the luxury
Doornkop’s real appeal lies in how naturally it encourages you to slow down. There is no pressure to be busy. The reserve offers the kind of peace that is increasingly hard to find, whether you are sitting quietly by the water, spotting wildlife in the distance or simply taking in the fresh air.
One of the most surprising highlights was the lack of network coverage. In most settings that might feel inconvenient, but here it turned out to be part of the charm. No calls, no constant notifications, no temptation to keep checking your phone. Just uninterrupted time to be present.
That, more than anything, is what stood out. The calm felt genuine. There was no noise, no rush and no need to do much at all. Nature took over and did what it does best. Even something as ordinary as watching the sunset felt special. The weather also played along, adding to the ease of the whole experience.
Why it works
Trips like this are a reminder that you do not always have to travel far to findsomething meaningful. Sometimes all you need is a short drive, the rightcompany and a place that allows you to disconnect from the usual noise.
Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve is well worth considering if you are looking for a peaceful, nature-filled break without committing to a long journey. And with the Volkswagen Transporter making the drive that smooth and comfortable, the trip felt easy from the moment we left home.
It was simple, restful and exactly what a weekend escape should be.
