Revved Up With Itu Motoba
What’s the purpose of a vacation, really? To take some time out — and maybe even
have some fun while doing it, right? That was my thought exactly when I Ubered to the nearest lodge close to my house. It was just 20 minutes away, but I was feeling burnt out and didn’t have the time (or the money) to take a proper vacation. So, I created an inner-city getaway. This way I could get the much-needed rest and enjoy the best part— not having to make my own breakfast.
We often think a vacation means packing bags, plotting long routes, and checking into some faraway destination. But what if rest didn’t require distance? What if the break you’ve been craving is just a short drive away — right within your own city?
Modern life moves at full throttle. Between deadlines, social obligations, and the endless buzz of traffic, we sometimes forget that our cities hold hidden corners of calm, play, and restoration. That’s where the idea of an inner-city vacation comes in — a mini getaway that helps you reset without crossing borders or draining your wallet.
Your car becomes more than transport; it’s a transition zone. The simple act of driving — music up, windows slightly down — helps shift your state of mind from doing to being. You don’t need a long highway to unwind; even a short drive to a spa, park, or day lodge can be enough to recharge. I love taking drives to areas just on the outskirts of the city. Like Hartebeespoort, Dinokeng, Brits to name a few, and spend my day there as a tourist coming home feeling that I got to breath cleaner, fresher air.
Pretoria and Johannesburg, for instance, are full of spots that make for perfect inner-city escapes. A morning at a spa or day lodge can turn an ordinary Saturday into a retreat. Whether it’s a full-body massage, a soak in a hydro pool, or just sipping tea in a quiet garden, these spaces remind you that stillness exists — even amid the city’s hum.
Rest doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, the best therapy is play. Visit a theme park or amusement area for a few hours and let go. Feel the wind whip through your hair on a rollercoaster or just laugh with friends over ice cream and arcade games. These moments of light-hearted joy are small rebellions against adult fatigue — and yes, they count as self-care too.
When the city starts to feel heavy, nature is often the antidote. Parks and botanical
gardens offer an easy escape — lush lawns, open skies, and the soundtrack of birds instead of sirens.
Pack a picnic basket, a blanket, and maybe a book or sketchpad. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden or Johannesburg’s Emmarentia Dam are perfect for slow afternoons. You’ll be surprised how different the city feels when you take time to simply sit in it. Hikes are also growing in popularity lately — so maybe start your morning with a trail, then come down to enjoy some fresh air and brunch with friends.
An inner-city vacation isn’t about luxury; it’s about intention. You save time, money, and energy while still giving your body and mind the gift of rest. You support local businesses, reconnect with your surroundings, and remind yourself that joy doesn’t always live on the other side of a plane ticket.
Most importantly, it shifts your perspective — helping you see your city not as a place to survive, but as a place to experience. The truth is, vacations aren’t about where you go; they’re about how you feel. Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys happen close to home.
So, the next time your spirit starts craving a getaway, don’t rush for the highway. Take a slow drive, turn your own city into a destination, and take a quick short left — “Tha The,” as the Pretorians would say.
