Badplaas is tucked into the Mpumalanga highlands, about 3 hours from Gauteng via the N17 and R38. The Forever Resort here revolves around natural hot mineral springs — steaming outdoor pools surrounded by bushveld. The waterpark has slides, a lazy river, and splash pools for the kids. The caravan park sits under big trees with braai areas and views of the surrounding hills. It's a proper switch-off destination — no hustle, just warm water and braai smoke.
Beyond the resort, the area around Badplaas is quiet farming country with rolling green hills. The Songimvelo Nature Reserve is nearby — it's one of the largest nature reserves in Mpumalanga, with San rock art, hiking trails, and diverse birdlife. The town of Barberton (SA's first gold rush town) is about an hour away and has historical mine tours and the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the oldest rocks on Earth. If you're heading to Kruger from Badplaas, Malelane Gate is about 2 hours east.

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Hot mineral springs in the middle of the bushveld. Swim in warm outdoor pools year-round, kids have the waterpark, and the caravan park is shady and well-maintained. It's a classic SA family resort.
About 300km — roughly 3 hours via the N17 and R38. Road is tarred all the way. Easy drive with a caravan.
Yes. Malelane Gate (Kruger) is about 2 hours from Badplaas. You could do a couple of nights at Badplaas, then head into Kruger for game drives. Rent a camper on Kampi for a week and do both.
Yes, and winter is arguably the best time. The hot springs are extra appealing in cold weather, the bushveld is dry and golden, and there's no rain. Nights get cold (5°C), so bring warm bedding.