My bags are practically packed and I am ready to hit the road to my first getaway after this lockdown. If you are anything like me, you want to escape the city and see some new sights for a change! Nothing sounds better than spending time in nature and enjoying a braai with family or friends at this stage, and that is why TravelGround has rounded up some of our favourite places where you can sit around the fire, take in a spectacular view or soak in a wood-fired hot tub.
Kingfisher Cottage, Langhoogte Farm, Montagu
Western Cape
A peaceful and relaxing getaway awaits on this farm near Montagu in the Koo Valley. Kingfisher Cottages boasts charming, eco-friendly cottages built with natural materials. These self-catering cottages are about one kilometre from the main farmhouse and are ideal if you want to escape the crowds and spend some quality time in nature. The Giant, Brown-hooded and Pied Cottages each have two bedrooms and are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable break. You can enjoy fishing, swimming in the eco pool and mountain trails on the farm and light a fire at night while enjoying the sounds of nature and the bright stars!
Klipkraal Gasteplaas, Heidelberg
Gauteng
For a quick getaway from the bustling city, Klipkraal Gasteplaas near Heidelberg in Gauteng is the ideal place! This guest farm houses three self-catering units without electricity for the ultimate farm escape. They make use of solar power and gas and each unit has braai facilities. The units are beautifully decorated in a traditional farmhouse style and they have feather duvets and fireplaces for added comfort. Game roams freely on the farm so it will really feel like you are kilometres away from the city. You can also enjoy some outdoor activities on the farm and make the most of your time in nature.
The Riverstone House, Wolseley
Western Cape
The Witzenberg Valley is filled with gems and Riverstone’s FamTin is no exception. This unit consists of two shipping containers that have been converted into a modern, self-catering house sleeping four guests. It is situated at the edge of the farm dam and offers a beautiful view of the mountains! There is a wood-burning fireplace in the lounge for cosy evenings and braai facilities on the covered patio. You can also bring Spot along, as this unit is pet friendly. Wander around on the working farm or visit the neighbouring wine farms and quaint towns in the valley.
Opstal Stay, Rawsonville
Western Cape
It is about time that you spoil yourself with a relaxing stay on a wine farm! Opstal Stay offers modern, free-standing units on a wine farm in the picturesque Slanghoek Valley. These self-catering units sleep two to four guests each and are equipped with luxurious amenities. Each unit has a slow-combustion fireplace in the living area and an outdoor wood-fired hot tub from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Boland Mountains. Spend your days lounging on the patio with a view ─ what can be better than that? And if you do not feel like cooking, you can indulge in pizza and wine at the restaurant on the premises.
Harteliefhuisie, Bela-Bela
Limpopo
For the ultimate Bushveld experience, Harteliefhuisie near Bela-Bela is just the place for you. This cottage is suitable for four guests and is situated on a farm with a variety of animals and birds to marvel at. The self-catering cottage opens onto a patio where you will spend most of your time. It is surrounded by trees and leads to a private boma with braai facilities and a splash pool. The farm also offers game drives and a range of activities for you to enjoy, so remember your binoculars and walking shoes.
Steenbok Farm Cottages, Wolseley
Western Cape
The Witzenberg Valley spoils us again, only this time with a stay on a game farm! Steenbok Farm Cottages offers two self-catering cottages at the foot of the Witzenberg Mountains and each cottage boasts a wood-fired hot tub where you can soak and marvel at the view. The indoor fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere in the cottage, so you can curl up on the couch with a glass of wine and enjoy a braai. The cottages sleep six guests each ─ ideal for a group of friends ─ and Fluffy is welcome too (this just needs to be arranged in advance).
Fossil Hills Farm Cottages, McGregor
Western Cape
Fossil Hills is just the place for you if you want to experience life on a farm. These quaint cottages are situated on Thornvilla Farm between Robertson and McGregor and grapes, plums, apricots and vegetables are harvested here. All of the cottages are equipped for self-catering and the Aloe Cottage and Pinotage House are even pet friendly. They are all located on different parts of the farm, so don’t worry about interacting with other guests. Most of the cottages come with wood-fired hot tubs and boast beautiful views of the farm and the valley. You can also explore the farm, so remember to bring your mountain bike or some walking shoes.
Varkenskraal Farm, De Rust
Western Cape
Once you breathe in some fresh Karoo air, you are bound to feel rejuvenated. Varkenskraal Farm in the Meiringspoort District is home to two beautiful self-catering houses where you can enjoy the best of the Karoo. Each house sleeps four guests and features a private patio with braai facilities and gorgeous views of the farm and the mountains! While you are in the area there are many attractions that you can visit in the beautiful towns of De Rust and Oudtshoorn. And when you return after a busy day you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the farm!
Uitsig Cottages, Ladismith
Western Cape
Imagine waking up with a view of the Swartberg Mountains and enjoying your first cup of coffee on the patio breathing in clean farm air! That is what awaits you at Uitsig Cottages between Ladismith and Calitzdorp in the Karoo. There are two picture-perfect cottages on this farm, each equipped with self-catering facilities. Hemelrand sleeps five guests and features a fire pit, rock splash pool for the summer and indoor braai facilities, and Gelukstroom sleeps four guests and has a wood-fired hot tub with a stunning view, indoor braai facilities and a fire pit. You can make the most of the outdoors on this farm with walking and mountain bike trails for your enjoyment.
Buff and Fellow Eco Cabins, George
Western Cape
This accommodation is not only a feast for the eyes but also promises an unforgettable getaway! Buff and Fellow Eco Cabins is situated on a buffalo breeding farm near George and is ideal if you want to explore the Garden Route or just enjoy a relaxing weekend. You can choose between an eco cabin for four or a unique pod house for two. All of the units have self-catering facilities, wood-fired hot tubs and braai facilities on the patio. They are built around a farm dam where animals graze and you can enjoy activities like wine tasting with the owners, cycling and fishing on the premises.
So get your suitcase ready and start planning your next getaway because there are wonderful accommodation options waiting for you to visit when we are allowed to travel again!
Feature image: AfriCamps at Mackers (TravelGround.com) – please note this establishment is no longer listed.
