After 3 weeks road tripping the Eastern Cape border looking for the best vacation spots - remote, quirky getaways off the beaten track and situated in South Africa's raw nature and beauty. Here are the gems we would like to share with you!
Our top 6 - enjoy!
SUIKERBOSSIE MOUNTAIN CABIN - Route 62
I can't talk about remote getaways without mentioning Suikerbossie Mountain Cabin first! It is totally off-grid, immersed in nature and situated in the Kouga Mountains off R62 with the most mesmerising views of the Baviaanskloof mountain range. Amongst the natural fynbos & diverse fauna the cabin sleeps up to 4 guests in the open plan living, dining & main bedroom area. Making it the ideal getaway for couples or small families wanting some alone time. The cabin is so tucked into the surrounding mountains that there is little to no signal however the kaleidoscopic views, peace & quiet is absolutely worth experiencing every once in a while. Living alone in the mountains was truly a magical experience that I would recommend to everyone!
HOPEWELL LUXURY CABIN - Gqeberha
If you're looking for a romantic getaway with modern luxury touches, then this is the place! Only a 30 minute drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) with uncapped views of a wild conservation area. The cabin is a cosy one bedroom, open-plan living & kitchen area with all the essentials for self-catering options. With sliding doors that open up all throughout the cabin one can maximise the indoor/ outdoor living experience enjoying fresh air and natural sounds. An indoor log burning fireplace enriches the evening experience by warming up the entire cabin on those chilly nights. Cuddle-up, lie back and enjoy the serenity of the surrounds.
KLEINRIVIER MOUNTAIN ESCAPE - Dassie 4
As the name suggests we were tucked in the mountains amongst the fellow dassies. This spot is only a 1 hour drive inland of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and provides tranquility with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Dassie 4 is the largest of their cabins and sleeps 4 people. The well placed fireplace creates that nice and cosy comfort space, while outdoors there is a bonfire pit & braai place. One of my favourite features are the sliding doors that open up the cabin, even the bathroom which feels like you're showering outside in your own private garden. Each cabin is very private, tucked amongst the natural bush in the riverine. With no power or service, only 12v camping fridge & solar powered lights it makes the perfect place to go and switch off in order to truly enjoy nature and your company.
BARN EXPERIENCE - Nieu Bethesda
Nieu-Bethesda is quite definitely (in my experience) the quirkiest, funky remote little town in the mountains you'll come across in the Eastern Cape! Just 1 hour via scenic gravel roads from Graaff-Reinet you find yourself deep in the mountains in this little town. You have an entire piece of private land with the Barn, an outdoor fire pit as well as a shelter for your car for those cold nights. The Barn sleeps 2 guests in a loft bedroom and being double-volume it stays nice and cosy due to the warm air rising to the bedroom from the indoor fireplace. The barn is littered with funky windows that optimise the natural mountain light. The Barn experience is a great place to stay and feel like a local resident yourself.
KAROO HIDEAWAY CABIN - Cradock
The Karoo Hideaway cabin is situated just outside of Cradock on a farm, 15km from the Mountain Zebra National Park entrance which makes it the perfect spot to stay when visiting the park. This cabin was built purposely around huge boulders, one of which features an outdoor bath & shower situated on top! As you walk onto the porch you see the biggest boulder creating a cute outdoor chilling area with an outdoor braai pit. The main bedroom has 2 en-suites! One inside and one outside the sliding door on the boulder which has a great view of the river as this cabin is very private.
FISHERMANS COTTAGE - Karoo
The Fishermans Cottage is situated on the R400 between Jansenville & Somerset East, and is the ideal getaway from the city as you drive into the Karoo landscapes. We were situated on the farms biggest dam from which the cabin got its name. This cottage has 2 bedrooms sleeping 4 guests along with your pets! With a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, an indoor fireplace & outdoor braai. It is the perfect place for some quality family time without disturbances where your dogs can run free amongst the karoo environment!
We hope this is helpful in planning your next trip or weekend getaway to somewhere different from the ordinary!
We are Acacia & Michael, a young South African couple with a love for film and photography and traveling our country finding the best spots in our little, overloaded Jimny :)