Thorn & Feather
Vermaaklikheid, Western Cape
You know you're onto something good when you pry open the tap and the glowing reviews come flowing fast and furious. “Thorn & Feather is the perfect escape...” “The perfect place to get away from it all...” “What a magical p...
Matzikamma
Bonnievale, Western Cape
A 30ha farm framed by the majestic Langeberg Mountain Range – Matzikamma is a well-rounded package offering two cottages in a serene setting. As such it’s a perfect getaway for both families and couples, within easy reach of Bonnievale, Swellenda...
Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage
Matjiesfontein, Western Cape
Just in from a happy visitor to this diamond in the Karoo dust: “Everything was perfect. If you just want to get away from the city, Snyderskloof’s got it all. No electricity, beautiful surroundings and very romantic.” As far as romantic,...
Keurkloof Karoo Cottage
Matjiesfontein, Western Cape
Lying just off the N1 and only 10km from the pleasures of Matjiesfontein, Keurkloof is a massive Karoo farm offering a self-catering weekend at its soul-soothing best. A charming cottage, refurbished and decorated with a perfectionist's eye, is provided to...
Kruisrivier Gallery Apartment
Calitzdorp, Western Cape
The setting? Gorgeous Klein Karoo, minus the harsh edges: early morning cows on their way to be milked, the sounds of phlegmatic tractors and the occasional farm bakkie; open vistas of tobacco fields and the looming Swartberg peaks. Your hosts? Phyllis, a ...
Klein Watervalplaas
Caledon, Western Cape
Geez, talk about setting the bar high! If the gushing and poetic feedback we've received on Klein Watervalplaas is anything to go by, this new getaway spot in the Hemel en Aarde Valley is a Budget gem in the making. For the full unabridged versions ch...
The Place
Ladismith, Western Cape
One hundred hectares of wide open Karoo vlakte, huge skies, the gentle flow of the Touw River, two finely-tuned accommodation options, gregarious hosts Kevin and Lizelle... The Place ticks a whole lot of getaway boxes that will appeal to a broad range of per...
Clouds End Cottages
Hermanus, Western Cape
Clouds End Farm (11km from Hermanus) gets its name from the wisp of cloud that so often blankets the tallest peak of Babylon’s Toring. Not only might this creamy wisp be a familar sight on your weekend visit, but so will the awesome mountain views and...
Enjo Nature Farm
Clanwilliam & Cederberg, Western Cape
The philosophy at Enjo Nature Farm is a simple one: Escape, breathe, relax and chill. Not a difficult undertaking when the surrounding scenery leaves your mouth hanging open at every turn. From mountain peaks to natural springs, fynbos galore to night skie...
Langrug Lodge
Cape Agulhas & Struisbaai, Western Cape
Nearly a decade on the block and we have finally discovered a perfect reason to spend an entire weekend on the southern tip of Africa: Langrug Lodge. The brochure calls it “a perfect peace (sic) of Africa,” and for once, the blurb is spot on &n...
Oshoek River Farm
Vermaaklikheid, Western Cape
Getaways like this are few and far between. Oshoek, the Borain family farm, lies in a beautiful valley, along the banks of the tidal Duiwenhoks River. Besides 20ha of pristine fynbos and 600m private river frontage, on offer is a prime choice of four seclud...
Stone Stables
Darling, Western Cape
The origins of this funky and romantic getaway stem back to 1925, when it served (as the name implies), as a stable and then as a jail, mopping up the overflow from the local prison! Evidence of this colourful history can still be ...
Boschkloof Farm Cottages
Citrusdal, Western Cape
Fringed by a rush of orange groves and oak and poplar trees, Boschkloof offers two upmarket farm cottages squeezed between folded mountains. With the Cedarberg Wilderness Area as its immediate neighbour, the farm is a most appealing combination of the...
Blue Gum Cottages
Bonnievale, Western Cape
About 5km out of Bonnievale, Blue Gum Cottages is a laid-back and family-friendly spot with two cottages spread along the banks of the Breede. First off is Blue Gum Cottage itself - a private and rustic cottage tucked, as the name suggests, in the sh...
Tree Spirit Cottage
Knysna, Western Cape
As the name suggests, here’s a getaway with plenty of spirit, coupled with a healthy dose of fresh forest air to rejuvenate those weary city bones. Nestled at the edge of the majestic Knysna forest at Gouna, Tree Spirit Cottage embodies the whol...
Fairfield Mountain Cottages
Ceres, Western Cape
Fairfield takes the form of three tastefully renovated cottages at the foot of a serrated wall of rock that's draped in a sheet of cascading water in winter. A relatively new getaway, Fairfield has now come into its own. The area around the cottages has de...
Rivierplaas Cottages
Swellendam, Western Cape
River House and Stone Cottage are secluded cottages appointed on a fruit farm along the banks of the Breede River. Both have a relaxed rustic personality suited to Budget weekenders with Huckleberry Finn leanings. River House is the more basic of the two &...
Die Hoenderhok & Plaashuisie
Swellendam, Western Cape
Pastoral bliss and a skyline dominated by the jagged peaks of the Langeberg are surely sufficient reason for a stop-over near (12km) Swellendam? Be it a midway break between mother city and Garden Route, or simply an excuse to get into the countryside, Die ...
La Folie Cottages
Wellington, Western Cape
Nothing like a spot of impulsive folly to get them life-affirming endorphins flowing. And here's your catalyst - three romantic cottages on an olive and wine farm below the Hawequas mountains 3km outside Wellington. The cottages, La Folie Green, L...
Geelbos Cottage
Greyton, Western Cape
Geelbos Cottage is a secluded renovated labourer's cottage on a typical Overberg farm at the foot of the Kleinswartberg mountain. This white tin-roofed cottage lies about 1km from the main homestead and consists of two bedrooms and a sm...
Lazy Leopard Forest Retreat
Knysna, Western Cape
Situated just off the scenic Rheenendal country road, Lazy Leopard offers three very appealing options: two romantic 'bush huts' called Forest Moon and Starry Forest and the larger Blue Hills Cottage. Forest Moon and Starry Forest are open-plan, ...
Tarentaalkraal Farm Cottage
Greyton, Western Cape
The scene is typically Overberg: rolling grain fields disappearing into a hazy horizon cropped by fynbos-coated mountains. The farm’s touted attractions include vast tracts of unspoilt nature for walking, hiking, bird and animal watching, and a ri...
Oakhurst Farm
Wilderness, Western Cape
Sitting high above the Wilderness Lakes in rural Hoekwil, Oakhurst Farm has got the getaway recipe down to a tee: Plenty of good ol’ farm fun, clean country air, and a platter of rustic-luxury accommodation that will knock your socks off. The Fo...
Aloe Cottage
Darling, Western Cape
Located within a small fynbos estate of ten houses on the outskirts of the village, Aloe Cottage offers arguably the best views and, rand for rand, the most luxurious self-catering stay in Darling. Hogging a good position at the edge of the estate, th...
The River Siding
Ceres, Western Cape
The River Siding is a page from a children’s fairytale. It is also a page from a recurring suburban fantasy: “Once upon a time a harassed couple from the city dreamt about a romantic escape on a river...” Tucked under towering trees and v...
Klein Nektar Cottage
Montagu, Western Cape
There’s not much more you could ask for from a getaway; in fact, Klein Nektar's appeal will leave you a little tongue-tired after reporting back on your successful Budget Getaways weekend mission. It sits neat and pretty against a backdrop of ra...
Bronze Grove Farm
Barrydale, Western Cape
A mere 2km from Barrydale and tucked into a corner of the Langeberg foothills that incorporates a chunk of the scenic Tradouw Pass, Bronze Grove Farm will appeal to couples and families looking for an exclusive self-catering escape. River Ikhaya (...
Tanagra Wine & Guest Farm
McGregor, Western Cape
Let's cut straight to the chase with a few choice quotes posted on that little known website called Tripadvisor. “Lovely place, exceptional hosts, don't miss it!”; “Couldn't ask for more.”; “We loved our stay, wonderful on all l...
De Wilge
Worcester & Hex Valley, Western Cape
Let’s dive right into the guest book on this one: “Rural luxury.” “This is an absolutely beautiful place to be.” “Gorgeous luxury decor.” “The accommodation is superb, the scenery beautiful.” You get the ...
Die Stal
Swellendam, Western Cape
The sweeping views from Die Stal towards Eenuurkop, Twaalfuurkop and Tienuurkop in Swellendam’s Hermitage Valley were once only appreciated by a few mooing cattle and their early morning milkers. Thankfully times have changed and you now have opportun...
Wild Olive Guest Farm
Stilbaai, Western Cape
This is one tranquil getaway. A 140ha property, where olives, organic fruit and veg grow amidst bushy hills, green pastures and the idyllic Goukou River, Wild Olive offers two timber chalets with decks and open views across the water, and an historic cottage...
Simonskloof Mountain Retreat
Montagu, Western Cape
Described in the brochure as “your-down-to-earth-mountain-retreat”, Simonskloof is special – thanks to a remote setting and lovingly-restored accommodation. Access to Simonskloof is courtesy of a rough farm road jutting off the gorgeous Koo...
Petersfield Mountain Cottages
Citrusdal, Western Cape
Both Dassieklip Luxury Farm Cottage and De Kom Mountain Cottage have become something of legends on the self-catering map – thanks in no small part to a mix of great setting, attention to detail, and a professional (yet relaxed) host. So successfu...
Beyond the Moon Guest Farm
Wilderness, Western Cape
This beautiful spot in the majestic Outeniqua’s is no Dark Side of the Moon. In fact, a few days at Beyond the Moon Guest Farm is guaranteed to bring back the sparkle and have you, err... shining on like a crazy diamond. Spread across 24ha of lush gr...
Driftwood Cottage & Gumtree Cottage
Napier, Western Cape
For starters let's dip into Driftwood's guest book. "I loved the single space cottage - decor fitted my personality. If I had a home like this I'd be the happiest person alive" (Adrienne from Pretoria). "Absolutely lovely. We enjoyed being in an environment ...