Olea Cottage at Assegai Rest
Robertson, Western Cape
Fifteen kays from Robertson and tucked at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains on a 12ha tract of fertile farming land, Assegai Rest is a down-to-earth farm escape from your usual humdrum of city traffic and yapping neighbourhood pooches. Circled by pretty s...
Rate Guide
From R1800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Eikelaan Farm Cottages
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Eikelaan is for those who like their bread with a thick layer of full cream butter. On offer at this neat working farm with wheat, vines and cattle is a pair of semi-detached luxury units and a newly added two-bedroomed cottage, all fronted by an open vist...
Rate Guide
From R1000 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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...
Rate Guide
R960 for two people sharing per night; R360 per person per night thereafter
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,...
Rate Guide
From R2200 nightly for two guests. R350 per additional person. Minimum two night stay. Pets by request only.
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...
Rate Guide
From R1530 to R3060, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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, your gregarious host Lizelle... The Place ticks a whole lot of getaway boxes that will appeal to a broad range of personali...
Rate Guide
From R800 nightly for the The Studio, and from R1000 nightly for Red Rock Cottage. Specials available for mid-week and off-peak stays.
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...
Rate Guide
R800 - R1200 nightly for a cottage
Klipspringer
McGregor, Western Cape
Best we set the record straight before we get cracking on this one: those new low-profiles on your Corsa bakkie ain’t going to cut the mustard here. Klipspringer on the Groot Toren mountain top requires a suitable 4x4 with good ground clearance just to...
Rate Guide
R1500 nightly for the cottage. No children allowed.
Karoo View Cottages
Prince Albert, Western Cape
Appointed just outside Prince Albert is Karoo View Cottages - four stylish farmstyle units with an outlook that delivers on the name. With the tin roofs and church spires of Prince Albert in the foreground, and the jagged peaks of the Swartberg cutting the...
Rate Guide
From R1250 to R3050 per unit, depending on number of guests and time of year
Paddahoek Cottage
Vermaaklikheid, Western Cape
Paddahoek could be the quintessential English choc-box abode. Thick stone walls, neatly thatched roof and cottage-pane windows. A few things set it apart though. For starters, the surrounding renosterveld vegetation which forms its setting, then you’ve...
Rate Guide
From R1148 to R1305, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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...
Rate Guide
From R2197.25 to R3298, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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 ...
Rate Guide
From R1200 per couple for self-catering or R1000 per couple for Manor House Suites
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, ...
Rate Guide
From R400pp to R550pp nightly; peak season rates apply.
Tierfontein Rondawel
Gansbaai, Western Cape
Surrounded by indigenous trees and birdsong, a tranquil lily pond to the front and a pretty view onto the valley, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot to get away from it all. This is a nature lovers paradise. It gets even better, though. The e...
Rate Guide
R1000 nightly for the rondawel
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...
Rate Guide
The Pottery: R1600 - R2000 nightly; The Helderfontein: R1800 - R2500 nightly; The Kaya: R900 - R1200 nightly.
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...
Rate Guide
R275pp - R500pp (4-6 guests) and R500pp - R700pp (2 guests) depending on unit, days of the week and holiday season.
Matjiesvlei Guest Farm
Calitzdorp, Western Cape
Now, here's a farm spilling rich history and Karoo character. Matjiesvlei goes right back to 1821 and has been in the same bloodline ever since - today it's farmed by 5th generation Bennie Nel and his wife, Selma, and judging by their towering sons, the bato...
Rate Guide
From R600 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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...
Rate Guide
R400pp nightly for up to 3 guests; 4th guest free; R400pp for 1-night stays and singles
Little Willow Brooke
Franschhoek, Western Cape
Little Willow Brooke is ideally appointed: within easy walking distance of Franschhoek’s hub, yet in atmosphere, miles from anywhere. Perched above a bubbly stream that meanders through a rush of oak and willow trees (hence the name), Willow Brooke is...
Rate Guide
From R1500 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Moon Shine on Whiskey Creek
Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
You will find this haven of creative calm tucked among indigenous forest high above Whiskey Creek gorge, in a pictureque area known as the Crags. No two ways about it, Moon Shine will knock your socks off. Created from scratch and managed by your frie...
Rate Guide
From R1350 to R1750, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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...
Rate Guide
From R1250 to R3000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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...
Rate Guide
From R850 nightly per timber chalet; R1000 nightly for Apple Tree Cottage.
Langrug Lodge
Cape Agulhas and 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...
Rate Guide
From R500 per adult nightly (children under 12 years, R300)
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...
Rate Guide
R630 per person per night for Faraway & Orange Cottage. R650 pppn for Eric's Place. R130 pppn for camping. 50% discount for children 4 -12 years old. Pets charged at R60 per pet.
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 ...
Rate Guide
From R600 to R1300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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 &...
Rate Guide
River House (sleeps 4) R500 nightly for 2 adults, Stone Cottage is R600 nightly for 2 adults; additional guests R50 per person nightly.
Bella de Karoo
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
This 19th-century barn has come a long way since the days when it housed wagons, ploughs and probably a flock or two of sheep escaping the Karoo death-chill. It's a somewhat different place today - lovingly and tastefully restored, it's a Karoo melting pot ...
Rate Guide
From R580 to R1310, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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...
Rate Guide
From R950 nightly for Blue Gum, From R850 nightly for Die Stal
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 ...
Rate Guide
R750 nightly for the apartment.
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...
Rate Guide
From R900 to R2500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
Citrusdal, Western Cape
Part of a 270ha farm near Citrusdal, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat lies in a gorgeous valley that drops down to the banks of the Olifants River. With rugged mountain peaks and swathes of fynbos on every side, Cederkloof really is an outdoor treat: hiking tr...
Rate Guide
From R1500 to R1900, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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...
Rate Guide
From R1200 to R1800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Protea Wilds Retreat
Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
A lot of places along the Garden Route, particularly Plettenberg Bay, have become such popular holiday destinations that being able to enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquil natural surroundings on offer seems almost impossible. But, away from those rushing cro...
Rate Guide
From R750 - R950 nightly per unit, depending on time of year.
Staandakkie Guest Cottage
Bredasdorp, Western Cape
Be it a last-minute country wedding invite or an aversion to the hefty chalet rates at De Hoop Nature Reserve, Staandakkie Guest Cottage clears all the hoops when it comes to a simple and compact base for your Overberg stay. A quick peruse through Staandakk...
Rate Guide
R750 nightly for the cottage.
Pat Busch Mountain Reserve
Robertson, Western Cape
The setting of this farm-cum-reserve is stunning: a folded green valley below the towering Langeberg, segmented into multiple mini-valleys, each concealing further nooks and crannies crammed with trees, Cape fynbos, streams, dams, animal- and ...
Rate Guide
From R1400 to R6700, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Fairfield Mountain Cottages
Ceres, Western Cape
Fairfield takes the form of three tastefully renovated cottages at the foot the Skurweberge Mountains, on 100 hectares of working fruit farm, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Ceres valley. From the vantage point of your vine cove...
Rate Guide
From R1160 to R2900, depending on unit, guests and time of year