This getaway is an opportunity to truly unplug for the weekend with limited reception in the valley.
If you are looking for a secluded, serene escape to unplug and reconnect with nature, you have come to the right place. We have travelled all over South Africa to find and rate these off-the-grid getaways. If a cabin in the woods is not quite your cup of tea, head to Start Living Africa to read about the best boutique hotels and luxury resorts in South Africa.
Nima lodge
At the very top of our list is Nima Lodge, a tranquil and luxurious retreat from the city. One of the things we love most about the Nima Lodge is the stylish Scandinavian decor. All of the cabins at Nima Lodge are beautifully decorated. The furnishings are modern and minimalist but elements of warmth are expertly incorporated to make the space feel cosy.
This is the ideal getaway for reconnecting with nature. There are beautiful hiking routes to spectacular waterfalls and natural pools that are easily accessible from Nima Lodge. If you are unable to walk or hike, a short car ride away you can spend time with majestic wildlife such as elephants, lions and birds of all colours. If you are more of a water baby, you can visit one of the spectacular diving spots along the Garden Route like Plettenberg Bay.
Whatever your preferences, the Garden Route is the ideal location for any nature lover!
Thuula Havens
Thuula Havens in the Hemel and Aarde Valley, Hermanus, South Africa.
Nestled in the Hemel and Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley of Hermanus, Thuula Havens is quite literally a slice of paradise. Whether you are a large group or looking for an intimate getaway for you and your partner – Thuula Havens caters to both. The original haven sleeps eight while the more humble, hidden haven sleeps four.
Both have been designed and decorated with the utmost care and attention to detail with your luxurious comfort in mind. What we love most about this property is their environmentally conscious philosophy. Thuula is a regenerative farm that increases biodiversity and enhances the surrounding ecosystems. This beautiful land filled with indigenous South African fauna and flora deserves to be protected.
Solace cabins
Solace Cabin in Cederberg, South Africa.
Rent a 4×4 and drive yourself to the middle of nowhere for a truly secluded experience. This is where luxury meets outdoor living. Enjoy all of the benefits of camping with the added comforts of wifi and a fully equipped kitchen. Solace Cabins are the ideal getaway for glamping enthusiasts.
Solace boasts two cabins, one in Rawsonville just one hour from the Cape Town CBD and the other a little further out in the glorious Cederberg. Both cabins are fully equipped for self catering and offer all the luxuries needed for ideal comfort.
Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit to enjoy the wood fired hot tub!
Stay unique eco cabins
Luna Cabin in Robertson, South Africa.
Stay Unique has two beautiful eco cabins to offer – the Luna Cabin and the Sophie Cabon. The difference comes down mainly to the landscape each is set in.
Located amid the Langeberg mountains and the expansive fynbos landscapes of the Klaasvoogds nature reserve, Luna Cabin awaits—a haven for relaxation, reconnection, and an immersive embrace of the tranquil essence of nature.
The Sophie Cabin, an eco-sanctuary merely an hour’s drive from Cape Town, is tucked away in the tranquil scenery of Rawsonville. Accessed via a meandering dirt road that traverses Kirabo Farm on the Le Roux Estate, this retreat looks out over rolling green hills and winelands.
Neither cabin requires a 4×4 to access but a car with a higher ground clearance is advised.
Copia eco cabins
Soetdoring cabin in the Bot River Valley, South Africa
The newest addition to the Copia Eco Cabins – Soetdoring Cabin, is a truly unique stay about an hour and half’s drive from the Cape Town’s CBD. Fall asleep under the stars in the greenhouse-like wing that will be your bedroom. Every detail in this cabin is a perfect blend of sustainability and modernity.
This getaway is an opportunity to truly unplug for the weekend with limited reception in the valley. Spend quality time, read a book, play some board games or take a long, hot bath and feel yourself slow down and reset in time with nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Closing thoughts
In today’s modern, connected world we are always online, on the go and on high alert. The best gift you could give yourself and your family is a secluded weekend getaway to reconnect with nature. Find time to slow down, unwind and recentre – you will be all the better for it!
