If you feel like you’ve missed the boat in more ways than one, don’t despair. It’s not too late to book your December holiday accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a mountain spot in the Drakensberg, a bush haven near the Kruger or a room with a view in Cape Town, be sure to get away for a couple of days to refocus, relax and revive. If you have no idea where in South Africa you’d like to take a break, browse through the following options for a little inspiration or simply book online.
Western Cape
1. The Potting Shed – Hermanus
With views of Walker Bay, fresh sea air and stylish décor you’re going to find it hard not to relax at The Potting Shed. With three self-catering apartments to choose from, each unit can accommodate six people. A short stroll will land you next to the sea after you enjoy a braai on your patio. The apartments come fully equipped, with a pool to share.
Rates from R1095 per unit a night (sleeps six)
Book online for The Potting Shed here
2. Kingfisher Hollow Guest House – Gordon’s Bay
You’ll be located near the beach and in the hub of Gordon’s Bay at this clean and affordable lodge. Accommodation ranges from 4-sleeper family units to twin rooms. Gordon’s Bay is a charming place to spend the December holidays; close enough to make the most of the beach and Cape Town city life.
Rates from R400 a unit a night (sleeps two)
Book online for Kingfisher Hollow here
3. Camps Bay Home – Camps Bay
Come prepared with your swimming costume and hat for a December break on the Cape Peninsula. There are several holiday houses available in and around Cape Town including Bloubergstrand, Camps Bay and Hout Bay. All houses are self-catering and are ideal for large groups.
Rates from R3000 a unit a night (sleeps four)
Tel 021-555-1335, 082-896-5424, [email protected]
4. Boardwalk Lodge – Wilderness
Self-catering and bed and breakfast chalets, overlooking the Wilderness beach on the Garden Route, are on offer at Boardwalk Lodge. This is a great base to explore the vibey area where paragliding, hiking, bird watching and swimming await. Comfortable rooms and fully equipped chalets will ensure your December holiday is stress-free.
Rates from R630 a person a night sharing (sleeps two)
Book online for Boardwalk Lodge here
Limpopo
5. High Grove Lodge – Tzaneen
Affordable, luxury accommodation in the heart of Tzaneen, High Grove Lodge exudes a tranquil country atmosphere. Spacious rooms, DStv, an outdoor pool area and restaurant will ensure your holiday is comfortable and relaxing. There are four self-catering units.
Rates from R530 a unit a night (sleeps two)
Book online at High Grove Lodge here
6. Itaga Luxury Private Game Lodge – Warmbaths
Just two hours from Johannesburg, located in the greater Mabalingwe Reserve, Itaga will ensure that you get the December bush break with all the frills. Private bush showers, viewing decks over the waterhole, guided game drives and boma dinners are part and parcel of your stay. The family can enjoy a round of tennis, therapy at the spa, quad biking or a round of golf at Zebula.
Rates from R1 295 a person a night sharing. Inclusive of welcome drink, high tea, three-course dinner, breakfast and one daily game drive.
Tel 011-289-8020, [email protected], www.itaga.co.za
Book online for Itaga Lodge here
Mpumalanga
7. Thanda Nani Game Lodge – Malelane
Shack up in a double or twin chalet at this exclusive game lodge located on a 7000 hectare game reserve for a fabulous bush break near Kruger. There are early morning bush walks and game drives that take place on the reserve, with a rock pool (for that romantic night swim) and restaurant on site.
Rates from R340 a person a night sharing (bed and breakfast)
Book online at Thanda Nani here
8. Noma Nini – White River
This is a great base from which to explore the Kruger National Park, Panorama Route and other scenic spots in the area. Located on a wildlife estate, the lodge has a range of accommodation options available from self-catering rondawels and camping. Tasty meals are served at the on site restaurant and braais are available for use.
Rates from R390 a unit a night (sleeps two)
Book online at Noma Nini here
9. Valley of the Rainbow – Dullstroom
Just a short drive from Johannesburg, this country lodge affords you the bush experience without the high price tag. If you are keen on fishing, there are several rivers and lakes where you can fish for brown and rainbow trout. Horse riding, canoeing and walking trails are also popular options. Accommodation is a mix of suites (dinner, bed and breakfast) and self-catering tented chalets and rooms.
Rates from R690 a unit a night (sleeps two)
Book online at Valley of the Rainbow here
Eastern Cape
10. Umtamvuna River Lodge – Port Edward
Head to this slice of affordable paradise, on the banks of the Umtamvuna River on the Wild Coast, for a beach break during December. There are eight en-suite rooms that sleep two people with king size beds, cotton linen and DSTV. Venture out onto the river for some wakeboarding or take a surfing lesson on the beach.
Rates from R400 a person a night sharing (bed and breakfast)
Book online for Umtamvuna here
Kwazulu Natal
11. Figtree Lodge – Southbroom
The south coast is always a favourite spot to spend December and this B&B or self-catering accommodation has a relaxed, family atmosphere. With three units to choose from, sleeping 16 people, there is enough space for everyone to unwind. There’s also plenty to do from playing a round of tennis to swimming at one of the many nearby beaches.
Rates from R350 a person a night sharing
Book online for Figtree Lodge here
12. Bonamanzi Game Park – Hluhluwe
You’ll have over 4000 hectares of virgin bushveld to explore using one of the game activities on offer. Go in search of raptors on an open-vehicle game drive, spot African Jacanas on a boat cruise and walk on foot on the St Lucia floodplain. Chalets, tree houses, game lodge and campsite options available.
Rates from R350 a unit a night (sleeps four)
Book online for Bonamanzi Game Park here
December package special: Bonamanzi Birding Break from R2 500 a person sharing, which includes 2 night’s accommodation, dinner and breakfast and activities.
Click here for more information
Lesotho
13. Sani Pass Hotel
Lush, rolling green hills of the Drakensberg will sweep you off your feet at Sani Pass Hotel. December will be nice and warm, so getting outdoors is a must. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a horse-ride, quad bike expedition or walk into the mountains.
Rates from R895 a person a night sharing (dinner, bed and breakfast)
Book online for Sani Pass Hotel here
Check out accommodation.getaway.co.za for more last-minute December accommodation options in Southern Africa.
