Technology is moving rapidly and everything is at the touch or scroll of a button. There is something fulfilling about switching off and winding down—no endless emails and social media notifications pinging at every moment.
The only noise you will hear is the whistle of the wind through the trees, the crackle of a campfire, or the lull of the waves hitting the shore. Across South Africa, hidden gems are designed to help you unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and nature.
Here’s a go-to guide to some screen-free destinations that offer that true digital detox package:
Into the wild – Digital detox in nature
Picture/Wolwehoek/Booking.com
Wolwehoek Private Reserve – Montagu, Western Cape
Nestled in a secluded valley, Wolwehoek offers an off-grid luxury camp designed for total immersion in nature. With no distractions, guests can enjoy pure tranquillity and the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
- Accommodation: Luxury off-grid camp
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Wolwehoek
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve – Cederberg, Western Cape
Picture/Kagga Kamma
Experience the unique Open-Air Suites at Kagga Kamma, situated away from the main lodge. These suites offer peace and quality time under a night sky with stars. The quietness is a presence, something pure and deep in the wide-angle space.
- Accommodation: Open-Air suites and cave suites
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Kagga Kamma
Klein Tafelberg – Redelinghuys, Western Cape
Picture/Go Camp
For the adventurous at heart, Klein Tafelberg offers off-grid camping sites that require a challenging drive to the top of the mountain. It’s the ultimate escape for those looking to reconnect with nature.
kleintafelberg.co.za
- Accommodation: Off-grid camping sites
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Klein Tafelberg
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Eco Escapes – Green and Off-Grid
Picture/Bulungula
Bulungula Lodge – Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
Situated on the breathtaking Wild Coast, Bulungula Lodge is an eco-friendly, Fair Trade-certified lodge 100% owned and managed by the vibrant, traditional Nqileni village, a Xhosa community.
- Accommodation: Eco-friendly lodgings
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Bulungula
Old Mac Daddy – Elgin Valley, Western Cape
Picture/Travelstart
Located alongside a lake, Old Mac Daddy offers quirky accommodations in various holiday homes and refurbished vintage trailers. The trailers each feature a unique, themed interior designed by a local artist.
- Accommodation: Themed trailers and holiday homes
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Lekkeslaap
Teniqua Treetops – Sedgefield, Western Cape
Picture/Teniqua Treetops
Teniqua Treetops is a tented treetop resort set in the lush forest along the Garden Route between Knysna and Sedgefield. These eco-friendly, hand-crafted tree houses offer a unique alternative for self-catering accommodations.
- Accommodation: Eco-friendly treetop suites
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Teniqua Treetops
Farmstays and slow living
Picture/SANSPark
Tankwa Karoo National Park – Northern Cape
Experience the desolate beauty of the Tankwa Karoo National Park, which is ideal for those seeking a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Accommodation options include the Paulshoek Cottage, quaintly furnished with antique furniture.
- Accommodation: Cottages and camping sites
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: SANParks
Platbos Forest Reserve – Overberg, Western Cape
Picture/Platbos
Set beneath the canopy of this ancient forest, Platbos offers eco-friendly and off-grid private accommodations like the Honey Bee Suite and Bush Buck Suite. Each unit is private and exclusive, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature.
- Accommodation: Private tented accommodations
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Platbos
Bergrivier Eco Retreat – Thornhill, Eastern Cape
Picture/Bergrivier
Bergrivier Eco Retreat offers self-catering accommodation on the owners’ farm in scenic Gamtoosvallei. Guests can choose between cosy stone cottages, quaint log homes, or genuine ox wagons, all featuring comfortable beds and private bathrooms.
- Accommodation: Stone cottages, log home, and ox-wagons
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Bergrivier
Family-friendly unplugged adventures
Picture/Away With The Fairies/Booking.com
Away with the Fairies – Hogsback, Eastern Cape
Away with the Fairies Nature Lodge and Backpackers is situated on the Hogsback cliffs, overlooking the indigenous forests of the Auckland Nature Reserve. The lodge offers self-catering cottages with romantic open fireplaces, providing privacy and tranquillity.
- Accommodation: Self-catering cottages
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Away with the Fairies
Melozhori Private Game Reserve – Stormsvlei, Western Cape
Picture/Melozhori Private Game Reserve
Just under two hours from Cape Town, Melozhori offers a serene environment for families to disconnect from digital distractions. The reserve provides luxurious, off-grid accommodations and a variety of outdoor activities, allowing children to engage meaningfully with nature and wildlife.
- Accommodation: Luxury off-grid lodges and eco-pods
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Melozhori
Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages – Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Picture/Tripadvisor
In the Southern Drakensberg, Lake Naverone offers charming stone cottages set against mountains and a tranquil lake. Families can enjoy activities like fishing, canoeing, and hiking, all without the interference of screens, fostering quality time together.
- Accommodation: Self-catering stone cottages
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Lake Naverone
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