Cape Town is one of the best places to be during summer. There’s always something going on, whether it be a rooftop party, a day on the beach or a morning of hiking the mountains. But even the lucky ones who call Cape Town their home need to get away from the bustle every now and then. So, to make it easy for you, here are a few ideas for sunshine breaks close to the city.
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10 summer weekend breaks from Cape Town
1. Muisbosskerm – Lambert’s Bay
In this peaceful camping site you’ll experience the most relaxing summer weekend break and with only one family per campsite, you’ll have nothing but nature to entertain you. Noise levels are kept to a minimum, so you’ll enjoy a quiet weekend with your loved ones. The campsite is situated 5km south of Lambert’s Bay on the Malkoppan farm and you can enjoy diving, fishing and surfing as the campsite is a walking distance from the beach. It’s also situated right opposite the famous Muisbosskerm Restaurant and each site has electricity, water and a braai area.
Price: R225 a night for a stand. Double stands are R480 a night.
Contact: muisbosskerm.co.za/accomodation
2. Rots en See – Franskraal
This self-catering holiday home is situated right on the water’s edge near the quiet fisherman’s town of Gansbaai, only 190km from Cape Town. The house has five bedrooms, four bathrooms and can easily accommodation 12 people. You’ll just love sipping your morning coffee on the rocks, enjoying an uninterrupted view of the ocean. These rocks are also an ideal place for a spot of fishing, bird watching or snorkelling and the hiking trails start right at the front door.
Price: R700 for the unit for less than six people. R140 a person a night for six or more. This is not valid during the holiday season.
Contact: franskraalaccomodation.co.za
3. Eland’s Bay
Situated only 200km from Cape Town, this quiet seaside village is not only the ideal place to relax, but the beaches are beautiful and stretch far into the distance. Activities in the area include rowing, sailing, surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking and bird watching. There are four fully equipped self-catering apartments, each sleeping up to six people.
Price: Make a booking enquiry for rates
Contact: elandsbay.co.za
4. Tierhoek cottages – Robertson
These private, romantic, self-catering cottages can be found at the foot of the beautiful Langeberg Mountains just outside Robertson. You can find this peaceful haven only two hours outside Cape Town. These fully equipped and elegantly furnished units each have a private pool, wide verandas, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and breathtaking views. And best of all, you’ll be staying on a working organic fruit farm with everything from apricots, peaches and lemons to satsumas and organic vegetables.
Price: From R900 a cottage a night
Contact: tierhoekcottages.co.za
5. Old Mac Daddy – Elgin Valley
According to their website, these luxury trailers are ‘unfussy, unpretentious and not too serious about anything other than comfort, humour and the creation of good memories’. And you can’t argue that it’ll be pretty epic to sleep in an airstream trailer in one of the Western Cape’s most scenic areas, can you? Although the trailers are a little on the pricey side, they’re completely worth it, with incredible views and each trailer individually designed to be awesome. Situated in Elgin, you’ll find this piece of paradise on the right, just after crossing Sir Lowry’s Pass. Also, you won’t have to lift a finger as you dine in the glass-fronted restaurant.
Price: From R1200 per unit each night over the weekend (you have to book Friday and Saturday) and R750 a person a night during the week. Continental breakfast is included.
Contact: roomsforafrica.com
6. Gelukkie – Paternoster
The artsy Karoo-style cottage is just too delightful to miss. Spacious and very private, each of their cottages have their own landscaped garden, both offer a complete escape from the world, particularly in winter, when you can light a huge fire and hole up for the whole weekend. Spring and autumn days you can while away lounging on the swinging al fresco double beds, but come the really hot months you will, however, need to take a drive to the beach.
Price: From R850 for each cottage (both sleep two).
Contact: gelukkie.co.za
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7. De Hoop camping opstal
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a wonderful spot that’s close to the city yet you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away. The campsite is rustic, with only a kitchenette and no cooking facilities, but you’ll find only 10 campsites, all of them 20 meters apart, allowing for a peaceful nature weekend. When you’re not out hiking you can play a game of tennis (bring your own rackets) or take a dip in the swimming pool. Otherwise, walk down to the beautiful lake and admire the local birdlife
Price: R910 per rondavel equipped with two beds. They have over 5 rondavels, and cottages available for bookings as well.
Contact: dehoopcollection.com
8. Lake Lodge – Theewaterskloof
Situated only 90 minutes from Cape Town, this secluded self-catering hideout is ideal for a city escape in summer. Step out of the front door and onto the shores of the beautiful Theewaterskloof Dam, where endless water sports and lakeside lazing awaits. The lodge consists of three double rooms, one three-sleeper and one six-sleeper as well as a games room, fully equipped kitchen and living room.
Price: R3500 a night for the unit, minimum two nights.
Contact: lakelodge.co.za
9. Moon gazing cabin – Bainskloof
This rustic four-sleeper house has no electricity, making it ideal for an escape to nature. The front deck is large, with comfortable day beds, and ideal for spotting birdlife in this incredible nature reserve. Just a short walk will bring you to the river where you can laze in the rockpools or take a hike through the reserve.
Price: R1050 per night for the unit
Contact: ninemountbain.co.za
10. Horizontal Holiday Cottages – Noordhoek
This quiet piece of countryside stays one of the best places for a summer break from Cape Town and these three self-catering cottages are sure to fit your budget weekend break needs. Each has a spacious living room, open-plan kitchen, covered veranda and outside dining area as well as a private garden and braai area. They’re situated at the foot of Table Mountain National Park and overlook Noordhoek lakes and Long Beach. Each cottage sleeps between two and six people.
Price: From R650 a unit a night
Contact: horizontalcottages.co.za
