With several long weekends and public holidays on the way, it would be crazy not to start planning your escape from the ‘rat race’. With Easter at the end of March, Worker’s Day weekend at the end of April and Youth Day weekend in June, the bush and beach are always firm favourites for you to find a little bit of tranquility and escapism. Here’s our pick of 10 affordable bush and beach accommodation options (with a few specials thrown in) that will send you packing. Literally.

Beach accommodation

Agulhas Country Lodge

Agulhas, Western Cape
A scenic two and a half hour drive from Cape Town will land you at the rugged shores of Cape Agulhas: a place where you can slow down and feel the salt spray from the aqua green waves tickle your face as they gently roll in. Be welcomed by attentive hosts Phil and Sue into their hillside, stone mansion, where clever use of space ensures that each en-suite room has views of the ocean. You’ll appreciate the in-room tea and coffee, white embroided cotton linen and carpeted rooms that give that ‘nesty ‘feel. Honeymooners will want to take advantage of the jacuzzi and double open showers. Candlestick holders, ‘London street’ lamps and cottage furniture give that age-old feel to the space. Decadent three-course dinners with dishes like salmon and dill rolls, tender lamb shank that falls off the bone, fresh seafood (bought from the nearby harbor) and creamy coconut and lemongrass pud are a must. Sip a single malt whiskey in the upstairs pub, catch up with friends in the cigar lounge, photograph the nearby shipwreck and lighthouse in honeyed light or take a brisk walk along the beach.
Cost: En suite rooms (sleep 2-3) from R695 a person sharing a night (B&B)
Special: Winter special rates available from 01 May-31 August 2013
Click here to book accommodation online at Agulhas Country Lodge

Chesapeake Bay

Margate, Kwazulu Natal
Very affordable apartment in Margate that will allow you spend extra bucks on beers and food. Get fabulous views of the ocean with this fully equipped self-catering unit. You’ll be able to accommodate four people in two bedrooms and an extra person in the lounge if needed. A tennis court, swimming pool and pay laundry are on hand for guests. If the views aren’t enough, DStv is available on request.
Cost: From R450 a unit a night (self-catering)
Special: Book 4 nights in April (Mon-Friday) for R1 250 a unit inclusive of DStv. Valid until 26 April 2013.
Click here to book accommodation online at Chesapeake Bay

Villachad Guest House

Kleinmond, Western Cape

At the foot of the Kogelberg Mountains, with the sprawling beaches of Kleinmond stretched out in front, this 4-star guesthouse will give you a little taste of heaven. There are five rooms to choose from, each slightly different in style, position and décor. There’s plenty of cozy lounge seating, dining space and outdoor entertainment areas to relax in. Spend a day on the beach, visit the nearby Harold Porter Botanical Garden or pop into a local pub for a bite to eat.
Cost: Twin rooms from R400 a person a night sharing (B&B)
Click here to book accommodation online at Villachard Guest House

Ingwenya Lodge

St Lucia, Kwazulu Natal
The coastal bush and estuary of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is ripe with birds and wildlife and will give you the best of both worlds: bush and beach. Bordering the nature reserve, the lodge has views of the sea and estuary. It’s not uncommon to see hippo grazing at the entrance of the lodge. Six top and ground floor self-catering units with sea, estuary or garden views to choose from.
Cost: From R650 a unit (sleep 2-8) a night (self-catering)
Special: Book for 7 days and get 10% discount. Valid until Mar 2014.
Click here to book accommodation online at Ingwenya Lodge

Uitkyk

Tsitsikamma, Western Cape
You’re going to find it hard to beat this location: perched above the ocean with the sound of the crashing waves below, this house has some of the best views of Tsitsikamma. Eight people can be comfortably accommodated in this French style, self-catering house. A boardwalk leads directly onto the beach and the outside deck is just the place for those early morning breakfasts, braais and sundowners.
Cost: House from R1 200 a unit a night (self-catering)
Click here to book accommodation online at Uitkyk

Bush accommodation

Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm

Addo Village, Eastern Cape

A mere 4km from the Addo Elephant National Park, this guest farm is an affordable option for the area. Stay in one of the more luxurious chalets (sleeps 2-4) or in one of the self-catering cabins (sleeps 2). Ensure you make the most of the outdoors with the various bush activities on offer: bush drives, bird watching, a walk along the tree trail or a sundowner in the upper lounge.
Cost: Bush cabins (self-catering) from R295 and luxury chalets (B&B) from R880 a person a night sharing
Special: Stay for 2 nights in a bush cabin and get a 4-hour Addo Elephant Park game drive for R1 300 a person sharing
Click here to book accommodation online at Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm

Griffons Bush Camp

Marakele, Waterberg
When you arrive at this bush camp, set in an amphitheatre at the highest point in the Waterberg, you’ll be greeted with picturesque mountain views, cascading streams and an abundance of wildlife. Hike one of the trails that wind up the mountain, photograph a vulture at the colony or plunge into one of the mountain pools for a refreshing dip. The rustic bush camp is solar powered, with a fully equipped kitchen and braai facilities.
Cost: Chalets (sleep 2) from R439 a person sharing a night (self-catering)
Click here to book accommodation at Griffons Bush Camp

Three Oaks and an Aloe

Hartebeespoort, North West
This is a great little escape to the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, on the outskirts of Gauteng, where pampering and rest await. Come on a self-catering or bed and breakfast basis and unwind in a hotel that prides itself on personal service and luxurious accommodation. Take a drive around the scenic area and pick up some fresh produce at one of the roadside food stalls for dinner, walk up to the vulture colony or play a round of golf.
Cost: Villas (sleep 4) and suites (sleep 2-3) from R650 a person a night sharing
Special: Enjoy a two-night romance package (includes dinner, breakfast, accommodation, cableway trip and massage) from R1 945 a person sharing. Valid until March 2013.
Click here to book accommodation at Three Oaks and an Aloe

Kololo Game Reserve

Vaalwater, Waterberg
Bordering the Big 5 Welgevonden Game Reserve, Kololo has 3000 hectares of its own bushveld with gorges, cliffs, wetlands and rivers for you to explore. There’s no Big 5, which frees you up to experience the reserve by hiking, cycling or riding on horseback. Opt for a braai or breakfast served in the middle of the bush under the stars where everything is prepared for you.
Cost: Chalets  (sleep 2-4) from R750 and villas (sleep 6) from R1 100 a person sharing a night (DBB)
Special: During school holidays children under 12 years stay for free
Click here to book accommodation online at Kololo Game Reserve

Mvuradona Private Game Lodge

Malelane, Mpumalanga
If you’re looking for a traditional bush holiday that will allow you to get a good dose of wildlife without the hefty price tag, then this lodge bordering the Kruger National Park will fit the bill. Food and gastronomy rank high on the recommended list with favorites such as ostrich fillets, farm roast chicken and lamb rack being dished up. Complimentary guided walks along the Crocodile River are a great way to spot game within a safe environment.
Cost: En-suite rooms  (sleep 2-3) from R795 and family unit (sleeps 6) from R650 a person sharing a night, self-catering lodge (sleeps 10) from R2 500 a unit a night
Click here to book accommodation online at Mvuradona Private Game Lodge

Looking for something else? Click here for more accommodation options in South Africa.