With Jack Frost invading most of our homes this winter, going to the beach for weekend breaks just doesn’t sound quite as appealing as it’s supposed to. There’s always the option of grabbing your friends and claiming a cabin in the mountains though, so here are some ideas of places to stay when you’re in the mood for getting out of town this season.
1. Highlands Lodge Mountain Retreat, George, Western Cape
Driving through the Outeniqua Pass between Oudtshoorn and George will lead to Wabomskraal, a picturesque valley surrounded by the Outeniqua mountains. Highlands Lodge has five 6-sleeper chalets and seven four-sleeper chalets, all self-catering. The four-sleeper has a barbecue and a fireplace while the 6-sleeper only has barbecue facilities, so depending on how many people are in your party, it might be better to book two four-sleepers during the cold winter months. There are two single beds and a double bed in each chalet, and the 6-sleeper has en extra double bunk bed.
Sleeps: 4/6 people
Price: R850 for the six-sleeper chalet and R595 for the four-sleeper chalet.
More information: Highlands website or book here.
2. Katuri Cottage, The Crags, Eastern Cape
Brackenburn Private Reserve is just around the corner from Nature’s Valley, and the Katuri Cottage is situated right at the foot of the famous Tsitsikamma Mountains. The self-catering cottage has two bedrooms, a fireplace, barbecue facilities and a deck outside to look out over the incredible forest and mountain views. Guests have free rein of the surrounding landscape, including a two-hour ‘Cat Walk’, a beautiful and scenic walk through the Tsitsikamma forest.
Sleeps: 6 people
Price: R160 per person sharing
More information: Katuri website or book here.
3. Cloud Cottage, Uniondale, Western Cape
Situated in the Tsitsikamma Mountains, this self-catering cottage has a truly rustic feel to it – there is no television or electricity – and is perfect for a peaceful weekend out of the city. Up to six visitors can try out the simple life by using oil lamps for light and fireplaces to keep the cottage warm. There is a shared bathroom and two bedrooms with double and single beds, a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
Sleeps: 6 people
Price: R250 per person sharing
More information: Cloud Cottage website or book here.
4. Magoebaskloof Birders’ Cottages, Haenertsburg, Limpopo
This spacious cabin sleeps seven people and has large open living areas for the entire group to move around in. Completely hidden away in Magoebaskloof on the fringe of the Drakensberg range, Robin self-catering cottage is secluded and placed in the heart of hills and forest. With the gorgeous views, surrounding silence and nature on your doorstep, this is the perfect place to spend a relaxing and bother-free weekend.
Sleeps: 7 people
Price: R250 per person sharing
More information: Birder’s website or book here.
5. KolKol Mountain Lodge, Bot River, Western Cape
The Van der Stel Pass just north of Bot River is home to the KolKol Mountain Lodge, a log cabin nestled near the Hottentots-Holland Mountain Catchment Area. KolKol seems to be the perfect winter hideout – not only does the lodge have both a heater and a fireplace, but also a heated pool on the patio with a stunning view of the neighbouring farmlands. For a cosy and somewhat luxurious weekend away, the cabin is perfect for up to eight people, with two bedrooms equipped with a queen-sized bed, a loft with two single beds and a double sleeper couch.
Sleeps: 8 people
Price: R500 per person sharing
More information: KolKol website or book here.
6. Berg Cottage, Clarens, Free State
An exceptionally snug little cottage set at the foot of Mount Horeb near Clarens, Berg Cottage is a pleasant place to stay with some close friends for a getaway. It sleeps six people in two bedrooms and on a sleeper couch. There is heating and a quaint little braai area attached to the back of the house. Berg Cottage is ideal for a group that wants to have a quiet time and enjoy the nearby views and nature.
Sleeps: 6 people
Price: R200 per person sharing
More information: Berg Cottage website or book here.
7. Cederberg House, Cederberg, Western Cape
Cederberg House is a self-catering guest house that sleeps up to 10 people, located in the Cederberg mountains. A little stone dwelling that basks in simple nature, the house caters mostly to more adventurous visitors. You can undertake a few hikes, go mountain biking and even spend one night sleeping outside after watching the stars. There is no electricity and you’ll use gas to power most of your cooking appliances. It is the perfect getaway for a group looking to rough it out in the mountains for a weekend.
Sleeps: 10 people
Price: R60 per person sharing
More information: Cederberg House website or book here.
8. Bifrost Mountain Retreat, Haenertsburg, Limpopo
This is a fully furnished, modern and large house located on the Iron Crown Mountain, the highest peak in the Wolkberg mountain range. The luxurious self-catering house has five bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a fireplace, making it a perfectly snug hideaway. The surrounding garden gives the place a homey feel even while you’re in the middle of the mountains. There is an en suite and shared bathroom, a television with DStv and barbecue facilities, so it’s the perfect place to go huddle up under the covers and be extraordinarily lazy.
Sleeps: 9 people
Price: R400 per person
More information: Bifrost website or book here.
9. Eagle’s Nest Guesthouse, Boesmanskloof, Western Cape
Located in Boesmanskloof, a valley that lies in the Riviersonderend Mountains between McGregor and Greyton, this double-storey house is situated high up with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. There are many hiking trails, mountain bike and 4×4 routes to follow, but if you simply want to hibernate in the house, the interior barbecue facilities are sure to warm you up. There is a wonderful 12-seater table for your group to socialise around during dinner, as well as an awesome balcony that looks out over the amazing sights of the gorge.
Sleeps: 10 people
Price: R250 per person
More information: Eagle’s Nest website or book here.
10. Olienhout Lodge, Potchefstroom, North West
Set in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage site in Schoemansdrift, the Olienhout Lodge has magnificent views of the Vaal River and its surrounding landscape. The house itself is beautiful, spacious and comfortable. It sleeps up to eight people in two bedrooms and a loft, and has two bathrooms, two areas for a barbecue, a fireplace and electric blankets in the winter, so its guests definitely have no chance of freezing to death during the colder months. Olienhout is the perfect place to kick back and relax in a comfortable and luxurious environment.
Sleeps: 8 people
Price: R195 per person sharing
More information: Olienhout website or book here.
