Five remote budget getaways in

The Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. Image: Pixabay

Five remote budget getaways in the Eastern Cape for under R1000

With Eastern Cape beaches closed for the festive season, why not opt for a break at one of these fantastic budget-friendly spots in the province?

Five remote budget getaways in

The Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. Image: Pixabay

It’s time to take a break and catch your breath after the rollercoaster year we’ve had and there are some beautiful, remote spots in the Eastern Cape where you can turn your phone off and truly escape the world.   

Kouga Wildernis, Baviaanskloof

Spread over 3,000ha bordering the majestic Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, the historic Kouga Wildernis farm is the perfect spot to unwind.

Farmed by the Ferreira family for over two centuries, the Langkloof farm has a charming farmhouse, two cottages, a campsite, a bush camp, and an equipped caravan to cater to all budgets and needs.

Situated just 28km from Joubertina in the Kouga Mountains, the farm offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy — from hiking, mountain biking, swimming in holes along the course of the Klein River, and fishing for bass in the Kouga River. There are also four 4×4 trails on the farm, great spots for abseiling, and plenty of birdwatching.

From R150 per person per night. For more information, visit www.kougawildernis.co.za

Maple Grove, Hogsback

Located a few kilometres outside the charming village of Hogsback and surrounded by huge maple trees, Maple Grove is a cozy, homey retreat with offers rustic self-catering accommodation and a gorgeous garden.

Well-appointed self-catering units have comfy décor, private bathrooms, fireplaces for cold winter nights, and kitchenettes with small ovens, microwaves, and fridges. Laundry and cleaning services are available, and bathrooms and are fitted with linen and towels.

Cottages have lovely views over the garden and there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as hiking, mountain biking, and bass fishing. Maple Grove is within a short drive from a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants that can be found within Hogsback village, and about 50km from Double Drift Game Reserve.

From R250 per person per night. For more information, visit www.maplegrove.co.za

Allemann se Huisie, Nieu-Bethesda 

Located in the charming town of Nieu-Bethesda just outside Graaff-Reinet, Allemann se Huisie is a cozy little self-catering garden cottage with low-key, retro-influenced décor that is ideal for a tranquil escape.  

A lovely patio has a braai and genuine Karoo mohair wool blankets will keep you warm on chilly winter nights. A fully equipped kitchen has all the necessary appliances for self-catering, and the town of Nieu Bethesda has several restaurants and cafés if you don’t feel like cooking.

Things to do include strolling around the beautiful town, which hasn’t changed much since it was founded 130 years ago, browsing some quirky shops, or enjoying two mountain bike trails in the area.

From R650 per night for two people. For more information, visit www.nieu-bethesda.com/about/allemann-se-huisie/

Forests Nest, Storms River 

Boasting breathtaking views of the mountain and forest in the Storms River Village in Tsitsikamma, Forests Nest is a lovely three-bedroom self-catering cottage that is perfect for a special getaway treat. Surrounded by the magnificent old-growth Tsitsikamma forests, the cottage has a spacious open plan lounge with a fireplace and a large veranda with a braai area.

A fully equipped kitchen is ideal for self-catering and the garden is a gem with creepers, vines, and trees that are home to an array of bird species. The cottage is within walking distance of Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours and Tsitsikamma Segway Tours, and the Big Tree Tsitsikamma and Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures are a short drive away.

R990 per night for two people. For more information, visit www.sa-venues.com/visit/forestsnest/

Avoca River Cabins, Addo 

Located in the beautiful citrus and rose growing area of the Sundays River Valley, Avoca River Cabins is a family-owned citrus farm that is ideally located for exploring the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park.

Just 20 minutes away from the park, the farm has a range of self-catering accommodation from riverside chalets and bush camp cottages to semi-detached units and mud huts.

All lodgings have self-catering kitchen facilities or access to a shared kitchen and private patios or balconies and views of the Sundays River. Set on the banks of the Sundays River, Avoca River Cabins has two outdoor swimming pools, a children’s playground, and conference and wedding facilities, and the farm offers guided game drives to the Addo Elephant National Park.

R700 per night for two people. For more information, visit www.avocarivercabins.co.za