If you’re desperate to disconnect your phone and reconnect with your friends and family, here are a few fabulous off-the-grid self-catering spots close to Cape Town.
Buchukloof Cottage | Marais Wines
maraiswines.co.za/buchukloof-cottage-kliphuis
This relatively new cottage is located high against the slopes of the Slangkloof Mountains in Rawsonville, within the Marais Family Wine Farm. You’ll need a 4×4 to get you up there (or the friendly owners will drive you up) but once you’re at the cottage you’ll find you have everything you need – a donkey boiler to heat water for your shower, lanterns for light and a spacious braai area. The cottage is made from local stone with beautiful views of the surrounding area, and even better, you have your own private waterfall within walking distance!
Forest Camp | Platbos Forest
A wild and wonderful spot in the Overberg, close(ish) to Baardskeerdersbos, the Platbos Forest is an indigenous forest and forms a private nature reserve. There are a few accommodation options available, all private and off the grid, but we love the Forest Camp which is oriented around an ancient Stinkwood tree. The tented accommodation can hold up to 4 people in two tented rooms with an open-air kitchen, semi-enclosed ablutions, and a composting toilet. Water is heated through a donkey boiler (one bag of wood is provided per night during your stay) so you’re really going back to basics in the best way possible! We’d also highly recommend taking a walk along the Forest Trail, which is close by and which guests can walk free of charge.
Overseers Cottage | Table Mountain
www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sanparks-overseers-mountain-cottage
Did you know that there’s a cottage on the top of Table Mountain? If you’ve ever wished you had more time to explore the top of the mountain, this is the perfect retreat for you. The self-catering accommodation sleeps 16 in total across 6 bedrooms, and the beds are comfortable and cosy – plus there’s a wonderful fireplace inside for chilly nights. As everything is off the grid, you’ll more than likely be relying on the braai for supper but there is a gas stove in the kitchen and solar power to heat the geyser. Naturally, the sunrises and sunsets are absolutely fantastic from this vantage point – plus the views of the city lights below at night are spectacular! Just note that you will have to hike up to the cottage, but your luggage and food can be driven up by the SANParks team.
Aardt’s Gasteplaas | De Rust
www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/aardts-gasteplaas
About 15km outside of De Rust in the Klein Karoo, this gorgeous cottage is absolute off-the-grid luxury. Surrounded by the raw, rugged and unspoiled terrain, you have plenty of privacy while soaking up the views in the hot tub – and there’s even an outdoor shower with double shower heads to take in the night stars. In fact the whole cabin has been beautifully designed, with thoughtful touches and natural elements like stone and wood woven in throughout. The cottage sleeps 4 in two bedrooms – and you’ll especially love the handcrafted stairs at the entrance.
Stonewood Mountain Cabin | Bainskloof
https://stonewoodmountaincabin.com
With gorgeous views overlooking farmland, fynbos and mountains, this rustic wood cabin in the Mount Bain Private Nature Reserve is a delight. A spacious deck gives you plenty of room to soak up the view and the interior is spread over two levels, so you have more than enough space for up to 6 people. Floor to ceiling glass windows give you views from every angle – even in the shower, with a wall of glass that allows you to look over the leafy surrounds. The cabin is completely off the grid and private, and within the reserve you can embark on a swim in the river or take a walkalong the trails. If you feel like exploring further afield, visit the bush pub at the entrance to the reserve (The Calabash Bush Pub), go gin tasting at Monk’s Gin, or enjoy mountain biking at Slanghoek Cellar in the Breede River Valley.