When thinking of cabin holidays in South Africa, the only decision one needs to make is choosing the province. South Africa is home to some of the most amazing cabin holiday destinations. As a country that boasts large mountains, and beautiful oceans, you are left with so much more to choose from.
Here we explore the less frequented cabin holiday destinations that are rich in activities, quiet resting places, and much more. Cabin holidays in South Africa can leave a great impact making you feel recharged and relaxed.
The Edge Mountain Retreat Hogsback Eastern Cape
The Edge Mountain Retreat Hogsback Eastern Cape, the name itself says it all “Retreat”. We are nearing the end of the year and though some still prefer to spend their holidays with loved ones sticking to tradition, we have a group that prefers to travel. And if the year-end fatigue has done its number on you, what better way to recharge than taking a retreat holiday away from all the chaos of life?
The majority of well-known holiday spots are packed to capacity during year-end. If that’s not your idea of spending your holidays, I have news for you. Head to a small quiet town in the Hogsback mountains. The Edge Mountain Retreat is home to lovers of peace. Overlooking breathtaking mountain views, there isn’t a shortage of things you can get up.
Enjoy Some Coffee
I know people whose worlds will fall apart if they don’t get just one cup of coffee, myself included hehe. And for my coffee shop lovers, The Edge Mountain Retreat has one of the most beautiful coffee shops. You are treated to a stunning view while also enjoying some fresh air. And yes ! they have reliable wifi and the password is all over the area. You can enjoy a good book and some good coffee and still stay in touch.
Take a Shower Outside!
When you think of Hogsback, you may remember that other famous place that has a bathtub outside. We all know, on closer inspection, that bathtub is always dirty haha. But The Edge Mountain Retreat has gone out of its way in catering to this fancy dream.
They have a clean bathtub and a shower offering stunning views. If you’re a fan of Instagram snaps, the pictures are absolutely insta -worthy.No one will see you butt naked while taking a shower outside. They have built walls to avoid prying eyes.
Experience Walking at The Labyrinth
Fancy a walk? You can head over to the Labyrinth at The Edge. Inspired by the Chartres Cathedral design in France, it seems the mountains may have decided to bring a little bit of France to Hogsback. If you are traveling with your loved one or special significant other, I suggest walking hand in hand while also enjoying the stunning views.
Under the Oaks Market
If your stay at The Edge Mountain extends to the weekend, you may want to splurge on some of the local products on Saturday. Under the Oaks, the market starts in the morning where locals meet to sell some of their own products.
Mpumalanga Graskop
Located just a mere 3-hour drive from Johannesburg, Graskop treats tourists to breathtaking views. If you were doubting God’s creativity, spending time in this province for a weekend or a few couples of days may change your mind.
You can book some of the best cabins holidays in South Africa, in Mpumalanga province through booking.com. The reason for booking through booking.com is that you get honest reviews from real people who have had an experience of the place.
If your idea of a weekend getaway includes incredibly wild adventures, you can go ahead and book yourself for a few nights in this small town called Graskop. It is a perfect location for the majority of tourist attraction sites.
Although I and a group of girls spent a few nights at the Graskop hotel, I don’t recommend it. Located on a very busy street, you may be woken up by trucks in the middle of the night and a bunch of drunk people making their way home, particularly if you are a light sleeper like me.
But they serve a glorious breakfast, so that made up for my sleepless nights and their not-so-busy pool is perfect for swimming in the evening with stunning lights outside.
So how do you spend your afternoons in this small town?
Bunjee Jumping and Ziplining at Graskop Gorge Lift Co.
With the recent changes due to Covid-19, the best thing you can do is book ahead of time. For that other group with a fear of heights, you can still enjoy some coffee and shopping at the Gorge Lift Co.
There is an outdoor lift that gives you breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the area, again you can sit and have coffee if you are afraid of heights but you know what, get over it and hop on that lift, it’s fun and safe I promise.
You can check out the rates and more information here.
Dinner at The Panorama Chalets
It’s not really about food that I am suggesting this place, it is purely for Instagram-worthy pictures. The best time to visit this place is towards the sunset, you will get the most amazing pictures with lovely backgrounds. Of course, you need someone with a good eye for quality pictures. Ditch your friends and find new ones if they can’t take proper pictures.
They have a restaurant called Divine foods, you can order their fries and chicken strips. It comes with a delicious dipping sauce, I was in my shy element to ask for the recipe but if you do visit this place, please ask them about their sauce and share it with me on Instagram.
Err, just don’t agree with their green salad no matter how much of a healthy person you’re trying to be.
There is an entrance fee that you pay at the gate, always keep cash with you. These establishments are still trying to catch up on technology.
The Pinnacle Rock
Nothing special to do here besides cleansing your eyes with a large rock in the middle of a forest. 20 minutes of taking a few snaps are enough. Carry cash on you for the entrance fee, it seems they haven’t caught up with technology yet to accept cards.
Three Rondavels
God was in His element when He created these breathtaking rondavels. You will find it fascinating and probably be in awe of God’s decision to treat us to such pleasant views. Take a good camera with you, you may want to snap a few good ones.
Graskop acts up when it comes to weather conditions, if it’s one of those days, you may find the entire area misty and offering nothing good to capture due to weather conditions.
The Blyde River Canyon
There are no words worthy enough to describe the beauty found in viewing this river. You can just enjoy the view or better yet, visit the river and participate in some activities. For viewing, you can combine it with the three rondavels trip, they are basically in the same area. Activities at the Blyde river canyon range from river rafting, boat trips, paintball, quad biking, etc.
Check out more information here
God’s Window
What you will enjoy here is a mini hike, beautiful views, and maybe some monkeys minding their own business. The name is misleading, I thought I would actually see what God’s window looked like but don’t get your hopes up. There’s an entrance fee, nothing that breaks your bank balance, and again carry cash.
You can easily cover all these activities in two days, so a weekend is just enough for the above. Of course, there are other routes you may want to explore around Mpumalanga, this is just the Graskop part. If you have unreliable friends to travel with, check out how you can enjoy your travel without them here.
Away With The Fairies Hogsback
If you fancy a laid-back, less demanding vacation to just rest, then head over to Away With The Fairies in Hogsback. Well known for its famous outside bathtub, Away with the fairies is home to laid-back, back-packers who find delight in wearing their hiking boots.
Although you can rule out the idea of regarding this place as one of the cabin holiday destinations, I can tell you now to reconsider. They do have structures that appear like cabins so we can definitely add them to cabin holiday destinations.
Overview
Away with the fairies isn’t home to city girls, you will find yourself lost in a small town with people who barely wear their shoes. Your heels won’t cut it either. If the sound of climbing mountains, taking showers outside at The Edge, horse riding, and meeting strangers who greet you while staring at your face sounds exciting, then get on that plane.
Located in the Eastern Cape, East London, Away With the Fairies can be found in a very small town known as Hogsback. There isn’t a shortage of activities for adrenaline junkies. This town is also well known for its famous pizza and beer. I am not talking about that other pizza establishment with million sauces oops. So what can you get up to in this beautiful town?
Hiking at Away With The Fairies
Well known for its beautiful waterfalls, your hiking journey starts right inside Away with the fairies. Along the trail, you will be treated to breathtaking waterfalls, colorful mushrooms (don’t eat them ), and the famous big trees. Do not miss the Madonna and Child waterfall, it is amazing.
Locally brewed beer and pizza
Yes, beer lovers will be pleased to have a different taste of beer in this small town. The best place to enjoy this can be at the Fairies or better yet, Hogs Inn for some adventure.
Chocolates at The Chocolate Shoppe
Belgian chocolates exist in Hogsback, you heard it from me. They have locally made chocolates just at the corner before getting to Away with the Fairies. You can treat yourself to some coffee as well if you fancy.
Horse Riding
If you visit Hogsback at the right time, you may be lucky to go on a full moon horse riding. It is such an exciting activity. But don’t lose hope, you can still enjoy some daylight horse riding.
Local Shopping
If your visit is during the weekend, you can enjoy some shopping at the under the oak market. Here you will be treated to all the locally produced products from Hogsback.
Rosemary Hill Farm
If you are Suffering from cabin fever and based in Johannesburg, why not drive to Rosemary Hill Farm? Located on the outskirts of Pretoria East, Rosemary Hill Farm is the one place we all have to be. Stunning views, great food, friendly staff, peace, and quiet? All of this can be found at the RoseMary Hill Farm.
Although the majority of the cabin holidays in South Africa offer different experiences for travelers, Rosemary Hill Farm is more modern and perhaps one of the leading destinations.
If you didn’t believe in love at first sight, you will change your mind the moment you set foot on this amazing farm. Whether your plan is to spend the day or a couple of days, I highly recommend a couple of days, this place has all the entertainment you need.
So what can you get up to?
Take Pictures At The Beautiful Maze
You would expect the green to subside as we approach winter, but the maze at Rosemary hill farm remains the same throughout the year. You are greeted with a fragrance of flowers which may give you ideas for your next perfume, and if you decide to just sit while you appreciate beauty, I won’t blame you. Sunset is the best time to take gorgeous pictures, so make sure you are with a good photographer.
Hike Around the Rosemary Farm
You have two options, you can either hike on foot or choose to jump on the segway tours which I believe might be the best option. Experienced hikers may find hiking on foot a little bit boring as the entire farm is a flat surface with very little activity going on on the trails, so a segway tour is a better option.
Enjoy some coffee at the coffee shop
Not only will you be treated to the best coffee, but the amazing staff will also ensure that you receive the best service. Their pork belly breakfast is one of the most amazing treats you can opt for at the coffee shop. And if it is lunch you desire, that can also be arranged.
Wine Tasting
A good day of wine tasting with your group of friends may just be what you need. A little wine here and there is always a good idea. Just don’t call your ex after a few glasses, we don’t approve over here . And don’t drink and drive, Uber is there for moments like these. Even in your drunk state, do avoid strange men.
Acrobranching
Adrenaline junkies will be pleased to learn that the farm has some options for them too. Put on your tights, sneakers, and a lot of fearlessness, and climb those trees and ropes. This comes at a cost so you can find out here. You may have to make a booking, just showing up won’t get you anywhere LOL.
Indulge in Self Care
Whether your idea of self-care includes a bubble bath or a picnic, you can have both. Rosemary provides a picnic service where if you would like to order a basket, you can do so at a fee. You can still enjoy your own picnic, on the picnic grounds if you don’t fancy the idea of someone preparing food for you.
Enjoy Pizza
The restaurant serves some of the world’s best pizza, especially if you are in the province of Gauteng. We all know the other pizza establishments that serve nothing but sauce unnecessarily oops. If I said their pizza is good, it means it’s good, you can take my word for it.
Organize a photo shoot
You certainly won’t run out of locations to shoot beautiful pictures. You can make a booking here. Rosemary has in-house photographers so you can just set aside a budget for your preferred photoshoot and make an appointment and get those stunning images.
Enjoy Horse Riding
Nothing like a beautiful horse ride on a Sunday afternoon with your lover or with a group of friends. Make sure you make a booking, and of course, you will pay a certain price for it. You can check out more information here.
Enjoyed reading this blog post. Check out another destination to visit in South Africa here.
