Hotel. Tick. Guest house. Tick. Campsite. Tick. You’ve tried them all, and you’ve got the T-shirt. Now you’re aching to try something different. Something to brag to your friends about on Twitter, Instagram, and Flickr. A place you may never have dreamed you could sleep in.
Well, it’s your lucky day! We’ve stumbled across some pretty cool structures you can stay in across South Africa, and we love them for their simply absurd characteristics. Because it’s always the spontaneous, unique getaways that make the best memories…
WESTERN CAPE
1. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederberg
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is a game lodge in the Cederberg Mountains where you can sleep in a sandstone “Bushman” cave. But you surely won’t feel like a caveman with a restaurant and bar, outdoor lapa, swimming pool, and spa treatments available on-site.
2. Farr Out, Paternoster
Farr Out Guest House is situated alongside the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve outside Paternoster. Guest rooms are available, but we love the Wigwam Rising Moon tepee nestled amongst the fynbos – and it even has a skylight for stargazing!
3. The Roundhouse, De Kelders
The Roundhouse is a 3 storey circular guest house with quartz and shell stone clad walls, and a whale watching deck with a pool and Jacuzzi. What could be better?
4. Santos Express, Mossel Bay
Spend the night in a revamped train on the edge of Santos Beach in Mossel Bay. All cabins face the sea so you can fall asleep listening to the sound of the waves. The coach cabins sleep 2 or 4 people and the dorm cabin sleeps 16 people.
5. Peace of Eden Eco Forest Dream, Knysna
Peace of Eden Eco Forest Dream is part of a nature conservancy where you can sit down and rough it up. Stay in a converted stable or barn or canvas safari tents on timber decks in the forest.
6. Knysna Houseboats, Knysna
Why stay on land when you can stay in your own floating paradise with Knysna Houseboats? The boats are fit for a family of 5 with a kitchen, bathroom, sun deck, and even a braai. What more could you want? As no skipper experience is required, anyone could do it!
7. Lancewood Tipi Lodge, Robertson
Lancewood Tipi Lodge on Assegai Rest Farm at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains has spectacular mountain views and rolling farmlands, just 15km from Robertson. The 2 “American Indian” style Tipi tents are fitted with everything you need for self-catering. They sleep 2 and 5 people respectively and have a kitchen, braai area, swimming pool, and private bathroom.
GAUTENG
8. Old Willow No.7 Houseboat Charters, Sasolburg
Staying in Gauteng and still want the houseboat experience? Old Willow No.7 Houseboat Charters navigates the Vaal River.
LIMPOPO
9. The Shoe Guest House, Ohrigstad
Ok. So you don’t get to stay in the shoe itself. But you get to explore this 12m long shoe-cum-musuem-and-gallery. You’ll sleep in one of 8 self-catering chalets at the Shoe Guest House, each sleeping 2 – 7 guests. They’re heated by 80% solar power, and have a donkey boiler and gas stoves.
10. Timbavati Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit
Timbavati Safari Lodge’s traditional Ndebele painted rondavels are nestled in the bush and have en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. A traditional South African braai and African tribal dancing in the reeded boma adds to the African experience.
NORTH WEST
11. Oxwagon Lodge, Hartbeespoort Dam
Oxwagon Lodge is just what the name implies. You’ll sleep in original ox wagons in the Witwatersberg Mountains with panoramic views of Hartbeespoort Dam. The ox wagons sleep 2 – 6 people each, while a converted double decker bus sleeps a further 14 people. On Sundays, you can enjoy a lunch of oxtail potjiekos, real plaasbrood (farm bread), and other traditional dishes.
FREE STATE
12. Hoekfontein Oxwagon Camp, Ficksburg
Hoekfontein Oxwagon Camp offers self-catering ox wagons and rondavel accommodation in a sandstone valley. The farm has plenty of activities to keep you busy, from kettle shooting and volleyball, to abseiling and wagon wheel challenges.
NORTHERN CAPE
13. Naries Namakwa Retreat, Springbok
Naries Namakwa Retreat is a rustic hideaway on the edge of the Spektakelberg. We love the secluded 2 sleeper domed Mountain Suites which have wonderful views and an en-suite bath and shower. Star gazing here is phenomenal!
MPUMALANGA
14. Dome Home Self-Catering, Nelspruit
Stay in strangely shaped igloo-like domes at Dome Home in Nelspruit. They may not look like much from the outside, but these 2-sleeper domes are extremely cosy with a kitchenette and en-suite bathroom.
KWAZULU-NATAL
15. Pyramids Motel, Van Reenen
You’ll find Pyramids Motel in the central Drakensberg, halfway between Joburg and Durban. Spend the night in a triangular chalet or a self-catering unit kitted out in colourful Moroccan style with Bedouin tents and draping materials.
BONUS:
JBay Zebra Lodge, Jeffrey’s Bay
JBay Zebra Lodge is perfectly positioned on the top of a hill with 360 degree views of the mountains and Indian Ocean. The thatched lodge has an authentic African vibe with a wooden sea-facing terrace, swimming pool, and Jacuzzi. Accommodation is available in various angular suites and luxury safari tents.
Which of these unusual structures would you like to stay in?
