Having few other options for entertaining yourself, you’ve probably been glued to all the screens in your life during lockdown. So it’s about time you take a break from it all! TravelGround rounded up 7 digital-detox stays where you can unwind, disconnect, kick back, relax and just do whatever your heart desires on your much deserved getaway.
There’s no better place to recharge your batteries than here! You can take time off with a relaxing farm stay between Ladismith and Calitzdorp in the Hoeko Valley, where you can spot the famous Towerkop. During winter, you might even see and experience snow on the mountains!
Tip: Bring lots of firewood so that you can soak up the views from the wood-burning rock pool!
Location: Ladismith, Western Cape
Total guests: 4 or 5 guests per unit
Activities: Walking trails, mountain bike trails and swimming.
Pet friendly: No
Two secluded houses, each sleeping ten guests, are nestled between pine and indigenous forest at the edge of a scenic lake on this tranquil farm in magical Magoebaskloof. The wood-burning fireplaces will keep you and your loved ones snug on cold nights and catch-and-release fishing in a trophy dam as well as hikes among the trees await during the day.
Tip: To make the most of your stay, bring a picnic basket and some picnic blankets along for a scenic, romantic lakeside lunch.
Location: Magoebaskloof, Limpopo
Total guests: 8 adults and 2 children in Water’s Edge House and 10 guests in Forest House
Activities: Fishing on a catch-and-release basis, braai, picnic, bird watching. Please note, no swimming in the dam.
Pet friendly: No
Just a 2 hour drive from George, you’ll discover this fantastic family retreat on a private game farm. This gem has poor cellphone reception and is the ideal location for you to connect with the untouched Karoo surroundings while leaving all of the technology behind.
Tip: Pack a warm jacket for those chilly Karoo evenings and make the most of the bonfire area!
Location: Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Total guests: 2 or 8 guests per unit
Activities: Bird watching, game drives and swimming.
Pet friendly: No
4. Syringa Sands Mountain Cottage
High up in the Sand River Mountains overlooking the Seven Sister Waterberg range, you’ll find this tranquil escape with endless views and spectacular sunsets. This stunning cottage is off the grid and ensures complete seclusion and privacy. Besides harvesting rainwater and using oil lamps for light, this eco cottage operates on limited solar power for the fridge, water pump, and hot water geyser.
Tip: Pack your hiking shoes! There are great hiking trails where you can venture into the mountains, or walk down the mountain to the large dam.
Location: Rankins Pass, Limpopo
Total guests: 3 guests
Activities: Hiking trail and swimming.
Pet friendly: No
5. The Hanging Garden Bushveld Eco-Retreat
A true bushveld getaway awaits you here! Perched high in the luscious, rolling hills of the Koedoesfontein area, this breathtaking retreat is situated in the UNESCO approved Marico Biosphere Reserve. The facilities are environmentally conscious and allow guests to enjoy the diverse Marico landscapes and wildlife.
Tip: Bring your hiking gear and mountain bike to explore the amazing scenery.
Location: Groot Marico, North West
Total guests: 4 guests
Activities: Swimming
Pet friendly: No
Here, in the Jewel of Mpumalanga, you can call a timeout with a panoramic view of the Lowveld and the Schoemans Mountains. It’s also a great destination for any bird-watching enthusiast who will spot various eagles, falcons and smaller exotic birds. Wolwekrans is also well-known for its hiking trails that are suited for everyone.
Tip: Get your picnic basket ready! Guests have access to a guests-only picnic spot at Wolwekrans.
Location: Schoemanskloof, Mpumalanga
Total guests: 6 or 8 guests per unit
Activities: Picnic, bird watching and hiking
Pet friendly: No
7. Karoo Ridge Eco-lodge
In the Karoo Ridge Conservancy you’ll find this charming cottage with enough space for family and friends. The absolute tranquillity and breathtaking scenery will allow you to reboot from the daily hustle and bustle.
Tip: Bring your bicycle to explore the farm and spot as many wildlife as you can.
Location: Middelburg, Eastern Cape
Total guests: 8 guests
Activities: Bird watching, game viewing, cycling, farm activities and a tour of the conservancy.
Pet friendly: Yes, by arrangement
Which one is your favourite destination that you want to break away to immediately? Tell us in the comment section below.
Feature image: The Hanging Garden Bushveld Eco-Retreat (TravelGround)
This original blog was reviewed for publication on 17 June 2020.
