When you travel off the beaten track and decide to explore places untouched by commercialism, there tends to be a belief that these sort of places stray from the luxurious. Even the term “off-the-beaten” track is synonymous with the backpackers of the world. However, we’ve managed to select our top 3 quirky places to stay in South Africa that don’t compromise on quality and combine luxury living with the unconventional. Taking of advantage of their surrounds, injecting fun into their decor and encouraging guests to look on the light side of life; these are our exquisite places that encompass all of these qualities.
1. Old MacDaddy : Stay in artistic airstream trailers in a remote, mountain setting
Set within the heart of the Elgin valley and surrounded by looming mountains, Old MacDaddy is most certainly ideally located. Forests, trails and lush orchids epitomise the area of Elgin; a rather unexplored region of the Western Cape. This is the perfect spot for those looking for a quick getaway just outside of Cape Town.
Off-the-wall, unique, artistic and catering for families, this interesting spot is a must visit. There are trailer units, each kitted out according to a different theme. Attached are contemporary living spaces and guests have access to the main restaurant, communal areas and of course, the “beach” area which is perfect for relaxing. Choose from trailers called “for better or boerewors”, “Mills and Boon” and “Dirkie Sanchez”.
The latest introduction to MacDaddy includes comfortable glamping style tented options, a villa and a school house. These self-catering units cater for large families or groups of friends. You can even step it up a notch and host your business conference or wedding reception in their expansive barn hall.
This is a complete play on the idea of trailer-park living and has most certainly set a standard of luxury when it comes to whacky places to stay in South Africa. Undeniably fun!
2. Tsala Treetop Lodge: Stay in a treehouse overlooking the indigenous forest below
Tsala Treetop Lodge is a luxury treehouse experience where guests have the option of staying in a traditional wooden villa style treehouse. Akin to a grown-up version of a secret club house, this is the treehouse you spent your childhood dreaming about. Situated in the Garden Route, which is also referred to as South Africa’s garden of Eden, Tsala makes sure to celebrate the beauty of its natural surrounds.
Spend nights among the canopy of trees while waking up to the twittering of birdsong echoing throughout the valley. Lush, sophisticated and completely in tune with the spirit of the Garden Route, Tsala Treetop Lodges are a must for any eco junkies and forest warriors who love a splash of luxury. There are ten luxury hide-away suites from which to choose and, if that’s not enough, then you can always organise a private tour of the wine cellar housed in the main area.
Romance, adventure and an exclusive magical time awaits.
3. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve : Stay in 4 star cave accommodation in the Cederberg Mountains
The Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is a prime destination for star gazers, nature lovers and those who enjoy mountainous terrain. Avid astronomers will delight in the crystal clear night skies and clear visibility of various constellations and asterisms. There’s a huge cultural significance in the area – rock paintings from the original habitants (the San) adorn the rocky outcrops. The scenery here is dramatic and there’s a choice of accommodation catering for just about anyone.
Our choice of accommodation is the ten cave suites which have been elegantly carved into the natural sandstone found in abundance in this region. There are also thatched rondawels and an open-air room for the more adventurous.
This is the place for a true, remote Western Cape wilderness experience.
