In Cape Town, you don’t need to drive too far to find the perfect getaway and have a micro-adventure, break your routine and rediscover the enchanting beauty of the Western Cape. Here are five of our favourite weekend getaways at the moment:
Montispectus Cottage in the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
Distance from city: Approximately 35 minutes
From the porch of the four-sleeper Montispectus cottage at the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve you have a view of Table Mountain and the city in the distance, as well as the ocean, Blouberg and Robben Island to your right. The fully-equipped cottage is perfect for a weekend getaway as you’ll be the only people within the reserve’s 1 445 hectares. It’s 25 km away from the city, close enough for a weekend away, but far enough to feel like a real mini-vacation.
For more information visit: www.capetown.gov.za. To book your weekend away complete the reservation application form and email it to Reservations.Blaauwberg@capetown.gov.za, or phone 021 444 0454.
See the Montispectus Cottage in our Neighbourhood Guide to Blouberg:
Kraalbaai Houseboats
Distance from city: Approximately 1.5 hours
If swapping the bustling city for the calm blue waters of the Langebaan Lagoon sounds like your kind of thing, then you need to look into hiring one of the two Kraalbaai Houseboats for you and your crew. Less than two hours outside Cape Town, these houseboats are fully equipped, with the Larus boat sleeping 8 people and the double-decker Nirvana Houseboat housing up to 22.
Located in the West Coast National Park, showing off its spectacular strandveld and fynbos, imagine yourself relaxing while sipping sundowners on the deck with a spectacular view and the chance of spotting a rare bird or two.
For more info and to book your getaway visit www.kraalbaaihouseboats.co.za
Orange Kloof Tented Camp, Hout Bay
Orange Kloof remains closed until further notice (updated November 2020)
Distance from the city: 20 minutes
Escape to the forest and surround yourself with the sounds of nature when you visit the Orange Kloof Tented Camp in Hout Bay, as part of the Table Mountain National Park. These “tents” are environmentally-friendly permanent structures with canvas interiors and waterproof exteriors. They’re rustic, yet luxurious, meaning you’ll get the best of both worlds. You can choose between two- or four sleepers and the fully-equipped kitchen and braai area means you’ll be able to enjoy a “glamping” experience with a three-course meal if you’re so inclined.
For more information visit: www.capepointroute.co.za
West Coast National Park / Duinepos
Distance from city: 1.5 hours
The beautiful and biodiverse West Coast National Park has five different cottages on offer for couples or groups of four, six or eight. Here you’ll get to experience the tranquillity of nature and have the comfort of a fireplace and solar-heated showers. In addition, there are also 11 three-star eco-friendly chalets that sleep four to six people available from Duinepos. Started as a community-based tourism project in 2006, Duinepos seeks to uplift the local community while preserving the habitat of the Western Cape. Relaxation guaranteed.
For more info visit www.sanparks.org and www.duinepos.co.za
Airbnb in Langa
Distance from the city: About 20 minutes
Yes, we know what you’re thinking, a weekend in Langa does not sound quite like the typical “getaway” you had in mind, but bear with us for a sentence or two. Nombulelo Msizi from Skamba Bed and Breakfast has literally made headlines with her warm and welcoming hosting experience giving foreigners a glimpse of what true Cape Town hospitality looks like. For about R500 a night you can enjoy a home cooked meal, be taken on a tour and gain a new perspective on the Mother City and its history. You’ll also be contributing to her business and the local economy, so it’s a win-win all weekend long.
Airbnb currently has over 17 000 different homes you could stay in and any one of those could qualify as a mini-staycation where you could explore a side of town you don’t already know.
For more information visit www.airbnb.com/CapeTown
