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The modern definition of luxury – and freedom – increasingly includes being able to disconnect from the rush of the everyday, from our devices and from loadshedding.
With Freedom Day coming up, we’ve uncovered the best off-the-grid listings on Airbnb in South Africa for the perfect escape. A riverside lodge to retreat to with your family, or a secluded hut in the mountains to switch off and get stuck into a book – take your pick.
It’s time to pack your bags, turn off your phones, and add a bit of serenity to your trip away for the long weekend.
Karoo Ridge River Lodge – Middelburg, Eastern Cape
Situated on a 5,000-hectare working farm, visiting the Karoo Ridge River Lodge is like stepping back in time… a quieter time! The area is particularly scenic – think picturesque mountains, open plains, and riverine thicket. You’re almost guaranteed to see indigenous Nguni and Ankole cattle, and the area is a bird watcher’s paradise.
Hut on poles in the bush – Hluhluwe, Kwa-Zulu Natal
You know you’re away from the hustle and bustle when the sounds you hear at night are those of hippos and hyenas, while your daytime company is giraffe and zebra. This solar-powered treetop cabin prides itself on offering guests an authentic back-to-basics experience. A weekend disconnected from our devices is a modern freedom, right?
House boat on a wine farm – Grabouw, Western Cape
A house on a boat on a wine farm – a beautifully unique way to relax and unwind! Stokies Ark, as the houseboat is named, is permanently moored to the banks of the largest dam on the South Hill Vineyards wine farm in the very scenic Grabouw. In addition to stunning views of the surrounding Kogelberg Biosphere mountains, guests can also enjoy a wine tasting and picnic on the farm.
Wild Syringa – Magaliesburg, Gauteng
Silence, serenity, and breathtaking views aplenty is what you can look forward to at Wild Syringa on Kokopelli Farm in the Magaliesburg district. The fireplace in the lounge makes it especially inviting for a warm winter getaway. Remember to pack your hiking boots as the area boasts fabulous trails.
Waterwood – Vaalwater, Limpopo
If your idea of freedom is complete isolation, then this luxury tent stay has your name on the door. Embrace the beauty and simplicity of the bush on foot or on your mountain bike, or simply relax on the deck and soak up the views.