Having recently had the rather gruelling last minute task of unearthing somewhere to stay over the Easter weekend, it became obvious to me that for some reason this time of year for Capetonians is synonymous with the Cederberg (myself included) – it’s a case of have holiday will go to the Cederberg.
Let me first clarify that I am a huge Cederberg fan (it was my first port of call). That part of the country is beautiful, and easily accessible from the Mother City yet allows a complete escape into wilderness, up mountains and passes and through little towns that allow one to play, albeit briefly, at country living for a few days.
But this propensity for one destination above others means that towns like Ceres end up with the monolopy. Hence rates for long weekends rise to almost double – there is little supply and a huge demand. Thankfully, there are other places that hold as much peace and inspiration for travellers.
Here follow a few rather appealing breaks from Cape Town
Farm 215 Nature Retreat – Gansbaai, Overberg
Off in the middle of nowhere, on a gravel road part way between Gansbaai and Baardskeerdersbos is a 800 hectare nature reserve filled with fynbos and the odd mountain peak. In the midst of this already attractive sounding destination are three modern and private freestanding fynbos suites – bedroom, bathroom, lounge with fireplace.
Along each suite’s length is a covered deck and a sun-deck. A boardwalk will link you to the original residence where meals are served made from local ingredients in a dining room with sweeping views. There’s a lap pool, but don’t mistake this for a resort for nature rules supreme here. A little piece of heaven.
Little Willowbrooke, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Little Willow Brooke is within easy walking distance of Franschhoek’s hub, yet in atmosphere, miles from anywhere. Perched above a bubbly stream that meanders through a rush of oak and willow trees, Willow Brooke is a cute Cape-styled country cottage with a green tin roof, rough white-washed walls, wonky terracotta paving, rietdak ceilings and cottage furniture.
Ideal for a romantic couple seeking a cosy base to the surrounding area (anything more could be a bit cramped). The interior comprises a separate en suite bedroom with queen-size bed (with a view) and a tiny kitchen that forms part of the lounge area, where you’re likely to spend your evenings in front of the fireplace with a glass of red or white wine listening to music…
Fynbos Estate, Malmesbury, Swartland
Ever dreamed of feeling as though you’ve woken up to star in Story of an African Farm? But without the dust. Fynbos Estate lies on a grape and olive farm, only just over an hour from Cape Town, with its own little winery. For hire is a Victorian manor that can sleep up to sixteen people, but ten or twelve is as comfortable. It’s the perfect go-away-with-a-group-of-friends type home.
But if that doesn’t grab you, or you simply want something smaller, then there is a charming little cottage just next to it that accommodates between two and four of you. And you can choose whether you’d like to self cater, part cater or even be fully catered for. Walk around the beautiful farm, or taste the wine made under the Dragonridge label for a truly unpretentious weekend away from it all.
Ventersklip – Elands Bay, West Coast
Situated right on the Verlorenvlei, a stretch of natural wetland that is also a Ramsar site, it doesn’t come much better than this for getting away from it all. Ventersklip promises four restored hostoric cottages that date back to the early 1800s, but they also do six luxury private campsites with ensuite bathrooms, two individually screened campsites (shared facilities) and another nine normal size campsites that share facilities.
All camping overlooks the vlei. The on site Tin Kitchen serves local, organic meat and fish dishes with vegetables and salad grown in their own garden, from a 300 year old barn with shaded seating and pretty lawns on which to relax.
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