Staying somewhere amazing is not just for the well-heeled. There are plenty of places filled with character around South Africa that offer comfort and charm in equal dollops – all of them for under R300 per person per night.
We’ve trawled our listings to uncover those venues where character and low-cost meet to find 15 wallet-friendly, quality guest houses, cottages and camp sites for 2015.
SA-Venues.com’s top best value stays for 2015…
BODENSTADT COUNTRY LODGE, PIET RETIEF, MPUMALANGA
This beautifully furnished little self-catering cottage is on a farm just outside Piet Retief in Mpumalanga’s grass and wetland area.
The cottage is gracefully decorated with tasteful bed linen and art works and the odd piece of period furniture.
Cost: from R490 for the unit per night
To Book: Find out more at Bodenstadt Country Lodge
GARIEP N1 CHALETS, FREE STATE
Very basic, but pleasingly furnished characterful chalets and a farmhouse just north of the Gariep Dam (perfect for stopovers).
The farm offers horse riding, fly fishing, canoe safaris and hiking.
Cost: from R250 pppn
To Book: Find out more at Gariep N1 Chalets
ISINKWE BACKPACKERS BUSHCAMP, ZULULAND
Isinkwe is a budget accommodation venue; a rustic bush lodge just outside Hluhluwe only 25 minutes’ from the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Park (bonus!).
Budget it may be, but the décor is still tasteful and pretty, whilst the tranquillity of the setting makes for a gentle time away.
Cost: from R125 pppn
To Book: Find out more at Isinkwe Backpackers Bushcamp
JAGERSKRAAL GUEST FARM, LAINGSBURG, KAROO
We love the combination of old farm worker’s cottage, chalets and wooden cabins on this farm in the heart of the Karoo.
The wooden cottages particularly offer a more rustic, informal stay (each cabin sleeps two, so ideal for a family or two couples), complete with lapa. The working farm has identified 27 plant species and also grows proteas to sell to the public.
Cost: from R200 pppn
To Book: Find out more at Jagerskraal Guest Farm
NAGENOEG, NIEU-BETHESDA, EASTERN CAPE
This beautifully furnished, carefully presented guest house with its wooden parquet floors and period pieces, lies in the heart of the little village of Nieu Bethesda, only three metres from Die Waenhuis (a popular wedding venue).
The three bedroom cottage is equipped for self-catering and includes a fireplace.
Cost: from R250 pppn
To Book: Find out more at Nagenoeg
SUNTOUCHED INN, NAPIER, OVERBERG
The Suntouched Inn in Napier is attentively and artistically put together, its colours and furnishings a happy collection in which to easily feel at home.
Twin and family room as well as an old converted barn provide sleeping facilities, whilst the restaurant makes the best pizza in the Overberg.
Cost: from R150 pppn
To Book: Find out more at Suntouched Inn
THE GROWCERY, VIOOLSDRIFT, NAMAKWA
You’re going to LOVE this rustic camp on the banks of the Orange River, 22 km from Vioolsdrift; it gives new meaning to ‘chic shack’. Think: shabby chic crossed with a dose of vibrant colour, a flair for the original, and an eye for making the ordinary extraordinary. The Growcery’s Chick Shack – a two-bed recycled shack- is the star of the show.
Whilst the camp comes with only the bare necessities, we think, at this price, that you’re going to enjoy yourselves silly.
Cost: from R100 pppn
To Book: Find out more at The Growcery
ZWAKALA RIVER RETREAT, HAENERTSBURG, LIMPOPO
You head here for the sheer bliss of the destination in the Magoebaskloof on the banks of the Broederstroom River. Log cabins, an earthy cottage and a private camp site to choose from.
Cost: R300 for the campsite (1-3 people) or Zwakala Cabin is reasonable at R650 per night
To Book: Find out more at Zwakala River Retreat
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