Discover the peace and serenity of a getaway on the slopes of some of the most naturally spectacular world wonders across South Africa.
International Mountain Day takes place annually on 11 December as an effort to raise awareness about the significance of mountain ecosystems, while also shedding light on how the magic of these natural wonders needs to remain untouched. In a country like South Africa, mountains are not only prevalent but cherished, and the abundance of spectacular escapes located beneath their foothills and dotted along their slopes only attest to the magic of a mountain experience. From the fynbos-covered hills of the Overberg and dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg to the expansive escarpment of the Drakensberg and quintessential koppies of the Karoo, South Africa is filled with spectacular mountain escapes just waiting to be explored.
7 Koppies
7 Koppies is a gorgeous guesthouse in Franschhoek where guests will experience the ultimate luxury of being surrounded by stunning and untamed natural beauty, creating a sense of seclusion and tranquility, while also having the convenience of easily accessing the finest offerings of the Cape Winelands in beautiful lodgings. The owners have tastefully renovated this farmhouse, infusing it with their eclectic style and creating a space that reflects their diverse travel experiences and unique treasures.7 Koppies features a selection of five exquisitely designed suites each offering their own unique style and features, as well as the separate more exclusive ‘Rockwood Private Pool Cottage’, located just a short stroll down a scenic mountain path.
Montevue Nature Farm
Montevue Nature Farm is a beautiful escape hidden in Klein Karoo mountains, and surrounded by natural veld creating a serene environment perfect for relaxation. Montevue Nature Farm aims to provide a sense of complete seclusion in the heart of the Klein Karoo, and with two unique, eco-friendly units thoughtfully spaced out on the property, ensuring privacy and a deep connection with nature, they’ve certainly met that goal. Guests have the freedom to explore the vast 1050-hectare nature farm at their own pace, engaging in activities such as hiking, 4×4 driving, mountain biking, and climbing. It’s an opportunity to discover and appreciate this unique property as if it were your own, and while you may feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, the town is less than 15 minutes away.
Khanyisa Mountain Lodge
Khanyisa Mountain Lodge is a premier getaway destination located in the small town of Robertson. Tucked away in a picturesque natural setting, this five-star lodge provides luxurious accommodations that are both beautifully decorated and equipped with all the creature comforts. The main area of the lodge features six spacious en-suite bedrooms, each featuring a balcony, fireplace, and outdoor braai/barbecue, for a fuss-free, relaxing stay, as well as two cottages which are separate from the main area, each with wood-burning hot tubs. The dining room at the lodge can accommodate up to 50 guests for special events, while the terraced deck provides breathtaking views and access to a 25-meter swimming pool.
Tierhoek Organic Farm & Cottages
Tierhoek Organic Farm and Cottages is a beautiful self-catering retreat in the scenic Noree Valley in Robertson. Discover tranquillity and seclusion in the peaceful and majestic Langeberg Mountains, where a selection of private and view-drenched cottages await – each offering a picturesque base to escape to nature. Each of the five cottages at Tierhoek is attentively furnished and fully equipped with modern amenities for a fuss-free getaway with family or friends. With a private pool, spacious verandahs, indoor and outdoor living areas, full WiFi access, and awe-inspiring views, each cottage enables guests to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying peace, privacy, and the comforts of home.
Thuúla Hidden Haven
Behind the rolling fields of the Overberg and amongst an abundance of fynbos lies Thuúla Hidden Haven. Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Thuúla Hidden Haven is surrounded by internationally acclaimed wine farms and majestic mountains. Boasting a secluded setting, a wood-fired hot tub, walking trails, and an elegant interior, this property is designed to leave you feeling restored and inspired. The four-sleeper cottage offers a peaceful and secluded stay in nature, where you can experience breathtaking views from whichever spot you choose to relax. The decor and neutral tones further add to feelings of peace and calm, creating a soothing atmosphere throughout the property. Every detail of its design was carefully considered to provide you with an inviting and relaxing escape, surrounded by nature.
Wolwehoek Private Reserve
Experience the ultimate escape at the rugged yet exquisite Wolwehoek Private Reserve, just a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town in Montagu. It’s here where the beautiful Leopard’s Kloof Luxury Camp allows guests to immerse themselves in the owners’ passion for nature, blending classic comfort with rugged, untouched surrounds. Comprising just one luxury tent with no neighbours for miles, Leopard’s Kloof Luxury Tent is the perfect getaway option for those seeking an uninterrupted escape in the wild. The accommodation features a spacious lounge area with a Chesterfield sofa, a fully-equipped kitchen, king-sized bed, a view-drenched bathtub and an open-air shower, while outside, a wood-fired plunge pool and outdoor lounge with braai/barbecue facilities and a pizza oven await – an oasis set against the backdrop of untamed nature.
Boschendal Mountain Villa
Boschendal Mountain Villa is an exclusive Winelands retreat situated within the renowned Boschendal Estate near Franschhoek in the Western Cape, offering a gorgeous escape from busy city life in stunning surrounds. Luxury and comfort come first at the mountainside villa, where the beautiful surrounding environment has been effortlessly integrated with modern elegance and top amenities. Not to mention the views for days! The villa features six large bedrooms, accommodating up to 12 guests for an unforgettable getaway with friends and family. There’s also air conditioning for hot summer days, a fully equipped kitchen, two spacious lounges, and a view-drenched wrap-around terrace with a private pool.
Suidster
Suidster is a beautiful self-catering retreat located on the famous Route 62 between Montagu and Barrydale at the foot of the Langeberg mountains. There are only two solar-powered eco-cabins on the 110-hectare farm in the Klein Karoo, offering a sought-after sense of privacy in nature. The gracefully designed two-sleeper cottages, Poortjies and Dwarriega, feature an open-plan layout and are equipped with stylish furnishings, ensuring a comfortable blend of elegance and practicality. The setting surrounding the cottages is truly mesmerising, offering beautiful vistas in every direction. Whether you choose to explore the magnificent farm landscapes on one of the scenic trails, or prefer to unwind in the comfort of your own stylish cottage or the warmth of your wood-fired hot tub under the stars, you’re guaranteed a stay that will leave you with a sense of tranquillity.
Klein Hangklip
Discover the magic of Klein-Hangklip, an eco-cabin located just outside the seaside town of Rooi Els in the Western Cape. The two-bedroom home redefines sustainable luxury living and seamlessly combines modern comforts with eco-conscious design, featuring solar power and backup batteries for an eco-friendly stay in a beautiful coastal setting. With top-quality linen and fresh towels provided, Klein-Hangklip accommodates up to four guests, making it ideal for families or friends seeking an intimate getaway. What sets Klein-Hangklip apart is its spacious open-plan layout, where guests have full access to a modern kitchen, a cosy lounge with an indoor fireplace, and a dining area perfect for a self-catering retreat.
Solace Eco Cabins
Solace Eco Cabins, located in the magical Cederberg region and countryside escape of Rawsonville, has been created to provide guests with luxury and comfort while being surrounded by nature. From the bedroom, guests are treated to an uninterrupted view of the sweeping valley the farm is situated on. Inside the cabins, you’ll find a cosy indoor fireplace, ensuring your warmth and comfort during chilly weather. The interior opens up onto the spacious outdoor patio through large main doors, creating a spacious indoor-outdoor flow. Outside, guests are invited to kick back and relax with an evening barbeque and drinks by the firepit, or soak up the surrounds in the private wood-burning KolKol hot tub.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is an otherworldly nature escape situated against natural rock formations, offering a unique getaway for those seeking an uninterrupted stay in spectacular surrounds. Guests to Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve have the choice of choosing a self-catering, bed and breakfast, or full board experience while staying in a selection of immersive accommodation options – including the Cave Suites, Hut Suites, and even the two open-air Star and Sky Suites. Each unique lodging offers contemporary comfort while allowing guests to reconnect with nature, the perfect blend of which keeps visitors returning time and time again.
Leopard Valley Eco Retreat
Leopard Valley Eco Retreat is a scenic off-the-grid getaway located on a 1200-hectare farm halfway between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam in the Cederberg, only a two-hour drive from Cape Town. Guests at the retreat can choose from a variety of accommodations, including luxurious eco-cabins and cosy glamping tents, each designed to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. The eco-friendly and comfortable lodgings make guests feel right at home and are fully equipped with everything needed for a fuss-free getaway in nature including kitchens, indoor and outdoor living spaces, shaded patios, and wood-fired hot tubs.
Camp Canoe
Camp Canoe is situated on a beautiful peak of the Boschendal Wine Estate in the Cape Winelands town of Franschhoek. Camp Canoe is host to seven luxury tents on the edge of a private dam on the estate, each thoughtfully equipped to provide guests with a comfortable outdoor experience. When visiting Camp Canoe, guests are invited to revel in the stunning surrounds and embrace the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. All tents come complete with luxurious king-size beds, a spacious lounge area with a cosy fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchenette for self-catering. Outside, guests are treated to a gorgeous deck overlooking the valley, where a wood-fired hot tub, view-drenched patio seating and outdoor Weber braai await.
Kingfisher Cottages
Kingfisher Cottages in Montagu offers charming and comfortable self-catering accommodation among the scenic beauty of the Klein Karoo region. There is one stone cottage and three eco-cottages, each thoughtfully designed and equipped with everything needed for a relaxing stay – including cosy bedrooms, well-appointed bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchenette or kitchen allowing guests to prepare their own meals if desired. Outside, guests can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and unwind in their private hot tub, or on the shaded patio, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. The property also offers a communal swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip on warmer days.
Tulbagh Mountain Cabin
Tulbagh Mountain Cabin offers an authentic countryside experience in the Tulbagh Wine Valley, located in the Witzenberg Game Park at the foot of the Winterhoek Mountains. Tulbagh Mountain Cabin is a four-sleeper hideaway overlooking a winding river, towering peaks and a lush valley, featuring a cosy living area with an indoor fireplace, a fully-equipped kitchen and a twin bedroom on the ground floor, with a main en-suite on the private mezzanine level upstairs. As you step out onto the wrap-around wooden deck, the Witzenberg mountains and the fertile fynbos valley remain in view – offering the perfect setting for sundowners or a morning yoga session. For those who appreciate a good braai/barbecue, a designated area awaits adjacent to the cabin, while further down the path guests can relax in a hammock or outdoor bath alongside the river.
Tulbagh Mountain Bungalow
Tulbagh Mountain Bungalow offers a contemporary country escape in a view-drenched wooden cabin in the Tulbagh Wine Valley at the base of the Winterhoek Mountains. Sleeping up to four guests in two double rooms, Tulbagh Mountain Cabin is a perfect option for small families or groups of friends travelling together. The furnished open-plan lounge, spacious kitchen, and large dining area are well-appointed with all the necessary amenities, while each of the bedrooms and lounge feature large stacking doors that open onto a terrace – offering unobstructed vistas of the Winterhoek Mountains and the scenic fields below.
Leopard Mountain Lodge
Leopard Mountain Lodge is a scenic safari retreat on the 23,472-hectare Manyoni Private Game Reserve in the stunning province of KwaZulu Natal. The lodge prides itself on offering its guests one of the best, intimate and exclusive safari experiences in South Africa, overlooking the curving Msunduzi River to the far Lebombo Mountains, where Africa’s Great Rift Valley begins. Leopard Mountain Lodge features just nine luxury suites, each perched atop a hillside offering magnificent views and a homely atmosphere. Each suite features air-conditioning for warm summer days, while a private wooden deck with a plunge pool, hammock, outdoor shower and spacious relaxation areas create the perfect base for soaking up the surrounds. There’s also a bar and dining room in the main lodge area for sundowners and delicious meals.
Three Tree Hill
Three Tree Hill is a view-drenched lodge situated on the rolling foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range in KwaZulu Natal. Located above the scenic Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, and encircled by the site of a well-known Anglo-Boer War battle, Three Tree Hill offers a luxurious retreat immersed in ancient history and gorgeous natural wonder. The lodge features a wonderful homely and intimate ambience with just three two-bedroom ed family cottages, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills, and six double cottages suitable for couples or single travellers. Guests are also invited to enjoy delicious meals in the main dining room, sip sundowners at the bar, savour local wines in the wine cellar, relax in the main lounge area and enjoy dips in the large swimming pool.
Escape to the most beautiful parts of South Africa when you book an immersive mountain retreat with Conservio.
