Great escapes: Lie low at these dreamy lodges around the country

Here’s our pick of choice spots where you can catch up with yourself without being surrounded by too many other people.

Escape 1: Ikwanitsha Lodge, Eastern Cape

Paterson, total population about 5,000, may be not be high on travellers’ radars, but this tranquil lodge is definitely worth the visit.

Enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the river and mountains, and watch the game including various antelope, zebras and ostriches roaming around. There are only four chalets on the entire game farm. Should you wish to enjoy an outing beyond the lodge, Addo Elephant National Park is close by. 

What to look forward to: Amazing views over the Bushman’s River.

Read more here and translate to English.

Escape 2: Luxury Tree Houses at Nehema Manor, North West

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and visit Hartebeespoort’s hidden gem. The manor has four tree houses to choose from, each with a view of the bushveld treetops. The treehouses have outdoor showers and well-fitted kitchens, to highlight a few features.

The manor is well positioned, allowing visitors to easily access attractions the town has to offer. Guests are able to swim at the lodge, and have easy access to hiking and cycling trails in the area.

What to look forward to: Spa facilities and lush grounds from which to take in the sunsets.

Read more here.

Escape 3: Eco Karoo Lodge, Free State

Situated at the foot of the Joostenberg mountains in the most northern part of the Great Karoo is this 100% off-the-grid lodge awaiting your presence. The 6m infinity pool looks out across the Karoo plains and the unpolluted country air means the farm provides a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

There are only three eco-suites, each with an outdoor shower, patio and fireplace for colder evenings. According to their website, game can be seen roaming around the lodge, including kudu, waterbuck, blesbok, oryx and steenbok, and smaller species including warthog.

What to look forward to: Facilities such as the deck pool and braai, and boma for stargazing.

Read more here.

Escape 4: Hluhluwe River Lodge, Kwazulu Natal 

It’s intimate, serene and overlooks pristine Lake St Lucia. There are eight rustic river lodges here, from an intimate honeymoon suite to family chalets.

Activities on offer at the lodge include a 2km forest walking trail, birding and mountain biking. According to the lodge’s website, “the chalets are spread about the forested garden environment and within the forest canopy, affording a cool and relaxing atmosphere at all times”.

What to look forward to: Bird-watching around the lodge.

Read more here.