5 Western Cape weekend getaways that scream Road-trip!

By Ané Theron

 

Need to escape Cape Town's congestion? Had enough of your neighbours' loud partying in your small city-bowl apartment block? Here are five escapes we discovered that will nourish your traffic-weary soul, and the cars that got us there.

1 Botriver: Kolkol Mountain Lodge

Hidden away on the Van der Stel Pass, just an hour from Cape Town, you will find a spot so tranquil and scenic you will want to make it your home. Kolkol offers beautifully appointed Canadian style log cabins, each with their own private wood-fired hot tub on the stoep. Enjoy a glass of wine while you soak your troubles away and drink in the sweeping views of the Babylonstoren Mountains and *various different types* of Fynbos. Self-catering. Rates from R 1 980 for 2 guests / R 1 680 mid-week (2 nights or more). It's nearly springtime so this is the ideal time to visit!

The car that took us there: The Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4x2 Black Limited Edition (2017 - currently only available as a used model). The Van der Stel Pass is a combination of dirt and gravel, but can accommodate most vehicles. You may need a teensy bit of ground clearance to access KolKol, but you should be fine as long as you don't bring your low-slung coupé with low-profile tyres.

2 De Rust: The Travelling Tortoise

If a rustic, wooden cabin on top of a hill with an indoor fireplace and majestic mountain views from every windows sounds like your type of thing, you are in for a treat at The Travelling tortoise. Our cabin of choice goes by the name of Die Padloper, and it's the most secluded of them all. My top romantic getaway of 2018 thus far! Rates from R220 per person per night (May to Sept 2018).

The car that took us there: The Isuzu KB 300 D-Teq double cab 4x4 LX (R 580 100). To reach Die Padloper you'll need plenty of ground clearance, but not necessarily a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Read our review of the Isuzu here.

3 Uniondale/Knysna/George area: Outeniqua Trout Lodge

Go off the radar and completely off-grid at Outeniqua Trout Lodge - you can book into a charming cabin that overlooks the valley or even go glamping in one of the Tipi Tents, if your budget is restricted. After a spectacular sunset, the view of the night sky will blow you away. Sip on a whisky in front of the indoor ceramic fireplace while you reconnect with your soul, or your significant other. From R690 per person per night, depending on the season.

The car that took us there: The Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Smart (R 444 995). While the scenic Prince Alfred Pass can sometimes be in poor condition after heavy rains, any car can access it. The Soul was fitted with low-profile tyres, yet it made light work of the pass, but we weren't in a hurry. The Soul is remarkably spacious despite looking very compact, especially regarding rear-passenger legroom. Click here for our review.

4 McGregor: Boesmanskloof/Die Galg

A few kilometres outside McGregor, you will find Boesmanskloof/Die Galg. Yes, more wooden cabins await, with scenic views from every angle. The chalets are spacious and can accommodate families of up to seven members, as there are more beds upstairs, and prices are very reasonable. Go on a spectacular day hike to swim in the rock pools below, or for those who aren't overly fond of exercise, there is a pool with a view to die for, just a short stroll away. In winter, you can expect a flurry of snow which turns the area into a postcard-pretty winter wonderland. McGregor itself is a picturesque little town for the artistically-minded.

The car that took us there: Another Toyota Hilux, this time, the excellent double cab 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider 6MT (R482 200) You can read our review here:

5 Witsand: Kaiha (self-catering)

If you feel the need to be very close to the beach but you are strapped for cash, consider a charming little house by the name of Kaiha in the beautiful sea-side town of Witsand, just off the N2 near Heidelberg. This is the perfect family getaway - the house is situated a mere 50 metres from the beach and it's situated in an area which safe enough for the kids to ride their bikes or go shell-collecting. There's a play park nearby and the tidal pool is a short walk away. Rates are very reasonable: From R890 for four people per night - also enquire about discount for longer stays.

The car that took us there: The Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 CRDe Double Cab S10 4x4 (R357 995). The engine is good but it's not my first choice of bakkies - the build quality is disappointing. In this segment I'd recommend a Nissan NP 300 Hardbody 2.4 double cab 4x4 (petrol) instead, but it is quite a bit pricier at R430 900! May we suggest a used Isuzu double cab? However: ANY car can make it to Witsand, even that coupé I mentioned earlier. Read our review of the Mahindra bakkie here: