When winter comes around, most of us go into hiding and waste three months under the covers. The cold weather doesn’t allow us to skip our 9-to-5’s though and our mental health still requires a weekend away every now and then. Embrace the winter breeze until the warm weather comes around again, with these five classically Capetonian weekend getaways.
KLONDYKE FARM
A two-hour drive from Cape Town, the Klondyke Farm is a working fruit farm in the Koue Bokkeveld on the outskirts of the Ceres Valley. Winters on Klondyke, specifically July to September, get colder than cold and are often decorated with white winter snow. Cosy up in one of the farms three self-catering cottages or rough it up on their campsite and enjoy a snowy getaway. Build snowmen, have a snowball fight or watch the winter snow fall with a cup of hot chocolate through the window from the inside of your cottage.
OF NOTE
When Klondyke is open year round, the snow falling season is usually July til September
Where Klondyke Cherry Farm, Ceres. Klondyke’s website provides detailed directions here.
Cost R590 – R3350, depending on room and length of stay.
Contact +27 87 550 0232, [email protected]
MATROOSBERG
Not much further than Klondyke Farm, Matroosberg offers an exquisite in-mountain camping. The Ski Hut, in particular, offers scenic views of greenery and the mountain, while also being a warm spot tucked away in the mountains with a fireplace and fully equipped kitchen. Warm up by taking part in the activities on offer like trail running or ‘ice climbing’ – which is available in their colder winter months when there is ice on the mountain, and only recommended to professional climbers.
OF NOTE
When Any day of the week, no single night bookings over weekends
Where Matroosberg, Wellington. The Matroosberg website provides detailed directions here.
Cost R121 per person per night, breakage deposit of R250
Contact +27 23 312 2282, [email protected]
MOUNTAIN MIST BETTY’S BAY
Just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Mountain Mist holiday house is a cosy six-sleeper nestled right in the Kogelberg mountains for a winter weekend getaway. With panoramic views and modern amenities such as a washing machine, DSTV and a fully equipped kitchen, it’ll feel like your mountain hom- away-from-home. Cosy up to the fireplace and enjoy the picturesque mountain views.
OF NOTE
When Year-round
Where Betty’s Bay, Western Cape. Get directions here.
Cost From R1 750 per night for the house (sleeps six)
Contact +27 76 126 6912, [email protected]
ARUMVALE COUNTRY LODGE
If you’re in the mood for a slightly more rustic getaway, the Arumvale Country Lodge’s ‘Rustic Cottage’ in Swellendam, boasting the best view of Swellendam’s Hermitage Valley, is the place to go. With double doors at the foot of the bed opening out to yards of greenery on a crisp winter morning and a two-plate gas stove, the quaint cottage makes for the perfect getaway spot for two. If you’re needing a bit more room, the two-storey Anneline suite, fit with a mezzanine bedroom, terrace and even more views, offers space for four.
OF NOTE
When Year-round
Where Bethel Street, Hermitage Valley, Swellendam. Arumvale provides detailed directions here.
Cost Garden Cottage,R800, self-catering suites R900 and luxury suites R1 000 a night for two people sharing.
Contact +27 28 514 3545
ALOE RIDGE
If private pool decks, open-plan living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows sound more like your idea of a getaway, then take a trip to Aloe Ridge near Swellendam. Think en-suite bedrooms, large cupboards, walk-in indoor showers, comfy beds and an elegant, modern atmosphere. Resting on a ridge overlooking the Breede River, Aloe Ridge offers a stunning view of African nature in the fine and modern luxury of contemporary interior and design. The built-in braai will keep you warm on the patio as you watch the sun go down, with a mug of hot Irish coffee in hand and the serenity of the Breede River bush.
OF NOTE
When Year-round
Where Breede River, Swellendam.
Cost From R895 to R1 850, four-sleeper house per night
Contact +27 87 354 0578, [email protected]
Photography Courtesy