5 off-grid getaways in the Western Cape: easy to get to, comfort included
- In-house writer
Tourism adds billions to the Western Cape economy annually (in 2023, the figure of gross value added amounted to R28.6 billion). Accommodation contributes substantially to that, and much of that is concentrated in Cape Town, within 15 minutes of an espresso with the right kind of crema and a croissant to wash it down.
Not everyone wants a city stay, though. In fact, increasingly travellers are looking to get away from the buzz (including from incessant electronics).
‘Off-grid’ has become a bit of a marketing term — it could cover anything from a solar panel on a boutique hotel roof to an entirely self-sufficient stay with a donkey boiler to heat up the water.
These five Western Cape getaways belong to the second category. They’re not performing sustainability, they fundamentally believe in it. And they’re located far from the crowds, which is entirely the point.
Each cottage is set apart and arranged for premium views IMAGE Travelosophy
1. Oudrif, Cederberg: The benchmark for off-grid
If you want to understand what a proper off-grid retreat looks like, Oudrif is the reference point. Five straw-bale cottages are situated on the edge of a ridge above the Doring River. It’s roughly 50km from Clanwilliam, in the northern foothills of the Cederberg.
There is no cell-phone signal. No Wi-Fi. No electricity grid. Solar panels handle the lights, the fridges, and the river pump, and that’s where the modern infrastructure ends.
The five cottages, each sleeping two, have an uneven, hewn quality that feels entirely appropriate on this landscape. There are no plugs in the rooms, no outside lights.
The stay is fully catered: all meals, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, are served in a central building and guests share dinner and breakfast together around a long table. Guided walks introduce guests to the local plants, animals, and history of the Cederberg.
Why it works as an off-grid stay Oudrif doesn’t use off-grid living as a selling point, it’s merely integral to the owners’ approach to life. The remoteness is part of the point. Guests come to hear nothing but the river and to sleep under some of the darkest skies in the Western Cape.
Who it’s for The Couples, small groups, anyone who needs to genuinely disconnect. Maximum 10 guests at any one time.
Where Cederberg, near Clanwilliam. Read the full review here.
The views are unparalleled, as is the natural soundtrack IMAGE Courtesy Cape Mountain Getaway
2.Cape Mountain Getaway, Cape Point: Remote but just a short drive from the city
Cape Mountain Getaway is close to Miller’s Point, Cape Town. There are two accommodation options—a tiny eco-cabin with outdoor areas and a communal house; a second eco-cabin is due to come online later this year.
Owned and run by Joel Bolnick, the land has been, and continues to be, rewilded: 34 hectares of invasive alien vegetation have been cleared over years of active work, with fynbos returning in their place. There are paths up the mountain, and views stretching toward the Hottentots-Holland Mountains.
The off-grid credentials are thorough: solar panels handle all power, LED lighting draws nothing from any municipal system, and gas handles cooking and hot water on occasion.
Why it works as an off-grid stay Sustainability is at the core of everything Joel Bolnick does. Plus, it feels remote, but is close to the city.
Who it’s for Solo travellers or couples seeking a slow, purposeful stay near Cape Town with genuine conservation value. Families and groups will enjoy the main house.
Where Near Cape Point, Cape Town. Read the full review here.
Waking up with these views and sounds is enough to kickstart any digital detox IMAGE Dave Southwood
3. Oudebosch Eco-cabins, Kogelberg Nature Reserve: In the heart of the Cape floral kingdom
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom — one of only six floral kingdoms on Earth. The Oudebosch Eco-Cabins, managed by CapeNature, are positioned in the Palmiet River valley at the foot of the reserve’s mountains, roughly 90 minutes from Cape Town.
The Kogelberg is remote enough to feel like a genuine escape, but accessible enough for a long weekend. There are six timber cabins in total. Solar geysers heat the water, and composting toilets reduce both water usage and environmental footprint. The cabins are self-catering and well-equipped; the setting does the rest.
Why it works as an off-grid stay The conservation context — you’re sleeping inside an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot.
Who it’s for Hikers, botanists, families, and anyone who wants to sleep inside one of the planet’s most remarkable floral ecosystems. Book well in advance — these cabins are consistently full.
Where Kogelberg Nature Reserve, near Betty’s Bay. Read the full review here.
There’s wildlife on the section of farm that’s been rewilded IMAGE Garrreth Bird
4. Wagenpad, Piketberg: Dog-friendly farm stay that families and groups will love
Wagenpad is on the border of the Sandveld and the Swartland, about 90 minutes north of Cape Town. It’s a working family farm, and the accommodation feels like it: unpretentious, but well-considered, and architecturally authentic in its landscape. A dam, wide-open views, and the particular quiet of the Western Cape interior are what you come for.
The farm is dog-friendly and family-friendly. Wildlife on the property includes Cape Mountain zebra, springbok, and bontebok. Five of the six houses are completely off-grid.
Why it works as an off-grid stay Wagenpad operates with the sensibility of a farm but with sustainability ethos. Part of the land is being rewilded, aliens have been removed and, once there, guests are not allowed to drive on the property – so it’s amazingly quiet.
Who it’s for Families and groups, dog-lovers, anyone who wants a heritage Western Cape farm experience without fuss.
Where Piketberg, about 90 minutes from Cape Town. Read the full review here.
There are beautifu outdoor, communal dining areas IMAGE Hannah Creatives
5. GlenDonald Cottage, Ceres: Comfort at the headwaters of the Olifants River
GlenDonald Cottage is set over the Olifants River Gorge, near Ceres. The Cape Floral Kingdom surrounds the property; the Winterhoek Mountains rise behind it.
This is prime biodiversity territory (CapeNature is a partner) and the river is clean and clear. It’s glorious for swimming and tubing.
The cottage is solar-powered but for gas cookers and heaters. It sleeps up to 13 guests, making it the group option on this list. Late-afternoon river floats are a fixture of a stay here; plus there’s kloofing, hiking, fishing and, of course, birding.
It’s self-catering; the outdoor living areas are built around the landscape.
Why it works as an off-grid stay It might be off-grid, but it doesn’t compromise on comfort. It’s the Western Cape retreat for people who don’t want to compromise but also want to preserve resources.
Who it’s for Groups, families, people who want a river base for an active Cederberg-area trip.
Where Close to Ceres. Read the full review here.