Now that the votes are counted, you deserve a break!

We are currently living in a lala-land of electricity supply. Whether Eskom is finally getting their act together, or it’s simply that enough homes and businesses have gone the solar route to lighten the load and reduce the shedding, we have had uninterrupted loadshedding for the longest stretch of time since the pandemic!

While this may sound like an improvement, there is also the risk that this is all due to the national elections on the 29^th of May, and we’ll be woken up on the 30^th by the notifications pinging through that dark days are back again…

Either way, we like to stay positive.

Whether the lights stay on or not after we have voted, we think we deserve a break. A bit of a post-election escape… and what better way to treat yourself than to head to the mountains?

The Drakensberge in the north of the country and the Cederberge down south, both offer wonderful budget or lux escape options. Simply pick your favourite.

Drakensberg

Arguably our most well-known (and well developed) mountainous holiday destination, a winter trip to the majestic Drakensberg remains a great escape for young and old.

Budget friendly

White Mountain Backpackers are the ideal hidey hole if you are an avid hiker and you just want a comfortable spot to take off your boots after trekking through the mountains all day long. Nestled in the foothills of Giants Castle, this is the perfect family destination.

Break the bank.

If you have cash to burn and you love the high-end life with 5 star treatments and amenities, Hartford House Boutique Hotel is the place for you. You can enjoy a six-course tasting menu at the restaurant, treat yourself to spa treatments and take a stroll through the award winning gardens… All with breathtaking mountain views into the Drakensberg valleys in the hidden heart of the KZN midlands, and perfectly situated for daytrips into the mountains

Cederberg

These mountains are the hidden gem of south African rock climbing and hiking destinations. Offering a perfect escape from the rat race just a couple of hours north of Cape Town, you can explore these ancient mountains and find a bit of our pre-historic history along the way.

Budget friendly.

You can book yourself into the Cederberg Backpackers Oasis and head into the mountains to find your peace. From here you can find your way onto the hiking trails, head to some of the best open air rock climbing in the country or simply explore caves and rock-art sites that leave you in awe of how far humans have come in the past 10 000 years.

Break the bank.

Bushmans Kloof offers an utterly unique wilderness escape in South Africa. This family-owned lodge and ecological oasis is set within a 7500-hectare private reserve. It offers five-star luxury accommodation and inspired South African cuisine. You can spend your days discovering the wide-open plains, awe-inspiring wildlife and pristine mountain landscapes. With unique access to more than 130 ancient rock art sites, some dating back as far as 10,000 years, and the opportunity to discover the region’s ancient San culture in the company of our experienced local guides, a stay here will be an escape as well as and education.

We know that these are just two of our country’s amazing mountain ranges, but with their close(ish) proximity to a couple of major population hubs, it does mean that anyone can go to the mountains…

If you leave now, you can wake up in the mountains tomorrow morning…