Disconnect to reconnect: Five off-the-grid romantic getaways in South Africa
Wander away from the crowd and let the world fade into the background
Image: Freepik
February is the month where love takes centre stage and Valentine’s Day sits just around the corner.
While traditional dates are lovely, the most profound way to spark a flame is often to blow out the digital noise.
Trading notifications for nature and screen time for stargazing allows couples to truly rediscover one another.
South Africa offers spectacular sanctuaries designed for those who want to wander away from the crowd and let the world fade into the background.
Kagga Kamma Eco Loft
Cederberg, Western Cape
Nestled against the dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg, Kagga Kamma offers a prehistoric sense of romance. The Eco Lofts are designed to blend seamlessly into the fynbos plains and provide a low-impact way to experience the rugged beauty of the Karoo.
These units offer massive windows that frame the red sandstone landscape, ensuring you feel connected to the earth while enjoying modern comforts. The primary draw for a romantic stay is the outdoor bathtub, where you can soak under the vast desert sky as the sun dips below the horizon.
Dumbe Chalets
Northern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Perched on the edge of the Retief Pass, Dumbe is the definition of quiet luxury. These chalets are reserved strictly for couples to ensure the only sounds you hear are the mountain breezes. With no televisions and a focus on solar power, the environment encourages you to turn off your phone and look at the view.
Each sandstone chalet is spaced far apart for total privacy and features a wood-burning stove for chilly mountain evenings. It is a place where you can spend hours on the sundeck watching the clouds drift through the valley below.
Dumbe Chalets.
Image: Facebook
Teniqua Treetops
Outeniqua Mountains, Garden Route
Teniqua Treetops offers a luxury childhood dream elevated into the canopy of the indigenous Knysna forest. These treetop suites feature tented bedrooms and handcrafted platforms built carefully around the ancient trees.
The design focuses on an immersive forest experience where you can listen to the calls of the Knysna Turaco from your bed. The bathrooms are a highlight as they feature large tubs that look directly into the greenery. It is a refreshing and secluded escape where the sounds of the forest replace the hum of city life.
Teniqua Treetops.
Image: Instagram
Kolkol Cabins
Bot River, Western Cape
Located in the fynbos-covered mountains of the Overberg, Kolkol is famous for its hand-built log cabins and secluded pods. This destination is a masterclass in slow living where each cabin is independent and designed for total self-sufficiency.
You can spend your afternoon heating the private wood-fired hot tub on your deck or cooking a homemade meal in the outdoor oven. The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, making it one of the most sought-after spots for couples who want to shut out the rest of the world and focus entirely on each other.
Highlands Mountain Retreat
Golden Gate National Park, Free State
At 2,200 meters above sea level, this is the highest camp in South Africa and offers a literal escape from the world below. The wooden cabins are tucked directly into the mountainside to provide shelter from the wind and panoramic views of the golden sandstone cliffs.
Because of the altitude, the air is crisp and clear, making the morning mist over the Maluti Mountains look like a painting. It is a silent and soul-stirring retreat where you can wrap up in a blanket by the fireplace and enjoy the true peace of the highlands.
Highlands Mountain Retreat.
Image: SANPark