Five tech-free getaways for couples
Do you and your partner need a break from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle? These local destinations will help you unplug!
Technology has helped make our lives a whole lot easier, but every now and again we need a break from constantly staring at our phones to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Tech’s ability to keep us connected almost all the time can also defeat the main purpose of travel: to get away from it all.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, we’ve rounded up five idyllic South African destinations that are the perfect opportunity to go “tech-free” while you recharge and reconnect with each other – and yourself.
1. Mjejane Bush Camp, Kruger National Park
Fenced within the southern border of the Kruger National Park, Mjejane Bush Camp gives you a game viewing experience in South Africa’s largest and most authentic game reserve – without skimping on creature comforts. Accommodation options range from their luxurious four-bedroom River Lodges with views of the Crocodile River, to smaller Bush Lodges overlooking two waterholes, to the secluded Park Lodges that are the perfect self-contained units with their own plunge pool, outdoor shower, and braai area. Switch off your device and soak up the sound of a fish eagle crying out, or glimpse herds of buffalo grazing from the comfort of your deck.
More info: www.dreamresorts.co.za.
2. Mtentu Lodge, Wild Coast
Nestled on South Africa’s untouched Wild Coast, Mtentu Lodge is an eco-lodge surrounded by beaches, waterfalls, and even a turtle-filled estuary at the adjacent Mkambati game reserve. It’s perfect for an active outdoor holiday: canoe up the estuary under waterfalls, go horse riding along the beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, walk the dramatic hiking trails, or simply relax at the lodge and soak up the views. Accommodation options include two-bedroom thatched cabins, safari tents or an informal campsite if you have your own gear. You’re an hour and a half from any nearby civilisation, and the entire camp runs on gas and solar power, so a staying here really is about getting entirely off the grid. To help you make it a reality, the Sanlam Reality rewards programme that’s available to Fedhealth members, offers a range of travel benefits that you can use before, during or after your trip – including discounts on flights, car hire, airport transfers, and more which helps if you’re travelling to the Wild Coast from around SA.
More info: http://mtentulodge.co.za
3. Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
Only a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, Elandskloof feels worlds away from the big city. Located just outside Dullstroom, it’s South Africa’s oldest trout farm, featuring pristine grasslands, ancient trees, beautiful streams, and multiple dams for trout fishing enthusiasts. The farm offers various rustic self-catering options, many with beautiful views overlooking the dam. There is absolutely no cellphone coverage at the cottages (which are about a 3km drive from reception), making for a great opportunity to truly unplug.
More info: http://www.elandskloof.co.za/
4. Tanqua Karoo National Park, Karoo
Nature is front and centre in the vast Tanqua Karoo National Park, whether you’re going on a self-drive game viewing expedition, birdwatching at scenic viewpoints, or stargazing at night – with little to no cellphone reception for miles around. The entrance to the park is 120km from Sutherland, which is about a four-hour drive from Cape Town. But the journey is well worth it when you experience the sense of space and peace that envelops you. The park offers accommodation options to suit every budget, including luxury lodges, self-catering cottages, and campsites.
More info: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/tankwa/
5. Copia Eco Cabins, Botrivier
With limited cellphone reception on the farm and no WiFi in the cabins, Copia Eco Cabins are the perfect escape, with nothing but huge skies and mountainous valleys surrounding you. Located on Keisseskraal Farm just outside Botrivier in the Western Cape, the three cabins are all upcycled shipping containers that have been converted into contemporary self-catering eco-cabins. Each cabin sleeps two people, and contains a King-sized bed, a kitchen, shower, outdoor deck, and hot tub, and a cosy indoor fireplace for the colder months.
More info: https://www.copiaecocabins.co.za
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