Coastal cities, historical towns and mountain retreats, the Eastern Cape has it all. And you can experience any one of them, even on a tight budget. Just check into one of these great pocket-friendly hotspots.
Storms River Guest Lodge
28 Gammasi Street, Storms River
While a stylish indoor atmosphere might entice you to this retreat, it’d be worthwhile to explore what’s outside as well. Nearby establishments include the Oudebosch Farmstall, Fynboshoek Cheese Farm, Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery and a diverse collection of eateries. If you’re keen on some thrills, check out the area’s nature walks and canopy tours, the famous Storms River Bridge, the Plaatbos Cycle Route, and other activities on offer in Tsitsikamma National Park.
From R615 pp pn for two people sharing
042 281 1703
stormsriverguestlodge.co.za
Benmore Lodge
Benmore Farm, Kei Mouth
Benmore Lodge boasts beautiful views of a verdant landscape, several holiday-friendly facilities and its own eatery, The Shed. It’s also near a variety of opportunities for both leisure and adventure in and around Kei Mouth. These include teeing off at the Kei Mouth Country Club, saddling up with the folks at Wild Coast Horse Riding Adventures or catching some rays at the beach.
From R650 per unit pn
084 767 2311/043 841 1550
benmorelodge.co.za
Jeffrey’s Bay Beach House
22 Akasia Street, Jeffreys Bay
Simply kicking back on the balmy Eastern Cape shoreline might seem reason enough to stay at Jeffrey’s Bay Beach House, but there’s plenty more on offer in the little coastal town itself. We’d highly recommend dining at the beachfront eatery, De Viswijf or, further inland, Wild Fig Farm Restaurant. At Dolphin Beach Entertainment there’s a great deal of fun to be had for kiddies, and for nature lovers, Pabala Nature Reserve is perfect for a hike or a game drive.
Backpackers’ room at R600 pp pn; 2-sleeper units at R600 pp pn sharing; 4-sleeper family room at R1 400 pn
042 296 0875/2950
jeffreysbaybeachhouse.co.za
KarooRus
93 Middel Street, Graaff-Reinet
KarooRus is a rustic self-catering establishment based within the beautiful historic Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet. Dotted all over the town are museums, galleries, monuments and memorials, each offering up a slice of the Eastern Cape’s historical, artistic, architectural, literary and military significance. Outside town, you’ll encounter natural splendour and beautiful rock pillars in the Camdeboo National Park.
From R450-R480 pp pn for two people
082 737 6510
karoorus.co.za
The White Rose Guest House
11 Dundas Street, Cradock
Cradock is not only home to the lovely, snug, family-owned White Rose Guest House, it’s also the location of Schreiner House Museum, where beloved local novelist Olive Schreiner once resided. Also, check out Sanctuary Guest and Adventure Farm, where you can challenge yourself to some epic kayaking, mountain biking and obstacle courses; and Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor, where traditional Karoo cuisine and spa treatments are on offer.
From R530 pp pn for two people
048 881 1450/082 499 5281
thewhiteroseguesthouse.co.za
For the full article on pocket-friendly hotspots, grab your October issue of Escapes.
