‘Off-the-grid’ Getaways To Help You Avoid Load-Shedding

As we reach the end of the year, many of us are longing to get away and unwind from what was a big 2022. Whether you’re looking for a riverside lodge to watch the world go by, or a farmhouse in the mountains to escape with your family, we’ve uncovered the best remote Airbnbs for an off-the-grid getaway in South Africa that can also help you avoid the current load-shedding crisis.

Time to pack your bags, turn your phones off and add a bit of the great unknown to your trip away these holidays.

Tugela River Lodge: Kingfisher Cottage

Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal

If your idea of slowing down and connecting with nature is observing giraffes from your kitchen window, then you’ll be right at home in this cosy 4-sleeper. Located on the bank of the Tugela River and with spectacular views of the Spioenkop Mountain, this off-the-grid getaway is equally suitable for a night, a weekend; or why not stay for a week? The cottage was built with sustainable materials sourced in the area, including a derelict farm shed, and is 100% solar-powered.

Mountain Lodge on a working farm 

Luckof, Free State

Calling all mountain bikers, hikers, bird watchers, stargazers and nature photographers. This lodge, at the foot of the majestic Joostenberg mountains, is the ideal base from which to enjoy your outdoor hobbies. Uniquely beautiful in its simplicity, the lodge is situated in the middle of a working farm, though you’re guaranteed silence and privacy. Everything inside runs on solar power and the water is freshly pumped from an aquifer. What’s more, it’s one of only a few places in the area with a pool for those hot Free State summer days. 

Poortjies at Suidster

Montagu, Western Cape 

Privacy, peace, quiet and blue skies as far as you can see is the order of the day at this cottage – situated along the famous R62 route between Montagu and Barrydale. While 100% off-the-grid, the space boasts all the modern amenities you need for a memorable stay. Experiencing the night sky from the vantage point of a wood-fired hot tub is a must when you’re here. 

Felicita Country Lodge

Stanford, Western Cape

The Italian translation of the name of this lodge says it all – ‘happiness, satisfaction and bliss’. – that’s exactly what you’ll experience here. The surrounding fynbos are a particular treat, and the sunrises are worth waking at the crack of dawn for.  Felicita is a self-sustaining eco-friendly operation and is fully reliant on gas and solar power. 

There are many more off-the-grid homes listed on Airbnb – find the one that best meets your needs. Or if you’re after an off the grid stay elsewhere in the world, check out Airbnb Categories.