Cape Country Routes: Independent Stays from Coast to Karoo
We all know Cape Town’s inner circle is under pressure. With the steady influx of tourists, prices have skyrocketed in some parts of the city – and honestly, locals are starting to get left behind. But the good news? There’s a way to rediscover the beauty of the Cape and support owner-run gems that truly appreciate your business. Welcome: Cape Country Routes (CCR).
CCR is a proudly South African collection of charming, owner-operated accommodation and activity spots – spread out along the Western and Eastern Cape’s most scenic routes. Think: weekend getaways that feel like proper escapes, without the queues, but with the charm.
Where You’ll Find Them
From coastal havens to mountain retreats, CCR’s map is dotted with locations that locals often overlook in favour of more “well-known” spots. But trust me—these are the kinds of places that make you fall in love with the Cape all over again.
- Agulhas Country Lodge – Perched above where two oceans meet. Big skies, salty air, and quiet coastal charm.
- Arniston Spa Hotel – A seaside classic with whitewashed beauty and tidal pools just steps away.
- Cascade Country Manor – A tranquil escape in the olive valley of Paarl, with its own waterfall and a spa.
- D’Olyfboom – Boutique luxury tucked into the Paarl winelands, ideal for travellers who love a slower pace.
- De Hoop Collection – Fynbos, dunes, and whales! Made for nature lovers and romantic getaways.
- Eendracht Hotel & Apartments – In the heart of Stellenbosch, perfect for wine tastings by day and slow strolls by night.
- Evergreen Manor & Spa – An elegant Victorian home in Stellenbosch, with old-school service and modern comforts.
- Montagu Country Hotel – South Africa’s only fully restored Art Deco hotel. Quirky, nostalgic, in the heart of Route 62.
- Hippo Boutique Hotel – Chic and central in Cape Town, with Table Mountain views and easy access to the city’s buzz.
- New Holme Karoo Guest Farm – Soulful Karoo stay on the banks of the Seekoei River.
- South Hill Vineyards – Wine farm stays in the Elgin Valley with vineyard views.
- Supertubes Guest House – Prime position in Jeffreys Bay, overlooking the iconic waves. Surf, sleep, repeat.
- The Lofts Boutique Hotel – Industrial-cool meets luxury on Thesen Island in Knysna with gorgeous Lagoon views.
- Rogge Cloof – A remote retreat near Sutherland where stars light the sky, fossils line the earth, and wildlife roams freely.
- Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve – Luxury lodge deep in the Swartberg mountains surrounded by wildlife.
- Zuurberg Mountain Village – A historic mountain-top retreat just outside Addo, with wraparound views.
Every spot on the Cape Country Routes list is independently owned. These aren’t big chains; they’re places where the people who check you in might also serve you dinner, pour you a glass of wine, and share their favourite local stories. That’s the kind of travel that sticks with you.
By choosing to stay with them, you’re helping keep small towns alive and thriving. You’re investing in South Africans who pour their heart into hospitality. If you’re craving something different—somewhere with character, history, and a sense of place—this is your sign to hop in the car and look beyond the city limits. Cape Country Routes isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it is the kind of experience that feels personal, thoughtfully curated, and deeply South African.
