A magical getaway in the mountains of South Africa: Onverwacht Cottages, Greyton/McGregor
Getting a bunch of questions about this (FOR OBVIOUS REASONS) so just drafting up a quick post about my INCREDIBLE WEEKEND GETAWAY WITH THE BEST HUMANS!!!
We went to the Onverwacht Cottages located in the Riviersonderend Mountains between Greyton and McGregor, about a 120 km/2.5 hour drive from Cape Town — we rented a car and it was super easy, less than 1000 rand for 3 days.
It was one of the most breathtaking and peaceful places I have ever ever been, and I am not just saying that.
The best part was how it came about, and, like most travel experiences, the people. A group of six of us all met at Atlantic Point Backpackers (the best hostel in Cape Town, mainly because of people like this) — our adventure was organized by Manar and Mahmoud, a Palestinian couple (and the coolest trendiest couple I know), and the rest of our crew consisted of Evie from the UK, Charles from Belgium, and Javi from Spain. Just a random ass “community of weirdos” who brought nothin’ but good vibes and a sense of adventure. We had the best time, I haven’t really been a part of a travel group and getaway like that that just felt so… perfect.
The cottages are located facing an intense mountain range, my first impression was that my eyes could not comprehend what was in front of me. Like I had no sense of depth or if it was even real. Pics do NOT do it justice. Our little cottage was sooo cute, only 200 R (less than $20 CAD) per person for a night, so cozy equipped with all the dishes, cozy bedding, and cliche but endearing inspirational quotes you could ask for. It gets v windy so pack warm clothes, but the blankets will have you covered either way!
The property was decked out with rustic industrial vibes like a random tire and swings and benches. It just felt very remote and effortlessly Instagrammable to me lol. The pool was unreal, just a concrete rectangle in the middle of nothing, looking out onto an insane view.
We did the 12km (6 one-way) hike on the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail to the most majestic waterfall oasis. It was a p gruelling hike, alongside the cliff which was QUITE steep at points, but absolutely stunning as we weaved through the mountains. The hike took us about 2 hours there, we frolicked for 1 hour at the waterfall, then 2 hours back. It was so magical to be at that waterfall all by ourselves (we only passed 2 other groups on their way back the entire hike) — we jumped right in, soaked in the sun on the rocks, Evie and Javi went exploring in the rock pools. I don’t know where else you can have an oasis like that to yourselves but like I will tell you it’s not Bali.
Back at the cottage, Mahmoud SPOILED us with the most incredible braai that just kept coming and we just kept eating. Sunset literally lit the skies on fire. We went out to see the entire milky way stretching across the sky (honestly the craziest stargazing I have ever seen). Our conversations throughout the night ranged from deep to random to hilarious, and my friends were fully supportive and protective when I accidentally had a nap on the couch in the room with everyone (“LET KELLIE SLEEP.”) We got ourselves some mountain names and our soul connection dates back to some ancient era.
In the morning we woke up at 5:45 to go roll out of bed and see the sun rise over the mountains, it was so incredibly peaceful… like you just KNEW no one was awake as far as the eye could see. No sounds but nature. Sat by that pool for a few hours and just soaked it in — perfect peaceful serenity. On our way back, stopped for a bev at Lord’s Winery and lunch in McGregor (Tebaldi’s, which I’m p sure is the only restaurant there at least now during COVID?).
Magical magical time that I would recommend to anyone!! It’s so important to get out of the city and get some perspective, and Cape Town is absolutely surrounded by hidden gem spots in nature like this.
Let me know if you have any questions!! <3 And while we’re here, feel free to check out my other Cape Town / South Africa articles:
Your official guide to the most epic trip to Cape Town. Ever.
A different type of safari: Discovering the magic of the Karoo at Roam Game Reserve
Want to make sure your trip here is as MAGICAL as it should be?? Let me plan your trip for you with my business Adventurelust!