Five off-the-grid getaways in South Africa for a real escape - IOL

Sometimes you just want to switch off and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

There is getting away for the weekend, and then there is getting properly off the grid.

For travellers tired of crowded campsites, busy resorts and places where you can still hear the traffic, South Africa has destinations where the journey itself helps you leave everyday life behind.

Some require a 4x4, others have no electricity and a few offer little more than a spectacular piece of wilderness to call home for a few days.

What they have in common is space, silence and the feeling of being far removed from the usual holiday crowds.

Here are five off-the-grid getaways in South Africa worth putting on your travel list.

Hidden high above Tulbagh, Secret Falls is not the kind of place you stumble upon. You will need a proper 4x4 to get there, but that is part of what keeps it so peaceful.

Once you arrive, it opens up into sweeping views over the valley, with mountains in every direction.

The camping style is simple and leans into that wild, off-grid feel, but there are a few comforts like access to waterfalls and a shared pool.

It is the kind of spot where you slow right down and soak it all in.

Balie’s Gat sits deep in the Koue Bokkeveld and feels a world away from city life.

The road in can be rough, especially with a trailer, so a high clearance vehicle is recommended.

The setting is what draws people back. Wide open space, striking rock formations and a river with rock pools just a short walk away.

There is no electricity, which adds to the off-grid experience, but the campsites are well-equipped with braai areas, water points, and private ablutions with solar lighting. It is ideal for hiking, swimming, or simply doing nothing at all.

For those who want something truly rugged, Kokerboomkloof delivers.

Set in the Richtersveld, this campsite is surrounded by massive boulders and dramatic desert scenery.

This is as basic as it gets. There is no water, no showers and only dry toilets, so you need to come fully prepared. A 4x4 is essential.

What you get in return is complete isolation, incredible rock formations that shift colour throughout the day, and some of the clearest night skies you will ever see.

Set where the Mtentu River meets the ocean, this camp offers a rare mix of coastal beauty and wild nature.

Getting there still requires some effort, with a 4x4 recommended, but the setting makes it worthwhile.

Bordering the Mkambati Nature Reserve, the area is rich in biodiversity.

You might spot antelope on land and dolphins or whales out at sea, all in the same day.

Accommodation is more comfortable, with canvas tents, but the experience remains deeply connected to nature. It is wild, peaceful and completely unspoilt.

Kouga Wilderness, set in the Baviaanskloof region, is a favourite among those who like their camping remote but rewarding.

The private bush camp is the real hidden gem, offering complete seclusion for a single group at a time.

Tucked into a forested area, it feels far removed from everything.

There are a few thoughtful touches like a hot shower and flush toilet, but it still keeps that back-to-basics feel.

The main campsite near the stream is a bit easier to access, while still offering mountain views, clear water and access to hiking trails.

These are not conventional campsites where you simply park up, plug in and settle beside a crowd of other holidaymakers.

Getting to some of them takes planning, a capable vehicle and a willingness to be more self-sufficient. That is also what makes them appealing.

For anyone craving silence, open space and a genuine break from screens, traffic and busy holiday spots, these off-the-grid getaways offer a chance to properly switch off.