Off the beaten track: 7 affordable family friendly BnBs

Want to go on holiday, but heading to the beach is either too far or too crowded? Try  something unique instead and head to  one of these off the beaten track BnBs  around South Africa.

Gauteng may not seem like the destination of choice for most families, but there are some pretty great, affordable spots around the City of Gold if the thought of the busy, bustling beaches is too much to bear.

Barton's Folly Trout & Nature Retreat, Hekpoort, Gauteng

Image from SafariNow

Barton’s Folly Trout and Nature Retreat is situated between two mountains in the beautiful Hekpoort area near Magaliesberg. Rose Cottage, a beautifully appointed self-catering unit with every convenience, is ideal for a getaway and a big, beautiful lawn for the kids.

The Dullstroom Inn, Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

Image from SafariNow

This is not only the oldest hotel in Dullstroom, it’s also one of the liveliest as it’s frequented by the biker clubs whose members stay there for the comfy accommodation, and the locals who hang out at the pub for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Try the fresh pies while you’re there, and take the kids fishing over the weekend.

Woodbush Forest Reserve, Magoebaskloof

Photo by Villiers Steyn

The hikes in Woodbrush Forest Reserve near Haenertsburg are beautiful, and with fresh streams, crisp waterfalls and some phenomenal pools you’ll feel like you’re in a movie. This is definitely for older kids, and bring a book - no tech in the forest !

Die ou Pastorie guest house and restaurant, Skeerpoort, Magaliesberg

Image from Trip Advisor

This enchanting guest house nestles at the foot of the Magaliesberg.  Enjoy walking around the impressive gardens and then visit the restaurant to sample some delicious cuisine. If you are lucky, you’ll get to sample some freshly harvested vegetables. There are eight tastefully decorated en-suite rooms offering all of the necessary facilities to make your stay comfortable. Don't forget to visit the shop to pick up some yummy treats to take home with you.

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, Bela-Bela

Photo by Villiers Steyn

This beautiful game reserve, near Bela-Bela, is very close to Johannesburg and is wonderful spot for a family getaway. No need for a 4x4 to enjoy the immersive game viewing roads, and bring your camping gear. The Sekelbosgat and Rooiboklaagte lodges come highly recommended, and come with an outdoor braai area, and even a pool for the kids.

Forever Resorts, Badplaas

Your kids are going to love Forever Resorts. There’s enough activities to keep them busy - swimming (a lot of swimming!), to mini-golf, paintball, go-carts and, best of all, super tubes - and fun for parents too, with tennis, restaurants and more. The self-catering chalets are perfect for an affordable getaway, though there’s also camping and a hotel.

Hollybrooke Farms, Magaliesberg

Photo by Villiers Steyn

 Imagine overlooking the Magalies river in a working farm... This is possible in Hollybrooke Farm’s self-catering stone cottage. There are farm animals for the younger children, with many activities for the whole family from the calm, like horse riding, to more action-based activities, like quad biking, archery, air-rifles and paintball are all available.

Copy from Highbury Safika Media

Been to some of the destinations in the  post and need some more ideas?  Check out our post on our  6 favourire nationwide  family friendly BnBs

Want to keep entertained on your trip to the holiday destination? Download our family car games eBook and avoid the "are we there yet?" question. With games such as car bingo, 20 questions and colouring in eveybody is sure to be entertained.