Lake and/or mountain: Lodges and log cabins in South Africa

Old Mill Drift Guest Farm

• Remote site deep in the stunningly scenic Maluti mountains
• Huge site with off-roading trails, hiking paths and river for fishing
• Top spot for stargazing, with clear night skies

Elundini Backpackers

• Eco-friendly rural site in Elundini, high in the Amatola mountains
• Half an hour's drive from Hogsback
• Community activities including bread baking and Xhosa language lessons

Woodbourne Resort

• Friendly family-run resort 10 minutes' drive from Knysna town
• A short walk from the beach and a kilometre from Knysna Heads
• Swimming pool, playground, trampoline and braai facilities on site

Mutale Drift Pafuri Gate

• Quiet off-grid rural cabin just outside the village of Bende Mutale
• A 10-minute drive from the Pafuri Gate into Kruger National Park
• Covered deck area with braai overlooking the Mutale river

The Farm Windhoek

• Peaceful off-grid farm 45 minutes' drive from Bloemfontein
• Hiking trails on site; game drives available on local farm
• Freshwater dam for swims, campfire area and telescope for stargazing

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve

• Private nature reserve with direct access to the Joubert Spruit river
• A five-minute drive to Elands River Falls and 15 to Emgwenya town
• Campfires and barbecues allowed; natural water supply on site

Eagle Falls Country Lodge and Camping

• Remote site above the Molen River Gorge in the Kammanassie Valley
• Hikes from site; half an hour's drive from Kammanassie Nature Reserve
• Bar, restaurant, 4x4 driving trails, horse treks and air rifle range

De Bos Guest Farm

• Scenic site at the foot of the spectacular Langeberg mountains
• In the town of Montagu, famed for its rock climbing routes
• Swimming pool, playground, shared kitchen and braai drums on site

Glensheiling Caravan Park

• Peaceful site in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander
• Waterfront location, with kayaking, fishing and swimming in the lake
• Communal barbecue area, playground and outdoor swimming pool

Mmabolela

• Camping pitches by the Limpopo River on a private Swartwater reserve
• Mountain biking, horse riding and four-wheel drive safaris from site
• Communal camping kitchen and firepit, plunge pool and star gazing

Oppi Dam Resort

• Quiet and well-maintained resort in the Little Karoo semi desert
• A 15-minute drive from Oudtshoorn and its famed ostrich farms
• Waterside setting with fishing, canoeing and two pools

Bokloof Guest Farm

• Friendly remote farm site in South Africa's Eastern Cape
• In the middle of the mountainous Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve
• Swimming pond, hikes and 4x4 trails from the site

Riverbend Chalets and Campsite

• Peaceful site on the banks of the Mtentweni river
• A few minutes' drive from the beach resort of Umtentweni
• Fishing, braai facilities and canoe hire available on site

Rooihoogte Guest Cottage and Camping

• Secluded farm site where mountains and grasslands meet
• In a region famed as one of the most biodiverse in the world
• Fish for bass and trout in pristine waters

Peace of Eden

• Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly site on the scenic Garden Route
• Live alongside nature: baboons, monkeys and bird song around the site
• A 20-minute drive from beaches, watersports and sandboarding

Rivier-Oord Vaalwater

• On the banks of the Magol River: fish for carp, perch and barbel
• Vaalwater setting for stays and overnights on the way to Botswana
• Playground, braai facilities, bar, large lawns and a tractor museum

Highover Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rural site on a 3,000-hectare nature reserve a half-hour from Richmond
• 11km of river frontage for fishing, swimming and canoeing
• Trail maps available for hikes, mountain biking and game drives

Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort

• Stunning family resort located in a slice of Drakensberg paradise
• Mountain bike hire and trails on site for running and cycling
• Spectacular mountain views, large open spaces and park-like grounds

Kam'Bati River Resort

• Family-friendly site on the banks of the Breede river
• Restaurant/bar, miniature golf and outdoor swimming pool
• Near to national park, nature reserve and wineries

Kranzkraal