So we know that we live in a rather beautiful neck of the woods down here in the Cape. Though every so often, we all want to escape the big city and kick it in the countryside; take a chance to get out of the hustle and bustle of it all and recharge the ol’ batteries.

However, the idea of a weekend away somewhere beautiful is always associated with forking out big sums of money.

Luckily SafariNow has got you covered with awesome places to stay at affordable prices. Here are five amazing self-catering spots that you can escape to and relax for just R700 a night for two or more people, all located in the Western Cape and all ready to help you appreciate the beauty of the region in which we live.

Start packing your bags because we have a feeling once you’ve seen this list you might just be up for some time away…

Wolfkop Nature Reserve Cottages, Citrusdal (R325 p/p)

Lying 5 km from Citrusdal, at the foothills of the Cederberg, Wolfkop Nature Reserve is a 450-hectare reserve offering privately appointed cottages and a variety of outdoor activities.

Accommodation is provided in four cottages blending neatly into the setting, with beautiful views of the Olifants River Valley. Individually decorated with African art and colours, each cottage has a unique ambience. You can also spot a variety of animal life, from duikers to porcupine and tortoises; you may even stumble across leopard spoor. Depending on the time of year, there are various flowers in bloom. Make sure you get here in August and September for the classic psychedelic daisy displays.

Oaksrest Vineyards Guest Farm, Ladismith (R350 p/p)

Oaksrest Vineyards Guest Farm is nestled in the fertile valley of Dwarsriver, 10 minutes’ drive from Ladismith at the foot of the legendary Towerkop, the second highest mountain peak in the Western Cape, and surrounded by spectacular fruit orchards and wine and table grape vineyards.

Oaksrest Vineyards Guest Farm welcomes the tired soul of the travelling guest. The unhurried pace of country life, splendor and natural beauty of the Klein Karoo, great hospitality and the crisp feel of fresh air will again invigorate and awaken the fire inside.

Montpellier De Tulbagh, Tulbagh (R250 p/p)

Montpellier provides a romantic setting for a country getaway, with a charming hillside chapel, a picturesque wedding venue and an old Cape-style guest house.

Enjoy a farm getaway while relaxing next to the pool, or take pleasure in a glass of red wine with a fire glowing in the background. A covered braai area and pizza oven are hidden at the bottom of the huge garden.

Guests can enjoy stunning views of the mountains surrounding Tulbagh Valley and the Montpellier vineyards, while horses graze near the manor house.

A Dam Fine Cottage, Kurland (R450 per room, sleeps four)

A Dam Fine Cottage is a charming two-bedroom cottage located on a farm just outside of Plettenberg Bay. Set in a fenced-off garden, the cottage is ideal for guests wanting to travel with their pets.

The cottage overlooks a dam and has great mountain views. The garden is alive with bird life. There is a canoe at the dam that guests can take out for a paddle. Nearby, guests can enjoy attractions such as Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, The Elephant Sanctuary and Snake Sanctuary. Plettenberg Bay is a reasonable drive away and here guests are able to enjoy the beach and the many activities it has to offer.

Wish U Were Here Guesthouse, Woodstock (R550 per room, sleeps two)

Wish U Were Here is a creative new lodge situated in Woodstock, one of Cape Town oldest suburbs. At Wish U Were Here you will experience an authentic cool urban stay over in a renovated old building with high ceilings and wonderful old wooden floors. This building has been lovingly restored using materials sourced within a mile’s radius of the building. It has a central courtyard with a funky bar, fire pit and a pizza oven.

This up and coming area boasts many quirky shops, art studios, vintage stores and is home to six craft beer breweries and many cafes and restaurants.

See… it’s easy to treat yourself and those closest to you. It’s the kind of retreat that is begging to be Instagrammed and will have you filling your newsfeed with pictures of just how good you had it – something we know you’re itching to do!