[imagesource: Jack’s Camp]

When most people think about leaving South Africa to go on holiday, they’re usually planning a trip overseas.

It’s often easy to forget that we have prime destinations, and experiences, right here on our doorstep.

The pandemic has made travel a little trickier this year, and for many, the thought of staying somewhere with a ton of other people isn’t very appealing.

Take a trek out to the more natural settings on the continent, however, and you’ll find the perfect spots to get away from it all.

If you need more convincing, many of them, especially those reopening or opening their doors for the first time, are currently offering some insane discounts on accommodation.

We took a look at two of the deals that Business Insider SA uncovered, and added one of our own.

Jack’s Camp, Botswana

Jack’s Camp has been undergoing some renovations, which were unfortunately put on hold because of the pandemic. The artist’s renderings, above and below, give you a taste of what you can expect.

Those renovations are almost complete, and the iconic lodge will be reopening its doors in December.

The updated camp will pay homage to the much-loved 1940s style of the existing camp.

The nine guest rooms will be almost double the size of the existing tents and whilst the iconic green canvas and muslin-draped walls will remain, each will feature new textiles from around the world, Natural History Museum cabinets curated by Ralph Bousfield himself, and an overhead bed cooling system to ward off the desert heat.

Natural Selection has a couple of deals running at the moment. If you spend your honeymoon at Jack’s Camp, your partner will only pay 50% of the price. This offer is valid until January 2021 and is for an unlimited number of nights.

For South Africans looking to visit, from December until the end of March, you’ll only pay R4 990 per person, down from upwards of R28 000 per person sharing.

That’s more than 80% off.

Kwessi Dunes, Namibia

Per Expert Africa, much like the newly renovated Jack’s Camp, Kwessi Dunes is a new property in the northern NamibRand Reserve.

Accommodation at Kwessi Dunes consists of air-conditioned thatched chalets with canvas sides, two of them are suitable for families. 12 tented chalets including two family chalets are built slightly raised off the ground on wooden platforms. The bedrooms are comfortable and tasteful with vintage four-poster beds and canvas walls.

To the rear of each chalet is a separate open-air room for star gazing and sleeping under the stars.

Activities include horseback rides and hot air balloon flights.

South Africans booking a stay between January and March would usually pay in the region of R10 000 per person sharing. Book now and you’ll pay just R3 000 per person, which includes all meals, drinks and daily activities.

Caracal, South Africa

Located 15 minutes outside of Montagu, and just two and a half hours outside of Cape Town, Caracal is the perfect getaway spot, if you’re keen for some luxury accommodation with phenomenal views, but don’t want to travel outside of South Africa.

With 360-degree views and a swimming pool on the edge of a cliff, Caracal is fully off the grid with reverse osmosis purified water, solar and gas power. It has its own private road, allowing guests to be completely separate and private from other guests at the Main Camp.

Caracal is opening its doors on November 22. Only one couple or group can book at a time, so you’ll have the place to yourself.

Book now and you’ll get 10% off for three nights or more, a 10% discount if your booking does not include a Friday or a Saturday night, and a 15% discount if your booking is for three nights or more and does not include a Friday or Saturday night.

Business Insider SA rounded up more great deals in other parts of Africa. Head here to check them out.

[sources:expertafrica&naturalselection&businessinsider]