Winter is here and it's time to gear up for the cold weather with warm drinks and log fires. Well, heaters for those who don't have this old-school luxury - but then again you could try South Africa’s great log cabin getaways. 

Secretly tucked away in South Africa, are some of the most beautiful log cabin destinations - a true symbol of the romantic winter break.

Log cabins have been coming along for centuries but  the ideal modern log cabins has the usual exterior built from logs laid horizontally and interlocked on the ends with notches but with the interior epitomizing warm rich colours and textures.

South Africa’s own

The tranquil mountain retreat accompanied by forest, water and mountains; will re-awaken the soul. Blackwood Log Cabin is situated high on the mountain slopes of Hout Bay in the Western Cape.

It is set in two acres of indigenous garden and forest with panoramic mountain views. This winter (and summer) retreat offers the beautiful scenery and activities of Cape Town and the surrounding areas.

In the heart of this tourist town of Graskop in Mpumalanga lays Log Cabin Village. It is a lodge with the atmosphere that is unsurpassed anywhere in the vicinity. Nothing beats the feel and smell of genuine log cabins and pine trees.

Their central location makes it the ideal point from which to explore this fascinating little town on foot. The location of the Log Cabin Village makes it convenient to access restaurants; curio shops and many other treasures.

Graskop is central to all the scenic attractions in Mpumalanga including, the Pinnacle God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls and the beautiful passes of Long Tom, Kowyns and Robbers Pass with spectacular view sites.

For after-hours entertainment, breakfasts, light suppers and dinners, we recommend The Local Pub and The Coachman Grill.

Kwalata Game Reserve  in Gauteng is a gamreserve unlike no other. They offer a safari adventure but with the luxury of decking it out in a luxurious log cabin. Each cabin is designed with one main objective - your comfort and pleasure. The two sites where the cabins are based are very different.

Zingela, the main camp is as luxurious as it natural. Shaded under a canopy of huge trees this camp has been skilfully constructed entirely from local stone and indigenous wood.

Built almost in a circle, life at Zingela inevitably ends up revolving around the huge log fire that dominates the centre of the camp. It provides the perfect place for a shaded afternoon doze or a mesmeric blaze round which to share bush tales in the evening.

Valamanzi camp with its wooden lodges is built on stilts. It’s connected by elevated walkways between sun decks that provide many beautiful things that can be seen. Its fully equipped kitchen also allows you the option of totally doing your own thing, if that's what you fancy.

If you're wanting to help the environment, then Eco Cabins are definitely for you. Eco Log Cabins blend in with any environment.

The logs are specially selected and friendly to the environment. Eco Cabins also considers the effects of the trees that are removed by replanting new foliage. They offer you the luxury of building your own log cabin or the added benefit of renting a log cabin for the whole of winter in some of the country’s most idyllic winter locations.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and have that winter holiday that you deserve.

Looking for more destinations this winter? Check out our great deals.