If you're looking for the best places to stay in Cape Town, or even just casually Googling “best places to stay near me” while avoiding emails, you've landed in the right place. These aren't your average getaways. These are braai-ready, wood-fired hot tub-loving, Donkey Long Tong feel hideouts, all found with Cabin Fever.
So, if you're hunting for the best places to stay with a braai around Cape Town (or rather within a 3-hour drive of it - yes, “around” is doing some heavy lifting), this list brings you the most fire-ready places we have to offer.
1. Verloren Cabin - Touws River Valley
Hidden Peaks Farm | Klein Karoo | ±2.5 hours from Cape Town
This one is a must-visit. Verloren Cabin by Huizen is all about views, sunsets, and silence so deep you’ll hear your fire crackle from kilometres away. It’s just you, the mountain air, and the fire.
Fire Readiness:
- Built-in outdoor braai
- Outdoor fire pit with seating
- Indoor fireplace
- Wood-fired hot tub with a view
- Firewood provided
But here’s the best part, they’ve got a Donkey Long Tong and Donkey Tong on-site. So if you’ve been wondering whether our tongs really are the best (they are), this is your chance to try them out for yourself. Call it a test drive. For fire.
2. Melozhori Treehouse - Bonnievale
Melozhori Private Game Reserve | ±2 hours from Cape Town
Suspended in the trees, this off-grid stilted treehouse gives you a front-row seat to wildlife and sunsets. Nothing interrupts the peace here. It’s made for couples, quiet, and fire. Lots of fire.
Fire Readiness:
- Outdoor braai area with valley views
- Indoor fireplace for chilly nights
- Fire pit with a hot tub right next to it.
And if you’re looking to upgrade your experience, don’t forget to pack your Jack Sack.
Image by Melozhori Game Reserve
3. Sophie Cabin - Le Domaine Eco Reserve
Klein Karoo | ±2.5 hours from Cape Town
Sophie Cabin sits up on the hills of Le Domaine Eco Reserve. This open-air spot is built for big fires, long tong-handling, and no-nonsense braaiing. It’s the kind of place where you can forget about everything and just relax.
Fire Readiness:
- Outdoor braai area
- Outdoor firepit
- Indoor fireplace
- Private wood-fired hot tub
- Braai grid, fire tools, and plenty of wood
- No neighbours, no noise, just fire
Stargazing is basically compulsory out here, and the combination of fire, views, and quiet makes it hard to leave. This is where hot coals and cold drinks (Obviously opened with the Donkey Long Tong built-in bottle opener) do their best work.
Image by Cabin Fever
4. Aviary Hills Cabin - Heidelberg
Le Domaine Eco Reserve | ±2.5 hours from Cape Town
This cabin is all about fire and comfort, with a private braai area and fire pit that’ll keep your Donkey Long Tongs busy well past sunset. Bonus: There’s a dam nearby if you feel like fishing between chops.
Fire Readiness:
- Private outdoor braai
- Large outdoor fire pit
- Indoor fireplace
- Hot tub on the deck
- Firewood included
This is definitely on the list of best places to visit with a wood-fired hot tub. And don’t forget to bring your Donkey Long Tong so that you can manage the fire with ease.
Image by Lifetree Escapes
5. Hide Montagu - Montagu Hills
Le Domaine Eco Reserve | ±2.5 hours from Cape Town
Hide Montagu is a great hideout in Le Domaine Eco Reserve. It’s self-catering, comfy, and built for people who love fire. Surrounded by fruit farms, the braai area here isn’t just for cooking, but for sharing stories.
Fire Readiness:
- Outdoor built-in braai
- Outdoor pizza oven
- Indoor fireplace
- Outdoor wood-fired hot tub
The braai area is where we spend most of our evenings. It’s all about simple pleasures and good company in the fresh air. You’ll lose time here, but you’ll never lose the feeling of mastering the flames, especially if you have The Paddle.
Image by Hide Montagu
6. The Lodge - Melozhori Private Game Reserve
Bonnievale | ±2 hours from Cape Town
This is five-star fire luxury. With multiple curated fire experiences from fire bowls to pizza stations, The Lodge turns braaiing into an event. Every space has a new flame and every fire a new story to share.
Fire Readiness:
- Outdoor Terrace braai with great views
- Designer EarthFire pit
- Megamaster Forest Fire Station
- Indoor Fireside Lounge and Bedroom fireplace
- Wood-fired hot tub
With no predators around to spoil the fun, you can relax knowing the only thing howling is the fire itself. It also means your Blower can be used to start the fire and not chase off an intimidating animal.
Image by Prestige Digital
7. The Barn House - Little Karoo
Klein Karoo | ±3 hours from Cape Town
Luxury meets wild at The Barn, set right in the heart of the Little Karoo’s raw beauty. Their wood-fired hot tub is on the slope opposite the fire pit, giving you amazing views of acacia trees and the Renosterbosveld.
Fire Readiness:
- Outdoor fire pit with Karoo views
- Indoor pizza oven
- Wood-fired hot tub
- Plenty of firewood
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the private hiking trail or simply lounge by the hot tub. The Barn is all about mixing luxury with a little bit of wild.
Image by Abrikoos Kloof
There you have it. The best places to stay around Cape Town with that unmistakable Donkey Long Tong feel. Whether you're dreaming of places to stay with a hot tub, hunting the best places to stay with a braai, or just want somewhere to flex your Donkey Long Tong, this list is flame-tested and Donkey-approved. If you’d like more info on these cabins, visit our Fire Pit Stays page.
And don’t forget to bring your Donkey Long Tong along to all these places; it’s the only way to braai. Tag us when you’re there and show us how you Donkey!
