Image: Unsplash / Travis Grossen
Looking for the ultimate cosy escape? Tucked somewhere in a forest, perched on mountain slope, or rested on a riverside, perhaps? Tiny homes are quaint, romantic, quirky, and often more affordable and eco-friendly. Generally, a tiny home is a compact, fully functional living space—usually under 40 square metres—designed to offer everything you need and nothing you don’t.
In South Africa, tiny home stays are popping up in forests, farmlands, and along riverbanks as bite-sized escapes with stunning views.
ALSO READ: Best hot air balloon rides in Africa
Here are some of the best tiny homes to book for your next adventure in South Africa:
Hut on Poles – Mudhouse Zululand, Hluhluwe
Hidden in the bushveld near Hluhluwe, this off-grid treehouse stay offers travellers a raw and unfiltered encounter with the wild. Raised on stilts and entirely solar-powered, the tiny home is set between protected conservation areas where giraffes and zebras roam freely, and the distant calls of hyenas and hippos echo through the night. Designed for two, the open-plan cabin features a treetop bedroom, a simple outdoor kitchen, and a shower garden framed by bush and sky. There’s no air conditioning, no television, and no distractions—just a ceiling fan for comfort and the stars for entertainment.
While the experience is back-to-basics, it’s far from bare-bones. A fire pit, braai area, and panoramic views make for a comfortable, if rugged, retreat. A high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended, particularly in the rainy season, and guests are advised to stock up on supplies beforehand—this spot is a little too remote for a quick dash to the shop.
Tussenklip Honeymoon Suite – Matsulu, Mpumalanga
Carved almost imperceptibly into the granite outcrops of the Lowveld, Tussenklip offers a pleasant blend of architecture and nature. Wedged artfully between two massive boulders, it features a wood-burning fireplace, a hot tub tucked into the rocks, and a deck with panoramic views of the surrounding bush. A fully equipped kitchen and patio grill make it easy to settle in and stay a while.Rated as one of Airbnb’s most loved stays in the region, it’s a perfect spot for couples seeking a bit of solitude and a connection to nature.
Cabin in the Bronberg Mountains, Gauteng
Perched in the rugged folds of the Bronberg Mountains, this off-grid cabin is a private and peaceful retreat just outside of Pretoria. A spot for two, it checks the list of winter getaway must-haves with a wood-fired hot tub and sweeping views. Entirely solar-powered and intentionally minimalist, the cabin has no TV or iron, encouraging you to really unplug. Large windows frame the wild landscape, while a fully equipped kitchen and gas braai make self-catering super easy. The open-plan layout includes a stylish shower, queen bed, and a cosy lounge area.
Reviews rave about the serenity, the responsive hosting, and the chance to reconnect—with nature, and with each other. It’s a hideout for slow living and starry nights, perfect for a mountain escape outside of Jozi, with a touch of romance.
Luxury Tranquil Treehouse & Hot Tub – Pretoria East, Gauteng
Tucked away in the blue gum bushes of Pretoria East, this idyllic little forest escape comes with a private wood-fired hot tub, spacious deck, and built-in braai. Designed for cosiness, the treehouse includes a queen-size bed, en-suite shower, solar power, and a kitchenette with modern touches like an air fryer oven and Nespresso machine. Get a retreat feeling, just 5km from Pretoria East Hospital and close to popular restaurants and wedding venues. The setting, the silence, and the thoughtful touches combine for an out-of-city forest stay that feels both indulgent and grounding.
Luxury Solace Cabin – Rawsonville, Western Cape
A refined take on cabin living, this tiny cabin offers guests a luxurious yet grounded escape on a 200-hectare farm in Rawsonville. Framed by the Matroosberg mountains and immersed in indigenous fynbos, it’s an escape perfect for rest, connection, and nature. Stack-back glass doors open the interiors to the expansive deck, where a wood-fired hot tub, firepit, and gas braai invite outdoor living. Inside, a queen-size bed, indoor fireplace, and thoughtfully equipped kitchen create a cocoon of comfort. A standout feature is the dual shower setup—one inside and the other open-air, ideal for nature lovers.
Sunset Dome – Tulbagh, Western Cape
Tucked against the Witzenberg Mountains on a 222-hectare farm, the Sunset Dome offers a one-of-a-kind tiny home escape just 9km from Tulbagh. Soak in the wood-fired hot tub, explore hiking and biking trails, or enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the farm’s dams. The small dome features a cozy queen bed and ensuite bathroom, while panoramic views and starry skies make evenings unforgettable. Though a short dirt road leads to the property, the scenic seclusion is well worth the journey. 
Hidden Leaf Cabin – Wilderness, Garden Route
Tucked away in the lush forest of Wilderness, Hidden Leaf Cabin offers a rustic, soul-soothing tiny escape for two. The Hobbit-esque wooden cabin includes a queen bed with lovely forest views, a fireplace for chilly evenings, and a separate outdoor bathroom with a dreamy tub and open-air shower nestled among ferns. Explore the private forest trail and settle at your fire pit under the stars.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Roadside attractions that sparked tourism revival
