Waking up on a bright sunny morning, up in the mountains, somewhere on a hiking trail, is a wonderful way to spend a weekend out in nature.  But to make it truly exceptional, you need the right accommodation and for the hiker looking to make the most of their weekend away, self-catered accommodation is often the very best choice, as it not only fits in with the hiking aesthetic of freedom, convenience, and a unique connection with your surroundings, but it is also often a whole lot cheaper.

At Bermanzi, we offer our guests a hiking trip of a lifetime. With our picturesque hiking trails in Mpumalanga waiting to be explored and comfortable self-catered accommodation waiting for you after your walk, those embarking on a hiking adventure like ours are in for a break that they won’t soon forget.

If you are weighing up your hiking accommodation options, here’s why opting for a self-catered trip could just fit in perfectly with your plans.

It will give you the freedom to set your schedule

Self-catered accommodation allows you to create your own timetable because when you’re on a hiking holiday, your schedule should revolve around the trails and not rigid meal times or check-out deadlines.

Want to rise with the sun and start your hike at dawn? No problem. Prefer a leisurely breakfast followed by a mid-morning trek? It’s entirely up to you.

You have the freedom to plan your days without worrying about restaurant hours or room service.

You will have cost-effective dining options

Eating out for every meal can quickly add up these days, especially if you’re travelling with a group.

But with self-catered accommodation, you will have a fully equipped kitchen, which will allow you to prepare all of your own meals. This will not only save you money but it will also give you the chance to cook homemade dishes or to try out local specialities.

Plus, you can pack trail snacks and picnic lunches to keep your energy up while you’re out exploring.

You can cater to specific dietary preferences and restrictions

If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, self-catered accommodation is a preferable alternative to depending on restaurants or takeaway shops, which in any case might not be anywhere near your hiking trail.

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary needs, when you are doing all of the cooking yourself, you have full control over what you eat. This way, you can shop for ingredients that align with your dietary choices.

You will have the utmost comfort and relaxation

After a day of hiking, the last thing you want is to be confined to a small hotel room, not when you could be enjoying stunning natural views. Self-catered accommodation is often designed to include spacious living areas, allowing you to unwind, to stretch out, and to enjoy the comfort of a home-away-from-home. You can lounge on the couch, take a soothing bath, or relax on a private balcony, all at your own pace.

You can enjoy complete privacy and serenity

Self-catered accommodations are typically located in tranquil settings, like those of Bermanzi, away from the noise and crowds of tourist areas.

This privacy is a blessing for hikers seeking a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, holidaying with friends, or going solo, you can fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, free from distractions.

You will have storage and convenience

Hiking requires gear, like backpacks and boots, bottles for hydration and hiking poles. And all of this gear needs space to be placed, which is not easy to find when you are staying in a small room.

Self-catered accommodation, however, often provides more than enough storage space, so you can easily keep your gear organised and readily accessible. As such there is no need to worry about leaving your equipment in a cramped hotel room.

You can enjoy a truly local experience 

Choosing self-catered accommodation allows you to connect with the local community. You can visit nearby markets, interact with locals, and discover hidden gems that may not be on the typical tourist trail. This fosters a more authentic and enriching travel experience.

This kind of travel provides the opportunity to partake in sustainable and responsible travel

Self-catered accommodation aligns with the principles of responsible travel.

By preparing your meals, you can minimise food waste and reduce your environmental footprint. Plus, you can support local farmers and markets, contributing to the sustainability of the region.