We can barely contain our excitement with this new addition to our collection. Here it is, at last, the beginning of our African adventure starting with South Africa.
South Africa is a destination that has something for everyone; first class cuisine, spectacular beaches, beautiful scenery and it’s also home to game rich reserves. It’s got a vibrant and unique culture that’s fascinating to explore and with popular wine regions, it’s a wine lover’s dream. What’s more, it is a year round destination for families, honeymooners and adults only. But, it can be difficult to know where to begin and that’s where Jo comes in…
With 20 years of Africa experience working in luxury camps and creating bespoke itineraries, from safaris and overland odysseys to beach holidays, use Jo’s expert knowledge on Africa to book a holiday that you’ll remember for years to come. She’ll guide you, share her insiders tips and honest advice, answer all your questions and look after you from start to finish.
Cape Town
An excellent base for your Cape Town adventures, Mount Nelson is within easy reach of all of the city’s main attractions. Each of the 198 rooms and suites have been tastefully designed with an air of old style glamour and sophistication. We love that there are well-thought-out details to make it a great stay for families – milk and cookies on the child-friendly room service menu, a family swimming pool as well as a kids and teens clubs.
Best for couples or families with teens, Ellerman House offers an intimate feel with its 13 elegantly designed rooms. You won’t be short of things to do with a tour of Table Mountain, a visit to the popular wine region of Stellenbosch or whale spotting at Walker Bay as a handful of our recommendations when you’re staying in Cape Town. With an impressive collection of 9,500 wines in the Ellerman House cellar, wine tastings here really are a must!
Winelands
An historic wine estate found in the heart of the winelands and only an hour from Cape Town, this is idyllic living at its best with each of the cottages and villas in beautiful surroundings. The self-catering facilities available – along with the bakery, butchery and farm shop on the estate – suit families with young children but you’ll love the ample choice of dining available at Boschendal with most of the produce organically grown on the estate.
On the edge of Franschhoek, Le Quartier Français offers laidback and secluded luxury in the heart of the winelands. You can expect to be blown away by the extensive wine lists and to tuck into dishes that combine French fine dining with strong South African influence. There’s more to Western Cape than its vineyards – art plays a big part in the region with plenty of art galleries to discover and the trails of Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve are definitely worth a hike.
Hermanus
Pull out all the stops with the stay at Birkenhead House – this eclectically styled and intimate hotel is ideal for couples on a romantic getaway. Perched on a cliff promontory and with coves either side, we recommend a guided walk along the cliff path, dabbling in some water sports or going whale watching. After a day of exploring, kick back and relax on the beach, in the spa or taking in those breath-taking views over Walker Bay and the Atlantic.
GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
Consistently voted as one of the top places to stay in the world and we can see why with its luxury lodges and villas set in the only private reserve where you can see the big marine five – whales, white sharks, penguins, seals and dolphins. The views over the Atlantic, faultless hospitality, guides leading you through every wonder of the reserve and culinary delights make for a special stay. Perfect for families, the children’s programme is brimming with activities to do.
Eastern Cape Safari
A stay in one of the luxury lodges or private villas dotted around the private wilderness is the perfect opportunity to get up close to the Big Five on a walking safari or a game drive. Safaris can be tailor-made to accommodate a variety of adventures and activities, making it a truly unique experience. For families, private villas have been kitted out with facilities with children in mind and there’s plenty of activities for little ones to get stuck into.
Recognised as one of the world’s leading game reserves, there are game drives every sunrise and sunset at Shamwari, as well as expert guided walks around the reserve. It’s here that you can be close to nature and experience some exhilarating safari moments that’ll stay with you for a lifetime. The luxury lodges scattered around the reserve cater to different tastes and requirements with Riverdene set up to accommodate young families.
