Simbambili Game Lodge is situated in the northern section of the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The lodge is set in magnificent trees along the meandering Manyeleti River with views over extensive savanna grassland that teems with wildlife. 

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld.  Depart in an open Land Cruiser with experienced rangers and trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. Each game viewing vehicle seats 6 people only. After a delicious breakfast is served either at camp or in the bush, guest will have the opportunity to go on a bush walk. Accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker, bush walks offer guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures that often go unseen as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region, and to follow tracks in more detail. The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight. Your ranger and tracker team will astound you with their ability to track big game, on foot or on an open vehicle safari. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the extraordinary and unique wildlife of Africa, whether it is to linger at a close encounter with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo or to be amazed by the extensive array of birds.

Nestled inconspicuously among dense stands of knobthorn and jackalberry trees lie 9 individually hand crafted suites sensitively designed to blend with the environment and carefully positioned to enhance privacy. 

Sophisticated yet simple, each suite has spectacular views over the dry riverbed as well as the Sabi bushveld and its incredibly diverse bird and animal life from the en-suite bathroom and private viewing deck. Another feature of the deck, apart from the wonderful views, is a private plunge pool to soothe away hot summer afternoons and a private sala for daydreaming and resting in the heat of the day.

Guests at Simbambili Game Lodge also can use the spa, offering the latest beauty treatments and the added novelty of massages with a view over the rolling plains.

Address

Simbambili Game Lodge,Simbambili Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand (via Gowrie Gate)

Directions

From Hazyview: Take the R40 from Hazyview towards Bushbuckridge. Continue on this road for approximately 68 km from Hazyview (passing Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek), then turn right onto the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.

From Eastgate Airport/Hoedspruit: Take the R40 towards Bushbuckridge, and continue along this road for 2 km until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing. Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 on your left, then follow the directions as below once on the R531.

Directions once on the R531: Continue straight for 30 km. Once you have passed the South African Wildlife College (on your left), after 100m turn right onto a gravel road. Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park via the Orpen Gate and travel along the R531 towards the R40. About 10 km on the tar road, before the South African Wildlife College, you will see a gravel road to your left. Turn left (helpful hint – if you pass the South African Wildlife College, you have gone too far). Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km.  Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.

ONCE AT THE GOWRIE GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change and please note that the gate opens at 06:00 and closes at 19:00). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit.

Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Please DO NOT follow your GPS 'quickest route' co-ordinates for the lodge. This route inevitably leads guests through the incorrect entry gates (Kruger National Park and into the Sabi Sand Reserve) which do not service the lodge. Furthermore, many of the prescribed roads are not navigable in a normal vehicle. Following GPS co-ordinates can result in getting lost in the middle of the bush, or un-necessary delays of up to 3 hours.

Port Elizabeth (now renamed Gqeberha), at the tail end of South Africa’s Garden Route, may be better known for its surf and sunshine than its artistic pedigree, but the city is in fact home to the country’s largest collection of Art Deco buildings.

Yet it took turning one of them into the splendid Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel (formerly No5 by Mantis) to really showcase PE’s artistic potential. With its sleek facade and eclectic interiors, this luxury boutique masterpiece looks as if it would be more at home in Hollywood than steps away from the Indian Ocean, and one can almost imagine a glossy starlet or 2 sipping martinis on a red velvet barstool in the Salon Prive, or taking a dip in the lap pool.

Well-equipped with distant views of the ocean, the gym will energize you and ensure a sustained exercise routine while away from home.

There’s even a small cinema, modelled on the one in Prince Charles’ Clarence House residence, where guests can enjoy a film screening in absolute comfort and privacy.

Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel offers 10 exquisite suites, with clean lines, bold prints and a selection of contemporary South African art. Secluded balconies look out over manicured gardens, while in-room facilities include a flat-screen TV and DVD player, mini-bar, and business unit with WiFi.

Room service dining is available, although it’s worth a trip downstairs to the Jazz Room, for South African fusion dining, or to the lounge for tea and French champagne.

Address

Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel,5 Brighton Drive, Port Elizabeth

Directions

Note that Port Elizabeth was recently renamed Gqeberha - both names can appear on roadsigns and maps and can be used interchangeably.

From Port Elizabeth Airport: From the airport at the exit turn right into Allistair Miller Drive, continue along this road until you reach a junction. Turn right into La Roche Drive. Continue down La Roche Drive until you reach a T-junction. The sea will be directly in front of you.

Turn right into Marine Drive and continue down Marine Drive, past Shark Rock Pier and The Beach Hotel. Turn right into 3rd avenue in Summerstrand continue for about 100m. Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel is located at 5 Brighton Drive.

From the N2 (Garden Route): From the N2 take the M4 (Settlers Way) to Summertrand and continue past Shark Rock Pier and The Boardwalk Casino. Turn right into 3rd avenue in Summerstrand continue for about 100m. Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel is located at 5 Brighton Drive.

From the N2 (Addo/Shamwari/Amakhala/Kareiga/Pumba/Lalibela): Head south on the N2 towards Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and leave the N2 at Junction 751B for the M4 Settlers Way.   Continue on the M4 towards Summerstrand, passing the harbour and merging onto Humewod Road.  Continue on this road for a further 3.7 km as the name changes from Humewod Road to Beach Road, and then Marine drive.

Continue on Marine drive past the Past the Boardwalk Hotel on your right, and after approx 750m turn right onto 2nd Avenue, then left onto Brighton Road - Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel is on the left hand side on the corner of Brighton Road and 3rd Avenue.

Originally called Baia Formosa, or Beautiful Bay, by the early Portuguese, Plettenberg Bay is home to some of the best beaches along the Garden Route. Set around a curving horseshoe bay, schools of playful dolphins and resident Orca and Bryde's whales are often seen and between July and December the migratory Southern Right whales come to the bay to calf.

The small town is filled with restaurants, galleries, studios and interesting craft shops. With its exceptional climate and beautiful view sites over the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay is perfect for tourists interested in exploring, whale and dolphin watching or just relaxing.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, hiking trails, golf, diving, excellent salt and fresh water fishing - even skydiving!

The nearby Robberg Nature Reserve is situated on a rugged coastal peninsula with sweeping views of the bay, as well as superb whale and dolphin watching, excellent birding, hiking trails and the Nelson Bay Cave - an archaeological site with evidence of human habitation that stretches back for more than 120 thousand years.

Hunters Country House is an exclusive family owned retreat and part of the Relais & Chateaux group of properties. Only 10 km from Plettenberg Bay, this gracious original homestead is surrounded by beautiful gardens and framed by the majestic Tsitsikamma mountains.

The bygone era of opulent elegance is reflected in the decor of the romantic, beautifully appointed candle-lit dining room in the main manor house, where guests can enjoy superb cuisine prepared by the team of acclaimed chefs.

In the extensive gardens surrounding the manor house, the 27 luxurious one-bedroom cottages and suites have been designed for absolute comfort and privacy. All have fireplaces, satellite TV, mini bar, bath and separate shower, as well as a veranda.

Whether breakfasting in the sun-drenched conservatory, lazing by the poolside, or enjoying the endless golden beaches of Plettenberg Bay, guests are assured of a truly memorable stay.

Address

Hunter's Country House,Off the N2, Plettenberg Bay

Directions

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness/Knysna: Follow the N2 to Plettenberg Bay. Approximately 22 km after leaving Knysna, and before you reach Plettenberg Bay, you will see signboards on the right-hand side for Hunters Country House and Tsala Treetop Lodge. Turn right and travel along a gravel road for 1.5 km until you reach Tsala Treetop Lodge. Travel a further 0.5 km and you will reach Hunter's Country House.

From Port Elizabeth: Take the N2 to Plettenberg Bay. Do not take any of the turn-offs into Plettenberg Bay. Approximately 10 km past Plettenberg Bay, you will see signboards on the left-hand side for Hunters Country House and Tsala Treetop Lodge. Follow directions as above.

Steeped in a history dating back to 1692 and nestled in the foothills of the idyllic Jonkershoek Valley of Stellenbosch, the Lanzerac Wine Estate is synonymous with old-world charm and rich Cape heritage. A mere 5 minutes from the historic town of Stellenbosch, the estate boasts endless rows of lush vineyards, hectares of gardens shaded by giant oak trees, and is surrounded by the dramatic Helderberg mountains.

Set on a working farm, guests can enjoy guided tours of the wine cellar and complimentary wine tasting either in the comfort of the well-appointed tasting room, or on the veranda with views of the vineyards.

The hotel's rooms, restaurants, bar and lounge are all located in the estate's Manor House and outbuildings, amidst 10 hectares of award-winning landscaped gardens featuring numerous ancient oaks, some over 160 years old.

The Lanzerac Spa is conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel and offers the perfect retreat, with exclusive signature therapies and full hydro facilities including a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and mist rooms. There is also a fitness room.

The sophisticated style of the 53 rooms and suites reflects the history of the estate, blended with carefully balanced contempory influences. Each room is individually decorated with elegant finishes and a unique selection of timeless pieces.

All rooms and suites open out onto private patios overlooking lush vineyards, the manicured gardens and the majestic mountain range.

Address

Lanzerac Hotel and Spa,1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch

Directions

From Cape Town: Take the N1 from the city, and stay on it for approximately 30 km. When you see the Engen 1-Stop on your left-hand side, take the next off-ramp to the left to Stellenbosch. At the top of the off-ramp turn right and go over the bridge (the N1 will pass under you). Keep straight through the vinyards. As you get into Stellenbosch town you'll see a residential area on your left-hand side. From there pass through 3 sets of traffic lights. At the 4th set of traffic lights you will turn left into Merriman Road (there will be a Caltex Petrol station on your right).

When you reach the roundabout, take the 2nd exit. Follow the road, you will pass a school on your right-hand side. At the 4th road on your right-hand side, you will turn right and then the 1st left will lead you onto the Lanzerac Estate.

From Cape Town International Airport/Hermanus/The Garden Route: Follow the N2 until you reach the R310 Baden Powell/Stellenbosch off-ramp. Follow the R310 to Stellenbosch for approximately 17 km. You will pass landmarks such as Spier Estate and Vlottenburg Winery. When you reach the T-junction turn right and follow the road. Keeping the railway line on your left-handside, travel passed the station (keeping in the left-hand lane), and enter into Adam Tas Road. At the 2nd set of traffic lights you will turn right into Merriman Road. Pass through 2 sets of traffic lights until you reach the roundabout.

When you reach the roundabout, take the 2nd exit. Follow the road, you will pass a school on your right-hand side. At the 4th road on your right-hand side, you will turn right and then the 1st left will lead you onto the Lanzerac Estate.

The Queen Victoria Hotel is a 5* haven of calm, luxury and understated opulence amongst the hustle and bustle of Cape Town's popular V&A Waterfront. Its prime location in a quiet, historic precinct near to the Waterfront allows for a serene city escape as well as convenient access to a range of outstanding amenities.

The hotel's interiors create an ambience of peaceful elegance through the use of greys and taupes, marble-clad walls, crystal chandeliers, white marble and wooden parquet flooring. The triple-volume foyer has a dramatic white spiral staircase and glass lift which adds to the immediate impact as soon as you enter the hotel. The signature shade of deep purple adds a touch of regal eccentricity as well as being an ode to the historic figure after whom the hotel is named.

The menu at Dash, the hotel's bar and restaurant, is structured around classic French cuisine. There are also state-of-the-art gym facilities, a designer Spa and a pool area in beautifully manicured gardens.

Luxury and sophistication emanate through to the suites and luxury rooms, each one individually designed and curated.  Most of the suites have panoramic views of either Table Mountain or Cape Town Harbour and all of them have a fully stocked private mini bar.

In addition, the Manor House, which is annexed to the hotel, has 4 separate and private suites, and a private dining room area which can accommodate up to only 4 people.

This grandeur, along with the fine touches expected of a 5* property and the hospitable service, have earned the Queen Victoria - also referred to as the QV - recognition as one of the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa. As its name suggests, this hotel truly is fit for royalty.

Address

Queen Victoria Hotel,Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront

Directions

From the N2 (Cape Town International Airport/the Winelands/Hermanus/The Garden Route): Take the N2 towards Cape Town. Keep on this road, following the signs for Cape Town North, and then M6 Sea Point. If in doubt, keep bearing right the whole time! You will then see the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on your left-hand side (very large cream-coloured building), and there will be a set of traffic lights at a major junction. Go straight over this set of lights, and turn right at the next set onto Helen Suzman Boulevard (signposted M6 Sea Point). Keep to the right lane, and at the next set of traffic lights, turn right into Portswood Road.

Turn off Portswood Road into Portswood Ridge passing under the Portswood Hotel. Continue past the Portswood Hotel main entrance and follow the road to left – passing Allan Gray on your right. Continue along that road until you reach the Queen Victoria Hotel on the right. Valet parking is available outside the main entrance, or proceed past the hotel and turn right into the Queen Victoria Hotel parking area.

To exit proceed straight from the parking area and turn left at Ulundi, pass the Everard Read Gallery and finally turn right back into Pors2od Road.