Featured Places
The Bay Hotel
Cape Town
Days 1 - 3: Cape Town
Situated between the majestic backdrop of the craggy Twelve Apostles and the palm-fringed white sandy beach of Camps Bay, The Bay Hotel was the first beachfront hotel in Cape Town, and has proven over the years that 5* elegance and sophistication can be achieved in an informal atmosphere.
The upmarket suburb of Camps Bay has a typical village atmosphere and is home to some of the trendiest restaurants and bars and one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town. Local life is casual and in the evening residents and holidaymakers can be found enjoying sundowners at the many sidewalk bistros and restaurants on the strip.
The Bay is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Cape and is within easy reach of its most celebrated scenic attractions including the V&A Waterfront, the Table Mountain Cableway, and the Cape Peninsula. The V&A Waterfront boasts many shops, bars and restaurants, and there is also an aquarium, and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside of the V&A, and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The Table Mountain Cableway is a short drive away, and the coastal road from Camps Bay down to the Cape Peninsula is one of the most spectacular in the whole of South Africa.
The Bay Hotel offers guests a variety of culinary experiences to indulge in with the hotel’s 4 different restaurants. Each restaurant has a unique style, complimenting the venue’s surroundings, and whether guests are on the lookout for a fresh, bountiful breakfast overlooking Camps Bay’s beachfront, a long leisurely lunch poolside, or simply to unwind whilst sipping on a glass of fine wine, everyone is spoilt for choice here.
Every one of the bedrooms and suites have views of Camps Bay, and many of the rooms have spacious balconies from which to enjoy the views from.
Guests can relax around the sparkling pool, or simply cross the road to the golden sands and lie on the beach. There is also a spa plus a small but well-equipped gymnasium.
Example Details For The Bay Hotel
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Sea and Pool Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
The Bay Hotel Location.
Address
The Bay Hotel,69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay
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 these set of traffic lights. You are now going up Buitengracht Street (M62) towards the cable way and Camps Bay.
Keep following the signs towards the cable way. You will go over several sets of traffic lights, but keep going straight. You will go up a fairly steep hill, and at the top at a small roundabout, the cable way will be off to the left. Go straight over this roundabout towards Camps Bay. You will go over the pass, and Camps Bay will be right in front of you. This is now Camps Bay Drive.
Follow Camps Bay Drive down the hill to the very bottom, where the road stops at a T-junction with the sea immediately opposite you. Turn right, and The Bay is just along here on your right-hand side, after the first row of restaurants and the petrol station.
From the N1: Follow the road to Cape Town, and you will see the CTICC on your left-hand side. Follow the directions as above.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children of any age are welcome.
All rooms are en-suite with a separate bath and shower. They also have air conditioning and heating, a lounge area, room safe, mini bar, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, internet access, pillow menu service, satellite television, international plug points, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Day rooms can be booked at an additional charge (price on request). Change rooms are complimentary on a first come first serve basis which can be reserved at reception on the day of arrival/departure.
The facilities at The Bay Hotel include 4 pools, a gym and personal trainer, a hair salon, spa with a sauna and steam room along with tennis and squash courts. There is also an ATM machine.
Tides Restaurant offers a breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, baked goodies, cold meats, cheeses and cereals, plus the option of ordering a hot breakfast.
Bistro @ The Bay is located next to the hotel pool and deck. Lunch and dinner menus feature sandwiches, salads, steaks and pastas.
Caamil’s Bar offers a variety of fine wines, spirits and champagne next to a crackling fireplace.
Guests at The Bay Hotel can enjoy honorary membership at Sandy B, an exclusive private beach club.
Services include a concierge, 24 hour room service, a shuttle service to/from the V&A Waterfront (this is an additional cost, which will be added to your room account for settling upon check out), and an UBER booking service.
Limited parking is available at an additional charge.
The hotel has 24 hour security.
A laundry service is available.
The hotel is now 'cashless' so payment for extras can be made via credit cards, mobile apps or other electronic payment methods.
Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria
Rovos Rail
Days 4 - 6: Rovos Rail
For many visitors to South Africa, there's no finer way to see the country than on a wonderful rail journey, where you can recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. This 1,600 kilometre meander from Cape Town to Pretoria on the Rovos Rail 'Pride of Africa' is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country.
Step aboard the classic wood-panelled coaches - remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in 5* luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. All meals are served in one sitting in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests' every need is catered for.
With period Edwardian features as well as every modern convenience and comfort, the suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury.
For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal - for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for the ladies, cocktail/evening dresses are the norm.
Departing in the morning on selected dates from Cape Town, you start your 3 night journey by travelling inland through the Hex River Valley.
You will visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein, which boasts an impressive museum on the platform, as well as a stop at Kimberley where you can visit the renowned Diamond Mine Museum and the extraordinary Big Hole.
Your journey ends at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria at 10:00.
Example Details For Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 0 x Pullman Suite | ||
Includes: | Three meals daily; all alcoholic and other beverages; sightseeing excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide; entrance fees to places of interest; and 24 hour full room service/bar facilities are included. Please note that any off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will be undertaken only if time permits. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes any off-train beverages. |
Map Not Available
Address
Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria,Cape Town Railway Station Adderley and Strand Streets, Cape Town Railway Station
Check In / Check Out
Check in is one hour prior to the scheduled departure. The train departs Cape Town Railway Station at 11:00, and arrives into Pretoria Railway Station 2 days later at midday. All times are approximate.
General Information For Guests
Children of any age are welcome.
There is a guest safe in every suite on board the train.
Smoking of cigarettes and cigars only is allowed in the privacy of the suites and in the club lounge.
It is not advisable to lean out of the windows while the train is in motion.
There is a small Gift Shop on board the train and at the station premises at Capital Park in Pretoria.
The use of credit cards is preferred. All major credit cards are accepted on the train.
Gratuities for the staff are at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, there is a suitably marked envelope in your suite that you can hand directly to the Train Manager who will distribute any amounts on a pro rata basis amongst the staff on board.
Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Breakfast 0700 to 1000; Lunch 1300; Tea 1630; Formal Dinner 1930. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the timetable. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.
During the day, the dress is smart-casual. In keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the train, many guests prefer to dress for dinner - a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement for the gentlemen; and for ladies cocktail/evening dresses or suits are suggested.
There is a limited laundry service on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours.
The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suite only. The reception is poor while the train is moving.
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marakele National Park
Days 7 - 10: Marakele National Park
Marataba Safari Lodge is situated in a Big 5 malaria-free 23,000 hectare private concession at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains which forms part of the Marakele National Park, just 3.5 hours drive from Johannesburg. The Marakele National Park is a haven for an impressive variety of wildlife, and contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterise this spectacular area.
All the large game species from elephant and rhino to the big cats, as well as an amazing variety of birds including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world (more than 800 breeding pairs) have settled here and may be seen on your daily morning and afternoon game drives. The Marataba rangers have an intricate knowledge of the bush and its wildlife, and each open game viewing vehicle carries just 6 guests.
Bush walks after breakfast engage all your senses as your guide introduces you to the smaller creatures and tells you about the various plants and trees, many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses. You can also enjoy a morning or sunset boat cruise on the Miss Mara along the Matlabas River, providing plenty of game-viewing opportunities as the animals come to the water to drink and forage.
The 15 canvas-and-stone tented suites are exquisitely furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist. Each suite has its own private deck overlooking the sweeping plains and meandering river below. A free-standing stone bath is the main feature of the bathroom, while indoor and outdoor showers take full advantage of the dramatic scenery of the Waterberg Mountains. Families with children under 12 years of age can choose a Family Suite, which includes a separate bedroom and bathroom.
There is also the Thabametsi Treehouse (additional surcharge and weather dependent) which offers complete privacy. You’ll arrive just before sunset and the coolness of the approaching evening brings animals into the open. A gourmet picnic can be enjoyed at your table on the deck, from where you have front row seats to the wildest theatre. Then curl up in the four-poster bed under a blanket of stars and a warm cosy duvet, and go to sleep with the sounds of the African bush surrounding you.
Example Details For Marataba Safari Lodge
Nights: | 4 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Tented Suite | ||
Includes: | All meals; tea/coffee; all beverages (including soft drinks, beers, spirits and wines); 2 daily game drives with FGASA qualified ranger; game drive refreshments and snacks; the Marakele NP entrance/gate fee; the Marakele Guest Conservation Contribution; and transfers between Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge are included. Children under 16 years are not permitted on bush walks or the Miss Mara water safaris. Guests over 60 years wanting to do a bush walk must present a medical certificate of good health. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Marataba Safari Lodge Location.
Directions
Please DO NOT follow your GPS to Marataba. 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 unnecessary delays.
From Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport: Depart OR Tambo following the airport exit signs (R21 and R24). Approximately 200m thereafter, the road forks. Take the right fork towards R21 N Pretoria/R24 Johannesburg. The road immediately turns sharply to the right. Get into the left lane and follow the signs to R21 N Pretoria as you exit the airport.
After exiting the airport, get into the left lane and follow the R21 N Kempton Park/Pretoria signs. After 300m, take the left off-ramp, following the R21N Kempton Park/Pretoria signs. Once on the R21N drive for 36.3 km.
You will see signs indicating exit 134 (N1 Noord, Pretoria/Polokwane/Johannesburg). Take the 134 exit. Immediately thereafter, the road forks. Take the right fork towards N1 North-Polokwane. Continue on the NI North-Polokwane passing through 2 toll gates (cash required).
Take off-ramp to Bela-Bela / Warmbaths (R516). Once in Bela-Bela, turn right at the first set of traffic lights into Marx Street (Waterfront Shopping Centre ahead of you). Continue across one intersection with traffic lights (Engen and Total petrol stations on either side) until you reach a T-junction. The Elephant Spring Hotels is ahead of you. Turn left into Sutter Road (Thabazimbi signpost ahead). At the T-junction, turn right into Ritchie Road. From here on, follow the signs to Thabazimbi (R516).
In Thabazimbi, turn left at third stop street towards Lephalale/Sentrum (at the Total petrol station) onto the R510. Travel for 32 km, and turn right to Lephalale (stay on the R510). Drive 11 km and turn right at the Marataba Safari Lodge sign post. Travel 8 km along the gravel road. The Marataba gate is on your left hand side.
Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve. 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.
Please Note: The gate opens at 07:00 and closes at 17:00. Please advise your consultant at Travel Butlers if you will be arriving outside of these times so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may be occupied from 13:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children of any age are welcome. Children under 6 are not permitted on game drives but special kiddies game drives for 3-5 year olds are available after breakfast.
Each Tented Suite is approximately 45 square meters and has a private deck, a kingsize bed (convertible to twin beds on request), air conditioning, open-plan en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, in-room safe, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer and a range of deluxe amenities.
The main lodge facilities include a large lounge with a fireplace, swimming pool with pool loungers, hammocks in the trees, complimentary Wi-Fi access in the main lodge area, a curio shop, and a well stocked library and bar.
Each game viewing vehicle carries 6 guests only.
Bush walks go out after breakfast and last between 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on guests' fitness levels.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
Spa treatments (additional cost) are offered in the privacy of guests' suites by expert therapists.
The Boutique offers a range of African-produced and high-end clothing, accessories, art and momentos, as well as everyday 'necessities'.
The Thabametsi Treehouse hideout is solar powered and built over 2 levels, and includes a main bedroom, full walk in double shower, lounge, and a viewing deck. It has been securely constructed above the ground, where the animals remain at a safe and comfortable distance. Your field guide will provide a full orientation before departing, but is always on call via radio until you are collected the next morning after sunrise and a good breakfast. Your suite back at the lodge is still available just in case you wish to return at any time.
Your rate includes a Guest Conservation Contribution, which goes towards protecting the animals and their environment.
Please be advised that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), terrestrial UAVs, as well as aerial UAVs (or drones) is prohibited for the following reasons:-
1. The lodge is committed to ensuring that all guests and wildlife are not disturbed, where practically possible, by artificial mechanisms of any kind;
2. Security concerns around rhino poaching;
3. The use of recreational drones is prohibited in terms of Section101 of SA Civil Aviation Regulations 2015.
This policy includes the lodge staff as well as professional photographers.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on bush walks in the reserve or the Miss Mara water safaris. Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a bush walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A bush walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
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