South Africa is today one of the major producers and exporters of wines worldwide, and has been producing wine since the middle of the 17th century. Franschhoek is nestled at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by rolling mountains, and is arguably one of the most prettiest villages in South Africa.

There are over 20 wine estates in the region, and staying in the area will give you the chance to either search out the labels you are familiar with from home or to go on a voyage of discovery and find new favourites.

The main street in Franschhoek is home to many excellent restaurants, and no fewer than 8 feature in the country's Top 100, quite deservedly earning the town the reputation of being South Africa's 'Food and Wine Capital'.  Other activities include walking trails, hiking, cycling, horse-riding, fly fishing and golf. For those more adventurous, paragliding offers a stunning bird's eye view of the area. Or simply amble among an array of art shops, galleries and specialist stores that grace the village centre.

Franschhoek Country House & Villas is a 5* hotel in the heart of the Franschhoek valley complimented by the well known Monneaux Restaurant. Situated on the outskirts of the Franschhoek Village, only 1 km from the main town, it is an ideal base to indulge your tastes for fine wines and world class cuisine.

The famous Monneaux Restaurant ranks among South Africa's top restaurants and serves an inspired contemporary take on the classics. Lunch is enjoyed on the fountain terrace under a spreading pepper tree while dinner is enjoyed in the elegant but relaxed dining room in the original manor house.

There are 2 swimming pools for relaxing around after a day of sightseeing and wine tasting, or pamper yourself with a range of Spa treatments including massages, reflexology, facials, manicures and pedicures.

The original Franschhoek Country House offers a choice of accommodation, including the charming Standard Rooms, Luxury Rooms and Garden Cottages. Whichever you choose, the accommodation on offer is designed with your comfort and luxury experience in mind.

The luxurious Villa Suites offer discerning guests demanding opulence and space in a relaxed country setting. Arguably the best suites on offer in the Winelands, the suites are each a total of 100 sqm in size which include a separate lounge, bedroom and picturesque bathroom and 2 private balconies.

Address

Franschhoek Country House & Villas,Main Road, Franschhoek

Directions

From Cape Town (via N1): Drive out of Cape Town on the N1 past Belville and Brackenfell turn-offs. Continue past the Winelands 1-Stop Engen petrol station as well as the first Stellenbosch turn-off after the petrol station. Take the next turn-off named Stellenbosch/Klapmuts and turn right at the stop on the R44.

Approximately 600m further, go over the 4-way stop. Shortly after the 4 way stop (+/-400m) turn left at the Franschhoek sign. Carry along this road for approximately 8 km until it ends at a T-junction at which you turn right to Franschhoek on the R45. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek (approximately 16 km further).

Franschhoek Country House is a terracotta coloured building situated 1.5 km before the main town of Franschhoek on the right-hand side, further on from the Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate.

From Cape Town (via N2): Drive out of Cape Town on the N2, and take the first Stellenbosch turn-off (Baden Powell Drive/R310) and keep on travelling to Stellenbosch. You will eventually pass the Spier Wine Estate (on your right) and a few kilometres after that, the road will end at a T-junction (approximately 13 km from the N2 turn-off).

Turn right at the T-junction and travel into Stellenbosch. You will pass over 3 traffic lights - keep to your left. The road ends at a T-junction at which you turn left. Pass over 3 traffic lights and shortly after the 3rd set, turn right at a set of lights at the Franschhoek/Idas Valley sign.

This road will take you over the mountain on the Helshoogte Pass, trough Johannesdal and through Pniel and eventually ends at a T-junction (16 km from Stellenbosch). This T-junction is shortly after the Boschendal Wine Estate (which would have been on your right). Turn right at the T-junction onto the R45 to Franschhoek. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek (approximately 13 km further. Follow the directions as above.

From Hermanus/The Garden Route: Either follow the N2 to the Baden Powell Drive/R310 exit, and follow the directions as above OR you can take the more scenic route via the Franschhoek Pass - leave the N2 at the R43 towards Villiersdorp (16 km past Caledon) and follow this road to Villiersdorp. Turn onto the R45 and go over the Franschhoek Pass to Franschhoek. Turn right into the Main road (R45) at the Monument. Drive down the main street, and Franschhoek Country House is a terracotta coloured building situated 1.5 km out of the main town of Franschhoek on the left-hand side, before the Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate further on.

Located on the south coast and within a 2 hour drive of Cape Town, Hermanus and Gansbaai are amongst the world's leading destinations for both land-based and boat-based whale watching. From June to December each year, whales can be seen as close as 20m from the shore and can come right up to the side of the whale watching boats.

With excellent accommodation options, fine restaurants and a glorious coastline in addition to the attraction of getting within a few metres of some of the largest animals ever to have lived on this planet, this is a place that every visitor to South Africa should try to see.

Hermanus is a pretty town and the local 'Whale Crier' walks the streets during the whaling season, informing visitors when the whales are present with a blast on his kelp horn. At the Old Harbour Museum, an underwater microphone transmits the whale songs and calls into the museum hall for everyone to hear. Don't miss Bientang's Cave restaurant, where you can watch whales less than 100m away whilst eating an excellent seafood lunch. Other good vantage points are from the Old Harbour wall or the cliff path.

Gansbaai, 50 km from Hermanus, is the starting point for more boat-based whale watching, as well as cage diving with great white sharks, as well as trips to the Dyer Island seal colony.

Ocean Eleven is a Cape Cod colonial-style guest house, situated on the famous cliffs of Hermanus overlooking the ocean. This luxury guest house exudes all the grace and style befitting a destination which has the reputation of being the Riviera of the South. The main house was built with all the high ceilings, tall windows and teak floors that made Colonial architecture so utterly elegant, and all these features - and thus the grace and style - have been retained to this day.

Ocean Eleven boasts beautifully appointed rooms and suites, and every bedroom has an all-embracing sea view over Walker Bay. There is also a 2 bedroomed apartment which is ideal for families or friends travelling together.

Address

Ocean Eleven Guest House,11 Westcliff Road, Hermanus

Directions

From Cape Town/Stellenbosch: Follow the N2 to George/Mossel Bay over 2 mountain passes (Sir Lowry's Pass and Houwhoek Pass). After the 2nd pass, turn right onto R43 to Kleinmond/Hermanus. You will pass suburbs called Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai. Continue to follow the road, and turn right into Albertyn Road. Follow this road until you reach the T-junction. Turn right into Westcliff Road and Ocean Eleven Guesthouse is the big grey house on the left-hand side of the road.

From Franschhoek: Take the R45 towards Villiersdorp. Turn left and drive to Villersdorp, then take the R43 towards Botriver. (You will turn onto the N2 for a short while). Take the R43 in the direction of Hermanus. You will pass the Kleinmond turn and then the suburbs of Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai. Follow the directions as above.

From The Garden Route: Follow the N2 towards Cape Town. 10 km past Riviersonderend, turn left onto the R326 to Stanford and follow the signs to Hermanus. On entering Hermanus, go over the roundabout and go straight into the town. You will reach the Main Road. Go straight over the 4-way stop sign and then you will reach a set of traffic lights where you can only turn right. Your 2nd road to the left is Park Road (where you will also see a 7 Eleven and garage). Turn left here. At the stop street (the sea will be in front of you) turn right and follow this road straight. Ocean Eleven are the 6th house on the left-hand side.

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit and it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.

One of the main tourist attractions is the tastefully restored V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants. There is also an aquarium and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The City Bowl is home to many museums and historical buildings which can all be viewed from a 'topless' hop on/hop off tourist bus, complete with interesting commentary as you ride around the city.

The adventurous can climb up (or abseil down) Table Mountain, windsurf or kitesurf at Bloubergstrand Beach, dive in shark tanks, or do any one of a dozen more adrenalin pumping activities. For a more relaxed pace of life, there are miles of sandy beaches for soaking up the African sun, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storeyed Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, and was declared a national monument in 1984. The hotel is situated in the heart of Cape Town, just off the fashionable Kloof Street, so some of Cape Towns' finest restaurants are a leisurely stroll away, and you are just a short drive from the beaches at Camps Bay, Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront.

The lounge and breakfast room have been carefully designed to provide every creature comfort without sparing on the fine detail. There is also a garden and pool area, and a library where you can relax and read or research your itinerary from the computer terminal provided for your convenience.

Each of the 15 rooms are individually decorated, marrying a touch of yesteryear with contemporary chic and bohemian influence. The choice of room at Cape Cadogan is largely dependent on your personal preference and budget. Regardless of room category, comfort is never compromised and the warmth of the charming environment seeps its way through to every corner.  

Address

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel,5 Upper Union Street, Tamboerskloof

Directions

From Cape Town International Airport: Follow Airport Exit signs then pick up on Cape Town signs as you leave the Airport area.

After approximately 3 km you join the N2 double lane motorway heading for Cape Town. Go past the twin concrete cooling towers on right hand side of motorway, and after a couple more kilometres the motorway turns sharply left.

Follow the left curve and N2 City signage. Bear right, still following the City N2 signage. Keep following N2 signage and where the road splits keep to the far right.

At the end of this highway you will arrive at a very large intersection with a few sets of traffic lights. Cross over all of these without turning off. This street is called Buitengracht Street. Continue all the way. Four lanes will decrease to 2 and will eventually become a one-way street called New Church Street. Do not turn off anywhere. At the top of New Church Street there's another intersection with traffic lights. Cross over these also and turn left at the 2nd street after the intersection.

This is Upper Union Street. The Cape Cadogan Luxury Boutique Hotel is situated 120m down the road on the right hand side.

The Cape Town to Pretoria journey on the Blue Train offers guests a compelling and unforgettable combination of luxury train travel, world-class service, and fine dining, all set against a magnificent ever-changing backdrop of the beautiful South African countryside.

This unforgettable journey takes 2 nights, departing Cape Town at 16:00 on selected days throughout the year. As the sky darkens over the landscape on your first night aboard, you adorn yourself in your finest silks and satins, diamonds and pearls, tuxedos and ties, as you prepare to dine in the subtle intimacy of a table for 2 in the Dining Car.

The next day after a relaxing morning and a sumptuous lunch, you arrive at Kimberley Station, where you visit the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. Experience this town as it was during the diamond years, and see the largest uncut diamond in the world, and also visit the Big Hole - the largest hand-dug excavation in the world.

Having spent a second night on the train, breakfast can be enjoyed at leisure and is served between 06:00 and 09:00. The train arrives into Pretoria at 10:30, and you will be assisted by your butler to disembark and make your way into the Arrivals Lounge.

The individually controlled air-conditioned Luxury and Deluxe Suites all offer the choice of twin or double bed sleeping arrangements, made up every night by your onboard butler with the finest bed linen. Private en-suite marble tiled bathrooms offer showers or deep baths for luxuriant soaking.

The Blue Train’s slogan is "A window to the soul of Africa" and as guests are transported in this steel beauty, the landscape of Africa never seizes to inspire and amaze.

Map Not Available

Address

The Blue Train - Cape Town to Pretoria,Cape Town Railway Station Adderley and Strand Streets, Cape Town / Pretoria

Castello di Monte is a 5* guest house, situated in Pretoria. The Tuscan style estate portrays pure luxury and elegance and offers spectacular views of the hills in and around the capital city. The landscaped gardens with mature olive trees and lavender bushes give an Italian flavour to the African landscape and you will hardly notice that you are in the middle of a bustling city.

With 7 intimate dining areas you are never short of variety. Each area offers a tantalising experience and view, complimented by the mouthwatering international cuisine.

For total relaxation, why not order a special wellness treatment in the comfort of your room, or enjoy a sauna and steam shower.

The outdoor Roman styled swimming pool brings relief to a hot summers day, or relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail from the bar. You can even enjoy a game of chess at the roof top chess set that gives you a sense of the outdoors as you gaze across the vast expanse of Pretoria.

For the more active person, there are 2 golf courses and a Virgin Active Gym close by.

For your stay here, you will be spoiled for choice. Will it be the Presidential Suite complete with a grand fireplace and a 4 poster bed, or the Honeymoon Suite decorated with hand painted murals, or one of the freshly styled Classic or Terrace Rooms rooms fit for royalty. Whichever room you choose, a sumptuous night sleep is ensured.

Castello di Monte's 16th century splendour is complimented by every modern amenity. From fully stocked minibars and DSTV right down to underfloor heating, air-conditioning and the creature comforts of tea, coffee and local papers, at Castello di Monte your every whim is catered for.

Address

Castello di Monte,402 Aries Street, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria

Directions

From Johannesburg: Take the N1 to Pretoria. Come off at Junction 136/M9. Follow the M9 until Eridanus Street junction, turn right onto Eridanus Street. Take the first left into Durado Street, then at the T-junction turn right into Delphinus Street. Follow this road to the very end and at the T-Junction, this is Aries Street. Castello di Monte is along here.

Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of the malaria-free 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve. As well as elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, the reserve is also home to wild dog, cheetah, plains game including gemsbok, springbok, zebra and giraffe, and over 340 species of birds.

Professional and skilled rangers deliver a world-class interpretive experience of the bush on morning and afternoon game-drives with no more than 8 guests in open safari vehicles.

Set on a gentle slope nestled between 2 rolling hills and overlooking Madikwe's game-filled plains, Madikwe Safari Lodge comprises of 3 separate, intimate lodges - Kopano, Lepala and Dithaba. Kopano Lodge is made up of just 4 suites, and is ideal for couples who want to enjoy their time on safari in seclusion. Lelapa Lodge has 12 suites (including family suites), and Dithaba Lodge is located on a hillside offering spectacular views over the open plains from each of the 4 suites here and can be booked on an exclusive basis with a minimum of 6 guests.

Each suite features a sitting area, a bedroom with circular fireplace, a spacious dressing area with personal bar, and an en-suite bathroom. French doors opening onto wooden decking lead to inviting private plunge pools.

The main guest areas in each camp feature cosy sitting and dining areas, as well as expansive viewing decks. In the evenings, dozens of lanterns cast a romantic light over these intimate and simply sophisticated areas.  Meals can be taken in the dining room, out on the deck, in the boma area or within the wilds of the bush. Romantic private dining experiences can be arranged or dinner can be a social occasion with guests eating around the large communal dining table.

Address

Madikwe Safari Lodge,Near Zeerust, Madikwe (via Abjaterskop Gate)

Directions

PLEASE NOTE: The main gates open at 06:00 and close at 21:00. Guests who arrive after sunset will not be allowed to self-drive to the lodge. The lodge will send a representative to escort guests to the lodge at an additional cost. SUGGESTION: Refuel at Sun Village/Zeerust as there is no fuel available inside the reserve. DO NOT follow your GPS after Zeerust/Sun City - it will take you on the wrong roads.

From Johannesburg Airport via N4 tar road: Follow the R21 north, to Pretoria (Tshwane) through Kempton Park. After 40 km follow N1 north to Pretoria (Tshwane), Pietersburg (Polokwane). After about 12 km, take N4 west into Pretoria (Tshwane), to Rustenburg or Hartebeespoort Dam. Follow the N4 to Hartebeespoort Dam.

Take the N4 to Zeerust past Brits, Rustenberg, and Swartruggens. Zeerust is approximately 220 km from Pretoria. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 to Gaborone/Madikwe Game Reserve. After +/- 90 km you will see a sign on the right for the Abjaterskop Gate of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Once you are in the reserve, follow the signs to the lodge. Allow about 30-60 minutes to drive from the gate 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.

From Sun City via N4 tar road: Turn right from as you leave Sun City onto the R565. After a few km you will come to a junction with the R565 to the left, and the R556 signposted straight ahead. Turn left here to keep on the R565 signposted Phokeng and Rustenberg, and it is 38 km from here to the junction with the N4 tar road.

When you reach the N4, turn right onto the road (signposted Swartruggens and Zeerust) and continue for around 130 km on this road to Zeerust. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg or Sun City via gravel roads: There is a gravel road from Sun City to Madikwe - this route is a lot shorter than the current tar road route, however as the roads are gravel and the signs to Madikwe are rather inconsistent, we would not really recommend this route to customers.

Should you wish to return to Sun City or Johannesburg using the gravel roads, the lodge will be able to supply you with a map and directions.