Featured Places
La Plume Guest House
The Klein Karoo
Day 1: The Klein Karoo
La Plume is a boutique Guest House on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley. A warm welcome awaits you at this charming 1902 Victorian homestead with its tranquil surroundings where old-world charm has been combined with modern comforts to ensure extraordinary service and personal attention.
Guests can join an informative tour of the farm (on request and additional cost - booking essential) to learn about the day to day activities in the life of a full-time farmer, as well as the giant birds and the trials and tribulations of farming with them from one of the few experts on the ostrich industry.
The English Breakfast buffet is the perfect start to a busy day with fresh fruit platters, a bread and cereal selection, cold meats and cheeses, as well as hot breakfast with special requests made to order. The restaurant also offers a daily lunch menu or picnic baskets for guests exploring the wonders of Klein Karoo. For dinner enjoy exceptional local wine and traditional home-cooked cuisine meticulously prepared by the chef and served in the spacious, candlelit dining room.
La Plume offers stylish luxury with a diverse range of accommodation. The 5 Superior Suites and the Luxury Rooms all have private entrances that open onto sunny verandas overlooking the gardens, and the 2 Honeymoon Suites embody a feeling of romance and cosiness. The Luxury Junior Suite is ideal for 3 adults travelling together or family with an older child wishing sleep in a separate room, as the suite consists of a queen master bedroom with full en-suite bathroom and lounge with single bed for the third person.
The Plume Cottage consists of 2 interconnecting suites each with its own bedroom, full bathroom and lounge sharing a kitchenette. The Private Farm Villa has 2 bedrooms each with its own full en-suite bathroom, a large open plan living and dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. This typical South African farm house is off the main property nestled among alfalfa fields overlooking ostrich enclosures and a mere 100 meters from the main homestead.
Example Details For La Plume Guest House
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast and dinner are included. |
La Plume Guest House Location.
Address
La Plume Guest House,Off the R62, Oudtshoorn
Directions
Via N2 From Garden Route: Coming into George, the N2 splits into the N2 for Cape Town and N9/N12 for Oudtshoorn. Take the right lane for the N9/N12, and continue on this road over 3 roundabouts for approx 31 km where you turn left onto N12/R62 signposted Oudtshoorn.
Continue on this road for approx 34 km, and then in Oudtshoorn you turn left at the first traffic light into Voortrekker Road. Keep driving on Voortrekker Road. It will take you out of town (now known as the R62) in the direction of Cape Town. 7 km outside town you will see a sign for Grundheim and La Plume. Turn left at the Volmoed sign and drive for another 7 km where you will find another sign for La Plume on your left. Turn left and the Guest House will be on your immediate right.
Via N2 From Cape Town/Cape Winelands/Hermanus: Continue on the N2 past Mossel bay until you reach exit 397 signposted for R102/Hartenbos/R328/Oudtshoorn. Turn left after 550m to continue on R328, and after a further 1.2 km turn right onto Louis Fourie Rd/R328.
Continue on this road for 67 km and then 7 km outside Oudtshoorn you will see a sign for La Plume, Highgate and Thylitshia Villa. Turn left at the Volmoed sign and drive for another 7 km. The Guest House will be on your left.
From Cape Town / Cape Winelands Via R62: Follow the R62 through Calitzdorp in the direction of Oudtshoorn. 7 km outside Oudtshoorn you will see a sign for Grundheim and La Plume. Turn right at the Volmoed sign and drive for another 7 km until you find a sign for La Plume on your left. Turn left and the guest house will be on your immediate right.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may normally 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.
La Plume is situated on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm, and guests can join the owner on a pre-arranged tour of the farm - contact La Plume or your Travel Butlers consultant to book before you travel (additional cost).
All rooms have air conditioning, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, a safe, and a satellite/cable TV.
The guest house offers complimentary Wi-Fi and secure parking on site.
There is a restaurant, spa and a swimming pool (salt water).
The restaurant also offers a daily lunch menu or picnic baskets and dinner.
There is a laundry service available at an additional cost.
A babysitting service is also available.
Credit cards are accepted.
The Rex Hotel
The Garden Route
Days 2 - 3: The Garden Route
Situated right in the heart of the Garden Route and set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna (pronounced 'Nysna') is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area.
The excellent selection of accommodation and restaurants, coupled with the many activities on offer, makes this a superb holiday destination and a perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place mid-year in Knysna and is one of the area’s annual highlights, boasting amazing food, great music and friendly people.
The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - 2 large cliff formations which form a natural narrow opening into the ocean. Several operators offer relaxing catamaran trips and sunset champagne cruises out to the Heads and into the open sea, which is a great way to escape the busy streets for a while.
The surrounding forests and nature reserves provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or more strenuous day walks, plus a number of biking trails. Nearby Brenton-on-Sea beach is a magnificent 7 km stretch of uninterrupted white sands around a half heart-shaped bay.
The Rex Hotel promises its guests superior service and exceptional comfort. This impeccably appointed hotel offers guests a gateway to world-class restaurants, lush forests and the shores of the peaceful Knysna Lagoon.
The Rex Hotel offers the choice of Standard Rooms, Luxury Studios and two bedroom Apartments that reflect an urban chic ambiance and mixes contemporary and classic décor with cool colours and rich fabrics. The studios and the apartments have an open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchenette.
The O Bar & Eatery at The Rex offers excellent service, superb cuisine and exciting specialities. The outdoor terrace area is the perfect spot to bask in the sunshine and indulge in coffee or light snacks.
Example Details For The Rex Hotel
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
The Rex Hotel Location.
Address
The Rex Hotel,8 Gray Street, Knysna
Directions
From Cape Town: Take the N2 towards Knysna. At the first set of traffic lights as you enter Knysna, turn right onto Waterfront Drive. Continue to the first set of traffic lights and turn left into Grey Street. Continue to the first stop sign and turn left again, to access the hotel parking.
From Port Elizabeth: Take the N2 to Knysna. As you enter Knysna continue to the 2nd set of traffic lights with ABSA Bank on your left. Turn left into Grey Street. Continue past 3 stop signs. At the 4th stop sign, turn right to access the hotel parking.
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 have an electronic safe, hair dryer, a mini bar (stocked on request), iron and ironing board, satellite/cable TV, tea/coffee making facilities and air conditioning.
The O Bar & Eatery offers excellent service, superb cuisine with mouth-watering breakfast options. The outdoor terrace area is a good spot to enjoy the sunshine and enjoy a coffee or a light snack. Breakfast times are 07:00 until 10:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 11:00 Saturday and Sunday as well as Public Holidays
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
There is free undercover parking and a swimming pool.
All major credit cards are accepted.
There is 24 hour security and a 24 hour reception service.
Garden Route Game Lodge
The Garden Route
Day 4: The Garden Route
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to South Africa's world famous Garden Route Coast. Only 3.5 scenic hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria-free 2,000 hectare private game reserve is ideal for families wanting a short safari experience.
Enjoy sunset and sunrise game drives in an open Land Rover with your experienced game ranger who will bring you sightings of lion, elephant, white rhino, buffalo and cheetah. The reserve is also home to giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species such as bontebok, red hartebeest, kudu, eland, impala, springbuck and many more. Game drives will take between 2 and 3 hours depending on how much time is spent at each sighting. There will be a coffee stop on the morning drive and a sundowner stop on the evening drive.
Children of all ages are welcome to join the morning and evening drives when accompanied by an adult. Families are either accommodated on their own game vehicle or with other families which gives the kids a chance to make new friends while on holiday. Child minders are available to assist should you wish to enjoy a child free safari during your stay. Kids will also love the interactive tours of the Reptile Centre, home to numerous snakes and crocodiles.
Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury suites, lodge rooms and private chalets.
The luxury suites have a private deck overlooking the game reserve, a freestanding bath and an outside bath and shower set in the African bush for the more adventurous! There are also 2 luxury family suites, both of which have plunge pools, and are perfectly positioned with 2 bedrooms and a spacious main room. The lodge rooms all have private patios overlooking the landscaped gardens and are conveniently located for quick access to the swimming pools. The chalets have private viewing decks and are linked to the main lodge area via a wooden walkway.
Example Details For Garden Route Game Lodge
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast; dinner; one daily morning and one daily evening game drive; and a guided tour of the Reptile Centre are included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Garden Route Game Lodge Location.
Address
Garden Route Game Lodge,Albertinia, Albertinia
Directions
From Cape Town: Take the N2 towards the Garden Route and Knysna, and approximately 7 km after Albertina the Garden Route Game Lodge will be signposted on your left.
From the Garden Route: Take the N2 towards Cape Town, and approximately 7 km before Albertina, the Garden Route Game Lodge will be signposted on your right.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must normally please be vacated by 10:30 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children of any age are welcome. Children of any age are welcome to join the morning and evening drives when accompanied by an adult.
All rooms have private viewing patios, en-suite bathrooms with shower and bath, bathrobes and slippers, air conditioning and ceiling fans, in room safe, fully stocked mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, direct dial telephone, flat screen Satellite TV and DVD player.
In addition the Family Lodge Rooms include a kingsize bed and 2 sleeper couches, and a cot is available for infants. The rooms have convenient access to the swimming pools and children's play area.
Luxury and Luxury Family Suites also have a free standing bath, double vanity and separate shower, outside bath and shower, wood burning fireplace and Nespresso coffee machine.
Deluxe Rooms also have a Nespresso coffee machine.
Valley View and Waterhole View Bush Chalets are linked to the main lodge via a wooden walkway. The chalets overlook the waterhole or a lush valley of indigenous trees filled with birdlife.
The Honeymoon Bush Chalet is linked to the main lodge via a wooden walkway, and is discreetly located and overlooks the waterhole. The room also has a Nespresso coffee machine.
Dining options are available at Serengetis Restaurant, Poolside Terrace and at the African Boma (weather permitting). All the restaurants offer kiddies menus and early meal times for breakfast and dinner.
The lodge has 2 main pools.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the main lodge public areas.
Room service and babysitting services are available.
Credit Cards are accepted (Visa and MasterCard only).
The Kids Bushwise activity programme includes kiddies game drives, guided bush and insect walks or fishing at a nearby waterhole, and is suitable for children aged 6 - 12 years.
Interactive tours of the Reptile Center are also available.
The Ayana Spa offers a variety of full body massages and other relaxing treatments.
Game drives take place in open Land Rovers. Departure is early morning and late afternoon as this is when the wildlife are most active. You can expect your safari drive to last 2 to 3 hours depending on how much time is spent at each sighting. There will be a coffee stop on your morning safari and a sundowner stop at a popular look out in the game reserve on your evening safari.
Misty Waves Hotel
Hermanus
Day 5: Hermanus
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.
The Misty Waves 4* boutique hotel is only a short stroll away from the town centre, ocean and the famous whale watching sites along the cliff paths.
The hotel offers luxury suites and rooms, many of which have ocean views. There is a pleasant garden area with a swimming pool and sun deck, plus a restaurant, well-stocked bar and guest lounge area.
Example Details For Misty Waves Hotel
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast and dinner are included. |
Misty Waves Hotel Location.
Address
Misty Waves Hotel,21 Marine Drive, 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 off right onto R43 to Kleinmond / Hermanus. You will pass suburbs called Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai.
On entering Hermanus, you will pass a Gateway Spar and Total petrol station on your right. Keep on Main Road, and turn right at the Shell petrol station and a 7-Eleven shop towards the sea, and then right again into Marine Drive. Misty Waves Hotel is 600m on your right-hand side.
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 off left onto the R326 to Stanford, and follow the signs to Hermanus. On entering Hermanus, keep on the main road. Go past the Marine Hotel, and at the next junction, turn left at the Shell petrol station and a 7-Eleven shop towards the sea, and then right again into Marine Drive. Misty Waves Hotel is 600m on your right-hand side.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated normally by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children aged 8 years and older are welcome.
The Superior Rooms are situated on the top floor and have an extra length kingsize bed, bathroom with bath and separate shower, and a lounge area with sea sea views.
The Executive Rooms are situated on the second floor with a balcony offering views across Walker Bay. Two of the rooms have corner spa bath and one room has a standard bath - all with a separate shower.
The Ground Floor Suites are equipped with twin beds, an en-suite bathroom (some with a spa bath), and a separate shower. All have a balcony/veranda with either a garden view or sea view.
The hotel is a short walking distance to/from various restaurants, cliff paths, shops, craft markets and the historic Hermanus Village centre.
There is an on-site cinema situated next to reception which is mainly used for watching sporting events.
There is a swimming pool.
The restaurant offers a continental buffet breakfast and a variety of hot options.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided.
All major credit cards are accepted.
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