Luxury Self-Drive Holiday for 12 Nights

Luxury Self-Drive Holiday for 12 Nights

Featured Places

One&Only Cape Town

Cape Town

Days 1 - 4: Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town Location Map

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.

One&Only Cape Town offers an unprecedented level of luxury and style in one of the world's most fascinating cities. With its spectacular location in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and its stunning views of Table Mountain, the resort is a destination in itself.

Guests can dine in one of 3 top restaurants including the continent’s only outpost of the Michelin-starred Nobu, which fuses Japanese cuisine with South African flavours. Revel in the high energy vibe of Vista Bar or sample rare and undiscovered vintages at the stunning Wine Loft which has more than 5,000 bottles of wine from across the globe.

The sublime calm of the sophisticated One&Only Spa offers an indulgent escape, while the Fitness Centre offers a wide range of state-or-the-art equipment and yoga/Pilates classes. The temperature-controlled infinity-edge pool is the finest in Cape Town, framed with private cabanas and majestic palms.

98 of the rooms and suites are located within the 7 storey Marina Rise and feature expansive glass doors that lead onto private balconies offering unobstructed views of the picturesque harbourside and iconic Table Mountain. The remaining 40 rooms and suites are located on a secluded and lushly landscaped island surrounded by a waterway, each featuring a private balcony or terrace and waterway views. Sumptuously appointed bathrooms have oversized baths, a roomy rain shower and dual marble vanity units.

Example Details For One&Only Cape Town

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Marina Table Mountain Room (Stay 4/Pay 3 offer applied)
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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One&Only Cape Town Location.

Address

One&Only Cape Town,Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

Directions

From Cape Town Airport: Upon exiting the airport continue towards the N2 highway and take the right-hand exit to Cape Town. Travel along the N2 towards Cape Town; when approaching Settlers Way keep to the right. Travel along Eastern Boulevard and keep to the right until you approach you first set of traffic light with Cape Town International Convention Centre on your left-hand side.

Turn right at the traffic lights (Coen Steytler) and cross over the next set of traffic lights into the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. At the first roundabout keep left. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, follow the road until it bends to the right and then turn right into One&Only Cape Town.

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 air conditioning, a flat screen television, tea / coffee making facilities, a mini-bar,  complimentary Wi-Fi access, a safe and a hair dryer.

The One&Only Spa is located on its very own private island, and offers a range of massages and treatments, and has 12 treatment rooms, saunas and thermal suites.

The fitness centre offers a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment and programmes, from advanced cardio machines and personalised training to Yoga and Pilates.

The hotel has an infinity-edge swimming pool (seasonally heated) with loungers.

In-room dining is available, otherwise the resort has a wonderful collection of restaurants, bars and special dining venues offering an array of local and international cuisine.

There is secure underground parking.

Babysitting and laundry services are available (additional cost).

A twice daily housekeeping service is available at a time convenient to your schedule.

Le Quartier Francais

The Cape Winelands

Days 5 - 6: The Cape Winelands

Le Quartier Francais Location Map

Set in perfumed gardens with mountain views, Le Quartier Francais (the French Quarter) is a romantic boutique hotel situated in the very centre of  Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The emphasis is on ultimate luxury and charm, combined with the priceless gift of privacy.

Peaceful scented gardens with strategically placed sculptures and a 10m swimming pool provide a relaxing area for guests to enjoy after exploring the surrounding Winelands. The hotel also offers complimentary bicycle hire for those wishing to explore and get fit at the same time.

Protégé is a casual fine dining style eatery at Le Quartier Français under the guidance of Scot Kirton, founder of the La Colombe group of which this restaurant is a member. This informal yet stylish restaurant is perfect for visitors seeking an eclectic dining experience, featuring stylish casual fare created by a series of talented young chefs with Asian, French, and Italian influences evident in the cuisine. Also at LQF is Épice - an intimate fine dining restaurant, serving an array of delectably curated dishes which take you on a spice journey. The fine-dining restaurant is headed by chef Charné Sampson (previously sous chef at La Colombe).

La Petite Colombe at sister property Leeu Estates offers diners the highest level of excellence, from service to exquisite multi-course lunches and dinners for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. During the day, floor to ceiling glass gives you the feeling of being in the surrounding vineyards.

The sophisticated suites and rooms are located in the gardens and feature the ultimate in luxury fittings, fabrics and finishes complemented by artworks by local artists.

The Auberge Rooms boast extra spacious seating areas and spectacular views of either the central courtyard and the swimming pool or the surrounding mountains. All feature en-suite bathrooms with both slipper baths and walk-in showers. The generous double-volume Grande Rooms are 50 square meters in size and have contemporary styled bathrooms.

The Petite Garden Suites look out onto their own secret corner garden, and the Pool and House Suites boast 80 square metres of space plus their own private walled garden and secluded pool. Each of the 110 square metre sumptuously decorated Four Quarters Suites are set around a private courtyard.

Finally there is a 3 bedroomed and a 4 bedroomed LQF Villa, each with their own private pool and full kitchen. The villas are both close to the bustling main street and provide a home away from home from which to explore the village and its many attractions.

Example Details For Le Quartier Francais

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Auberge Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Le Quartier Francais Location.

Address

Le Quartier Francais,Corner of Berg and Wilhelmina Street, 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).

Continue down the main street of Franschhoek, and Le Quartier Francais restaurant is on your right-hand side at the corner of Huguenot Road and Berg Street. Turn right into Berg Street and then right again into Wilhelmina Street, and the entrance to Le Quartier Francais is on your right hand side.

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).

Continue down the main street of Franschhoek, and Le Quartier Francais restaurant is on your right-hand side at the corner of Huguenot Road and Berg Street. Turn right into Berg Street and then right again into Wilhelmina Street, and the entrance to Le Quartier Francais is on your right hand side.

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 left onto the R45, and after approximately 8 km turn right to stay on the R45 and go over the Franschhoek Pass to Franschhoek. Turn right into the Main road (R45) at the Monument. Le Quartier Francais restaurant is on your left-hand side at the corner of Huguenot Road and Berg Street.

Turn left into Berg Street and then right  into Wilhelmina Street, and the entrance to Le Quartier Francais is on your right hand side.

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. A courtesy changing room is available for late check-outs and early check-ins.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

All rooms have air conditioning, a hair dryer, mini bar, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, electronic safe, Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities, a wood burning fireplace, complimentary Wi-Fi, and satellite/cable TV.

The main property has a swimming pool, secure parking, complimentary internet access, and a library. Breakfast is served between 07:00 and 11:00. There is valet parking/secure limited parking area with secure street parking.

Leeu Spa is a wellness sanctuary that offers authentic massages and holistic treatments by expert therapists. A range of treatments for children (aged 6-12) are also offered. Leeu Spa is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3 km drive from Le Quartier Francais. Transport between the properties is available.

Protégé is a casual-style eatery at Le Quartier Français and features stylish cuisine created by a series of talented young chefs. The fresh, seasonal menu is based on an a la carte offering where guests are free to select as many or as few courses as they desire.

Epice - derived from the French word Épice meaning spice (and is pronounced eh-peace) - is an intimate fine dining restaurant with a tasting menu.

At the sister Franschhoek property, Leeu Estates, the world-renowned and award-wining La Colombe team offer a world-class dining experience at La Petite Colombe.

The Great Heart Wines Boutique recalibrates the notion of an 'intimate’ and personalised' wine tasting with availability for a table that sits four guests at a time for Le Quartier Francais and Leeu House guests only.

The Wine Studio offers a truly immersive wine experience. Housed on Leeu Estates, it is run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide guests in the finer nuances of these handcrafted wines. Guests at Le Quartier Francais are welcome to book a wine tasting experience at the Wine Studio during their stay. Transport between the properties is available.

A laundry service is available (additional cost) as are babysitting services (also additional cost).

Credit cards are accepted.

It is advisable to pre-book dinner reservations in Franschhoek, especially between October and April. You can do this directly via www.franschhoek-restaurants.co.za or on the Dineplan website or mobile app (available on iPhone and Android - search for dineplan in the app store).  We advise booking at least 24hours in advance.

Tsala Treetop Lodge

The Garden Route

Days 7 - 9: The Garden Route

Tsala Treetop Lodge Location Map

Part of the Relais & Chateaux group of exclusive properties, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a beautiful blend of stone, wood, glass and water high above the floor of the magnificent indigenous forests of the Garden Route, only 10 km west from Plettenberg Bay and 24 km east from the busy holiday town of Knysna. From dolphin spotting to coastal forests, and from adrenalin sports to relaxing on vast white-sand beaches or sunset catamaran cruises, there are endless options to fill your days here.

The magical allure of Tsala is irresistable to those who appreciate exclusivity and fine fare and who also want some romance. The afro-baroque décor with its earthy colours, rich textures and handcrafted fittings draws inspiration from the diverse cultures of Africa, yet remains integrated with the sophistication of the Western world.

The main lodge has a magnificent foyer featuring polished blackwood columns and a glass fronted lounge with views of the forest and valley.

Large open suspended decks are ideal for dining and sunset viewing, and the library features reference books on the area.

Superb and imaginative cuisine, reflecting the diversity of South African cultures, is a dining highlight and the wine cellar is stocked with the best South African Estate wines.

Elevated boardwalks high in the forest canopy allow easy access between the main lodge and the 10 exclusive and very private suites and the 6 luxury villas.

Each suite, rising to heights exceeding 6 metres, is a harmonious combination of the craftsmanship of ancient times and the indulgent luxury of every modern convenience. All have a private deck with sun loungers and infinity pool, a sitting room with a wood fire, and a spacious bathroom with inside and outside showers.

The villas are ideal for families or couples travelling together. Each villa has 2 bedrooms, so they are ideal for groups up to 4 people, as well as a private deck with an infinity pool overlooking the forest below.

Example Details For Tsala Treetop Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Treetop Suite with Plunge Pool (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied)
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Tsala Treetop Lodge Location.

Address

Tsala Treetop Lodge,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.

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.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must normally please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome.

Constructed of stone, wood and glass the beautiful tree-house suites comprise of a plush bedroom, an elegant sitting room with a fireplace and a spacious bathroom fit for royalty. Extending into the forest is a private deck and your own infinity pool providing the ultimate privacy.

All rooms have a hair dryer, in room safe, an umbrella, complimentary port in the room, a fully stocked mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, under floor heating and air conditioning.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge area.

Meals at Tsala are exquisitely presented in the glass walled dining room. For those wanting to enjoy the morning sunshine, the spectacular dining deck, suspended above the forest floor, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and sumptuous breakfast.

Vibrant and casual with distinctive international flavours, the Zinzi Restaurant offers an abundant and tasty menu, in an incredible forest setting.

A winding staircase leads you to the hidden wine cellar at Tsala, where shelves carefully house a selection of vintage and younger wines you can enjoy during your stay.

Babysitting and laundry services are available (additional cost) along with 24 hour room service and pamper treatments (on request).

Credit cards are accepted.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Game Reserve

Days 10 - 12: Kwandwe Game Reserve

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Location Map

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape near Grahamstown. 22,000 hectares of farmland in the Great Fish River region were restored and restocked with African wildlife. Today, thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve. Experienced rangers and Xhosa trackers lead guests on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Guided bush walks and rhino tracking in Kwandwe's pristine wilderness bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best.

Elegant, intimate and contemporary, the Great Fish River Lodge boasts plush furnishings and majestic views of the reserve. Perched along the lush green banks of its namesake, Great Fish River Lodge has been designed to showcase the seemingly endless landscape in which it is set. Expansive viewing decks allow for a fully immersive experience in nature and is the perfect spot to enjoy an African sunset.

Décor is classic-contemporary and African-inspired, with natural palettes of earth-toned fabrics. Pewter and glass add an understated glamour to the furnishings, while artefacts such as ostrich eggshells, hides and horns create subtle points of interest and relevance to the lodge's surrounds.

Delicious African-inspired meals are served in the candlelit dining room or in the boma under a magnificent starlit sky.

The 9 air-conditioned and elegant thatched stone and glass suites feature floor-to-ceiling doors which fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas. Relax by your private plunge pool on your private thatched terrace with unmatched views over the sweeping landscape beyond and observe playful Cape clawless otters swimming in the cool waters below. After days spent on safari, unwind in the supreme comfort of your kingsized bed and cocoon in fresh linens with a star-filled view.

Everything here takes place on a grander scale, but it is the attention to detail and expansive, unmatched vistas that keep visitors coming back year after year.

Example Details For Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Chalet
Includes: All meals; tea/coffee; house wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water; 2 scheduled shared game drives daily in an open 4x4 safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker; interpretive nature walks daily (one hour) accompanied by an experienced armed tracker; transfers in a game-drive vehicle from Heatherton (Reception and parking area) to the lodge; the Community and Conservation Levy; and a laundry/valet service are included.

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on interpretive bush walks. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

 
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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Location.

Address

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge,Near Grahamstown, Kwandwe

Directions

From Port Elizabeth: Travel eastwards along the N2 towards Grahamstown. Travel past Grahamstown and the Settlers Monument, ignoring the Beaufort Street and R67 Port Alfred turn-offs. A few kilometres past Grahamstown turn left onto the R67 heading towards Fort Beaufort. Wind your way through the Ecca Pass for approximately 22 km, before turning left onto a gravel road at the Kwandwe sign. This turn-off is also marked Kranzdrift.

Travel about 5 km to reach the Kwandwe gate, and continue straight along that road for a further 6 km. The first house on the left is Heatherton Towers Reception area, where you will check-in and leave your car. You will then be transferred to the lodge, which is about a 40 minutes drive away.

From East London: Travel along the N2 towards King Williamstown and then on to Grahamstown. Before reaching Grahamstown turn right onto the R67 heading towards Fort Beaufort, then follow the directions as above.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from midday on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge by this time, so you can relax and check into your room, and enjoy high tea before going out on your first afternoon game drive, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 15:00 at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

All suites have floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors which fold back, plus overhead fans and air conditioning, a thatched veranda and a private plunge pool. They also have in-room safes, a mini bar, telephone and a hairdryer. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath, indoor and outdoor showers, separate WC and twin basins.

The lodge consists of the main lounge, dining room, sitting room, outside boma, swimming pool and a large viewing deck.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available

Evening meals are served on your private deck (on request), in the dining room or in the boma.

A variety of wellness treatments are available to be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite (additional cost).

Twice daily game drives go out early morning and late afternoon in an open 4x4 safari vehicle.

In-between game drives, interpretive nature/bush walks can be arranged (lasting about an hour). Big game tracking on foot can also be arranged - this walk last between 3-4 hours.

Kwandwe offers a variety of fishing options, either in still water or in the Great Fish River (additional cost).

A Community and Conservation Levy has been included within your rate. The proceeds go towards anti-poaching efforts, the community and ecology.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on interpretive bush walks. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris. The final decision on whether any guest can join a bush walk or walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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