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.

Southern Sun The Cullinan is a stylish and grand hotel that offers travellers easy access to most of Cape Town's venues and is within walking distance to the world-renowned V&A Waterfront.

Complementing the rich, cultural heritage of Cape Town through timeless architecture, the opulent decor creates a mood that is a world-away-from-home, while service and attention to detail ensure your every need is taken care of.

The 410 elegant and spacious hotel rooms all boast spectacular views over the many aspects of Cape Town - enjoy either the view of Table Mountain, the bustling Table Bay Harbour and Waterfront or the city centre.

Rooms are lavishly decorated with rich finishes and furnishing, and all offer luxurious private bathrooms and in room amenities to enhance your stay and make it as comfortable as possible.

The outdoor pool is ideal for those who enjoy a fresh dip in cool waters and the fully equipped gym is accessible to all guests of the hotel.

Address

Southern Sun The Cullinan,1 Cullinan Street, 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. Turn left into Walter Sisulu Avenue, the CTICC will still be on your left. At the first set of traffic lights, turn right into Long Street. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right into Wharf Street. Wharf Street curves and becomes Cullinan Street and the Cullinan will be on your left-hand side. 

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.

Stellenbosch is the oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town and the oak-lined streets compliment the many fine examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture in this well-preserved town. The town was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, who named the town after himself.

An academic university town, Stellenbosch has a bustling sidewalk cafe scene and a vibrant nightlife. The many excellent restaurants offer a wide selection of dining options to choose from.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route, the oldest in the Cape, is one of South Africa's premier wine producing regions and can boast winning 70% of all the major wine awards and acolades (both locally and internationally) presented to the South African wine industry every year.

A day tour of this route is a must for any wine buff, or for anyone interested in sampling some of the fine wines and learning more about the wine producing methods and grape varieties. With over 100 cellars to choose from it is possible to experience every different wine style. Along with the wine tasting, stop and enjoy lunch at one of the many fine restaurants which offer superb home-cooked food in stunning settings. Maybe even take a few special bottles home with you when you go. Or book a guided wine tour and let someone else do the driving...

Since 1802 the Oude Werf Hotel, South Africa’s oldest continuously operating hotel, has been welcoming guests with its unique charm and character.

Address

Oude Werf Hotel,30 Church Street, Stellenbosch

Directions

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Garden Route: Follow the N2 towards Somerset West. Turn off the N2 at the signposted Helderberg/Baden Powell Drive/R310 turn-off in the direction of Stellenbosch, which is signposted at the top of the turn-off. Follow the R310 for 15 km to the T-junction, having passed some wine estates and the Van Rhyn Brandy Cellar on the way.

At the T-junction, turn right to Stellenbosch. Continue on this road past the first set of traffic lights, until the 2nd set of traffic lights. Turn right here into Dorp Street. Follow Dorp Street for some 1,5 km past another set of traffic lights and 2 mini roundabouts.

Continuing past the 2nd mini roundabout (signposted as Bird Street), turn left at the 3rd street, which is Drostdy Street. Turn left at the 1st intersection into Church Street. The hotel is located at Number 30, which is on the right side about 100 metres down.

There is valet parking available, for which you would first need to announce yourself at the hotel's reception desk.

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.

Abalone Guest Lodge is an unusually artistic and unique guesthouse situated midway between the town centre and the beautiful white beaches of Hermanus. Each en-suite bedroom is individually appointed with original South African art and decor, and has a TV, telephone, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Delicious English breakfasts are served on the front terrace or by the poolside. Dinner can be arranged by appointment, or there are many good restaurants within easy walking distance.

Address

Abalone Guest Lodge,306 Main 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 off right onto R43 to Kleinmond/Hermanus. You will pass suburbs called Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai. Continue to follow this road into Hermanus town centre. You are now on Main Road (Hoof Weg).

The road turns 90 degrees to the left, you are still in Main Road. Follow this road over a 4-way Stop Street (the Marine Hotel will be on your right) and carry on for about 1.5 km. Abalone Guest Lodge is on your right-hand side - the name is well marked on the wall outside in turquoise.

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: The N2 brings you west past Swellendam and Riviersonderend. 10 km past Riviersonderend turn on to the R326 to Stanford and then follow the signs to Hermanus. Follow the main road through Hermanus and Abalone Guest Lodge will be on your left-hand side.

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.

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.

Only 80 minutes east of Port Elizabeth, a visit to Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect extension of your trip along South Africa's famous Garden Route. Set high above the spectacular Kariega River Valley, this 11,500 hectare malaria-free reserve is home to game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species.

For those who want to do more than merely relax and enjoy the idyllic surroundings, there is plenty to keep you busy at Kariega Main Lodge. Everything revolves around the twice-daily safari drives - the close-up encounters with African wildlife are the centre of guests' unforgettable safari holiday. The experienced game rangers will drive you out on safari every morning and afternoon/evening in open game-drive vehicles, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game roaming freely in their natural habitat. If you are fortunate, you may witness the lion hunting or feeding, or even the heart-warming social interactions of an elephant herd.

A host of other activities are also offered, including guided bush walks amongst more than 25 species of game and abundant birdlife, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, and river cruises down the Kariega River (subject to water levels). There is also a Wellness Centre where guests are able to enjoy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. For the more energetic there is a very well equipped gym with a beautiful view over the valley.

The accommodation at Kariega Main Lodge consists of one, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom log chalets, making this the perfect destination for groups of friends and families seeking a special safari holiday of a lifetime. Each chalet is decorated in an ethnic style and are very spacious. A number of the chalets have a private pool. There are 21 chalets in total.

The family pub and restaurant, nestled in indigenous bush with commanding views of the reserve, serves tasty traditional South African cuisine, or guests can enjoy the experience of a meal in the open-air boma. To cool off during the heat of the day, dive into the river or relax at the sun-splashed main pool areas.

Address

Kariega Main Lodge,Near Kenton-on-Sea, Kariega Game Reserve

Directions

Note that Port Elizabeth has been renamed Gqeberha, and Grahamstown has been renamed Makhanda - both names for each place can appear on roadsigns and maps and can be used interchangeably.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) / Garden Route coastal route on the R72: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown (Makhanda). Approximately 50 km after Port Elizabeth, leave the N2 and take the off-ramp towards Port Alfred (R72). At the T-junction, turn right. Continue along the R72, and travel approximately 47 km until you reach Alexandria.

Continue through Alexandria until you reach Kenton-on-Sea, and then turn left onto the R343. Continue along this road for approximately 14 km and the Kariega Game Reserve Entrance will be signposted.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) / Garden Route alternate route: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown (Makhanda). Approximately 116 km after Port Elizabeth, leave the N2 and take the R343 towards Alexandria and Kenton-on-Sea. Continue on this road for approximately 32 km and the Kariega Game Reserve Entrance will be signposted.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), both of the above routes take a similar time (just over 1h 30 mins) and cover a similar total distance (around 145 km).