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.

138 Marine is a luxurious, upmarket beachfront guest house with spectacular sea views. It is situated just a stone's throw from a quaint assortment of village restaurants, craft markets, boutiques, bars, art galleries, charming little shops and unspoiled beaches, as well as two popular golf courses.

Spend lazy, sun-filled afternoons on the spacious terrace with panoramic views of the ocean and the mountains. Relax with a glass of wine on the deck next to the beach and enjoy magnificent views of breaking waves and spectacular African sunsets over the ocean, or watch the whales from the comfort of your bed during the whale watching season. The extensive breakfast menu changes daily and on request a platter can be provided to enjoy on the beach in front of the guest house.

There are 6 designer double rooms, each individually decorated and luxuriously fitted. No attention to detail has been spared in the superbly stylish decor. Under-floor heating, his and hers basins, heated towel rails, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi access are all part of your package here.

Address

138 Marine,138 Kus Road, Sand Bay

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 onto R43 to Botrivier/Hermanus. You will pass suburbs called Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, and Onrus. At the 3rd set of traffic lights (3 km before Hermanus), turn right at the Sandbaai/Hemel en Aarde junction into Main Road (at the Engen Garage). Continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

Scenic Route from Cape Town: Take the N2 Highway towards Somerset West. Turn left on the R44 to Strand (just past the Shell Garage). Proceed past Strand until you reach Gordon's Bay. Travel on the R44 along the coastal road to Rooi-els, Hangklip, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond. Continue through Kleinmond and join the R43 to Hermanus. Continue past Hawston, Vermont and Onrus. At the 3rd set of traffic lights (3 km before Hermanus town centre), turn right at the Sandbaai/Hemel en Aarde junction into Main Road (at Engen Garage). Continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

From Franschhoek: Take the R45 out of town passing the Huguenot Memorial and towards the Franchhoek Pass. Continue on this road over the pass for approximately 25 km, and then turn left at the T-junction onto the R321/R45 signposted Villersdorp. After approximately 8 km turn right onto the R43 signposted Hermanus, and follow this road for 32 km until you reach the T-junction with the N2. Turn right onto the N2 (signposted N2 Kaapstad/R43 Hermanus) and continue for 7 km until you see the exit for the R43 Hermanus. Continue on the R43 for 27 km and the turn right at the Sandbaai/Hemel en Aarde junction into Main Road (at the Engen Garage). Continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

From the Garden Route: Drive along the N2, take the R326 turn-off towards Stanford/Hermanus (13 km after Riviersonderend). When you reach the T-junction at Stanford (after approximately 55 km), turn right onto the R43 towards Hermanus. Upon entering Hermanus, drive along the Main Road through the business section of Hermanus. Go past a 2nd Shell petrol station and past a Total petrol station on your left until you reach an Engen petrol station on your left at a set of traffic lights (approximately 7 km since you entered Hermanus). Turn left towards the sea and continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

Belvidere Manor Hotel, situated on the west shore of the Knysna Lagoon, offers exclusive comfort in relaxed surroundings. 

Relax by the swimming pool in the beautiful gardens (Belvidere Estate is a nature-lover's paradise with more than 270 bird species identified), or retreat to the secluded comfort of the sunny terrace or cosy fireplace in your own Cape-style cottage. Mornings are made for taking things easy and the afternoon is designed for rest and recovery...

Knysna's smallest pub is housed on the site of the original Belvidere farmhouse and a feature of the pub is the wine cellar viewed through the window in the floor, where freshly caught game would have been hung. With a yellowwood ceiling and ironwood block floor, The Bell is a quaint favourite of the Belvidere locals.  Relish pub meals served outside in the garden in summer, but in the winter enjoy the cosy warmth of the wood-burning stove.  Or savour delicious bistro meals at Caroline's Bistro, named after the first mistress of Belvidere, whilst taking in the best view of the Knysna Lagoon and surrounds.  A 2 or 3 course table d'hote menu is offered daily.

Guests are accommodated in 28 individual cottages situated in 10 hectares of gardens. Offering single or double storey options, the cottages have either lagoon or garden views.

Each cottage has a wide veranda or 'stoep', a comfortable living room, a fully equipped kitchen and one, 2 or 3 double en-suite bedrooms. They are fully serviced. 

There's every reason to stay at Belvidere. Trouble is, there's absolutely no reason to leave.

Address

Belvidere Manor Hotel,169 Lower Duthie Drive Belvidere Estate Knysna , Knysna

Directions

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness: Follow the N2 towards Knysna. Turn off the N2 as you approach Knysna at the Brenton/Belvidere sign (6 km before Knysna) just before the bridge crossing the lagoon. Turn left and then first right into Belvidere Estate. At the intersection take Lower Duthie Drive and follow the circular drive until you reach Belvidere Manor.

From Port Elizabeth/Plettenberg Bay: Follow the N2 through Knysna. Turn off the N2 at the Brenton/Belvidere sign (6 km past Knysna) just over the bridge crossing the lagoon. Follow the directions as above.

From Oudtshoorn: Leave Outsdhoorn on the N12 heading south towards George, and follow this road for approx. 63 km until the road merges with the N2 heading towards Knysna. Turn off the N2 as you approach Knysna at the Brenton/Belvidere sign (6 km before Knysna) just before the bridge crossing the lagoon. Turn left and then first right into Belvidere Estate. At the intersection take Lower Duthie Drive and follow the circular drive until you reach Belvidere Manor.

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. 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

From Port Elizabeth / Garden Route: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown. 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.