Featured Places
Nkorho Bush Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Days 1 - 3: Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Nkorho Bush Lodge is situated in the Big 5 Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park.
Game drives start early in the morning, the best time to spot game. On the afternoon/evening game drive, enjoy a sundowner drink in the heart of the bush and marvel at the surroundings and its magic.
Walks are also included in your safari experience here. Accompanied by your ranger, a walk is done either before breakfast (in summer) or after (in winter). There is a maximum number of 8 people allowed per walk for safety reasons.
In between game activities, cool off from the African sun in the spectacular infinity flow pool or in the unique rock pool. There is also a small spa treatment room offering a range of massages and facials.
As your day draws to a close, feel the thrill as the nocturnal animals rule the night. You are lured to indulge in typical African cuisine around an open fire in a traditional boma.
The lodge can accommodate a maximum of 16 people in stylish yet homely en-suite thatched chalets. There are 6 standard double/twin chalets, and a Honeymoon Suite which boasts a kingsize bed, a small lounge area and a private deck.
There is also one family chalet which has 2 bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and are connected by an interleading door. One room has a queen sized bed and the other room has twin beds.
Example Details For Nkorho Bush Lodge
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Chalet | ||
Includes: | Morning and evening shared game drives; bush walks; the Guest Contribution; breakfast, lunch, dinner; and tea/coffee are included. PLEASE NOTE: Drinks (including game drive drinks) and the 1% Tourism Levy are NOT included and will be added to your room account to settle upon departure. Children under the age of 16 years and guests over the age of 65 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Nkorho Bush Lodge Location.
Address
Nkorho Bush Lodge,Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Sabi Sand (via Gowrie Gate)
Directions
From Hazyview: Take the R40 from Hazyview towards Bushbuckridge. Continue on this road for approximately 68 km from Hazyview (passing Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek), then turn right onto the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.
From Eastgate Airport/Hoedspruit: Take the R40 towards Bushbuckridge, and continue along this road for 2 km until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing. Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 on your left, then follow the directions as below once on the R531.
Directions once on the R531: Continue straight for 30 km. Once you have passed the South African Wildlife College (on your left), after 100m turn right onto a gravel road. Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park via the Orpen Gate and travel along the R531 towards the R40. About 10 km on the tar road, before the South African Wildlife College, you will see a gravel road to your left. Turn left (helpful hint – if you pass the South African Wildlife College, you have gone too far). Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.
ONCE AT THE GOWRIE GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change and please note that the gate opens at 06:00 and closes at 19:00). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit.
Once inside the gate, follow the signs 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.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Please DO NOT follow your GPS 'quickest route' co-ordinates for the lodge. This route inevitably leads guests through the incorrect entry gates (Kruger National Park and into the Sabi Sand Reserve) which do not service the lodge. Furthermore, many of the prescribed roads are not navigable in a normal vehicle. Following GPS co-ordinates can result in getting lost in the middle of the bush, or un-necessary delays of up to 3 hours.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may be occupied from 12:00 on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, so you can check into your room and relax before 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 of any age are welcome. Children must be 6 years and older to participate in game drives. Babysitting services can be arranged in advance, at an additional cost. No children under 16 years of age may participate in the bushwalks, due to safety regulations
All chalets have en-suite bathrooms, a fan, mini bar (stocked on request), hairdryer, in-room safe, air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities.
The main lodge has a dining area, lounge, boma, curio shop, a swimming pool, bar, cellar and a spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered in main area.
Spa treatments can be booked on request (additional cost).
Game drives start early in the morning which is the best time to spot game. A member of staff will wake you at least 30 minutes before departure, and you can go down to the patio and enjoy a cup of coffee and rusks before your drive. There will also be a break on the game drive for tea or coffee.
Afternoon/evening drive times will be discussed with you on checking in. You will stop for sundowner drinks in the bush. On returning to the lodge, feel free to freshen up and meet at the bar for a predinner drink.
The game drive vehicles can seat 8 guests comfortably. Both game drives are approximately 3 hours in duration.
Only 8 guests can accompany the ranger on the bush walk at a time. Should you participate in the bush walk, please dress in neutral colours such as black, grey, khaki, brown, etc. No bright colours such as pink, yellow, white, blue, etc are permitted.
Laundry and babysitting services are also available (additional cost).
The lodge has on-site parking.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted.
A Guest Conservation Contribution has been included within your rate. The proceeds go towards the Sabi Sand Wildtuin anti-poaching efforts, the community and ecology.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years and guests over the age of 65 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. A guided walk can last about an hour and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
The Beach Hotel
Port Elizabeth
Day 4: Port Elizabeth
The Beach Hotel is situated on Port Elizabeth's magnificent beachfront, directly opposite Hobie Beach and next to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex. For history lovers, it is believed that the original Beach Hotel and surrounding area belonged to Piet Retief and his family. His home, a tennis court and servants quarters stood on this ground.
There are 3 onsite restaurants to suit everyone's palate. Enjoy a relaxing environment, sipping a cocktail white overlooking the ocean at The Verandah restaurant, or indulge in a buffet meal at The Crest. Real foodies will love the fine dining cuisine at Ginger, voted one of the best restaurants in Port Elizabeth - it is definitely a must.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, and the hotel also offers complimentary high speed Wi-Fi.
The Beach Hotel offers homely comfort in its 58 spacious, en-suite bedrooms, some with stunning sea-views and others opening onto the tranquil courtyard.
The Non Sea-Facing Rooms are quiet, and overlook the tranquil surrounds of the courtyard. The Side Sea-Facing Rooms offer spectacular side views of the Indian Ocean whilst in the comfort of your stylish room, decorated in soft Mediterranean tones, and the Front Sea-Facing Rooms offer, as you would expect, front facing views of the ocean.
The Executive Rooms are spacious with large comfortable beds that invite guests to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean. The suites offer generous, well appointed lounge areas as well as stylish bathrooms with separate showers. Finally, the well appointed, stylish Suite consists of a spacious bedroom with en-suite bathroom equipped with a freestanding bathtub.
Example Details For The Beach Hotel
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Executive Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
The Beach Hotel Location.
Address
The Beach Hotel,Marine Drive, Summerstrand
Directions
From Port Elizabeth Airport: Turn right into Allister Miller Drive, drive straight down, then turn right into La Roche Drive. Follow the road for approximately 4 km until you come to a T-junction at the beachfront. Turn right here. Keep going along this road, and immediately after the Boardwalk Complex you will find the Beach Hotel on the right-hand side.
From The Garden Route: Take the N2 to Port Elizabeth. As you approach Port Elizabeth on the N2, take the R102 Cape Road/Kaapweg. Keep on Cape Road all the way (it will take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic). Cape Road eventually leads downhill and connects onto the M4 Summerstrand. Take the M4 Summerstrand - the sea will be on the left-hand side. Keep going along this road, and immediately after the Boardwalk Complex you will find the Beach Hotel on the right-hand side.
From Grahamstown/Eastern Cape Game Reserves: Take the N2 to Port Elizabeth. As you enter the city leave the N2 via ext 751B, merge onto the M4 heading to Summerstrand and follow the directions as above.
From Addo: Take the R335 towards Port Elizabeth, and join the N2 still heading towards Port Elizabeth. Follow the directions as above.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children of any age are welcome.
All rooms have heating and air conditioning, a flat screen TV with selected satellite channels, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, mini bar fridges (stocked on request), electronic safe and complimentary Wi-Fi.
All rooms are non-smoking.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool.
There is a secure and guarded parking facility.
There is a cocktail bar and a lounge area, and a choice of 3 restaurants. 24 hour room service is also available.
A same day laundry and dry-cleaning service is offered (additional cost), excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
Babysitting services can be arranged (additional cost).
The Lofts Boutique Hotel
The Garden Route
Days 5 - 7: 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 unique location of the Lofts Boutique Hotel on Thesen Island, in the centre of the Knysna Estuary, sets the tone for a tranquil, revitalising, relaxing and refreshing stay here. As you drive over the venetian style bridge you feel that you are entering a different, more peaceful world.
Set within the remodelled timber frame of the old Knysna boatbuilding shed, the luxury loft rooms and lagoon suites offer the discerning guest a combination of luxurious accommodation and breathtaking views over the scenic Knysna Lagoon. All are individually decorated and styled to provide the ultimate in comfort and unique living. The suites have a large bedroom with an open plan bathroom and separate toilet; and the loft rooms feature a large bedroom, a balcony with 2 sun loungers and an en-suite bathroom.
The Atrium is the 'lounge' of The Lofts and is an ideal space to relax, read, chat or just sit and enjoy. It has high ceiling, lots of character and resembles an old passenger sailing vessel. Other facilities include a splash pool and sundeck. Guests can also take a canoe out and paddle through the Thesen Islands canals, or hire a bicycle and cycle into the town or to the Knysna Waterfront for some shopping therapy.
Example Details For The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Lagoon View Room | ||
Includes: | A breakfast voucher is included. |
The Lofts Boutique Hotel Location.
Address
The Lofts Boutique Hotel,Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna
Directions
From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness: Follow the N2 to Knysna. When you approach Knysna, you will cross a bridge - there will be a small section of the lagoon on your left, and the main lagoon will be on your right. Travel into the town centre. At the 3rd set of traffic lights turn right into Long Street. Carry on straight through traffic lights, over the bridge and onto Thesen Islands. Drive straight until you reach a 4-way stop sign. Turn right here and drive straight to the Lagoon waters edge. The Lofts reception is on the left.
From Port Elizabeth (also known as Gqeberha) /Plettenberg Bay: Take the N2 to Knysna. Once you enter Knysna on the N2, at the 2nd set of traffic lights turn left into Waterfront Drive. Carry on straight, and turn left at the first traffic lights, over the bridge and onto Thesen Islands. Drive straight until you reach a 4-way stop sign. Turn right here and drive straight to the Lagoon waters edge. The Lofts reception is at the end on the left.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children of any age are welcome. There are 2 family rooms available.
There are 3 room types - lagoon view rooms, balcony rooms (with sunny north-facing balconies) and apartments (with 2 bedrooms and self-catering facilities.
A breakfast voucher to the value of ZAR 150.00 per person will be issued for guests which can be presented at Ile de Pain Bakery and The Boatshed Cafe.
There is a lounge/bar area, free parking, a laundry service (additional cost), outdoor pool, restaurant, spa and Wi-Fi. Room service can also be arranged on request.
The Lofts has a non-smoking policy. Smokers are welcome to make use of balconies and the outside smoking areas, however.
138 Marine
Hermanus
Days 8 - 9: 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.
138 Marine is a luxurious, upmarket beachfront guest house with spectacular sea views, about a 7 km drive from the centre of Hermanus.
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.
Example Details For 138 Marine
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Room (Abalone Room) | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
138 Marine Location.
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.
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 aged 8 years and older are welcome. Children under 8 by prior arrangement only.
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with twin basins, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a hair dryer, and a room safe.
The Oyster Room has panoramic sea and mountain views from 4 windows and a balcony, a kingsize bed (or twin beds), and an en-suite bathroom with free-standing slipper bath, shower and twin basins.
The Seastar Room has sea views from 3 windows; a kingsize bed (or twin beds), and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.
The Abalone Room has sea and mountain views, a queensize bed, balcony and a spacious shower in the en-suite bathroom.
The Coral Room has sea views from the open plan bath in the bedroom; a queensize bed; and an ensuite bathroom with twin basins and shower.
The Mussel Room has huge windows with sea and mountain views,a kingsize bed (or twins), and two small single beds on request, an en-suite bathroom with shower, bath and twin basins, and a private patio.
The Periwinkle Room has a queensize bed, and an en-suite bathroom with twin basins and shower.
There is on-site parking available.
138 Marine is situated adjacent to the unique beach path (Whale Walk), providing sea and mountain scenery.
The guest house operates a non-smoking policy.
Lavender Farm Guest House
The Cape Winelands
Days 10 - 11: The Cape Winelands
When it comes to finding an exclusive getaway in Franschhoek, with creature comforts best described as world class, you would certainly struggle to find anywhere that could rival the grace and beauty of Lavender Farm Guest House.
Situated a mere 1.3 km from the village centre and surrounded by purple lavender fields and mountains that seem to extend as far as the eye can see, Lavender Farm boasts the honour of being the only guest house on a lavender farm in Franschhoek.
After a hard day of sight seeing, wine tasting, exploring, lying by the pool or just shopping in the village, what better way to end the day than to retire to the comfort of your luxurious room.
The Luxury Suites flank the farm's manicured green lawn area. These suites are spacious and each one has its own outdoor pergola-styled verandah of grape vines and wisteria.
The Luxury View Suites have a private verandah overlooking the lavender field and mountains where you can enjoy a hot cup of morning coffee before coming up to the dining area for a hearty breakfast or sip a relaxing glass of wine in the evening.
One of the Manor Rooms has large patio doors that open up to a view of the relaxing pool and lawn area. The other Manor Room has a small lounge with a sleeper couch, which is ideal for a young family.
The Honeymoon Suites have a private patio and garden with stunning views over the lavender fields - ideal for settling down with a bottle of wine from your mini bar and enjoy the romantic sunsets.
Example Details For Lavender Farm Guest House
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Lavender Suite | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Lavender Farm Guest House Location.
Address
Lavender Farm Guest House,1 Verdun Road, Franschhoek
Directions
From Cape Town International Airport: Follow the exit signs and take the N2 to Cape Town / Somerset West Road. Turn left onto the N2 towards Somerset West. Take the R300 exit left towards Paarl. Take the N1 Paarl exit at the end of the R300. Take exit 47 off the N1 towards R44 Stellenbosch (R101) marked Klapmuts/Wellington. Turn right under the N1 motorway, over the 4-way stop and take first left onto the R45 to Franschhoek.
At the T-junction turn right towards Franschhoek. As you enter Franschhoek you will pass a Church and Town Hall on your left. Keep straight until you reach the T-Junction at the Monument. Turn right and after approximately one kilometre turn left into Verdun Road. The guest house is about 200 metres on the left.
From Cape Town Centre: Take the N1 highway towards Paarl. Take exit 47 off the N1 towards R44 Stellenbosch (R101) marked Klapmuts/Wellington. Follow the directions as above.
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, through 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 left onto the R45, and after approximately 8 km turn right to stay on the R45 and go over the Franschhoek Pass to Franschhoek. Keep left (do not turn right into Huguenot Road) and after approximately one kilometre turn left into Verdun Road. The guest house is about 200 metres on the left.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may be occupied between 14:00 and 17:00 on the day of arrival, and must please be vacated before 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children of any age are welcome.
All rooms are en-suite with air conditioning, a private terrace, mini fridge, DSTV, hairdryer, laptop safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.
In addition the guest house features a lounge and dining area, swimming pool with loungers, free secured parking and an honesty library.
A laundry service is available on request.
Credit cards are accepted.
It is advisable to pre-book dinner reservations in Franschhoek, especially between October and April. You can either do this directly via www.franschhoek-restaurants.co.za or otherwise please ask your Travel Butlers consultant for assistance.
The PortsWood
Cape Town
Days 12 - 14: Cape Town
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.
Situated adjacent to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town's premier entertainment and tourist attraction, the PortsWood is an oasis of calm and comfort alongside the active nightlife and vibrant restaurants of the Waterfront.
The PortsWood's success has been due to its superb service and excellent location. The hotel also is part of Cape Town's rich history, as the restaurant and lobby are built around a 300 year old well and the cells which held prisoners on their way to Robben Island.
The PortsWood offers a choice of Studio Rooms, Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites.
There is also a swimming pool for guest's enjoyment - ideal for relaxing by and sipping a cocktail after a day exploring the sights of Cape Town. The spa offers a range of treatments and a steam room.
The Quarter Kitchen is a relaxed, elegant restaurant offering an à la carte breakfast and comprehensive à la carte lunch and dinner menu specialising in Malaysian/Cape Malay Cuisine. For those who prefer the luxury and comfort of their rooms, room service is available 24 hours a day.
Example Details For The PortsWood
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
The PortsWood Location.
Address
The PortsWood,Portswood Square, Portswood Road, 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. Go straight over this set of lights, and turn right at the next set onto Helen Suzman Boulevard (signposted M6 Sea Point). Keep to the right lane, and at the next set of traffic lights, turn right into Portswood Road - the hotel is then signposted.
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.
Check In / Check Out
Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
General Information For Guests
Children aged 12 years and older are welcome.
All rooms are decorated in nautical style and have individual air conditioning, television, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, bathroom with bath and shower, direct dial telephone, electric razor plugs (110/220V) and a hair dryer. There is complimentary Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a swimming pool. Guests at The PortsWood are also welcome to use the Wellness Centre and the sauna and gym at The Commodore Hotel which is next door.
The hotel has its own library, with a selection of books to choose from for those who love to unwind within the pages of an exciting novel.
The lobby and restaurant are built around a 300 year old well and the cells which held prisoners on their way to Robben Island.
24 hour in-room dining is offered, all major credit cards are accepted and a same-day laundry and dry cleaning service is available (additional cost).
There is secure undercover parking along with 24-hour security (additional cost per day).
A chauffer service is also available (additional cost).
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Financial Protection
All the flights and flight inclusive holidays on this websiteare financially protected either by ABTOT or the ATOL scheme.
When you pay for something protected by the ATOL scheme you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it.
Please see our booking conditions for further information.