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.

Overlooking the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the harbour, the Commodore Hotel offers stylish living and a quality service that ensures guests return year after year.

The V&A Waterfront is a 5 minute walk away, offering guests an abundance of experiences. Indoor shopping and entertainment venues seamlessly merge with ocean vistas and mountain views and the fresh sea breeze and warm African sun add to the cosmopolitan, vibrant atmosphere.

When not out and about exploring the sights of Cape Town, sit back and relax in the tranquil surroundings of the pool area and enjoy a sundowner or an afternoon nap whilst soaking up the sun. Food may also be ordered at the pool from the restaurant menu. The Casuarina Spa is located on the 1st floor of the hotel, and there is also a fully equipped gym.

The Clipper Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and offers a la carte lunch and dinner. Scale models of ships, as well as artwork, remind patrons of these glorious vessels that once sailed the oceans.

The Commodore offers 236 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. All rooms have air-conditioning and are bright, spacious and decorated in a nautical theme. Guests can choose from Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms and King Suites.

Address

The Commodore Hotel,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 city centre, and you will see the CTICC on your left-hand side. Follow the directions as above.

Just an hour's drive from Cape Town and situated in the peaceful Franschhoek Valley, La Fontaine is just a short stroll away from the main village centre of Franschhoek.

With its friendly small village atmosphere, Franschhoek has a number of delightful art and design shops, as well as the Huguenot Museum or the famous Franschhoek Motor Museum. The village is also home to many award-winning restaurants.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a totally unique and leisurely way to visit the vineyards and wine estates of the Franschhoek Valley, or the guest house also has bicycles for hire should you wish to explore by pedal power. Private wineland tours taking in not only a selection of the finest wines but also rolling vineyards and quaint Dutch homesteads can be arranged (on request and at an additional cost).

If rest is what you need, stay in and enjoy the tranquil gardens and swimming pools that stretch over 2 properties. The outdoor breakfast patio and front veranda under their vine and wisteria pergolas boast views of the surrounding mountains and tranquil settings.

There are 17 large rooms and suites to choose from, all decorated with individual themes and character.

The Mountain View Suites have a fully equipped bathroom with a large bathtub and separate shower. The larger of these 2 suites also has its own wood burning fireplace. The Luxury Suites have light bathrooms and a seating area for extra comfort.

The Luxury Rooms offer the same standard of luxury decoration but with a slightly smaller footprint. The Deluxe Rooms are the smallest room type but still retain their own charm and elegance.

Address

La Fontaine,21 Dirkie Uys 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). Just past the Town Hall on your left-hand side, turn left into La Rochelle Street. Take the first street on the right, which is Dirkie Uys Street. La Fontaine is on the left-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, 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). Just past the Town Hall on your left-hand side, turn left into La Rochelle Street. Take the first street on the right, which is Dirkie Uys Street. La Fontaine is on the left-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 Huguenot Road  (R45) at the Huguenot Monument. Take the third turn right into La Rochelle Street, and then take the first street on the right, which is Dirkie Uys Street. La Fontaine is on the left-hand side.

From Oudtshoorn: Leave Oudtshoorn on the R62 towards Calitzdorp and Ladismith.  In Ladismith (approx 97 km from Oudtshoorn) you need to turn left to stay on the 62 which is now signposted to Monagu. 

After a further 146km the R62 merges with the R60, and you should carry on straight along this road towards Ashton/Robertson.  Continue on the R60 through Robertson, and 39km after the roundabout in Robertson turn left onto Overhex Road, signposted for Aan de Doorns.  Follow this road for 6km until the junction with the R43, and then turn left on the R43 towards Villiersdorp.

Follow the road through Villersdorp, and as you leave the town continue along Main Road past the sign for R43 Hermanus (do not turn left here!), and Main Road will become the R321/R45 signposted Franschhoek.  After 8km, turn right to stay on the R45 and continue on this road for 25km until you reach Franschhoek.

Turn right into Huguenot Road (R45) at the Huguenot Monument. Take the third turn right into La Rochelle Street, and then take the first street on the right, which is Dirkie Uys Street. La Fontaine is on the left-hand side.

ANY PROBLEMS AFTER HOURS YOU CAN CALL +27 (0) 21 876 4247.

Arathusa Safari Lodge is located within the northern sector of the coveted Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This region is renowned for its incredible concentrations of wildlife, including the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, and guests can enjoy incredible close encounters with the animals during their morning and afternoon guided game drives in open Land Rovers. Experienced, knowledgeable and personable rangers are paired with local trackers, and together they ensure a first class safari experience.Trackers sit up at the front of the vehicle looking for fresh animal tracks, while rangers skilfully navigate into ravines and through thickets in pursuit of fantastic game sightings.

Guided walks with a ranger may also be arranged - walks usually take place in the early hours during the summer months, when temperatures are more moderate. Being on foot affords a unique and altogether different view of the bush.

The lodge itself is set on the banks of a large waterhole, and is designed to harmoniously blend with the surrounding African bush. An infinity swimming pool overlooks the waterhole and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a smoldering African summer's afternoon. The spa is a relaxing retreat, where you can enjoy a range of treatments to soothe the body and relax the mind.

Meal times at Arathusa are a sociable affair, and guests are treated to sumptuous dishes, fresh produce and daily baked confectionery from the kitchen. A traditional open-air boma offers guests a novel way of appreciating an enjoyable meal under the stars accompanied by the sounds of the African wild.

There are 9 water-facing rooms with verandahs which overlook the waterhole as well as 4 bush-facing rooms, which are located further away from the main lodge area. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. In addition, the bush-facing rooms also have a lounge area, a plunge pool and verandah, and offer more privacy due to their more private bush setting.  

Whether quietly reflecting on the view, reading a good book, enjoying compatible banter with friends or fellow safari go-ers, the warmth and charm of the camp environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience.

Address

Arathusa Safari Lodge,Arathusa Private 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, at the signboards continue straight to Arathusa Safari Lodge (do not turn right to Arathusa Private) for approximately 5.9 km. Turn right at the stone wall for Arathusa Safari Lodge and follow the road until the entrance to the lodge on the right.

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.

Tucked away just outside Hazyview, Rissington Inn is just a 10 minute drive from the Phabeni Gate of the Kruger National Park, and is the ideal location to base yourself to explore everything that the Lowveld area has to offer.

The restaurant offers a delicious 3 course menu with a choice of three starters, three main courses and a few desserts every day.  Rissington's bar is home to many an interesting tale - a great place to enjoy a relaxing drink, discuss the day’s events or kick of your shoes and read the newspapers. The library is situated next to the restaurant - perfect for coffee after dinner. There is also a television for the sports fan (or the soap addict) and a library of books on a wide range of topics and in a number of languages.

There is a swimming pool, or guests can walk across the property's estate for sightings of smaller wildlife and birds.

The rooms at Rissington Inn all have their own individual characters and have en-suite bathrooms.

The Superior Rooms are situated in the shady, thatched former-tobacco barn, next to the main house. Each has its own small veranda with a daybed looking over the valley. Some rooms have a romantic Victorian bath in the bedroom as well as an en-suite shower room.

The Garden Suites are very spacious with large verandas and views over the Sabie River valley. Bathrooms have Victorian baths and walled-off outside showers.

The 2 Hillside Suites both have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with an outside shower, a sitting room, a veranda and sun terrace. These 2 suites also share a private swimming pool.

Address

Rissington Inn,Off R40, Hazyview

Directions

From Nelspruit/Mbombela (45 minutes): Take R40 North to White River/Witrivier (passing straight through Rocky Drift). In White River, at the first set of traffic lights in the town itself (with White River Toyota ahead of you on the left), turn left, following signs to Hazyview and Wildtuin/Kruger National Park. At the next lights, turn right - with the playing fields on your left and, further on, an open park with a pond on your right. Cross over the next set of lights and then at the final set, with a Caltex garage on your right, turn left on the R40 for Hazyview, signposted to Phalaborwa (the R538 to Hazyview via the Numbi Gate is a slow, busy, potholed road and not recommended.) Continue on the R40 for about 45 km, where you will come to a T-junction. Turn left to Hazyview and travel a further 1 km exactly. You will see the entrance to Rissington Inn on your left. Rissington is 1 km down this gravel road. Follow the signs. 

From KMIA Kruger Nelspruit Airport (45 minutes): Turn right out of the airport in the direction of White River/Witrivier on the R538. Continue on this road for 12 km (there is a quick left and immediately right turn at the Plaston intersection – do not turn right to Kabokweni!) to the first set of traffic lights in White River, with the mosque on your left. Turn right and travel towards Hazyview on the R40 (signposted Phalaborwa). After approx 45 km, at the T-junction, turn left, staying on the R40 and following signs to Hazyview and the Paul Kruger and Phabeni Gates. The entrance to Rissington is exactly 1 km from the T-junction on the left. Follow the signs.

From Skukuza (1 hour) and Paul Kruger Gate (30 minutes): Follow signs from the camp or the airport to the Paul Kruger Gate (about 12km). Travel through the gate and continue on the R536 to Hazyview. After crossing the North Sand River (some 50 km from the Gate), go straight across the first 4-way stop and straight across the next 2 stop streets. Continue over the roundabout to the traffic lights. Turn left in the direction of White River on the R40. Cross the next lights and travel just over 1 km (over 3 x 3-way stops), where you will find the entrance to Rissington on the right hand side just after the Total garage. Rissington is a further 1 km down the gravel road from this turn-off. Follow the signs.

From Phabeni Gate (10 minutes):  From the gate, follow the road to the T-junction. Turn left onto the R536 to Hazyview. After crossing the Sand River (some 10 km from the Gate), go straight across the first 4-way stop and straight across the next 2 stop streets. Continue over the roundabout to the traffic lights. Turn left in the direction of White River on the R40. Cross the next lights and travel just over 1 km (over 3 x 3-way stops), where you will find the entrance to Rissington on the right hand side just after the Total garage. Rissington is a further 1 km down the gravel road from this turn-off. Follow the signs.

From Sabie (45 minutes): Take the R536 to Hazyview. Pass the Sabi River Sun on your left and at the T-junction, turn right to Hazyview. Go straight over the next stop street and continue to the lights. Carry straight on, in the direction of White River on the R40. Cross the next lights and travel just over 1 km (over 3 x 3-way stops), where you will find the entrance to Rissington on the right just after the Total garage. Rissington is a further 1 km down the gravel road from this turn-off. Follow the signs.

From Hoedspruit/Eastgate Airport (75 minutes): Take the R40 southwards towards Hazyview, turning left at Klaserie to stay on the R40. Be especially cautious about speeding on this road. Pass through the towns of Acornhoek, Bushbuckridge and Marite, following signs to White River and Hazyview. Cross the next lights and travel just over 1 km (over 3 x 3-way stops), where you will find the entrance to Rissington on the right hand side just after the Total garage. Rissington is a further 1 km down the gravel road from this turn-off. Follow the signs.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria (4 hours): Take N12 or N4 Highway respectively to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg’s O.R.Tambo Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12) and then follow N4 Highway through Belfast and Machadodorp. After the Machado Toll Plaza follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 towards Nelspruit (lunch at Old Joe’s Kaia is recommended). Turn left where you rejoin the main N4 at Montrose and continue towards Nelspruit/Mbombela. At Nelspruit/Mbombela, follow the Hazyview/White River R40 signs from the N4 and around two subsequent roundabouts until you meet the R40 alongside the Mercedes dealer. Turn left and follow instructions from Nelspruit/Mbombela above. SCENIC ROUTE (4.5 hours) - Take N12 or N4 Highway respectively to Witbank/eMalahleni and then follow N4 Highway to the Belfast/eMakhazeni turnoff. Take the off-ramp and head into Belfast/eMakhazeni, then right, following signs to Dullstroom/Emnotweni. Pass through Dullstroom/Emnotweni and carry on to the T-junction, turning left to Lydenburg/Mashishing. In Lydenburg/Mashishing, turn right following signs to Sabie over the Long Tom Pass (the highest tar road in South Africa). In Sabie turn right and follow directions as above.

From Eswatini: Follow the MR3 through Mbabane to the Oshoek Border Post. After crossing the border continue on the N17 for 26 km before turning right onto the R541. Follow the R541 for 38 km (turning left at a T-junction to stay on the R541) taking signs to Badplaas. At the end of the R541 turn right onto the R38 towards Barberton, continuing on the road for 61 km. After this, turn left onto the R40 at the T-junction and follow signs to Nelspruit. Upon reaching Nelspruit follow the directions above.

There are two toll plazas on the N4 at Middelburg and Machado.  There is an additional toll at Diamond Hill between Pretoria and Witbank/eMalahleni (R32) for those not using the N12 from Johannesburg.

Vilanculos is well known as a destination for honeymooners, adventurers and under water enthusiasts. Bahia Mar is situated on the mainland of this small fishing village where world renowned kite surfing opportunities, deep sea fishing, horse riding, snorkelling, scuba diving, island visits with a traditional Dhow and numerous other attractions are on your doorstep. It is the ultimate destination for visitors wanting to experience colourful local culture as well as the fabulous beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Situated on an elevated plateau with panoramic views over the Bazaruto islands, the á la carte restaurant offer the finest food dishes prepared with local and fresh ingredients. The infinity pool and bar are the perfect venue to try the fresh fruit smoothies and delicious cocktails. 

The wellness centre includes a state-of-the-art gym, massage rooms, and a spa offering a range of treatments. Group fitness classes are run during the week, including aerobics, aero-step, fitness circuits and yoga.

The hotel's own boat, Mothassane, is a luxury speedboat, with a spacious area for sunbathing and a diving deck for reef fishing and snorkelling. Set off on a memorable day trip from the hotel across the crystal clear waters to the Bazaruto Archipelago across the bay to discover the huge dunes of Bazaruto, the largest island, the abandoned hotel of Santa Carolina (Paradise Island) or the white sands of Benguerra. Snorkel the world-famous Two Mile Reef, fish for marlin and sailfish, spot dugongs, dolphins and even humpback whales and enjoy a sumptuous lunch.

With the emphasis on style and comfort, the accommodation at Bahia Mar is both luxurious and personal. The 8 Sea View Rooms are located on the upstairs floor, and has a large veranda with sunbeds and a sea view overlooking the Bazaruto islands.

The 10 Garden Suites blend harmoniously with nature. Relax on your spacious terrace surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with the sound of birdsong and trickling water around you. Two of the suites are interleading, making this a good option for families.

The 3 Luxury Beach Suites and the Presidential Suite are all situated on the ground floor, and have a TV lounge and a fully equipped kitchenette, and a private terrace with sunbeds. The Luxury Suites have a private barbecue area on their terrace and a small splash pool; the Presidential Suite has a private garden with a barbecue area, and a private pool.

Address

Bahia Mar,Bairro 19, Rua De Outubro, Vilanculos