South Africa’s Attractions
Point Number One: There’s Supreme Sightseeing at Cape Point
Whether it’s tramping rocky cliff paths that wind above fizzy cream soda-coloured oceans that blows your hair back, or catching a funicular in a clear, heaven-bound direction to catch your breath at unbelievable vistas, Cape Point is essential sightseeing for every visitor to Cape Town. … Read More
Gorgeous, in More Ways than One! The Gorge, South Coast KwaZulu-Natal
There are getaways, and then there are great getaways - those uber-special places that get one away so utterly and completely from the stretches and strains of living in the fast lane. The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa is indeed one such place, pinnacled high on the edge of the majestic Oribi Gorge on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. … Read More
Spring Fever in the West Coast National Park & Surrounds: Some Recent Pics
The West Coast National Park is a place of exceptional beauty. Rugged, rock-studded shorelines, snow-white dunes, the turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, lots of coastal fynbos and densely-woven carpets of pretty flowers in springtime – the park has an abundance of scenery, and is home to scores of birds and animals. … Read More
Londolozi’s Pioneer Camp named Best of the Best
no comments
Londolozi’s Pioneer Camp 1926 has been selected by Robb Report as a “Best of the Best” Resort in their latest June issue. This 23rd annual “Best of the Best” edition is the coming to fruition of an entire year’s search for the world’s most exceptional new products. … Read More
Rovos Rail: The Most Luxurious Train in the World
no commentsSee the best sights of South Africa and beyond whilst relishing delectable luxury on Rovos Rail, which quite justifiably presents itself as the most luxurious train in the world. … Read More
Cape Town: A Holiday Destination Second to None
Cape Town needs to be a first-hand experience. This gorgeous city, snuggling up against the sturdy mother of all mountains, ranks with the most beautiful places on earth. Come and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. … Read More
All I Want for Christmas … Why not Give an Exclusive Getaway?
Have all your deliberations about what to get your Top Favourite Person proved fruitless? (And all the better if it’s green, by the way.) … Read More
Knysna, one of South Africa’s Great Holiday Favourites
The St James of Knysna, right on the edge of the lagoon
There are literally hundreds of good reasons to holiday in Knysna. We’ll give you just a few …
Knysna’s number one drawcard is its gorgeous shimmering lagoon and the two great sandstone cliffs that stand guard where this magnificent estuary meets the sea. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places in the world that supports an oyster hatchery – and Knysna oysters are reputedly among the best in the world. If you want to stay right on the edge of the glistening lagoon, look no further than The St James of Knysna. It’s a grand five-star country estate, its perimeters lapped by the placid waters of the lagoon.
The greater Knysna area has several magnificent nature reserves. One of them is the Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna. Take a ferry trip on the lagoon to the Western Head, and then a 4×4 vehicle & trailer drive up the headland into the Reserve. There are exceptional viewing points, and an optional guided walk (2.2km) through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves. Another wonderful reserve is the Goukamma Nature Reserve 20km west of Knysna. Spanning 2 500ha, this reserve has a 14km coastline, and an adjacent protected marine area extending 1,8km. Explore a long beach, an extensive dune field, the Goukamma River and estuary, and the unique Groenvlei lake which has no in-flowing river and no link to the sea.
Watch Monkeys from your Bathtub at Phantom Forest Eco Reserve
Knysna is well known for its beautiful forests. If you opt for a forest stay, the Phantom Forest Eco Reserve wil not disappoint. It’s a magical hideaway beneath a leafy canopy where monkeys play and birds call. Luxurious tree-suites deep in the forest are divinely romantic and are linked to the central leisure areas by boardwalks meandering through the forest.
There are plenty of action-activities in and around Knysna if you’re up for the challenge. Go bunji jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, hire a canoe or sea kayak and take to the water, have a go at skydiving or paragliding, bundubash on a quad bike, go on an eco adventure or forest excursion, and explore a variety of wildlife sanctuaries. Read More about these.
If you love markets, you’ll certainly find some in Knysna. Here are a few ideas.
Pezula Golf Course
If golf is your thing, be sure to stay at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa situated on the Eastern Head of Knysna. It’s a haven of luxury and privacy, in a world of its own but not far away from all Knysna’s attractions. Be sure to catch the sun on secluded Noetzie Beach, and book a few treatments at Pezula’s award-winning spa.
KwaZulu-Natal’s a Number 1 Destination
2 commentsWe’re doing a rave today on KwaZulu-Natal. Not just for the sake of raving, but because this spectacular region has so much for visitors to explore. Here are some of the reasons we like it so much:
A Lake Walk at Makakatana Bay Lodge
The coastal iSimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park World Heritage Site is the ultimate destination for nature lovers. Diverse landcapes combine Big Five game viewing with breathtaking coastal adventures and explorations of the region’s wetlands. A wonderful way to see this area is to spend three or four nights at Makakatana Bay Lodge. Guided boat trips, nature drives, game excursions, beach outings, and more will leave you spellbound.
Giraffe Survey the World at Fugitives' Drift
KZN is also the territory of the mighty Zulu kings and has a rich Zulu tradition. Stay at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge & Guest House or at iSibindi Zulu Lodge to experience the fascination of the Anglo-Zulu battlefields and some of the living Zulu culture.
The mountainous ‘Barrier of Spears’ uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site is a majestic region where ancient rock paintings have remained preserved amid incredible beauty. Make Cathedral Peak Hotel your base to explore the area, and include the whole family if you wish. The leisure options are almost boundless at Cathedral Peak and the setting is breathtaking.
Breathstopping Views at The Oysterbox
Durban is the province’s gateway city, and stands guard over one of the continent’s most active seaports. Durban is well known for its golden beaches and appealing holiday playgrounds. At Umhlanga, right on the prestigious beachfront, you’ll find The Oysterbox Hotel & Spa, a plush modern-day hotel with every amenity and direct beach access.
KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast sees the amazing annual Sardine Run, whilst the North Coast is home to playful dolphins and seasonal whale migrations. Turtles lay their eggs and new hatchlings appear on the shores of Mabibi Bay between November and February every year. Combine turtle viewing with some of the most exclusive barefoot luxury you could wish for at Thonga Beach Lodge in Maputaland.
Spectacular Setting at Amakhosi Safari Lodge
KwaZulu-Natal is graced with many beautiful Big Five nature reserves where game viewing is abundant and comfort supreme. Stay at either Amakhosi Safari Lodge or Mkuze Falls Game Reserve to ensure an outstanding game experience. Both are set very scenically along the Mkuze River. Suited and tented accommodation is available.
You’d not want to visit KwaZulu-Natal without exploring the lush green spaces of beauty known as the Midlands. You’d do very well to choose the magnificent Hartford House as your base. It’s set on a stud farm and sits right up there with South Africa’s best lodges. Award-winning food, fabulous wines and oodles of romance are there for the taking. The Midlands Meander will lead you to the area’s unique and imaginative arts and crafts.
For anyone coming to South Africa to see as much as possible in a limited timeframe, KwaZulu-Natal could well be the Number 1 destination. Some people have called it a whole world in one province, and they’re right on the mark there.
The Cederberg: A Region that Really Rocks!
3 comments
Rock Formation at the 'Stadsaal' in the Cederberg
Visit the mission village of Wupperthal, walk in the mountains and explore the ancient San rock art. Swim in the natural rock pools and breathe the deep peace of this area. In the Biedouw valley and towards the coast, the wild spring flowers are a spectacular sight in August and early September.
One of the rock art sites on the Sevilla Trail
The Cederberg is one of the best areas for rock art in the World, with 2 500 discovered sites. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat offers fantastic guided walking trails to some of the ancient rock paintings of the San people (they also offer outstanding five-star accommodation, a divine health spa and loads of nature activities). Viewing these rock art sites – a kind of ancient-day Facebook, one can almost feel the flow of life of these first inhabitants of the Cape.
The Sevilla Rock Art Trail is on Travellers Rest farm about 40 minutes drive from Clanwilliam over the Pakhuis Pass. Buy a permit at the farm of Haffie Strauss before taking the trail.
At Rocklands you can take the donkey cart ride to Heuningvlei. It begins at the top of the Pakhuis Pass (where you leave your car) and takes two-and-a-half hours to Heuningvlei. Opt for a shorter ride part of the way if you prefer.
The donkey cart ride to Heuningvlei
In Clanwilliam, be sure to stop awhile at Nancy’s Tea Room for lunch or tea. Clanwilliam is one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa. The area cultivates Rooibos tea, citrus fruits, table grapes and vegies. The citrus orchards can be seen along the Oliphants Valley from Citrusdal to Clanwilliam.
All in all, the Cederberg is leisure-seeker’s paradise. The sights are utterly amazing and allow for a jam-packed itinerary of absolute visual splendour! Get more info from our Getaway Consultants.
