Experience the magic of South Africa from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape.
Start your once in a lifetime experience in the mountains close to Cape Town. Travel throught the fertile wine valleys of Slanghoek (Snake corner) and Breedekloof (Wide canyon) and taste some of South Africa's finest wines. The Garden Route is a magical region with dense, green forests, long beaches and beautiful lakes. End your trip with a luxurious safari experience at Sibuya. The magic of South Africa !
EXPERIENCE THE MOUNTAINS
The town of Ceres (named after the goddess of fertility) is situated only 1 ½ hours drive from Cape Town. Start your epic road trip with a 1.4 km pure adrenaline eco adventure at Ceres Zipslide Adventures
Visit the striking chapel and enjoy a lunch with fantastic views at Bosjes Kombuis
Big Sky Cottages are an hours drive from Cape Town and offers 10 modern self-catering semi-detached cottages on the foothills of the Mostertshoek Mountain between Wolseley and Ceres. The cottages overlook beautiful Buchu lands and breathtaking views of the valley. Quality fittings and finishes will ensure that guests enjoy a luxurious stay. There is a communal swimming pool and boma area for guest to enjoy. There are numerous activities and attractions in and around the area - art galleries, wine farms, restaurants, bicycle hire and mountain bike trails. The longest Zipslide in Africa is a mere 10km from the cottages.
The perfect mountain cottage lies hidden away in the mountains of the Western Cape – GlenDonald Cottage – one of nature’s best kept secrets. Situated at the headwaters of the Olifants River, GlenDonald cottage offers visitors the opportunity to experience the Cape Floral Kingdom in all its glory. Surrounded by magnificent mountains the 4500 hectare property is dissected by the Olifants River Gorge, and is home to a number of rare endemic floral, avian and freshwater species. The property has been declared a protected environment and biodiversity hotspot, and offers visitors the opportunity to explore and revel in natures beauty in complete privacy.
Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Reserve. Kagga Kamma not only offers guests spectacular scenery and absolute tranquillity but also unique accommodation, South African cuisine and fascinating tours and activities. The Cederberg area is unique in that it comprises an untouched Karoo-like wilderness where guests will find beautiful wild flowers and small critters that are scarcely seen in other parts of the country. Kagga Kamma is equally unique in that it offers guests experiences and facilities that are close to nature. Choose from a variety of accommodation types which include the "Cave" Suites, the Star Suite and Outcrop Open Air Rooms and spacious Hut Suites.
EXPERIENCE THE WINE VALLEYS
Drive through the picturesque Slanghoek Valley to Worcester and follow Route 60 through the Breede Valley to Swellendam via Robertson. Buy and taste wine at one of many fine wine farms along your route. The drive from Ceres to Swellendam is only 2 hours - plenty of time to stop to enjoy a river cruise, winetasting and picnic at Viljoensdrift or lunch in Robertson at Fraai Uitzicht, The Small Restaurant or Mo & Rose. Swellendam is the fourth oldest town in South Africa and has over 50 provincial heritage sites, most of them buildings of Cape Dutch architecture. Stroll through the town and end day two of your epic road trip with a memorable dining experience at La Sosta, one of the finest Italian restaurants in South Africa.
Kam’Bati River Resort offers grassed campsites with electricity and clean ablutions, self-catering cabins and luxury Africamp Tents. The resort is very safe, clean and child friendly. The perfect place to spend many holidays or breakaway weekends! The Self-Catering Cabins cater for couples in their romantic 2 sleeper units, but also for families in their 4 sleeper 2 bedroom units. The cabins are situated on the edge of a beautiful dam which is a stones throw to the majestic Breede river. AfriCamps Forest opened it’s doors in August 2016. Five luxury Glamping tents have been built in a beautiful and quiet patch of forest close to the river. The campsites are nestled peacefully under giant trees on the lush river banks with convenient ablution blocks. It is a wonderful family holiday and relaxation spot.
Rotterdam is one of the oldest farms in the Swellendam area dating back to 1794. The farm offers Boutique accommodation, a Chapel, Trophy Room, Swimming pool and a Restaurant. The two accommodation types consists of De Wagenhuis and The Fraser Jones Buildings. The thatch roof building called De Wagenhuis has seven rooms in total. Three of the five rooms on the top floor is en suite with the other two rooms sharing a bathroom. On the ground floor you will find a two bedroom flatlet . “The Fraser Jones” building with its twelve en-suite rooms sleep 2 people per room. Four rooms on ground floor and opens out onto the courtyard and the two large rooms facing the Buffejagsriver and the green pastures of the dairy farm. On the top floor you will find four rooms facing the courtyard with two large east facing rooms.
Uitkyk Guest Farm offers accommodation 25 km from Swellendam. The farmhouse offers a breathtaking view onto the Grain fields and Langeberg Mountains. Uitkyk Guest Farm house is a 4 bedroom house fitted with queen size extra length beds, 2 bathrooms (number one with bath/shower/basin/toilet, second bathroom with shower/bath/basin/toilet), fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, kitchen with indoor fireplace, living room with TV and DStv, reception room, guest toilet, fire wood, firelighters, matches, bath & swimming towels, and linen equipped kitchen, lounge with flat-screen TV and a dining area. It has a fireplace and BBQ facilities. There is an outdoor pool and sun terrace. Guests can enjoy various activities on the farm and surrounding area, including cycling and hiking.
EXPERIENCE THE LAKES AND FORESTS
Take your pick: 225 kms on the N2 highway or 293 kms on the R62 via Oudtshoorn (ostrich country and the Cango Caves) to the Garden Route Lake District between the towns of Wilderness and George. Seen from the air, the five lakes that form the Garden Route Lakes District appear as a shimmering string of irregular blue glass running parallel with the Indian Ocean. They were created over time, by a natural damming of water in the valleys between two dune ridges, one 300,000 years old and the other a much more recent age(in geological time) of 6000 years old. Visit the Wilderness National Park and the Big Tree, also known as the Kind Edward VII tree, a 800+ year old Outeniqua yellowwood. Enjoy a lunch time or sunset cruise to the spectacular Knysna Heads on a double-decker floating restaurant, the John Benn
The Wilderness Hotel, one of the Garden Route’s oldest and best-loved hotels is situated on the beautiful Southern Cape coastline of South Africa. Steeped in a grand tradition with old-style charm and featuring modern facilities, it is an ideal honeymoon spot, family hotel and an excellent destination for both tourist and business traveller alike. The 150-bedroom property boasts a beauty spa, two swimming pools, a bowling green, two tennis courts, a squash court as well as banqueting halls, for the perfect wedding reception, and conference rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 300 delegates in cinema-style.
Knysna is a haven of beaches, forests, lakes and sea and aha The Rex Hotel is one of Knysna’s most elegant and sophisticated accommodation offerings. A warm welcome and timeless elegance ensure that you enjoy a very special experience when staying at aha The Rex Hotel, which promises superior service and exceptional comfort. Located on the world famous Garden Route, aha The Rex Hotel is a celebration of urban style and impeccable service making it one of the most exhilarating getaways in its class. The hotel is an eclectic mix of modern and classic comforts and captures the essence of four-star luxury. The Rose Cafe restaurant is inviting with a menu to match the contemporary setting and where the cuisine is beautifully presented and prepared from only the freshest ingredients.
EXPERIENCE THE SEA
Follow the N2 highway along the coast for 261 km to Port Elizabeth. The Robberg Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site - take a 30 minute stroll or a four hour hike next to the sea. At Storms River Mouth there is a 6 km waterfall trail or a 2 km Stormsriver Mouth Hike, which includes the 77 m long suspension bridge crossing the mouth. For the more adventurous, head to the Bloukrans Bridge for the highest bungee from a bridge in the world). Be sure to stop at the Big Time Taverna in St Francis for some fine greek food on your way.
The Beach Hotel is one of Port Elizabeth’s finest family hotels, situated on Port Elizabeth’s magnificent beachfront, directly opposite Hobie Beach and next to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex. The Beach Hotel combines splendid service with quality accommodation, stylish cuisine and facilities for a perfect family holiday, business trip or relaxing getaway. The stunning four-star hotel offers homely comfort in its 58 spacious, en-suite bedrooms, some with stunning sea-views and others opening onto the tranquil courtyard. Guests are spoilt with choice, offering 3 on site restaurants to suit everyone’s palate. Enjoy a relaxing environment, sipping a cocktail white overlooking the ocean at The Verandah restaurant, or indulge in our famous buffets at The Crest. Resident foodies will love the fine dining cuisine at Ginger, voted one of the best restaurants in Port Elizabeth, it is definitely a must.
EXPERIENCE THE BIG FIVE
Sibuya Game Reserve is situated just 129 kilometres from Port Elizabeth. It is one of South Africa’s most unique safari destinations in that it has more navigable river than any other game reserve in South Africa and there are nearly 400 different bird species. This breathtakingly beautiful game reserve is sanctuary to an abundance of diverse wildlife from elephants to otters, and almost everything in between, including the Big Five. Sibuya proudly boasts two luxurious Eco-Destinations – Forest and River Camp – which, both being run almost exclusively on Solar Power do not make allowance for Wi-Fi, air-con, fans, hairdryers etc. Guests are invited to relax and enjoy the simplicity of life without these mod-cons. We highly recommend that guests requiring these extra features choose rather to stay at the secluded and luxurious Bush Lodge which has grid electricity, so caters to these needs.
Sibuya offers a variety of daily trips onto the Reserve hosted by a professional guide. A leisurely cruise up the Kariega River is followed by a three hour game drive and a delicious cold buffet lunch on the banks of the river. Alternatively there is a full day option available with a cruise, two game drives and lunch with the third option offerin a cruise up the river followed by delectable lunch in one of the camps. A slow cruise back to Kenton-on-Sea as the sun sets is a fitting end to a wonderful experience with nature. Bespoke packages can be arranged for birders, year-end functions and other celebrations.
Sibuya’s Bush Lodge is set in a pristine wilderness paradise only a short drive out of the main Reserve. After departing from Reception in Kenton-on-Sea and enjoying a unique boat cruise up the Kariega Estuary, Bush Lodge guests have a short transfer from the River by game drive vehicle to the Lodge.
Perfectly situated on the banks of the Kariega River Estuary but tucked unobtrusively into the indigenous bush, Forest Camp offers a blend of essential comforts and warm, charming style. Richly coloured local textiles, in shades of rust and burnt orange, are used throughout in support of the regions weaving community. The lush, sub-tropical vegetation ensures a high density of wildlife and guarantees one of the best game-viewing experiences in the country.
A favourite amongst friends, families and sole-use groups, this small and intimate River Camp has four beautifully appointed spacious tented rooms, all with comfortable generous king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms with both bath and shower. For those chillier nights – each tent is equipped with its own cosy fireplace.
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