Family-Friendly Fun in South Africa

Hop into a chauffeured vintage sidecar and explore Cape Town in timeless style. Head out along
Chapman’s Peak Drive and soak up the ocean views, or go west towards the beautiful beaches
of Bloubergstrand. Choose from a range of itineraries, from two-hour city tours to full-day excursions.
Riding leathers, helmets, goggles and complimentary bandanas supplied. Book 24 hours in advance, subject to availability.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

Discover the extraordinary world that lives beyond Cape Town’s shores in the company of shark scientist Justin Blake. Embark on an ocean expedition through the Cape Kelp Forests, exploring the same octopus gardens made famous in the 2020 Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. Snorkel with friendly sharks, explore fascinating sea caves and discover spectacular views of Cape Town, both above and below the surface.

INCLUDES:
Transport from the hotel, ocean safari on a rigid inflatable boat, an exclusive session with shark scientist Justin Blake as your guide, snorkel gear if desired, scientific shark tracking equipment and dry bags.

BRING YOUR OWN:
Sun screen
Towels
Change of clothing, warm layers
Water bottle

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

Veer off-piste on a wine tasting jeep trail. Plunging into the famed Constantia Winelands, the scenic tour visits three historic wine estates using private roads rarely open to visitors.

Highlights include tasting the “best Sauvignon Blanc in the world”, meeting the region’s youngest female winemaker and feasting on tapas with sparkling méthode cap classique refreshments.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

Discover the rich diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s Fynbos on Table Mountain

The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of only six Floral Kingdoms in the world and is geographically by far the smallest, yet the richest, most diverse of these plant kingdoms.

It is widely recognised as one of the most special places for plants in the world in terms of the number of endemic species. Fynbos (fine bush), the indigenous mountain vegetation, forms a major part of this Cape Floral Kingdom. Mount Nelson offers guests a unique opportunity to discover the remarkable diversity of the Fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom on Table Mountain, one of the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature.

Enjoy a ramble along the lower slopes of Table Mountain with a dramatic outlook over Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with an expert mountain and Fynbos guide who will share interesting stories about the “Big Five of Fynbos”– the plant families of Proteas, Ericas, Restios, Bulbs (Irises and Lilies) and Daisies – and uncover many aspects of the natural and cultural history of the Cape and Table Mountain. There will also be plenty of opportunity to photograph plants and flowers encountered during the walk.

The Fynbos sunset walks will take place in the late afternoon so guests can enjoy sundowners from an elevated position on the mountainside, watching the sun sink below the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean, a typical Capetonian activity. The tour will last two and a half hours in total which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a day out and about and still be back in time to appreciate this lovely early evening experience.

Booking is recommended when making a room reservation, alternatively, guests may book this tour with the hotel’s concierge department. Bookings are subject to availability and a 24-hour notice period is preferred.

For further queries on the Fynbos sunset walks or to make a booking, please contact:
Reservations on +27 21 483-1000 or reservations.mnh@belmond.com or contact concierge desk on +27 21 483-1000 or e-mail: concierge.mnh@belmond.com.

You can also reach out to the team, via the Hotel WhatsApp number: +1 857 256 5088

Resident pro tennis coach Barkie McKrea will teach you to improve your serve, volleys and all aspects of your game.

Barkie teaches beginner to advanced players, solo or in groups.

Equipment is available from the hotel.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

A zippy one-hour self-guided walking tour of ten trees that live in the hotels’ expansive gardens will reveal many fascinating threads of Cape Town’s history. Trees such as the 80 Canary Island Palms that line the driveway entrance or the nearly 200 year old wild Olive Tree have borne silent witness to the colourful ebb and flow of historic events at the Cape and indeed of this historical 116 year old hotel.

For more information contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

Booklets can be collected at concierge.

Trees in front of Main Building Credit: Inge Prins

Be chauffeured in a gleaming classic car to the majestic Cape Winelands for a tasting or lunch. Explore Constantia Valley, famed for its white wines, the picturesque Franschhoek Valley or the world-class estates of Stellenbosch.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

The Southern Right whale has made the De Hoop Reserve in South Africa one of the world’s best land based whale-watching areas. This marine protected area is a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important nurseries for this endangered mammal. During the winter months (July to November), Southern Right whales come so close to the shoreline that our Ocean House guests can relax on the un-spoilt sand dunes or from our amazing viewing deck and watch in awe as these beautiful creatures calve, blow, breach and belly-flop. Our Morukuru Ocean House guide will guide you to the best viewing points and share all his expertise and knowledge on these remarkable creatures with you.

Get the De Hoop Feeling, whilst driving in your private safari vehicle, with the wind in your hair and the amazing beauty of ocean, the beach and the delicate fynbos. Discover all the flowers and pristine wilderness. Our Morukuru Private Guide will guide you and your family/friends through a informative fynbos safari experience.

Either Walking or biking within the De Hoop reserve will give you the feeling of being embraced by endless peace and beauty. Wild Fynbos gardens, walking through the pristine while sand dunes with the view and the sound of the Ocean will make you feel refreshed. Among you more than 1500 plants species in the area, bontebok, eland, cape mountain zebra, baboons, red hartebeest ostrich and of course the cape leopard. All tours are under the experienced eye of your Morukuru Guide. We welcome children of all ages at Ocean House.

The day has come to an end, the silence and the wonderful horizon will embrace you. When it gets darker you will start noticing the soft little twinkling in the sky.....another heaven on earth will appear. Slowly watch the sky turning into a playground of lights.

Hop onto your private vehicle at a timing of your choosing and head out for the ultimate safari adventure. With your personal experienced guide and tracker enter the beauty of Madikwe home to the Big 5, Wild Dogs, 350 bird species and other wonders. Every game drive is equipped with a variety of snacks and drinks so on crisp mornings watch the sunrise whilst wrapping your fingers around a hot drink and be in awe of the nature that surrounds you. For evening game drives enjoy the sunset that engulfs the African skies revealing a sheath of colour and warmth with a gin and tonic in hand. As the only guests on the vehicle, game drives are tailored to your preferences.

Experience the thrill of catching your own fish and then setting it free again. The Marico River that runs through Morukuru is the largest natural source of water in the province, pumping one million litres per day: the river is clean and the fishing is good, though as any fishermen knows, patience will be required! Species you may encounter at the end of your line include Yellow Fish, Catfish, Bream, Eel, Paper Mouth, Three Spot Tilapia and Carp. If you (or your younger guests) have never tried their hand at fishing before, your ranger is on hand to provide guidance.

The Morukuru hide is set next to the waters edge and protected by an electric fence. Provided with a spot light a sleepover at the hide is perfect for the daring to spend a night in the wild. For a romantic evening with a partner or for family members and friends a magical experience of being left alone in the a vast plain where the wildlife roam free, in perfect comfort, yet surrounded by the African wilderness is not to be missed. For those less daring an evening stop at the hide during game drive is a sublime spot to look up at the sparkling night sky and star gaze.

At the local village dam…… just outside the park enjoy an afternoon of fun on the Morukuru boat. Be it fishing, water skiing or soaking up the sun by the water there is something for the whole family. Usually starting the afternoon with some cooking on the Braai for lunch at the waters edge before jumping in to take part in the many activities. As the sun sets across the water filling the sky with indescribable beauty enjoy one last drink before heading back into Madikwe.

Peace, lulled to a deep, alpha state by the gurgling waters of the Marico River and the somnambulant calls of riverside birdlife. Guests can give in to total indulgence and relaxation with a Morukuru Massage in the Sala Area, built as a treatment spot, overlooking the water.

All worries and everyday concerns simply melt away as the tension leaves one, with soothing aromatherapy and carrier oils, in this bush idyll. Here, what sort of massage to treat oneself with, really, can be the biggest concern of the day.

The best moments in life are the ones when we feel most connected to self in harmony with nature and the world around us. Morukuru carefully selected Africology as the product line used throughout our relaxing Spa Treatments. Africology uses only organic ingredients with their products free from toxic chemicals, including dangerous preservatives. At a location of your choice within your personal villa, be it the sala overlooking the Marico River, the deck of your room or by the pool enjoying the sounds of nature whilst relaxing with a treatment of your choosing.

Traversing the reserve in a comfortable safari vehicle allows one to cover thousands of kilometers in search of exhilarating game sightings, but for a true taste of Africa nothing beats being on foot in the midst of the wilderness. On a bush walk you smell, see and hear so much more, and getting up close and personal with insects and plants, with a ranger explaining their survival techniques, can be fascinating (such as the Acacia robusta’s ability to let off a stinky pheromone when it senses an animal grazing on its leaves!).

Bush walks in Madikwe are not for the fainthearted however – you are on foot in a wilderness area where predators roam free. You are of course protected by the presence of your fully armed ranger and the bush knowledge of your tracker, but to be on the safe side children under the age of 16 may not participate in bush walks and for those over the ages of 60 require a doctor’s certificate of good health. Alternatively a stroll through the near by 100 hectare fenced in area home to general game can be enjoyed by the entire family subject to availabily. Bush walks are also limited to a maximum of eight people.