15-Day Self-Drive Journey – From Cape Town to an Eastern Cape Safari

Kensington Palace is located in the leafy Cape Town suburb of Higgovale and is situated below Table Mountain. The hotel offers eight spacious suites that feature Wi-Fi access, a television and private outdoor terrace that overlooks the city and its harbour. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the onsite restaurant as well as unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar. The hotel also offers a lush quiet garden and an intimate outdoor swimming pool.

La Cotte Farm, established in 1694, is uniquely situated a stones throw from the charming village of Franschhoek. It offers close proximity to the fun and bustle of the main street with all the quiet, privacy and rural charm of a working wine farm. Surrounded by lush vineyards, glorious mountains and unsurpassed views in all directions, the farm offers a range of accommodation

Stylish self-catering cottages which contains an outdoor veranda living and dining area and small private swimming pool with spectacular views of the Franschhoek mountain range. Each bedroom features a luxurious full en-suite bathroom and the cottage contains a lounge area, bathroom with under-floor heating and a fireplace.

All designed and furnished to the highest levels of comfort, warmth and classic charm.

The family-run Pictures Guest House welcomes you to the picturesque town of Oudtshoorn. From the property, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Swartberg Mountains. The center of Oudtshoorn is just 4 km from the guesthouse, the Oudtshoorn Golf Club is 3 km away, and the Buffelsdrift Game Reserve is 10 km away. The hosts are happy to assist you in organizing excursions in the surrounding area.

ACCOMMODATION & ROOMS

The guesthouse offers a warm and comfortable atmosphere with four individually designed guest rooms. Every morning, a homemade breakfast is served, and upon prior request, a 3-course dinner can be arranged for the evening.

YOUR STAY

Check-In: from 14h00

Check-Out: until 10h30

Included: Breakfast

Facilities: The accommodation features a bar, lounge with open fireplace, outdoor pool, garden with terrace, WiFi, and a guest lounge.

ADDRESS

29 Elley St, Oudtshoorn, 6625

Tel.: +27 835 964 119

Web.: www.picturesguesthouse.co.za

Laze your way through languid afternoons on one of several verandahs or in any of the sheltered courtyards where homemade iced tea is served with our compliments; the secluded swimming pool too is particularly inviting while beautifully landscaped gardens offer opportunity for a leisurely stroll. Indoors, the front lounge with its comfortable couches, small library, complimentary internet access, wood burning fireplace, and satellite television provides an alternative backdrop to a cup of tea and the day’s decadent cake, or something stronger. And the brandy lounge has cosy seating arrangements ideal for enjoying an aged after dinner brandy or whisky, along with a separate large screen television area for the sports enthusiast.

Scrumptious breakfasts – fresh fruits, just-baked breads, croissants and muffins, homemade jams and preserves, and cooked specialities – will prepare you for the day ahead. Pre-dinner drinks are enjoyed around heated braziers in the candlelit courtyard or in the informal brandy lounge. Specialising in seafood and game dishes, the Lodge boasts one of the finest menus in the Garden Route; sociable 4-course gourmet dinners are served in the traditional reed ceilinged dining room, or can be taken in the rustic charm of the wine room. Every meal is carefully paired with selected wines from the Cape, ensuring a memorable South African dining experience, every time

Each of the elegant, high-ceilinged and individually decorated en suite rooms speaks of welcoming tranquility and easy living with cushioned comfort, air conditioned facilities, percale linen and specialised toiletries. Gowns, room safes, telephones and well stocked tea and coffee stations add to the restrained luxury

Not only is the Lodge a Gourmet Retreat property but it is situated in one of the most picturesque regions of South Africa – the feted Garden Route.
Foodie or otherwise, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities; because we at Laird’s are passionate about food and believe that the majority of humankind travel on their stomachs, our staff are encouraged to reveal the hidden gems of our area.

On Thesen Island in Knysna you’ll find a 6th-generation baker and the best hangouts for fresh oysters; take a boat trip across the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head while feasting on lunch and spectacular views; exploring Leisure Isle, Bollards Bay and Brenton on Sea is a must; and, if shopping and a peaceful meal is what you’re after, then The Waterfront should be your first stop.

In Plettenberg Bay your time will be well spent in the small Artisan coffee shops and at any one of the local markets; get up close and personal with whales and dolphins by boat; enjoy the famed Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve with its pristine beach, 200 metre sand dune and 300-strong seal colony; lunch in the vineyards at award winning wine estates; or sip on sundowners in one of the restaurants perched on the rocks or right on the beach while possibly watching the antics of the dolphins frequenting the bay.

With endless stretches of pristine beaches immediately at hand, lazing on the beach could be the pastime of choice; but for those who wish to do a little exploring or adventuring the area’s multitude of activity and leisure options are readily accessible.
Regardless of your leisure time preference, Laird’s Lodge and its diverse surroundings will keep you coming back for more, time after time

Situated in the heart of the Sundays River Valley in Addo, Eastern Cape, the Woodall Country House & Spa is an excellent option for a nature-filled getaway. The property offers 11 well-appointed and perfectly furnished rooms and suites with air conditioning, heating, seating areas, furnished patios, en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers, bathrobes, Charlotte Rhys toiletries, mini-fridges, electric blankets, tea/coffee-making facilities, and safes. Accommodations with private gardens and swimming pools are available. Guests can enjoy a mouthwatering farm-style breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include a restaurant, a spa, twice daily game drives, a swimming pool, and Wi-Fi.

Accommodation & Rooms

In the untouched, malaria-free Eastern Cape of the South African province lies the Amakhala Private Game Reserve, a top destination for safaris with the "Big Five". The reserve encompasses 18,000 hectares of pristine wilderness along the winding Bushman's River. Nestled in a secluded corner of the Amakhala Game Reserve is the HillsNek Safari Camp, known as the "small" camp with the "biggest" heart. With only four rooms, this family-run lodge embodies personalized service, attentive attention to detail, and genuine warmth in hospitality.

YOUR STAY

Check-In: Arrive at HillsNek Safaris car park between 13h00 – 13h30 for the scheduled transfer to the lodge

Check-Out: Departure time from the lodge is scheduled for 11h00

Included: All meals and snacks, soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers, tea, coffee and refreshments on game drives, safari activities, WI-FI, transfers to and from camp from Amakhala Conservation Centre

Accommodation offers: Laundry service, tea/coffee, outdoor shower, bar

ACTIVITIES

• Game drives in the private game reserve
• Hikes, birdwatching, boat cruises
• Visit to an Arts & Craft Center and the Shamwari Born Free Foundation

ADDRESS

Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 41 450 5658 or +27 (0) 82 099 1674 / Web: https://hillsneksafaris.com/