15 Day Cape to Eastern Cape Safari Self Drive Itinerary

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.

Nestled on a working ostrich, alfalfa, and cattle farm, La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa overlooks the Swartberg Mountains and Olifants River Valley. Surrounded by lush gardens and sweeping landscapes, it offers a serene Klein Karoo retreat where classic elegance meets modern comforts, and every guest is welcomed with genuine warmth and heartfelt hospitality.

La Plume presents an exceptional range of five-star accommodations, including Executive, Superior, Deluxe, Junior, and Luxury Suites, as well as spacious Country Villas—some with private pools. Each offers a private entrance, veranda with breathtaking views, air-conditioning, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and abundant comforts.

The 1902 Victorian Manor House is home to the front desk, business center, guest lounge with panoramic veranda, and Le Belle Vue restaurant. Here, guests may enjoy a generous Breakfast Buffet, lunches, picnic baskets, cheese platters, and in the evenings, a candlelit Three-Course Buffet paired with exceptional local wines.

For those eager to discover more, guided farm tours provide fascinating insight into daily life on a working Klein Karoo farm and the unique world of ostrich farming.

Our philosophy is exclusivity, exceptional comfort, and warm personal attention in an environment that embodies the art of gracious living. La Plume welcomes you.

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

Woodall is a beautiful property, situated on a peaceful citrus farm, a mere 65km from Port Elizabeth and adjacent to the malaria free Addo Elephant Park. It is ideally suited for nature lovers, food and wine connoisseurs, as well as those seeking time out in the spa. The décor is chic, colourful and contemporary. Accommodation is private with exceptionally large rooms, especially the suites which have their own gardens and pools. A special feature is the wide choice of relaxation areas, including indoor and outdoor sitting areas, library and sundowner deck. The thatched waterside sitting and dining area creates an enchanted mood for savouring sundowner snacks and cocktails, with great sightings of South African birds and waterfowl – one of the best birding spots in the area. The Citrus Spa offers a wide range of unique treatments inspired by the surrounding orchards, and is equipped with sauna, steam room, vichy shower, and hydrotherapy bath. Daily safaris into the Addo Park on Woodall’s game vehicle.

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/