Cathedral Peak Hotel

Cathedral Peak Hotel, Northern Drakensberg

Cathedral Peak Hotel has the majestic Drakensberg Mountain as a natural backcloth for this traditional family owned hotel

Cathedral Peak is a well-established, family run hotel set in the dramatic scenery of the northern Drakensbergs. The accommodation is comfortable. There are a variety of rooms. Over 100 Standard, Deluxe and Executive rooms, 4 Honeymoon Suites and one Presidential Suite. We suggest the Executive Rooms and the suites as the Standard and Deluxe rooms we find rather basic and can the decor can be a little dated. Cuisine is a traditional South African buffet style, which is among the best we have encountered in South Africa.

About Cathedral Peak Hotel’s  Location

The hotel offers an abundance of amenities including tennis, a heated swimming pool with spectacular views, a 9-hole golf course, squash, badminton and bowls. This is an excellent base for hiking in the mountain scenery with a mixture of walks and hikes from a 30-minute stroll to a waterfall to a 10-hour hike to the top of Cathedral Peak (3,000 metres). There are guided hikes provided each day. Horse riding and helicopter tours can also be arranged. The area also has good fishing. There can be snow in the winter when the hotel takes on an altogether different but romantic air with blazing log fires but daytime temperatures can easily reach 20C (70F). Cathedral Peak is a 4 1/2 hour drive along good roads from Johannesburg and 2 1/2 hours from Durban. The Boer and Zulu Battlefields are within easy reach and the Northern Zululand Game Reserves are within a 4-hour drive.


Lythwood Country Hotel, Lidgetton, Natal Midlands

The English Countryside comes to scenic Natal Midlands

This is an exclusive country lodge set on a 275-acre estate surrounded by forest. The lodge has 11 luxuriously appointed rooms, one honeymoon suite and there are also a selection of self-catering lodges for families. Fine food and wine is a feature of the lodge and we particularly like the flexibility provided by the a la carte menu.

About the Location

The extensive grounds provide a pool, croquet and numerous walks to soak up the peaceful atmosphere while this is also a bird watcher’s paradise. There are many activities and excursions that can be provided including a 4X4 day trip up the breathtaking Sani Pass over the dramatic Drakensbergs into Lesotho. Many cultural activities can also be provided giving guests a unique insight into the local communities, some of which are direct descendants of the original San inhabitants. There are many excellent craft shops along the Midland Meander and here you will also find the home of South African made Tsonga shoes and leather goods.


Royal Swazi Spa, Ezulwini

Royal Swazi Spa, Ezulwini, Swaziland

Great location for golfers on the way to KwaZulu-Natal from the Kruger Park

This luxurious lodge is part of the Sun International group of hotels and is situated in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley in central Swaziland. The accommodation is what you would expect from an international style, 4 star hotel.

About the Location

As well as a championship 18 hole golf course, for those who just want to be pampered, there is a fully equipped spa facility. From here you can also vist Swazi Candles and some of best Nature Reserves that Swaziland has to offer.


Foresters Arms

Foresters Arms, Swaziland

Conveniently situated in the Kingdom of Swaziland halfway between the Kruger Park and Northern Zululand

This is a long established and  renowned lodge in the middle of Swaziland. The lodge is well appointed with 34 luxurious rooms set in beautiful grounds overlooking the rolling, green hills of Swaziland. The style is English Country House with tasteful furnishings. The restaurant is reputed to be one of the finest in this tiny kingdom.

About the Location

The capital of Mbabane is fairly close with its market full of Swazi and other African crafts with the gaily-dressed stallholders milling around. From here you can also visit the world famous Swazi Candles and Glassblowing as well as some ancient mines. In the south of the country as you drive towards KwaZulu-Natal you will find Game Reserves with unique accommodation.


The Cascades, Sun City

The Cascades, Sun City

The Cascades is a lower cost alternative to The Palace of the Lost City for people wanting to stay at Sun City. This is a good and affordable option for families with good sized international style accommodation.

About the Location

You have access to all the facilities of Sun City including the casino, championship golf course and the Valley of the Waves pool complete with phenomenal wave machine. You are also on the edge of the Pilanesberg National Park and the hotel can arrange guided safaris in this fascinating location.


Balalaika Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg

A good location for a short stay in a safe a lively part of Johannesburg

This large hotel is part of the Protea Hotels chain and we have chosen it for this collection because of the excellent service standards it provides, the comfortable rooms, calm ambiance and its location. There is a pool and a pretty garden which is a restful oasis to enjoy a quiet drink!

About the Location

The hotel is one of the most convenient for the Sandton Mall area that is now the hub of Johannesburg’s lively business and financial district. This is also one of the largest shopping malls in South Africa.  A a  complement the Balalaika’s own grill restaurant, The Bull & Bear restaurant which is adjacent serves excellent grills. Whether you need a one-night stopover before your onward journey or you are seeking a base from which to explore this fascinating city and area, The Balalaika will provide you with a comfortable, inexpensive location.
Palace of the Lost City

Palace of the Lost City, Sun City

Las Vegas meets Disneyworld in the African Bush

This remarkable hotel offers the ultimate in extravagance. The hotel is a large international style hotel yet retaining unique African touches – although to some this may seem rather ‘over the top’. It is very Disneyesque in concept and construction so you will be promised a stay with a distinct difference. You can choose between suites, luxury and standard rooms. There are two pools to choose from as well as the facilities in Sun City.

About the Location

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is close by and almost part of the theme as it lies within an ancient (long extinct) volcanic crater. Game drives can be arranged into the reserve together with numerous other activities. This is only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg International Airport or local flights can be arranged into the nearby Sun City Airport. A good location for Golfers with many international tournaments held here.


Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg, North West Province

Malaria free reserve conveniently located 2 1/2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg Airport this is an option for clients on a budget or with time constraints

Although a large lodge with 60 rooms the management succeed in retaining a personal feel. Accommodation is in individual thatched huts many overlooking the bush. We liked the type of mosquito net that is provided around the bed allowing you a comfortable sleep even though this is a malaria free area. The bathrooms are large and there is a private outdoor shower. The central facilities are excellent with a wonderful pool seemingly open to the bush although the entire property is fenced. The accommodation is arranged around a valley in a horseshoe shape. Be sure to look for the crocodiles under the walkway from reception.

About the Location

Game drives are provided by knowledgeable and personable rangers who will drive you into the wonderfully wild Pilanesberg National Park. Please note that as this in a National Park the rangers are not allowed to drive off road. The park is situated scenically in the remarkably rocky remains of an ancient (1.3 billion years) volcanic crater and boast the ‘Big Five’ plus cheetah and Cape Hunting Dog. This property is excellent value even though it is graded 5 star. This is within an easy 2 1/2 hour drive along good roads from Johannesburg.


Laird’s Lodge

Laird’s Lodge, Plettenberg Bay

Quiet location and comfortable accommodation in the Heart of The Garden Route

This is a small luxuriously appointed country lodge set in the Harkerville Forest that lies between the N2 highway and the spectacular coastline close to Plettenberg Bay. There are 16 beautifully appointed rooms and a level of privacy that gives Laird’s Lodge  an excellent reputation for people looking to ‘get away from it all’. The gardens are a veritable botanists dream and provide a calm oasis to chill out and relax – maybe savouring a drink beside the pool. Laird’s Lodge is particularly renowned for its fine restaurant.

About the Location

The Lodge is situated on the edge of the forest around 10 minutes’ drive to the centre pf Plettenberg Bay and its fine beaches. You are also only 15 minutes away from bustling Knysna and around 20 minutes from the animal parks in The Crags.  The lodge is at the centre of the Garden Route Wine Trail with its 17 wineries – many offering fine cuisine with your wine tasting.


Milkwood Manor, Plettenberg Bay

A true beachfront hotel in the heart of the Garden Route

Milkwood Manor must have one of the best locations on The Garden Route. It is adjacent to Lookout Beach, which is one of the three main beaches in Plettenberg Bay. The 11 bedrooms are beautifully appointed,  stylishly decorated and are a reasonable size. Many have balconies with views over the tidal lagoon. If the beach isn’t enough then you can relax with a drink beside the pool or on the terrace overlooking the lagoon.

About the Location

This location is an ornithologist’s dream with a wonderful range of bird species right outside your bedroom window. The hotel has a Thai restaurant, open from October to April, reflecting the owner’s part Asiatic origins. If you need alternative cuisine then the Lookout Deck is just across the car park. This is a renowned local haunt where you can order excellent seafood and grills overlooking the Indian Ocean. The centre of Plettenberg Bay is a short drive away and, for the energetic, you can walk into the centre.