Feature: Mountain Biking

Highgrove Country House Lodge, White River / Hazyview, Mpumalanga

A beautiful location especially when the jacaranda trees are blooming

For clients looking from an ‘away from it all’ experience in total luxury, Highgrove is definitely worth a visit. Set in its own parkland the 10 suites are beautifully decorated with the style you would expect from leading hotels. You are ensured a friendly welcome and the cuisine is regularly rated by our clients among the high points of their visit to South Africa. During springtime (October) you will also gaze in wonder at the avenue of jacaranda trees, which, although not native to South Africa, are almost as much of a floral icon as the Proteas of the Cape. The property is very popular as a wedding destination. As well as the luxurious accommodation, Highgrove is known for its fine cuisine.

About the Location

Highgrove is an excellent base from which to explore the Panorama Route including the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim’s Rest and it is also just a 40-minute drive to the Paul Kruger Gate for the Kruger Park. The lodge does arrange game drives into the park. The area around White River and Sabie is steeped in history and the little towns are home to many craftsmen and artists. The Lodge also has beautiful walking trails in the stunning surrounding coutryside. For those who wish to be pampered, visit the Orchard Spa.


Eight Bells Mountain Inn

Eight Bells Mountain Inn, Robinson Pass, Garden Route

Eight Bells Mountain Inn is great for families in a beautiful location

Eight Bells is a charming, well-established country inn in the midst of the beautiful Robinson Pass over the Outeniqua Mountains between Mossel Bay (30 minutes’ drive) and Oudtshoorn (20 minutes’ drive).  Accommodation is very comfortable mainly in cabin style rooms and suitable for children. The Inn is unusually well equipped for children with a good pool, snooker table and horse riding. For the energetic, the surrounding countryside is good for hiking particularly in the spring and autumn (September / October and April / June). The restaurant provides good food and we recommend trying their milk tart.

About Eight Bells’ Location

The inn is close to two Ostrich show farms. These are based on two ‘Feather Palaces’ built at the end of the 1800s and  you will be able to experience these intriguing birds up close. In the nearby town of Oudtshoorn you can find some excellent outlets for goods made out of ostrich leather. You are also fairly close to the beaches between Mossel Bay (rather industrial) and Wilderness (approximately a 30 minute drive). If you are feeling energetic, drive the Swartberg Pass. The pass is a mainly gravel road approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Eight Bells. Just before you arrive at the pass, you will see the world renowned Cango Caves which are definitely worth visiting. Once on the pass, at the summit (in Afrikaans called Die Top) you will see a road to Die Hel. You can drive 2 1/2 hours into a valley that was left undisturbed by modern life until 1962. At the far end of the pass, you will arrive at pretty Prince Albert. A shorter drive will take you to Calitzdorp which is the centre of South African port production. You will be able to visit some excellent port wineries.
Kurland

Kurland, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay

Ultimate luxury in a parkland setting within a short drive of spectacular beaches

This is a fascinating and luxurious hotel set in the countryside with views of the impressive Tsitsikamma Mountains. Although Kurland is one of South Africa’s leading stud farms and is renowned for its polo field and events, the hotel has a very relaxed atmosphere and is designed to ensure that families are not only welcome but exceptionally well catered for. The 15 suites are beautifully decorated and very generous in size. The style is Cape Dutch and so very traditional South African. Some family suites have a separate first floor open plane bedroom and bathroom for children complete with stair gate and cuddly toys on the beds to provide your children with a feeling of their own space. Some of the extra large suites also have their own private plunge pool.

About the Location

There is a childrens’ playroom complete with equipment and games right next to their own pool and outdoor games area. Activities include horse riding and quad bikes and the beach is approximately 15 minutes drive away.  The Crags has some fascinating animal parks populated mainly by animals rescued from domesticity and here you will be able to get close to cats, elephants, monkees and even snakes, There is the largest aviary in the southern hemisphere and you can round off a visit with a tour and lunch at a local winery.  Storms River with the Tree Top Canopy Tour experience and the spectacular Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park is just 35 minutes drive while for the exceptionally brave, the World’s highest bungee jump is even closer.


Oyster Bay Beach Lodge

Oyster Bay Beach Lodge, Oyster Bay, Cape St Francis

Out of the way charm 

If you are looking for accommodation that is different and in a remote location but relatively easy to get to, then Oyster Bay could be for you. The 10 bedrooms and 4 Cape Dutch style chalets are simply furnished but comfortable. The lodge serves breakfast, a simple lunch and dinner.

About the Location

There is a reasonably sized pool but you are within easy walking of an incredible beach that has the feel of being part of Oyster Bay Lodge. Even in the height of the summer season when nearby Jeffrey’s Bay is heaving with surfers, this location has a wonderful ‘get away from it all’ feel. You should note that access to Oyster Bay is 25 kms along a good quality gravel road. Accommodation can be provided on a dinner, bed & breakfast, bed & breakfast or self-catering basis.


Ocean View House

Ocean View House, Camps Bay

Ocean View is in a great location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the edge of stylish Camps Bay

Ocean View is a classy boutique hotel which has 30 rooms extending from standard to top of the range Panorama Suite. Each has clean cut modern decor with many offering exceptional views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in one direction and the imposing Twelve Apostles mountain range in the other.  Sunsets over the ocean are among the best you will encounter.

About Ocean View’s Location

Camps Bay is a lively community with restaurants, bars and nightlife right next to one of the most popular beaches in South Africa. This does mean that in peak season (December / January) the area can get very busy. This is a convenient location from which to explore Cape Town. The Table Mountain Cableway is just 15 minutes’ drive away and the Waterfront is a 15-minute drive. The pretty area around Hout Bay is 10 minutes’ drive and Cape Point will take around 40 minutes to drive. Whatever your requirements in the Cape Town area, Ocean View makes a very relaxing alternative to the very busy city centre hotels.
Kensington Place

Kensington Place, Higgovale, Cape Town

A great location for this sophisticated boutique hotel just ‘beneath’ Table Mountain

This is a beautiful, small boutique hotel situated close to the city centre yet in a refreshingly leafy residential area. The property has 10 bedrooms that are a reasonable size and decorated in clean cut, modern style. There is a small dining room for breakfast and the garden is cool and shady with trees and bushes. There is a small deck and pool to relax by in the heat of the day and at night the garden area is ‘alive’ with candle light.

About the Location

Higgovale is just below the Table Mountain Cableway and so is very convenient for visiting the mountain. Camps Bay is a 10-minute drive and the city centre and The Waterfront is a 5-minute drive. For people who like walking to restaurants, the Kloof Road area is alive at night with numerous restaurants, cafes and bars. This is a 5-minute walk away, but the return is up quite a steep hill! For people who want to be in the centre of Cape Town but in a quiet, almost country style location, Kensington Place is an excellent choice.