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Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze, Northern Zululand

Ghost Mountain Inn is a great inexpensive alternative to staying at a private game reserve

Ghost Mountain Inn is an old established, family run inn is situated in a particularly attractive part of Zululand. The hotel is in the little town of Mkuze with views of the almost mystical Ghost Mountain (inspiring many legends among the local Zulus). The atmosphere here is very relaxed and continues to get excellent reviews. The hotel has 51 bedrooms that are well decorated in simple furnishings and each room has air conditioning, a ceiling fan and each night insect repellent systems keeps the mosquitoes at bay. This is particularly important during the wet summer months. Some family rooms are available. Each room has its own patio and from these there are views of the garden or mountain. Guests eat in the comfortable restaurant and there is a choice of buffet or a la carte eating. The guest lounge is open to the terrace in front of the generously sized pool, which is very welcome after the heat of the day. The hotel does cater for conferences so at times the atmosphere is busy. The gym and wellness centre caters for those needing exercise and massage treatments, There is also a small but interestingly stocked gift shop. On certain nights, guests may watch Zulu dancing around the bonfire in the boma.

About Ghost Mountain Inn’s Location

The hotel can arrange game drives into the adjacent Mkuze Game Reserve. For us, however, a trip to the Hluhluwe National Park (a half hour drive) with one of the hotel’s excellent rangers is an unforgettable experience. Fishing on the Jozini Lake can be arranged as well as horse riding. Therefore, whatever your requirement there is something for most tastes here. You are ensured a warm and friendly welcome just two and a half hours drive from Durban and close to the border with Swaziland. Although the accommodation cannot be compared with the exceptionally luxurious private game reserves, your game experience from Ghost Mountain will compare with the best.

Arniston Hotel

Arniston Hotel is a comfortable choice for clients on a budget as it is close to the ocean in one of the most remote and fascinating coastal nature reserves in South Africa

Arniston Hotel is fairly large with 60 suites and rooms. Most overlook the bay and some are pool facing. The rooms are fairly large and many have balconies. From here you can enjoy a restful sundowner overlooking the bay and the fabulous sunsets. The hotel has a well equipped spa and wellness centre as well as a restaurant and lively bar. The food is good rather than exceptional but the fish is locally caught and very fresh.

About Arniston Hotel’s Location

The much photographed thatched and whitewashed fishermens cottages in an area called Kassiesbaai are adjacent to the hotel. This area, dating back 200 years, has been declared a national monument and photographers are welcome. The huge sea cave of Waenhuiskrans (Ox Wagon Cave) is an interesting walk away and can be reached easily at low tide. Arniston is named after the wreck of the British naval ship of the same name that foundered in 1815 with the loss of 200 lives. The whole of this coastline around to nearby Cape Agulhas (the southernmost point in Africa) is littered with wrecks of ships that missed their way – indeed as recently as 1970! The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a day’s journey and a fascinating coastal reserve. The southernmost point on the African continent is just a 40 minute drive. Cape Agulhas is an interesting location with a lighthouse dating back to 1849. The architecture is fashioned in the style of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria and there is a restaurant and museum.

Franschhoek Country House Hotel, Franschhoek

An exclusive luxury boutique hotel in the centre of stylish Franschhoek

This is a small country hotel on the edge of Franschhoek. Note that you need to drive to the village centre. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and overlook the mountains and vineyards, which are such a feature of the Franschhoek valley. The accommodation is very comfortable and decorated in a typically Cape style and some have private stoeps and balconies. The hotel has 25 bedrooms including 12 villa suites, which offer the ultimate in luxury and space and the peace, and tranquility of the surroundings is complemented by fine modern cuisine in the rated restaurant, which, in summer is served on the terrace overlooking the gardens. There is a swimming pool with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

About the Location

Here you are situated among some of the finest wineries anywhere in the world. From the hotel you can join the Franschhoek Wine Tram which offers a unique way to see some great wineries and sample their products without driving! Franschhoek has many fine restaurants and such is the popularity of this area, you will need to book some of the restaurants well in advance at the busiest times of the year – especially over Christmas and New Year.

Batavia, Stellenbosch

A modern boutique hotel in the charming historic district of Stellenbosch

Batavia is a luxurious boutique hotel with five star grading in Stellenbosch – regarded as the heart of Afrikaans learning. Each of the 10 rooms are exquisitely appointed with a charming blend of traditional Cape Reed ceilings and modern fittings. Service is the key at Batavia and you are ensured a warm Afrikaans welcome! The property is located close to the centre of Stellenbosch in a quiet road within walking distance of the historic town centre with its wonderfully preserved thatched buildings, art galleries, restaurants and shops.

About the Location

The centre of Cape Town is a 45-minute drive away, so rather than stay in the centre of the city, why not relax at Batavia and use this as your base from which to see Cape Town & Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula (45 minutes’ drive) and the Winelands. Stellenbosch is often regarded as the centre of the Winelands and it is easy to drive across the mountains to Franschhoek (20 minutes’ drive), Paarl (15 minutes’ drive and even Tulbagh (1-hour drive).

Spier Village, Stellenbosch

Village style accommodations set in a large wine estate

Spier is a long established winery, which has developed substantially in recent years initially as a restaurant and a small cheetah conservation project to a fully-fledged resort, with a distinctly African feel, in beautiful grounds overlooking the Jonkershoek Mountains. Accommodation is located in the Spier Village, which extends to 155 rooms encompassing luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. Here you can hold a raptor, go for a segway tour, have a picnic by the lake, relax by one of the seven pools or indulge yourself in a wine tasting only a short stagger from your room.

About the Location

There are three rated restaurants and delis to cater for every taste. Horse and pony rides can be arranged and the property also boasts an 18 hole golf course. The property is conveniently situated 20 minutes drive from Cape Town International Airport and it will only take you 30 minutes to drive into the centre of Cape Town. Stellenbosch is 10 minutes away by car, The Strand with its excellent beaches is close by as is the Somerset Mall in Somerset West for shopping.

Lanzerac Manor Hotel, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands

It is with great sadness to relay that as a result of a fire that extensively damaged the Manor House and the operational areas of the hotel, Lanzerac is closed until further notice

Lanzerac is a stylish wine estate with great wines and cuisine

This is a gracious, Cape Dutch manor house resplendent in antiques and the polished woods of South Africa. Lanzerac Manor & Winery is one of the enduring gems of the Cape. Set in the beautiful Jonkershoek Mountains just on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, the Manor has 48 classically appointed suites, many with antique and antique style furniture and fittings to compliment an estate that can trace its origins back over 300 years. The hotel has two pools one of which is located in the stunning gardens complete with poolside service. The restaurant is one of our favourites serving good modern South African dishes combined with an excellent cellar including the estate’s own wines with impeccable service. The rooms and bathrooms are large and traditionally decorated.

About Lanzerac’s Location

This is set in a secluded location on the edge of bustling Stellenbosch. The town centre with its thatched and whitewashed building is a 10 minute drive. The town is home to one of South Africa’s premier universities and the buzz and the ambiance reflects this. As well as Lanzerac, you will find some excellent restaurants.

Blue Margouillat, St Leu, Reunion

Blue Margouillat is exquisitely located with sweeping views to the Indian Ocean and providing some of the best accommodation in La Reunion

Blue Margouillat is a small, 10 roomed, luxury boutique hotel. The hotel is part of the prestige Relais et Chateau Collection. All the rooms have commanding views over the Indian Ocean and each has its own private balcony from which you can enjoy the beautiful, tropical sunset. The rooms, although not particularly large, have been well designed and are comfortably appointed. We particularly liked the individual artwork incorporated as part of the wall decoration. The beautiful and colourful gardens incorporate a pool, floodlit at night, to enjoy or just relax beside with a cocktail from the pool bar. The restaurant serves some of the best food we have encountered on Reunion often on the terrace overlooking the pool and the ocean with soft classical music in the background. In the morning you will awake to the sound of exotic birds in the trees mixed with the sounds of the ocean.

About the location

From the hotel, you can drive into the mountain regions around Cilaos. This is a 2 1/2 hour drive along tortuous roads providing some of the most spectacular views on the island. You may want to use the hotel as a stylish base and combine it with a couple of nights in Cilaos. We also recommend taking an organised day tour to the volcanic southeastern side of the mountain where you will be able to walk out on lava flows by the sea that are still steaming! For the volcano, La Fournaise, we suggest a helicopter tour unless you are very fit and enjoy hiking at high altitudes. The beaches at St Gilles are a 30 minute drive away although there is a black, volcanic sand beach within walking distance of the hotel.

Lavender Manor, Hermanus

A perfect location with beautiful rooms close to a beach

Lavender Manor is a small lodge with 9 rooms with a choice of mountain facing or sea facing aspects. It is close to the centre of Hermanus and the beach is just across the road. Each of the rooms is beautifully appointed and are very spacious. Decor is a blend between the traditional and modern but no expense has been spared in creating a truly captivating experience in this recently opened property. The bathrooms vary from large to huge and one of the bedrooms has superb views over the bay with the scope to be able to see whales in season. You will be guaranteed a personal touch and a very comfortable stay.

About the Location

Hermanus is a good location for seeing whales in the season which lasts from June to December. The area has some of the best land based whale watching anywhere in the world and you are also able to take a guided boat trip in order to see these wonderful mammals close up. The centre of Hermanus is a 5 minute drive and here you will find numerous great restaurants. The Hemel-en-Aarde wineries are a 20 minute drive away and is home to Hamilton Russell which is often as one of the top wineries in South Africa.

Agulhas Country Lodge, Cape Agulhas

Agulhas Country Lodge has one of the most romantic locations at the southern tip of Africa

Agulhas Country Lodge is positioned at the most southerly tip of Africa. The lodge is a beautiful limestone building furnished with antiques and South African art. The building has the air of a remote Scottish castle with original wood fittings rescued from historic properties in The Cape. Sit by a blazing log fire in the winter and read about some of the fascinating shipwrecks that have occurred (and are still occurring) along this notorious stretch of coastline. There are eight, large and sunny rooms and all have balconies and great sea views. Some rooms also have a Jacuzzi. As well as a sumptuous South African breakfast, dinner is included which always promises to be an experience.

About Agulhas Country Lodge’s Location

This is a great area for whale watching in season (June to December). An eco Quad Biking tour of the coastline and nearby nature reserve is an experience to remember in this interesting but often forgotten corner of South Africa. Visit the fascinating lighthouse which was modeled on the ancient Pharos of Alexandria. This is the third oldest lighthouse in South Africa and dates back to 1849. The lighthouse has a restaurant, museum and curio shop. Nearby Struisbaai has wide sandy beaches and old whitewashed fishermen’s cottages. More of these national heritage buildings can be found in Arniston and Waenhuiskrans which are a short drive away. Further inland are some more interestingly rural towns that have been ‘discovered’ by South African artists and entertainers. As this is just a 2 1/2 hour drive from Cape Town, the area is also being discovered by tourists. There is even a local wine route which are the southernmost wineries in Africa. There is also a 9 hole golf course in Bredasdorp which is the southernmost golf course in Africa.

Rothman Manor, Swellendam, Overberg

Rothman Manor is a luxurious, historic gem in South Africa’s third oldest town

Rothman Manor’s 200-year-old thatched Cape Dutch house is set in the centre of historic Swellendam. However, once in the grounds you could be in the middle of the countryside. The 6 suites are beautifully appointed with a perfect blend of European and South African touches. The larger than normal suites comprise comfortable period style beds, beautiful bathrooms and a lounge area. The rooms open onto the fabulous gardens that in season are full of colour. Relaxing by the pool you will be able to look over the rest of the grounds, which the owner has stocked with small buck such as Springbok. This property continues to be a favourite with our clients confirming the owners’ excellent ratings and reviews on Trip Advisor.

About Rothman Manor’s Location

There are several good restaurants in Swellendam and one, The Old Mill, is opposite Rothman Manor. Breakfast is either served in the period dining room panelled in stinkwood or outside on the stoep overlooking the gardens. Swellendam has some great restaurants providing excellent gourmet lunches and dinner. ou can take a short drive to Montagu, which has hot springs and dramatic scenery through the Kogman’s Kloof Pass. The southernmost tip of Africa (Cape Agulhas) is an hour’s drive. For those looking for a truly unspoilt wilderness the drive to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The spectacular pristine beach at nearby Witsand will reward you with wonderful sightings of Whales in season (June to December). You will also find examples here of the unique Cape Fynbos vegetation at its best. Locally, the Bontebok National Park is an easy 10-minute drive and it is one of the most successful conservation stories. The park was established in 1931 to protect the remaining 60 bontebok. There are now well over 2,500 bontebok throughout South Africa. There is an excellent wine trail between Swellendam and nearby Robertson. Rather than just a stopover on your way to the Garden Route, we believe you will be enchanted by a two or three day stay.