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White Elephant Safari Lodge, Pongola, Northern Zululand

A real back to nature experience in the African Bush in Northern Zululand

White Elephant Lodge offers safari with a difference. Accommodation in the Safari Lodge is in 8 luxurious safari tents. These are well equipped with beautiful bathrooms, private, outdoor canvas shower, private veranda and personal bar. Exquisite white percale bed linen completes the style and each tent has insect gauze on the windows, ceiling fans and mosquito nets. Sumptuous meals are served at the main house, which is a restored colonial homestead. Accommodation in the Bush Camp is simpler in 7 thatched chalets. There is the same attention to style and quality and meals are taken in the dining area close to the viewing deck. Both lodges have a welcome swimming pool for relaxing beside after the day’s activities.

About the Location

The lodge is situated close to the border with Mozambique and Swaziland approximately a 5 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg airport and 3 hours from Durban Airport. Two eco activities are included in the price. Activities include game drives into the Pongola Game Reserve, which was the first to be declared by President Kruger at the end of the 1800s, guided walks, Rhino walks, and Elephanting where guests participate in the reserve’s elephant monitoring project. Guest can also take a scenic flight with the flying doctor service into local communities, experience a number of cultural tours into the surrounding Zulu communities or participate in a programme where a psychologist provides a de-stressing programme with the elephants. The lodge also has a fully equipped wellness centre. Therefore, whether you are looking for a game experience, want to discover Zulu culture or just a chance to relax and de-stress, White Elephant should provide you with a memorable experience.

Hartford House, Giant’s Castle, Drakensberg

A stylish 5 star country house hotel in the beautiful Natal Midlands

This is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s finest boutique hotels. The location is exceptional as the hotel forms part of Summerhill, which is one of South Africa’s leading racehorse stud farms. There are 14 luxurious suites decorated in a style that befits this gracious Victorian estate. There is a renowned restaurant for fine dining and the Natal Midlands area is home to numerous good and casual restaurants. The Wellness centre will pamper you especially after a long flight and swimming and tennis are also available in the exquisite gardens. This is a very popular location for weddings.

About the Location

Durban Airport is a 2 hour drive and from here you will be able to drive easily to the Drakensbergs (Giant’s Castle is relatively close and Cathedral Peak is not too far). There are numerous Boer War battlefields close by and the Zulu battlefields are a 1 1/2 hour drive. Personal tours into the Drakensbergs can be arranged.

Jock Safari Lodge, Southern Kruger Park

A rare private safari lodge in the Kruger Park, Note that malaria precautions are required for this location

We regard this as one of the best-kept secrets of the Kruger Park. One of the original private concessions in the Kruger Park, this lodge has been extensively refurbished and is now part of the Shamwari Dubai World Group. There is an impressively equipped Wellness Centre offering extensive pampering after a hard day watching game. The main lodge has 12 suites and there is a family lodge. Each suite is beautifully appointed and very private. The bedroom is centred around a four-poster bed complete with mosquito net and a view from the bed and the bathroom of the adjacent riverbed. The outside deck extends to a private viewing deck overlooking the valley and comes complete with its own plunge pool for cooling off in the heat of the day. Each suite has its own outside shower again in complete privacy. The central facilities are excellent with pool, elevated bar and extensive dining area overlooking the valley. Evening meals are often served buffet style in the boma around a log fire to complete the atmosphere.

About the Location

Game drives are included and are guided by experienced rangers who will drive you off road in the lodge’s concession area but also into the surrounding park for a complete game watching experience. The lodge gets its name from the book written by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick chronicling his hunting adventures 120 years ago with his Jack Russell Terrier called Jock and you will see memorials to the plucky little dog all over this part of South Africa. In honour of his memory, during the cooler months, the lodge creates a tented camp complete with outside bucket showers in order to recreate the feel of exploration in the 19th century. We consider this an excellent alternative to the numerous lodges in the private reserves adjoining the Kruger Park. Please note that this is a medium risk malaria area so you should consult your physician to take appropriate anti – malaria medication.

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.

Rosenhof, Oudtshoorn

Luxury Boutique Hotel in Oudtshoorn

This is a charming, and popular, small hotel on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. The 12 bedrooms and two executive suites are mostly arranged in small cottages around a central, gassy courtyard set aside from the principal Manor House. This has the beautiful dining room and lounge as well as the reception area. As you can see from the pictures the rooms are of a generous size with big bathrooms. The emphasis is on luxury and this shown to great effect in the two bed roomed executive suites, which are complete with their own plunge pool. There is a pool for general use. This is a property, which continues to get very good reviews from our clients and this is in part to the great hospitality shown by the staff.

About the Location

The lodge is on the edge of Oudtshoorn in a quiet residential location. The Cango Wildlife Ranch is a 5 minute drive and the Cango Caves are 15 minutes away. There are several ostrich ‘Feather Palaces’ within a short drive as is the great headquarters of ‘Ostrich International’ for an amazing variety of ostrich leather goods.

Altes Landhaus, Schoemanshoek, Nr. Oudtshoorn

Altes Landhaus is an oasis in the Little Karoo set among lush gardens

Altes Landhaus is a hundred year old farmhouse that was originally built as a rectory for the local church. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is set among the grandeur of the Swartberg Mountains as a backcloth. In season (normally October / November) the soft lilac blooms of the Jacaranda trees add a distinctly exotic touch. This is a small, exclusive hotel with seven suites and two double rooms. The owners provide every luxury and the rooms are air-conditioned. Dinner can be provided on request.

About Altes Landhaus’ Location

This is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and Little Karoo region. This is the centre of the once booming Ostrich industry producing feathers and leather for the fashion industry. At the turn of the 1900s, vast fortunes were made supplying the fashion houses in Paris, London and New York. Wealthy farmers built grand houses known as Ostrich Palaces. A number of these still exist and remain Ostrich farms that you can visit and learn about these fascinating creatures. You can buy Ostrich products such as belts, purses, shoes and handbags. You will be paying a fraction of the price you will pay in Europe or North America. From Altes Landhaus it is a short drive to the world renowned Cango Caves. Here you can experience the main cave system with relative ease but for the fit, there is also an extended trip which will introduce you to more challenging caving – not for the faint-hearted or those who suffer from claustrophobia! While you are here, you should drive the spectacular Swartberg Pass. This is a gravel pass with sweeping views over the little Karoo in one direction and the great Karoo in the other. At the other side of the pass you can visit charming Prince Albert which seems to be caught in a Victorian time warp. It is also the centre of South Africa’s olive industry and you will also be able to indulge your taste buds in some excellent restaurants. Be sure to try the Karoo lamb!

You can also visit South Africa’s Port capital of Calitzdorp where there are a number of wineries where you can taste the product.

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.

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, 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.

The Fairlawns, Morningside, Johannesburg

Stunning luxurious Boutique hotel in a leafy suburb of Johannesburg

Fairlawns is an exceptionally luxurious boutique hotel set in the heart of Johannesburg’s business district of Sandton. The emphasis is, however, on tranquillity and gracious living. All 19 suites are very spacious and fully equipped to the highest standards. There is a huge gym equipped to international standards and a large outdoor pool.

About the Location

Temporary membership is arranged for the nearby golf courses, tennis and squash courts. The bar with its renowned wine list complements the a la carte restaurant. the financial district of Sandton is close by (10 minute drive) complete with its extensive mall and great restaurants. For clients looking for something a little different in Johannesburg this is one of the best small hotels we have discovered.