Arriving in the surfer town of Plettenberg Bay, known to locals as Plett, the family made their first stop at Fynbos Ridge, where they spent two days here among the magnificent gardens and fynbos.

This Cape Dutch style country house is spacious and well appointed, and is only a few minutes away from the pristine beaches of Plettenberg Bay.

Secluded, tranquil and relaxed are the only words to describe this lovely lodge.  And apart from the freezing weather, the family had an amazing time here, marking the highlights of their trip as the wonderful gardens, views of the valley below and fynbos, perfect for the kids to roam free!

There are so many things to do in this amazing part of the Southern Cape that the family just didn’t have time to experience.

So here is a list of our top must-see and do activities:

-      Treetop canopy tours over the Tsitsikamma forest

-      Take a ferry on the Knysna Lagoon to the dramatic lagoon heads

-      Bungy jump off Africa’s largest bridge

-      Skydiving and scenic flights from the air

-      Visit the Birds of Eden aviary

-      Pop in at the Elephant Sanctuary and Knysna Elephant Park

-      Learn about the monkeys at Monkeyland

-      Ocean safaris of the surrounding bay where you can see dolphins, whales and seals

Their last stop on the route was at the villa at Hog Hollow in Crags near Plett.

The villa here is about 400 metres from the main lodge situated on the edge of an indigenous forest in a private nature reserve.  With panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Tsitsikamma Mountains this really is one of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of the Garden Route.

The family absolutely loved this luxurious three bedroomed villa with open plan kitchen and comfy furnishings; there is even a nice covered pool area outside where the kids can swim and you can enjoy breakfast in the morning African sun. A big games area also allowed the family to enjoy more time together where table tennis matches where played daily.

The villa was very relaxing and with all the mod cons and service from the hotel, a real special treat for the family!

Mandi’s advice – this villa is perfect for families and groups of friends traveling together as one can enjoy the common areas here to socialize.

The family really had one unforgettable road trip, confirming the statement that local is indeed lekker!

If these lovely reviews from the past weeks have inspired you to visit any of these stops mentioned on Mandi’s trip, please contact us so we can help you plan it!

Mandi and her family made their first stop at the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve at the elegant Uplands Homestead. This beautifully restored 1905 homestead exudes charm and farmhouse hospitality.

With only four bedrooms and being one of the newer lodges at &Beyond Kwandwe, its perfect for individual attention, Mandi and her family had the lodge all to themselves!  Situated in a remote and tranquil valley, surrounded by magnificent hills, it is the perfect place for a private safari.

With a very experienced game ranger name Marcelino as their tour guide, they had a magical safari here and Marcelino proved to be an instant hit with the kids.  His style of lecturing is fun and informative; he brought the game viewing experience totally to life!  And apart from the bad weather the family was lucky enough to track down a pride of lions eating a warthog for breakfast so it was a good experience all round!

The family had no time to waste and was off yet again on to their next stop. Prana Lodge Private Beach Resort and spa is situated on the Wild Coast, just 40 minutes north of East London.

This five star luxury boutique hotel and spa is located on 21km of unspoilt stretch of beach within a private estate surrounded by an indigenous dune forest. Mandi says that they were pleasantly surprised by its beautiful setting and gourmet dining.

Large suites are set far apart with their own plunge pool and outside shower and one nice touch for such a small lodge is the brilliant Thai spa offering a range of treatments for the wearied traveller.

The property is also large in size with wonderful gardens, it almost feels like you are staying at some beautiful resort in Asia, with Vervid monkeys running around and Knysna’s Loerie birds flitting about, trying to take cover in the nearby forest.

They also have lovely wooden walkways which connect the lodge to the beach through the forest, which lead onto a dramatic deck that showcases the magnificent views of the white beaches below.  Surf lessons and horse riding on the beach can be booked among a range of other low-key activities, which Gabriella took full advantage of.

Lovely for kids and honeymooners Prana is a definite gem on the Wild Coast, the perfect combination of game lodge and beach!

The last stop on the Wild Coast route was in Kokstad, which sits on the border between the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal, called Willowdale Lodge.

Again this was a lovely surprise for the family, and according to Mandi is the only place to stay in this area! This homely manor house is family run and set up in the middle of nowhere but offers wonderful features and accommodation, and the dinner the family had was out-of-this-world, totally unexpected for such a small town in a remote setting.

With 10 rooms the manor house is small providing the visitor the comfort of modern living with historic ambiance, including scores of interesting artifacts, family photos and antiques that are showcased around the homestead for added interest.

It has a very casual feeling about it which is nice when you have kids and the fact that there was a huge espresso machine working on overdrive in the morning to provide fresh coffee, was an added bonus for the Aliverti’s!

Interested in finding out more about these little gems on the Wild Coast? Contact us to help you find out more!

  Stay tuned for our final blog post on Mandi’s trip titled “Going Gaga on the Garden Route!”

Mandi’s first stop was at the five-star country house and stud farm of Hartford House, which is near Mooi River on the Midlands Meander and the only hotel located on a world-class racehorse stud. Apart from the horse riding there is much to do on this picturesque homestead estate but the Aliverti’s where on a mission here – lunch! Regularly voted as one of South Africa’s top ten restaurants, they had targeted their stop specifically and were not disappointed.

From here they took a lazy dive through the Midlands Meander, a route near the Mooi River which offers visitors wonderful hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings. For miles and miles hectres of farmland extends on where you can stop off and see anything from local events to fabulous restaurants, take part in a variety of outdoor activities and adventure sports, view historic landmarks, wildlife and the best of all “shop-till-you-drop” at arts and craft spots.

Next up on the family’s busy itinerary was a two night stay at Fugitives Drift Lodge in the heart of the KZN battlefields.

With intense and emotional stories from the battles between the British and the Zulus, as part of your visit experience, Mandi highly recommends this stop for anyone interested in South African history.  

But for the most part the family where definitely looking forward to the tours of the area.  Led by the finest battlefield guides in SA, tours are conducted daily to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. And they have also especially introduced a kid’s tour called Battlefield Kids which was wonderful for Mandi’s two kiddies.  They were taken to explore a Zulu village, learnt about the culture and battles of the area, and got to view the reserve and see its plain game like zebra and giraffe.  This is a once in a lifetime experience for kids to be educated on their country’s history and have fun at the same time!

From the battlefields the family then made their way on to Pakamisa Private Game Reserve, near Pongola in northern KZN.

This lodge is situated in 2500 hectres of pristine wilderness, allowing guests to enjoy an exclusive out-of-Africa experience in the bush. With Spanish and African influences, the lodge is small; offering eight beautifully maintained suites. 

The family who are avid horse lovers especially chose this lodge as if offers horse-back safaris at this predator-free reserve, where guests are invited to take rides on the Arabian horses that are bred on the farm.  Gabriella enjoyed some horse riding lessons and Mandi, who is a little fearful about getting on these beautiful four-legged creatures, even managed a ride or two! The family was also lucky enough to spot some game while riding, from ostrich, to warthog, bush buck and even impala. With stunning views of the estate and stables, where kids are encouraged to be involved in the cleanup of, the family really had an amazing time at this one-of-a-kind game reserve.

Their last stop was at another game reserve close to Hluhluwe. Voted as one of South Africa’s leading safari lodges, Thanda Private Game Reserve is a five star luxurious African lodge with large suites each with their own private plunge pool, tsala and deck.

The family especially appreciated the fact that kids are a well catered for priority at this lodge, with a kiddie’s ranger programme that encourages each child to participate on safari through a varied and fun activity book.

Apart from the friendly service, the family also enjoyed excellent game viewing, spotting not only lion, leopard and cheetah, but also a pack of wild dog!  The lodge also has a waterhole which is a lovely opportunity to again spot some of the reserves’ game, there are almost always warthog’s there and the family managed to spot three elephants coming to drink! A magical experience for them all and one that the entire family will definitely not soon forget.

Keep a lookout for our next blog post which will cover the Wild Coast part of the Aliverti’s trip!

Looking for a tailormade African family getaway just like Mandi’s? Contact us to help you make it happen!

After three weeks, 5,000 kilometres travelled (and twelve tanks of petrol!) on South Africa’s roads sometimes less travelled – our Head of Travel Mandi is back from her latest voyage of discovery, filling the office with exciting stories of her families adventures along the way.

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing some of her impressions and highlights on our blog, so keep posted for stories of great game viewing and new stylish safari lodges, secluded and romantic beach spots, elegant country lodges, fabulous food and fun filled family surprises along the way.

Watch out for our first post next week entitled Beauty, Battlefields and the Big 5 -  Welcome to the Zulu Kingdom!

We take our Designer Decadence feature to new levels this month after a stay at Cape Town’s newest Boutique hotel: the uber swanky Queen Victoria Hotel. 

Our MD Richard reports,

“The last time I stood in this very room, it was a concrete shell, with wires hanging everywhere and workmen in full swing, banging and hammering feverishly at everything in site. 

But now six months later here I was tipping the hotel porter whilst Mrs. Holt made a bee line for the champagne, already cooing to herself over the stylish decor and furnishings.

We had been invited to stay in the new Queen Victoria Hotel  just a stones throw from Cape Towns’ famous Waterfront, the latest addition to the stable owned by Newmark Hotels. Our visit six months earlier was to see how their vision of classic elegance meets contemporary design was taking shape. At the time they had promised awe inspiring design and now on first glance they had delivered to that promise. The huge white marble spiral staircase, glass lift and crystal chandeliers in the triple volume foyer was a hint of things to come and our room delivered to the same standard.

Big and spacious, with huge comfy beds and full of designer touches, classic sophistication is the word that springs to mind.

So first impressions were very good but they got considerably better when we went for dinner at Dash, the hotel’s super cool looking restaurant. A very intimate setting with intriguing artwork adorning the walls, the experience was truly spectacular and that’s coming from someone who thinks of himself as a bit of a foodie. The dishes delivered the same awe inspiring design as the hotel itself, totally unexpected but a real highlight.

With 35 rooms we think the Queen Vic is a great addition to the Cape Town hotel scene, small enough to be intimate and individual, big enough to provide facilities of a larger hotel, its sure to be a hit with international visitors. Close to the action of the Waterfront and all the attractions, but tucked away creating a relaxing haven of calm, luxury and understated opulence. The only downside is it’s so tucked away that it’s not that easy to find for those not familiar with the area, but that’s not much of a detraction from what is a truly spectacular hotel.”

In our new fabulous Designer Decadence hotel feature, we will be reviewing a special and really cool hotel each month, well known for its designer features and luxurious fittings.  A hotel which adds that little something extra to your travel experience, these hotels are nothing short of extraordinary!  Expect the unexpected, the unusual and the out-of-this-world. Would we bring you anything less?

Our pick for this month is the famous: Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town

If you want a city stay that is central, original and a bit different, in our opinion the Daddy is your best bet.

This playful and quirky hotel is situated in the vibrant Cape Town City Bowl on popular Long Street and offers it all to the discerning traveler.  Not only does it provide rooms with superior and top class furnishings but it also offers accommodation with a difference, and that is the only way we can describe it!

Take the vintage elevator to the hotel’s rooftop location where you will be greeted by seven vintage Airstream trailers, designed according to fantastical themes, complete with US Postal Service mailboxes and parked in a neat garden with sweeping views of Table Mountain and the city below.

Each trailer has been decorated with their own specific theme in mind, from the Dorothy Polka Dot blue room, to Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the Love of Lace pastel pink room, to the chilled AfroFunk room, whatever suits your mood, take your pick!  From unique add-ons to unusual decorations and special design specific to that theme, each room is particularly memorable.  It makes you want to stay just that bit longer, just so you can take a peek at each!  

Afro Funk Room

Love of Lace Room

The Dorothy Polka Dot Room

If you’re feeling particularly peck-ish and don’t wish to leave your fabulous surroundings, why not organize to have lunch on the rooftop right by your trailor? Utter decadence we say, and why not?

And if trailer park living is not too your liking, don’t worry, the Daddy has many other options up its sleeve.  From opulent room suites with their own enclosed deck gardens, soft white French linens and travertine marble bathrooms, the hotel’s other rooms are just as impressive.

Spend your time in the Mother City in a hotel that you will not easily forget!  Check out more info on the Grand Daddy Hotel here.

In next month’s Designer Decadence feature we will share with you our MD’s Richard and Christina Holt’s latest review of their stay at the swanky Queen Victoria Hotel in the trendy Waterfront precinct of Cape Town!

It’s just a personal thing and in South Africa we are blessed with lots of choice, but when Mrs. Holt and I were invited recently to stay at the luxurious One and Only hotel on Cape Town’s Waterfront we just couldn’t turn it down.

And luxurious it certainly was from the attentive service right down to the small details. Our room was opulent and vast – a fourth floor suite actually with separate his and hers bathrooms (plus a third bathroom thrown in for good measure!) From our balcony the views out over the city and Table Mountain in the background were breathtaking and we sipped our complimentary champagne with canapés whilst watching the sun go down over the mountain.

Then it was spa time and we slipped on our bathrobes and walked out over the small bridge that connected us to the exclusive spa situated on its own island. Two hours and an “ultimate massage” later it was time for dinner at Reuben’s one of two fine dining restaurants in the hotel. The quality of food, surroundings and service was excellent and whilst later it was tempting to stroll down to the Waterfront for a late night drink, we retired early to our palatial room and the comfiest and biggest bed in the world.

Breakfast in the morning brought me back to earth a little though as despite the fantastic spread, sharing the restaurant with eighty people on a conference wasn’t exactly relaxing.

There’s no doubt that the One & Only is the ultimate in luxury hotels, you are left wanting for nothing and for visitors to Cape Town it is in a great location. We both really enjoyed our stay and being pampered but I still prefer my solitude and peacefulness of the small luxury hotel. However this won’t stop me highly recommending the One & Only for our discerning clients who like this type of stay.

One of the advantages of running a travel business is that occasionally, in the name of research, we get invited to experience and stay in some truly wonderful African locations.

The downside is that every time we take a holiday in Africa, we are never quite on holiday. We are always running a critical eye over every place we stay at, with our customer base in mind. We can’t help it, it’s almost become an obsession, but we know we always guarantee our clients up to date knowledge and on the spot advice on what’s hot and what’s not.

Next month our Head of Travel Mandi is getting the best and worst of both worlds as she embarks on a three week family holiday across South Africa and back.

With a distance covered of nearly 2,000 kilometres and staying at nine upmarket hotels, guest houses and game reserves along the way in some of South Africa’s most spectacular locations, Mandi is sure to come back with stories, images and adventures aplenty and much to recommend to our future clients.

The epic road trip with husband Federico and children Gabriella and Claudio in tow, first heads East from Cape Town on June 23^rd and stops along the Garden Route, before taking in Game reserves of the Eastern Cape. From there the route heads inland to the spectacular Drakensberg mountains and Zulu battlefields, before heading east again to visit two game lodges close to the Swaziland border. The journey home begins with stops on the KwaZulu Natal coastline and Durban, before two more stops along the Garden Route on the way back to Cape Town.

Watch out for our upcoming series of blogs featuring the places Mandi stayed and what she thought.

But for now check out Mandi’s road trip itinerary below and get a taster of some of the places she will be visiting!

June

Plettenberg Bay – Fynbos Ridge

Eastern Cape – Kwandwe Game Reserve at Melton Manor

Kokstad in Southern Drakensberg – Willowdale Lodge 

Kwazulu-Natal Battlefields – Fugitives Drift Lodge

Northern KZN – Pakamisa Game Reserve

Northern KZN – Thanda Private Game Reserve

Ballito – Hotel Izulu

Willowdale Lodge, Kokstat  

Chintsa beach near East London – Prana Lodge

Plettenberg Bay – Hog Hollow

“Hog Hollow is especially perfect for families”

 “Fugitives Drift has launched a special kid’s programme so whilst the parents are out and about, the kids are taken on tours to learn how to make a Zulu spear and so much more.  This area is steeped in history, with beautiful landscapes and eye-catching scenery”

“Perfect for a romantic bush getaway, Thanda is your best bet”

 Off the Beaten Track

Auberge Clermont Villa, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands 

This stylish villa can be found in the gorgeous Franschhoek Valley, tucked away on a historic wine and fruit farm.  Surrounded by magnificent mountains this self-catering two bed roomed villa overlooks the magnificent backdrop of mountains, vineyards and orchards and also offers a tennis court for the energetic, a sparkling pool and is only a few minutes away from Franschhoek village.  Ideal for children or honeymooners who want some privacy!

Villa at Thanda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal 

Thanda’s royal private villa is one for the books.  Voted as “Africa’s Leading Luxury Villa” this is fit for royalty. Surrounded by the African bush, the villa can accommodate up to ten guests in five luxurious suites. This five star home away from home welcomes family and groups of friends and focuses on making your stay enjoyable and fun but still luxurious and exclusive. Encompassing 1000 m² of sheer unadulterated luxury, the Royal Private Villa is equipped with a private boma, library, cellar, games room, heated swimming pool and a magnificent viewing deck where one can overlook onto the reserves waterhole which is often visited by the Big Five.  It is known for its world class service and warm, hospitable African ambiance as well as outstanding cuisine.

Hog Hollow Villa, near Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

The Villa at Hog Hollow is about 400 metres from the main lodge and situated on a private nature reserve.  It consists of a three bedroomed double storey house with majestic views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the valley below. Decorated with African touches, the rooms are large and loud and have that homey feel.  With private garden, swimming pool, and even games room, this villa is perfect for couples and families.  The Garden Route offers a host of activities and sights from Monkeyland, to the Knysna Elephant Sanctuary, Birds of Eden and of course nearby Plettenberg Bay.

Royal Madikwe Villa, Madikwe Game Reserve, North West

Voted one of the top four villas in the world by the World Luxury Hotel Awards, the Royal Madikwe Villa has it all: luxury, plush surroundings and privacy.  Located in the Madikwe Game Reserve bordering Botswana, you are assured of sighting the Big 5 as well as some cheetah, elephants and wild dog.  The reserve has the added advantage of being malaria free making it the perfect destination for families.  The villa even has a full-time nanny to assist parents as well as a host of activities to keep little ones occupied.  There is also a dedicated team of personal chef, ranger and butler on call if you wish. Enjoy the magnificence of the African bush in style!

Explorers Club, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands

This villa can be found in the Winelands town of Franschhoek.  Surrounded by beautiful trees and a small vineyard this little sanctuary provides many a visitor a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. There are four bedrooms which can sleep up to six adults and four children, and a vast open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. Most of the time people find themselves congregating in the camp kitchen which is large enough to feed and seat many, and where all can sit and absorb the beautiful views of the mountains overhead. The perfect spot to relax after a day of attacking the surrounding vineyards and sampling too much fine wine and cheese! 

Singita Castleton Villa, Kruger, Mpumalanga

Situated in the pristine Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the Singita Castleton private villa has everything a family could possibly want for the perfect safari. The villa’s ideal location and superior amenities combine to create an experience that embodies luxury and adventure.  The camp lies to the south of the Sand River and attracts an abundance of game to this location from elephants to buffalo and the big cats.  Relax in a comfortable but posh setting where staff will be at your beck and call and where guests can enjoy sublime cuisine prepared for them by an executive chef. Sample vintage wines by your fireside boma dinner and enjoy sundowners out in the bush, while children can have fun and experience the wild in comfort.

 Ocean View Villas

26 Sunset Villa, Llandudno, Cape Town

This five star and uber exclusive coastal villa is nestled on the slopes of the Atlantic Seaboard next to the Sandy Bay Nature Reserve and is located in the prestigious suburb of Llandudno in Cape Town.  With spectacular sea and mountain views, and white sandy beaches at your feet, come and enjoy the finer things in life at this gorgeous villa.  Six identical suites are available which are spacious and lead onto their own private sun decks.  This villa is also decked out with the all the latest amenities from a heated swimming pool, to steam room and home theatre system. Barefoot luxury at its finest!

Misty Cliffs, Scarborough, Cape Town

Misty Cliffs Villa is an exquisite 3-bedroom villa situated right on the beach at Misty Cliffs, near Scarborough, a mere hour away from the Cape Town city centre. This is a ultra-luxurious designer home with spectacular and breathtaking views of the sea. There is no better way to watch a sunset or whales frolicking in the sea than from the veranda. An open plan living area, with dining room and kitchen, as well as three comfortable bedrooms is available in stylish and plush settings.  Enjoy rock star living by the beach!

City Slickers

79 Loader Villa, De Waterkant, Cape Town

This trendy and modern three bedroomed villa is located in De Waterkant in the city of Cape Town. Found perched on the slopes of Signal Hill this apartment offers magnificent views of the city and Table Bay harbor.  It’s a mere five minutes away from the Waterfront and city centre and is the perfect starting point for your city adventure.  Explore and enjoy the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, the nightlight of the city and enjoy a spot of shopping at the Waterfont.  De Waterkant is also a beautiful and very historical part of Cape Town with many quirky and quaint cafes, restaurants and boutiques to discover.  Perfect for those with kids! 

Carrodale 304, Waterfront, Cape Town

This third floor apartment is situated next to the One and Only Hotel in the Waterfront and has the city on the one side and the beach on the other.  The apartment is connected with the Waterfront through canals and walkways, making it a truly unique feature and easy to access. With contemporary fittings it has an open plan lounge and dining area, and can comfortably sleep six in style and luxury. After a long day of sightseeing enjoy watching the world go by from your veranda with a cocktail in hand.

Colonial Giants

Villa Steenhuis, Constantia, Cape Town

This is an exceptional property located in Upper Constantia in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.  Situated in the heart of the Constantia Valley Wine Route, Villa Steenhuis offers the perfect base for you to explore this scenic area.  This Colonial Cape Dutch styled residence is fully equipped with all modern conveniences including daily housekeeping, a pool, tennis court and kitchen.  A private chauffeur can even be arranged! Food and wine connoisseurs will love it here, the surrounding area is filled with prospective restaurants and cafes perfect for a taste of something distinctly African!   

Part Two coming soon!  Here we will reveal the best hidden gems in the country!