Baby Sitting Archives - Page 3 of 3

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.

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.

Kurland, The Crags

Elephant House, Addo National Park

Elephant House is a charming retreat close to the Addo National Park

Elephant House has a very African feel. The seven rooms are arranged around a courtyard and are thatched with deep verandas; there is also a separate cottage. The rooms are simply, but effectively decorated to a very high standard and they are larger than average. They have a pleasantly cool feel, which is necessary during the summer heat. The pool is very welcome after a hot day spotting game in the nearby Addo Park. We believe the value represented by The Elephant House will amaze you.

About the location

You can take an organised game drives into the Addo National Park with an experienced ranger or maybe you would like to drive yourself into the reserve. Elephant House can also arrange safaris into the private game reserves such as Schotia, Shamwari, Lalibela and River Bend. These will provide a different experience with the rangers able to drive off the main paths into the bush to find game.

Kariega Private Game Reserve,Nr. Kenton-on-Sea

A great option for families seeking a safari

This is a perfect safari location for families. Accommodation is in three lodges. The largest, Main Lodge, has log cabin style accommodation with large central dining facility and boma (open fenced area for wonderful evening meals around a log fire) and a great infinity pool looking over the characteristic Eastern Cape bush with views across the Bushman’s River and the Indian Ocean in the distance. Ukhozi Lodge is smaller; just 10 log cabins, and are more refined lending itself to older families. River Lodge is more exclusive with just 5 luxurious suites and is reached by boat for an even more exotic ‘feel’. The Homestead is for families who want the seclusion of their ‘own’ accommodation complete with their ‘own’ staff.

About the Location

The Game Reserve is divided into two. The area that includes the three lodges does not have the large predators, which means that walking safaris are arranged with children in mind for a special up close encounter with a wide range of plains animals. The lodge also has a boat for river-based safaris on the Bushman’s River. Game drives into the other part of the reserve will provide guests with memorable encounters with the ‘Big Five’ including Lion, Elephant Rhino and Cape buffalo. The remaining member. Leopard, are endemic to the region but tend to be very shy so sightings happen only occasionally. The game is managed on this reserve and we understand that the big predators are fed by the management. Although reducing the authenticity of the ‘Safari Experience’, this will help to conserve the usual prey of the big cats.

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Woodall Country House & Spa, Addo National Park

Woodall is for people wanting to be pampered and enjoy a ‘get away from it all’ feel.

Woodall is owner run and is a consistent favourite of ours and our clients. Accommodation comprises very luxuriously appointed rooms and suites in the main house and four cottages in the grounds. Some rooms in the cottages also feature very private outside showers in addition to the luxury provided by the well-equipped bathrooms. These are beautiful set alongside a peaceful lake and among citrus orchards. The stunning pool is surrounded by palms and a waterfall and is situated close to an excellent wellness centre.As well as the sumptuous breakfasts, dinners served in the thatched restaurant overlooking the dam is an experience in itself. Great, freshly cooked food and perfect selection of wines.

About Woodall’s Location

The area is a haven for water birds. Woodall is well renowned for its fine cuisine and you are sure to be impressed by the imaginative dinner menu and the extensive wine list. Escorted game drives are arranged in the Addo National Park and Schotia and Shamwari Private Game Reserves. From here, you can also explore the Zuurberg Mountain area and tour around the historic 1820 Settler region.

Lalibela Private Game Reserve, Near Addo, Eastern Cape

Lalibela has been one of the most consistent private game reserves in The Eastern Cape – a firm favourite!

Lalibela is close to Shamwari and the Addo National Park. The reserve is under new management and as of June 2017 will be undergoing extensive renovations. The accommodation promises to provide you with a real ‘African’ feel. There are three camps with one comprising luxury tented accommodation. Mark’s Camp is the main lodge and sleeps 16 people in four individual, thatched chalets and two family chalets. Lentaba Lodge is more secluded based on 8 individual, thatched huts with private observation decks. For those lazy afternoons there is also a swimming pool in each camp overlooking the surrounding bush. The Tented Camp accommodates 16 people in 8 tents. Accommodation here is all-inclusive and the cuisine is first class providing a blend of Africa with some sophistication.

About Lalibela’s location

Game viewing is excellent and includes the ‘Big Five’ and as you can see from the pictures you should be ensured some spectacular memories. The Game Rangers are knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. The vegetation is undergoing extensive rehabilitation. Much of this part of South Africa was farmed and the reserve is undertaking a program removing alien species. The reserve is conveniently situated near to the main highway between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. The airport is only an hour’s drive away. this region is called the Settler Region and there is much historical context with the British settlers who were encouraged to farm in 1822 but who endured much hardship.

The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town

Slightly impersonal but a very convenient and comfortable hotel

The Vineyard is a large family owned and run hotel set in beautiful garden in the leafy Cape Town suburb of Newlands. It is very convenient for the cricket and rugby grounds and Cavendish Square Mall that is within walking distance. The reasonably sized rooms are comfortably furnished and decorated and either have a courtyard view or a mountain view. There are two excellent restaurants that offer a wide choice of cuisine. The pool and wellness centre must be seen to be believed with state of the art design and facilities. Guests will also find the ancient giant tortoises a delightful encounter as they wander around the luxuriant gardens.

About the Location

The hotel is one of the closest to the airport (approximately 20 minutes) and only 15 minutes from the city centre yet with a country ambiance. This is a very convenient location for the Kirstenbosch Gardens which are a 10 minute drive. Cape Point is approximately a 40 minute drive while the Cape Winlands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are just a 30 minute drive.

The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay

If you are looking for a stylish beach-side luxurious hotel – The Bay Hotel is for you

This is a well-known hotel with one of the best beach-side locations in the Cape Town area. Just 10 minutes drive from the Table Mountain Cableway and the bustling city centre; you will be a short walk across the road to one of the most popular beaches in The Cape. The accommodation and public areas has been the subject of an extensive refurbishment and in our view offers excellent accommodation at a reasonable price. The hotel has good facilities including restaurants, a wellness centre and two pools but its location means that you will be within easy walking distance of some well-rated restaurants in the busy centre of Camps Bay.

About the Location

This is a good base for touring around the scenic Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain beckons from most windows. You should note that during the main South African school holidays, especially over Christmas and New Year, the Camps Bay area becomes very busy.