Bird Spotting Archives - Page 9 of 9

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.

Gorah Elephant Camp, Addo Elephant National Park

Gorah provides ultimate luxury in the African Bush where you can wake up to the sound of a lion’s roar

Gorah is part of the Hunter’s, Tsala group of Hotels. If you are looking for ultimate luxury, and a price that reflects this, then Gorah is the place for you. The location can’t be bettered. It is located inside the original park and that means that is near the middle of the enlarged Greater Addo National Park. There are 11-tented suites, which are the ultimate in luxury. These provide a very romantic setting and are fully equipped complete with sitting area, with views over the surrounding countryside, and a beautiful bathroom. The standard of cuisine is some of the highest in South Africa and is served in the old manor house overlooking a waterhole. You are quite likely to see an elephant or Cape Buffalo grazing around your tent. Accommodation is all inclusive of your meals, sundowner on your game drive and local beverages. Our clients have regarded their stay as a very special experience.

About Gorah’s Location

You will see a wealth of animals on your two 3 1/2 hour game drives a day, especially elephant. Addo boasts the densest elephant population on earth! This is a ‘Big Five’ reserve so you will see lion, cape buffalo, rhino as well as numerous antelope, giraffe, zebra and ostrich as well as the occasional and utterly charming meerkat. The rangers are very experienced and they will instruct you on the local medicinal plants and even get you crunch into a tasty termite! The sky at night is incredible and we will never forget seeing the moons of Jupiter through the ranger’s binoculars. Sundowners will be provided on the game drive and few will forget the sight of a table being laid with a pristine table cloth in the bush! You can also ask about a bush walk guided by an experience ranger.

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.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Near Addo

Very popular non malarial safari with international tourists

This was established as one of the first private reserves near Addo and has grown over the last few years to include a number of very individualistic camps – including one with luxury tents. The accommodation is a very high standard and includes the larger, exclusive Longlee Manor, the beautifully sited Riverdene, the tented Bayethe and the more expensive but romantic Eagle Crags.

About the Location

The game drives are among some of the most productive we have encountered in South Africa providing great opportunity to view the ‘Big Five’ but without the added concern of malaria. The game rangers are experienced and will help your enjoyment of the safari. Shamwari is justly renowned for its cuisine and given its relatively close proximity to Port Elizabeth, less than an hour’s drive, makes it an ideal safari either at the beginning or end of your journey along the Garden Route.

Shamwari 2015

Bushmanskloof, Clanwilliam, Western Cape

Superlatives just don’t do justice to Bushmanskloof and its location.

It is almost difficult to describe the quality of Bushmanskloof’s accommodation, the complete tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings. The location is remote, approximately a 3 hour drive from Cape Town. Your every need will be catered for. The lodge has 16 luxurious rooms and stunning suites which are among the most comfortable we have encountered. There are two ‘infinity’ swimming pools overlooking the surrounding wilderness for you to relax around. The restaurant provides exquisite cuisine and all meals are included. There is a very well stocked wine cellar and to burn off those calories, there is a well equipped wellness centre. The evening game drive will show you some of the indigenous species that have been reintroduced over the last few years. The morning nature walk will fascinate you. You will be introduced to the fascinating plant life. These will include the amazing and surreal kokerboom (quiver tree) to the tiny stone plants occupying seemingly inhospitable rock faces. There is also an extraordinary range of bird life and the experienced rangers will provide you with detailed information. Access from Clanwilliam is an hours’ drive along a gravel road that can be variable in condition.

About Bushmanskloof’s Location

Clanwilliam is an attractive historically significant village. A look at the cemetery will tell you of the important role the village played in the closing stages of the Boer War. This is the heart of the Rooibos (Redbush) tea industry which is unique to a small region based on Clanwilliam. guided tours to the tea plantations can be arranged. Guided hikes can be arranged in the rugged Cedarberg to see some of the extraordinary geological shapes in these stunning mountains. In late August and early September you will experience this semi arid location burst into colourful bloom.

Desert Flowers, Cape & Safari

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.

Houtkapperspoort Manor & Cottages, Constantia Nek

A excellent option for families set in a scenic location yet close to amenities

These are 26 cottages and suites set in beautiful surroundings in the heart of the Cape Peninsula. The accommodation, which is ideal for families, is prettily furnished in stone cottages with traditional green painted iron roofs. The cottages and suites vary from one bedroom to four bedrooms and are fully equipped with TV, and barbecue facilities.

About the location

The location is ideal for walking up onto the Table Mountain range and there is a jogging trail to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Hout Bay (with excellent seafood restaurants) is just seven minutes away, the centre of Cape Town is an 18-minute drive and Cape Point and the False Bay beaches are 30 minutes away. There are a good choice of restaurants in Hout Bay and in the Constantia region.