Feature: National Park

Rothman Manor, Swellendam

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.


Avondrust, Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape

Avondrust is a Victorian style  property right in the centre of this pretty, historic town

Avondrust is a great, owner run, Guest Lodge located in the centre of Graaff Reinet.  There are  11 beautifully appointed rooms, all decorated in cottage style.  Most rooms are set in the quiet and relaxing garden with a pool and distant views of the surrounding mountains.

About Avondrust’s Location

There are a number of reasonable restaurants within walking distance. Graaff-Reinet is one of the gems of the Karoo with plenty of whitewashed cape dutch houses and a beautiful church based on Salisbury Cathedral in the UK! The dramatic Valley of Desolation is a 10 minute drive and here you will get a sense of walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs. In fact you are! This region is one of the top fossil locations globaly where numerous dinosaur remains have been found. Sleepy and slightly eccentric Nieu Bethesda lies approximately 25 kms outside the town and here you can amble around and view the incredible Owl House which is literally full of strange sculpures from the life of eccentric artist Helen Martins. The village also boasts an excellent micro brewery where you can lunch on home made goats cheese and kudu salami. This is a great location for just exploring this fascinating region which is almost entirely off the international tourist route.