Star: 4

Four Star Properties

Thula Thula

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve

The story of Thula Thula is unique

Thula Thula is very special. The reserve is the brainchild of Lawrence Anthony and his Parisian born wife, Francoise. Their story is immortalized in a series of books starting with Lawrence’s “The Elephant Whisperer”. Following Lawrence’s premature death in 2012, Francoise has written two sequels, “An Elephant In My Kitchen” and “The Elephants of Thula Thula”. The story of how the reserve was established and the challenges they had with local politics and especially their initial elephant herd are fascinating and heart warming. You will be left marveling at the extraordinary behaviour of the elephants.

Thula Thula has developed into so much more than a sanctuary for wild elephants. The reserve has a significant diversity of animals so you will be rewarded on a game drive with thrilling encounters with elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, and a variety of plains game including giraffe and zebra. Although this is not a ‘Big Five’ reserve, there are predators such as hyena.  Guided game drives into the adjacent Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve can be arranged for a full Big Five’ game experience. But, it will be the elephants of Thula Thula that will provide you with lasting memories.

Accommodation is provided in a number of well appointed thatched  rooms and suites. There is also a luxury tented camp. This is rural Africa and so you may encounter the occasional bat in your room and you will need to keep doors closed so you are not visited by the adorable, but very destructive, vervet monkeys. Food has always been a passion of Francoise stemming from her French roots. A package including Thula Thulu provides three gourmet meals each day, two game drives and much interaction with the experienced and long standing rangers and other members of staff. Transfers to and from Durban’s King Shaka Airport are included.

Isandlwana Lodge, Isandlwana, Battlefields

Isandlwana Lodge is a magical, thatched lodge overlooking the site of one of Britain’s worst military disasters

Isandlwana Lodge will provide you with a magical experience at one of the most moving and inspiring locations overlooking the battlefield of Isandlwana which marks one of the worst military defeats ever inflicted on the British Army by the might and cunning of the Zulu led by King Cetshwayo in 1879. The Lodge has been very sympathetically built into the side of the hill overlooking the battlefield and from where the Zulu commander astride his white horse guided his troops to victory. This was immortalized in the film ‘Zulu Dawn’. The Lodge has an almost fairy tale quality with the 12 large suite style rooms built into the rock face. Each room has a balcony overlooking Isandlwana Mountain. The rooms are beautifully appointed reflecting the American owner’s style and attention to detail. The cuisine is beautifully prepared for a mixture of tastes. You will receive a warm Zulu welcome from the attentive and friendly staff – most of whom live in the little village below the hotel.

About Isandlwana Lodge’s Location

Idle over a beer in the bar around the log fire on a crisp winter’s evening and learn about modern day Zulu culture. By day, the resident historian will provide you with a very graphic description of the battle of Isandlwana. In the morning you will be seated in the middle of the battlefield and then in the afternoon at nearby Rorkes Drift where the small British garrison drove off the Zulu attack. This was the subject of the film ‘Zulu’. This is a fascinating location approximately two and a half-hours drive from Durban. You can easily visit the site of the Battle of Blood River (1838) which has become legendary in Afrikaans history. The Anglo Boer War battlefield of Talana is close by just outside the town of Dundee. There are also several Boer War battle sites within easy reach. This location can be easily combined with a visit to the Private Game Reserves of Zululand and the Drakensberg Mountains.

Makakatana Bay Lodge, St. Lucia

A stunning location in a romantic lodge in a World Heritage Site

Clients who have spent time at Makakatana often wish they had stayed longer. Although rated 4 star by the South African Tourist Grading Authority, the lodge has a number of luxurious rooms in individual ‘huts’ set among the trees over looking the southernmost bay in Lake St Lucia.

About the Location

This lodge is fully inclusive of all meals and full day safaris throughout the iSimangaliso Wetlands including Lake St. Lucia. You will see many animals and as well as elephant, buffalo and zebra you may also see leopard and hyena. In the underwater canyons in the Indian Ocean close to where the lake connects to the sea, coelacanthes are found. These are a strange primordial form of fish that until relatively recently were considered to be extinct. It is possible to arrange a day trip for scuba diving at Sodwana Bay which is a 2 hour drive from the lodge.

Hilton Northolme, Mahe

This is a great hotel for travelers used to Hilton and its consistency

The hotel has a high standard  with some of the familiar Hilton touches. The location is attractive but the beach area close to the hotel is relatively small. The rooms are well appointed with lavish use of darker woods reminiscent of a more nautical theme. Some rooms benefit from a private pool.

About the Location

The hotel is positioned on the cliffside and complimentary buggies transport guests to the central amenities. There is an attractive infinity pool although it is close to the road way just by reception.

Constance Lemuria Resort, Anse Kerlan, Praslin

Lemuria is a great location for families and couples

Lemuria has accommodation to suits all requirements. The Junior Suites are situated in blocks which are a little lacking in style compared to many of the hotels we have visited. The accommodation, however is generally stylish, comfortable and the location is convenient for the beach and central facilities. The pool villas are more expensive but have greater style and provide a more romantic location.

About the Location

The resort is close to the airport. The hotel has  the only championship golf course in the Seychelles in a truly idyllic setting. There are tennis courts, a great spa and wellness center, shops as well as a scenic pool. There are three restaurants one of which provides some of the finest dining in the Seychelles. There are three beaches. Two are close to the suites and one is a twenty minute walk although there is a regular shuttle provided. It is also possible to hike over to Anse Lazio for the energetic.

Acajou Beach Resort, Cote D’Or, Praslin

Acajou has great accommodation and is perfect for families on a budget

Acajou is family owned and run and  we are constantly impressed by the high standard of cleanliness, décor and attention to detail. The accommodation is attractively priced compared to many hotels of equivalent quality in the Seychelles.  The  rooms are spacious, the beds are beautifully appointed and comfortable and the bathrooms are exceptionally well appointed. There is a large pool and poolside bar. The extensive beach is adjacent. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and exceptionally well kept.  The hotel has a large restaurant and a resident chef.

About the Location

The hotel is situated on the  Cote D’Or beach. The extensive white sands and gently shelving bay are the very essence of the Seychelles. You will be able to walk out quite far and see a myriad of fish following you. In the evening you will be able to see hermit crabs scurrying into their burrows. The beach has views across to the island of Curieuse. The hotel will arrange excursions  for scuba diving and snorkeling in the pristine turquoise waters and also across to Curieuse.

Coco De Mer, Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin

Coco de Mer is a great family hotel and the Black Parrot Suites are perfect for couples

The main hotel is by a wide sandy beach which feels very remote. Accommodation is in beautifully appointed huts right by the beach in exotic landscaped tropical gardens. The recently refurbished rooms are reasonably sized and have well appointed bathrooms. The restaurant has a well deserved reputation and serves breakfast and a la carte dinner. For lunch there is a pretty beach and poolside restaurant which serves delicious lighter fare. The hotel has a pier that juts out into the bay. There are a number of comfortable swinging hammocks as well as an infinity pool. The Black Parrot Suites are co located on the hillside and offer very private accommodation for couples. They have their own restaurant and there is a small sandy cove just below the suites. The feel of this property is exceptional. The management and owners look after their staff and you can sense this in the atmosphere around the hotel. The service is impeccable and among the best we have encountered anywhere!

About the Location

Although the hotel is only 20 minutes from Praslin airport, the location feels very remote. There are no villages close by so the beach is very private. Boats are provided for guests and there is a diving school. Guests can also hike in the extensive grounds which border the Vallee de Mai National Park.

St. Francis Golf Lodge, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

St. Francis Golf Lodge is a must for golfers set in an enviable position amid a Jack Nicklaus designed course

St. Francis Golf Lodge is a beautifully appointed and tastefully furnished hotel. The 10 stylishly decorated rooms are located on two separate buildings overlooking the first tee. All rooms have large en suite bathrooms. Two of the rooms (without views of the course)  are larger and feature a private patio complete with outdoor showers. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the nearby clubhouse is available for lunches and for dinners on Mondays and Wednesdays. At other times, St. Francis Bay and Port St. Francis have good restaurants. Golf is, of course, a feature and guests have preferential green fees during their stay.

About St. Francis Golf Lodge’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon.

Dune Ridge Country House, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

Dune Ridge is the perfect spot to unwind either at the start of your holiday or at the end of your vacation

Dune Ridge is one of the most tranquil locations we have encountered. Close to the resort town of St. Francis Bay, the lodge is tucked away in the countryside. You can choose between two Garden Cottages, four Garden Suites and one Family Cottage. Whichever you select, you won’t be disappointed. The decor is very tasteful adding to the comfort of the serene environment. There is a pool to relax by, listening to the myriad of birds. Or, perhaps, you will be fortunate to spot one of the Nyala antelopes while you sip a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the restaurant is available for dinner. Should you wish to be pampered, the lodge boasts a well equipped bush spa for your enjoyment.

About Dune Ridge’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon. For golf enthusiasts, St. Francis Bay has two rated courses including the Jack Nicklaus designed Links. Both courses are within a 5 minute drive.

Tamodi, The Crags, Garden Route

Tamodi Lodge is for the nature lover with views from each room of the indigenous forest and the Outeniqua Mountains

Tamodi  is an exquisitely designed typically African lodge  overlooking the  thickly wooded valleys of The Crags. The lodge is 15 minutes’ drive from the center of Plettenberg Bay. The lodge has just four rooms and suites, Each room and suite has wonderful views and access to the extensive balcony with infinity pool. Each room has a distinctly African feel with comfortable beds and over-sized bathrooms – some with private outside showers. Underfloor heating is provided for those chilly winter nights. Tamodi has two large lounges with three massive log fireplaces to make your stay cozy even during the winter months. Sumptuous breakfasts are provided. Tamodi is for nature lovers! You will enjoy the quiet solitude of the African bush with the occasional sightings of baboons and vervet monkeys. This is a great location for bird watching.

About Tamodi’s Location

Tamodi Lodge is located 7 minutes drive from the main N2 highway in the midst of the forest. Keurboomstrand with its spectacular beach scenery and renowned beach restaurant Enrico’s is just a short 10 minute drive. Guests wishing to enjoy horse riding will not be disappointed as Tamodi is also an equestrian center.  The fascinating animal parks in The Crags are within a 10 minute drive. These parks enable you to get close to small cats, birds, elephants, monkeys and, yes, even snakes! The highest bungy jump in the world is a 30 minute drive and the Tsitsikamma National Park is 45 minutes away. You will enjoy a walk on the beach at Nature’s Valley  which is one of the most unspoiled locations along The Garden Route. The Plettenberg Bay wine route is close by  and a hike on the spectacular Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve is just a 20 minute drive.