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Jan Harmsgat Country House, Swellendam

Jan Harmsgat combines out of the way rural charm with beautiful rooms and great cuisine

This is real country living! Set beneath the imposing Langeberg Mountains this property has four large bedrooms mainly set in a thatched converted barn . The property also has a family sized, self catering cottage on a working farm approximately 5 minutes’ drive away, This can be used to accommodate families with children under 12. The rooms are spacious and have a calm, cooling country feel with thatched or cape reed ceilings. Dinner in the main house is a feature of any stay at Jan Harmsgat. The cuisine ranks among the best we have encountered in South Africa, the wine cellar features some of the top South African wines with an emphasis on local wineries and some lesser-known labels, which are excellent.

About Jan Harmsgat’s Location

You can relax beside the pool soaking up the sun, walk among the fruit orchards which include grapefruit, apples and quince. You can also hike into the Langeberg Mountains. Explore historic Swellendam, just 25 kms away, where you will find some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture, There are interesting museums and a good craft complex in the Old Gaol, which is part of the Old Drosdty museum. Robertson, which is home to some excellent wineries, is just 60 kms along the road. In fact the entire road up to Worcester is dotted with vineyards. Both towns have excellent restaurants. The Bontebok National Park is an easy 15-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. You 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. 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.

Ingwe Manor, Margate, South Coast

Popular location on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast with a Blue Flag Beach

This is a charming, 7-bedroom property with a unit suitable for a family. The rooms are nicely appointed and we particularly liked the four-poster bed! The bathrooms are enormous and by the exquisite pool and gazebo there is a Jacuzzi. The terrace is a perfect spot for breakfast or a sundowner, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

The resort of Margate may be a little ‘tired’, although it does have an excellent, clean, Blue Flag beach with great facilities, but the delightful little resort of Ramsgate is a five-minute drive away with some very good restaurants. This would make an excellent base for a family to explore the South Coast area of KwaZulu-Natal and down to the Wild Coast and for golfers there are good courses nearby and the owner will be delighted to make arrangements and has been known to accompany guests for a game or two!

Three Trees at Spionkop

A stunning lodge in an historic location (non malarial)

Originally established to commemorate the location of one of the bitter struggles in the Boer War between the largest empire the world has known and one of the smallest nations at that time. Accommodation is in 6 exquisite twin bedded cottages overlooking the battlefield of Spioenkop. Winston Churchill took a very active part in the ultimately vain and costly attempt to capture the hill from the Boer commandos. There is a standalone two bedroom house named Churchills which is perfect for families. There is also a family suite. This is an all inclusive property and the dining room in located in the main house.

About the Location

The property is situated on a nature reserve so you may notice a rhino or giraffe wandering past you cottage. The lodge can arrange full day battlefield tours, game walks and rhino tracking, horse riding as well as mountain biking and hiking. For those who prefer less strenuous activities, there is a beautiful pool with sweeping views over the nature reserve and across to Spioenkop. This is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport and around a 2 1/2 hour drive from Durban Airport. This can be included in a trip taking in a private safari lodge in Northern Zululand (this area is malarial), the Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift battlefields and the nearby Drakensberg Mountains.

Michael Poliza

Fairlight, Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal, North Coast

Fairlight is right by a great beach on the Indian Ocean and walk to restaurants

Fairlight was the original building in this area over 100 years ago. Dating back to the early 1900’s, the house was built by Squire Bacon – Margaret Bacon Avenue is named after his wife. The Squire often enjoyed watching a particular trading schooner from England sailing past his house. Its name was ‘Fairlight’, and his house found a name. The property is rated 5 star and is alongside one of the finest bathing beaches on the North Coast. The 4 bedrooms and 2 suites (1 ideal for a family) are beautifully decorated and comfortable although the beds tend to be firm. All the rooms are sea facing and two can be used on a self-catering basis and for families. You will be able to enjoy the sumptuous breakfast overlooking the pool or the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

This property is conveniently located between Durban and the Game Reserves and just 20 minutes from Durban Airport. The area has many activities to keep even the most active people occupied. This includes Scuba Diving, Horse Riding, surfing, golf and for those who enjoy the finer things in life there are excellent restaurants a short walk away.

Wendy’s Country Lodge, Mtubatuba,Hluhluwe

Comfortable cottage style accommodation close to Hluhluwe National Park

This is a convenient alternative from which to view the Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve and the St Lucia Wetlands area. The property is located in a quiet residential area of Mtubatuba which itself is close to the main N2 highway. Game drives into the nearby reserves can be arranged from the property. The accommodation here is delightful. The seven beautifully appointed, mostly spacious rooms are decorated in cottage style with large Victorian style bathrooms en suite. You can relax with a drink beside the refreshingly shaded pool, which, although not large, will provide a welcome respite from the heat of the day. The gardens are a tropical paradise and the owner’s pride and joy is the collection of orchids. The restaurant is renowned locally and is set around an unusual water feature reminiscent of a forest dell. You are ensured a warm and friendly welcome.

About the Location

This is a very convenient location approximately 2 hours’ drive from Durban International Airport. It is an easy drive into the Hluhluwe – Umfolozi National Park where you will find some of the best animal viewing in South Africa. Herds of elephant, Cape wild dogs, lions giraffe and numerous plains game. We have even spied a black mamba close to the main rest camp! This is an amazing place to visit. You are also close to Lake St Lucia and the iSimangaliso Wetlands National Park with its extraordinary scenery, birdlife and crocodiles and hippo.

Cathedral Peak Hotel, Northern Drakensberg

Cathedral Peak Hotel has the majestic Drakensberg Mountain as a natural backcloth for this traditional family owned hotel

Cathedral Peak is a well-established, family run hotel set in the dramatic scenery of the northern Drakensbergs. The accommodation is comfortable. There are a variety of rooms. Over 100 Standard, Deluxe and Executive rooms, 4 Honeymoon Suites and one Presidential Suite. We suggest the Executive Rooms and the suites as the Standard and Deluxe rooms we find rather basic and can the decor can be a little dated. Cuisine is a traditional South African buffet style, which is among the best we have encountered in South Africa.

About Cathedral Peak Hotel’s Location

The hotel offers an abundance of amenities including tennis, a heated swimming pool with spectacular views, a 9-hole golf course, squash, badminton and bowls. This is an excellent base for hiking in the mountain scenery with a mixture of walks and hikes from a 30-minute stroll to a waterfall to a 10-hour hike to the top of Cathedral Peak (3,000 metres). There are guided hikes provided each day. Horse riding and helicopter tours can also be arranged. The area also has good fishing. There can be snow in the winter when the hotel takes on an altogether different but romantic air with blazing log fires but daytime temperatures can easily reach 20C (70F). Cathedral Peak is a 4 1/2 hour drive along good roads from Johannesburg and 2 1/2 hours from Durban. The Boer and Zulu Battlefields are within easy reach and the Northern Zululand Game Reserves are within a 4-hour drive.

Lythwood Country Hotel, Lidgetton, Natal Midlands

The English Countryside comes to scenic Natal Midlands

This is an exclusive country lodge set on a 275-acre estate surrounded by forest. The lodge has 11 luxuriously appointed rooms, one honeymoon suite and there are also a selection of self-catering lodges for families. Fine food and wine is a feature of the lodge and we particularly like the flexibility provided by the a la carte menu.

About the Location

The extensive grounds provide a pool, croquet and numerous walks to soak up the peaceful atmosphere while this is also a bird watcher’s paradise. There are many activities and excursions that can be provided including a 4X4 day trip up the breathtaking Sani Pass over the dramatic Drakensbergs into Lesotho. Many cultural activities can also be provided giving guests a unique insight into the local communities, some of which are direct descendants of the original San inhabitants. There are many excellent craft shops along the Midland Meander and here you will also find the home of South African made Tsonga shoes and leather goods.

Blyde River Canyon Lodge, Hoedspruit

Blyde River Canyon Lodge is one of the most romantic locations in South Africa

Blyde River Canyon Lodge is a pretty, 7 roomed thatched lodge. The lodge is situated near the town of Hoedspruit in the ‘state’ of Mpumalanga, east of Johannesburg. Accommodation is clean, simple and comfortable. The rooms and bathrooms are fairly basic but they do have air conditioning. In contrast, the common guest areas including the pool are excellent. Breakfasts are served on the veranda overlooking the grounds often in the company of zebra and reasonable dinners can be arranged. The enduring features of this property are the wonderful views from the grounds and the semi-tamed zebra, impala and even an elusive bush baby and occasional visit from a hippo.

About Blyde River Canyon Lodge’s Location

This is situated close to the spectacular Blyde River Canyon that is the world’s third largest canyon. This area is exceptionally photogenic. You can hike through the bottom of the gorge on good footpaths or go for a cruise on the Dam. This is an experience you won’t forget. You will walk among trees teeming with monkeys. You will gasp at the hippos and crocodiles basking on rocks as you cruise by at a safe distance. From the lodge you can drive to romantic Pilgrim’s Rest that hosted one of the earliest gold rushes in South Africa. History abounds in this area. This is also where the High Veld of the South African interior comes to a dramatic end plunging to the Low Veld some 2000 feet below. For clients who wish to travel to the Kruger Park, Orpen Gate is only a short (40 minutes) drive from the lodge. The area also boasts numerous private game reserves and animal rehabilitation centres. In the main, however, you will want to gaze in awe at the scenry along the Panorama Route.

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.

Queen’s Hotel, Oudtshoorn

Traditional South African Country Hotel with a regal history

A delightful oasis set in the centre of hot, dusty Oudtshoorn. This is a timeless, if slightly impersonal, hotel frequented in 1947 by the British Royal Family on their trip to the, then, Union of South Africa. The hotel has undergone extensive renovation and the 40 rooms are clean cut with extensive use of cooling white most with en suite bathrooms. The lounge and dining room are beautifully decorated and the reception area with its black and white floor tiles and rich yellowwood staircase is a local landmark. There is a small pool in a very private garden.

About the Location

This is a good base from which to explore the sights of the region including Ostrich leather workshops and retail outlets, Cango Wildlife Ranch where you can stroke Cheetah (5 minutes drive), Ostrich show farms (a number within 10 minutes’ drive), The Cango Caves (20 minutes’ drive and the Swartberg Pass (45 minutes away).