South Africa has some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels and reserves, and this winter they are running some great specials. Get away from your heater and spend a cold winter’s night in one of these hotels.
In Mpumalanga – the Place of the Rising Sun
Located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside near Dullstroom, the award-winning Walkersons Hotel & Spa with the splendor of the surrounding unspoiled scenery, the chance to fly-fish in Dullstroom’s famous trout dams, 27 private hotel rooms and five self-catering family cottages, delicious country cuisine, and a luxurious Spa, and a bonus…over the next few months, Walkersons is offering some really amazing discounts. If you’re able to escape midweek (Sunday to Thursday) you may want to take advantage of these discounts – you could get up to an amazing 50% off.
Reservations: 013 253 7000 I [email protected]
In Kwazulu Natal – the Garden Province
Thanda Safari, an access-controlled private game reserve in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal ticks all the boxes –5-star luxury accommodation, service, food, nature, plus excellent all-year-round game viewing – exceptional Big Five experiences, perfect warm weather, and fabulous family-friendly discount packages. Thanda Safari has a great ‘Stay 4 – Pay 3’ Winter Special on accommodation at Thanda Safari Lodge at SADC low season rates – only R5 923 per adult per night sharing (two children under the age of 16 can share a suite with two adults) – applicable till end August 2021. The Lodge has nine suites, each with a spacious lounging area, a plunge pool, a game-viewing deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve, and a private boma. And located within the Lodge is the Spa that offers a range of full body and facial treatments. There’s always something special at Thanda Safari – a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winners of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge. Thanda Safari – +27 (0) 32 586 0149,[email protected]
In the Cape – one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions
A member of Cape Country Routes (CCR), De Hoop Collection – the first private/public partnership in the South African hospitality industry – opened in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape in 2007. This World Heritage site offers world-class whale-watching and is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with more than 260 species of birds, including the endangered Cape Vultures and the De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation options designed to suit all budgets. a short three hours’ drive from Cape Town it is the perfect holiday destination for families, couples, groups, honeymooners, and weddings. Take advantage of its Make a Date with the Whales Winter Special – book a De Hoop Village Cottage at R2 100 per night (normal rate R3 700). Valid for new bookings from May through to the end of August 2021. No minimum night stays. Limited availability. Booking is essential. Phone 021-422 4522
The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna offers luxury and standard hotel rooms, also a honeymoon suite and self-catering suites. Delicious food is a given at both the Island Café Restaurant and the Gastro Pub, while the Turbine Water Club offers various water-based activities and the Turbine Spa a wide range of body and beauty treatments. This winter the Turbine is offering special discounted rates (per person sharing per night) – Midweek (Monday to Thursday) less 21% and Weekend (Friday to Sunday) less 10% – valid until 31 August 2021, subject to availability. T’s & C’s apply. To book call Reservations on 044 302 5746 or email [email protected]
A member of Cape Country Routes, the historic d’Olyfboom Family Estate in Paarl is set against the majestic Paarl Mountain and overlooks the town, vineyards, and surrounding countryside. It offers accommodation in five individually decorated guest suites, each with beautiful views and its professionally equipped conference venues can host up to 80 delegates. Its Winter Special, valid from 1 May to 31 August 2021 is a 15% discount on all rates – Bed and Breakfast – Deluxe Room: R900 (per person sharing) and the Honeymoon Suite – R985 (per person sharing). T’s & C’s apply. When booking quote: CCR winter special-d’Olyfboom. Enquiries: [email protected]
The Cape Country Routes’ charming 4-star Montagu Country Hotel in Montagu, nestled between the Langeberg mountain ranges of the Western Cape and within a comfortable driving distance from Cape Town, is the perfect destination for those wishing to experience country living and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Take advantage of its Winter ‘Secret Season’ specials of up to 30% discount on standard tariffs on accommodation. The Montagu One-Night Break-away includes bed and breakfast and three-course Dinner (set menu) plus a cocktail or mocktail – Classic Room – R785 per person sharing (R845 single) / Luxury Room R1 085 per person sharing, (R1 245 single); One Night Wellness Stay – bed and breakfast, three-course Dinner(set menu) plus an Express 30min Facial OR a 30min Back & Neck Massage – Classic Room – R1 065 per person sharing, (R1 125 single) / Luxury Room – R1 365 per person sharing, (R1 525 single); Two Night Wellness Stay – bed and breakfast, three-course Dinner (set menu) plus a 30min Back & Neck Massage OR an Organic Body Scrub and a 30min Mineral Jacuzzi. Classic Room – R1 580 per person sharing, (R1 650 single) / Luxury Room – R2 130 per person sharing, (R2 250 single). Valid to 31 August 2021. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected]
A charming Cape Country Routes property, the 3-star New Holme Country House outside Hanover, is a working sheep and game farm situated on the banks of the Seekoei River in the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape. Known for its traditional Karoo dinners and sunsets and night drives, New Holme can accommodate 33 guests in nine guest rooms. Activities include a Karoo ‘Shy 5’ Night drive where you can see aardvark, aardwolf, black-footed cat, porcupine and bat eared fox, daily Birding drives, a hippo pool and Koi San etchings. Karoo Gariep Nature reserve is offering a great Winter Special – two nights for two sharing at the New Holme Country House for only R2 800 (usual price R3 580). Included in this special is one dinner, two breakfasts, one complimentary bottle of wine plus an ‘under-the-stars’ picnic. Offer valid from 1 May to 31 August 2021. T’s & Cs apply. Enquiries: [email protected] ,
Situated in the beautiful Elgin Valley close to the town of Grabouw is the 4-star South Hill Vineyards. This boutique wine farm -a recommended Cape Country Routes’establishment – is all about creating ‘cool taste experiences’ – and with its luxury farm-stay accommodation, a restaurant serving delicious bistro country-style meals, an art gallery, and a space for weddings and personalised functions it does just that. Its ‘cool taste’ winter special, valid from 1 May to end August 2021 for stays in the Guest House Villa, the Pump House Honeymoon Cottage, and on Stokies Ark, the Houseboat is a Stay for 3 nights Pay for 2 nights. This special includes a selection of South Hill wine with each stay booked -at the Pumphouse – one bottle, on Stokies Ark – three bottles and for a full exclusive use stay at the six-bedroomed Guest House Villa – six bottles. Subject to availability. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] ,
Cape Country Routes’ luxurious 4-star The Lofts Boutique Hotel is set in the heart of the Knysna Lagoon on Thesen Island and offers a tranquil atmosphere, a unique brand of homely hospitality, exclusive lagoon suites, luxury loft rooms and self-catering units overlooking the beautiful architecture of Thesen Harbour Town. A perfect setting where you can relax and unwind this winter at the single rate for double occupancy in any one of the luxury Loft Rooms from R1 300 or the exclusive Lagoon Suites from R1 660. (includes breakfast). This offer is not valid during the Knysna Oyster Festival. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] ,
One of Cape Country Routes’ top tier offerings is the Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve, Western Cape – a 4 000-hectare private reserve with a luxury game lodge 40km from Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich capital of the world. Its nine private, luxurious en-suite bedrooms offer stunning views of the mountains and river. Activities include guided game drives (see a variety of buck species), guided hiking trails, mountain biking (bring your own bike), swimming, stargazing, and delicious cuisine. Its great Winter Special of R950 per person per night (bed and breakfast included) is valid to 31 August 2021. And situated a few meters from the main lodge there is the brand-new, self-catering family Villa that sleeps six (four adults, two children). With three (two en-suite) bedrooms, a kitchen, an inside braai, a lounge, a dining area, shaded private parking, free WiFi, use of the swimming pool, and at only R2 900 per night, the Villa is perfect for a luxurious and tranquil escape to the Klein Karoo. T’s & Cs apply. Enquiries: [email protected]
The super Cape Country Routes’ Supertubes Guest House is located on the world-famous surfing beach of Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape just 30 meters from the beach. Its accommodation comprises beautifully styled, en-suite Luxury and Standard rooms and self-catering apartments; and it offers a full breakfast buffet in a bright dining room adjacent to the garden. Aside from surfing, there are plenty of other activities including whale watching, surfing, fishing, horse-riding, Big Five game viewing, excursions and shopping. To get a 20% discount on Supertubes’ Winter Special – valid to end September 2021 – you need to book directly on Whatsapp 079 593 0241 or email [email protected] . T’s & Cs apply. Enquiries: [email protected]
The Cape Country Routes member Zuurberg Mountain Village in the Eastern Cape, a 160-year-old haven situated high up on the Zuurberg Pass, is a popular South African winter wonderland getaway. Here you can wake up to fresh cool mist wrapped around the emerald, green hills. You can explore winding trails or go on a game drive and experience mother nature in all her glory…ease away tired muscles in the spa…enjoy hearty country fare, good wines, and warm nightcaps…snuggle up for stories around the crackling fire…retreat to your cottage under the starry night canopy – to bed … to dream. All you need is your coat, hat, boots and a little time! The Zuurberg Mountain Village Winter Special, valid from 1 May to 30 September 2021 includes dinner bed, and breakfast at R1 050 Adults, R685 (ages 12 -20) and R530 (ages 3-11). T’s and C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] , www.capecountryroutes.com
PICTURE: De Hoop Nature Reserve
