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Cape Town, Garden Route and Big 5 Safari

Cape Town, Garden Route and Big 5 Safari

Featured Places

The Dock House

Cape Town

Days 1 - 4: Cape Town

The Dock House Location Map

A stone’s throw from the alluring V&A Waterfront, the Dock House Boutique Hotel has been voted among the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa.  It's prime V&A Waterfront location ensures that guests are within an easy walking distance to the vibrant harbour area, upmarket shopping malls, excellent restaurants, entertainment areas and ocean cruise facilities.

The hotel’s charming exterior gives way to an opulent world beyond its front door. Chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornices, among other fine touches, create a sense of Victorian charm and allude to the property’s historical roots, originally the Harbour Master’s private residence in the 1800s. Since then, the building has been transformed into a distinguished boutique hotel, and has been uniquely decorated with elaborate furnishings and bold artworks, maintaining a feeling of classic exquisiteness throughout the establishment.

A pristine swimming pool, surrounded by a beautiful courtyard, offers guests the opportunity to cool off on warm days, and a bar and a number of deck chairs alongside the pool invite guests to relax and absorb the views of Table Mountain. The hotel has an intimate dining room where breakfast is served, or guests can choose to enjoy their breakfast at one of the hotel's sister properties in the Waterfront if they want some variety.

The glamorous suite and each of the 5 chic rooms at the Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa have been individually decorated and imbued with a unique and understated Victorian elegance, juxtaposed with lush contemporary style and comfort.  Attention to detail is the order of the day, and each room is also equipped with an en-suite designer bathroom.

The suite has access to a private courtyard garden, while the other ground floor room opens onto a veranda overlooking the groomed garden and swimming pool area. Three of the upstairs rooms have balconies overlooking the Waterfront’s scenic harbour and surroundings, and 2 of the upstairs rooms have an optional interconnecting facility.

Example Details For The Dock House

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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The Dock House Location.

Address

The Dock House,Portswood Close, Portswood Ridge, V&A Waterfront

Directions

From the N2 (Cape Town International Airport/the Winelands/Hermanus/The Garden Route): Take the N2 towards Cape Town. Keep on this road until you enter the city, following the signs for Cape Town North, and then 'M6/Sea Point/Waterfront'. You will then see the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on your left-hand side (very large cream-coloured building), and there will be a set of traffic lights at a major junction.

Continue over the traffic lights into Lower Buitengracht until the first set of traffic lights. Turn right at the traffic lights into Helen Suzman Boulevard. Move into the lane signposted  'Portswood Road/V&A Waterfront'.

Turn right at the traffic lights into Portswood Road. Turn right at the entrance of The Commodore Hotel and continue driving until you reach a security officer at the boom. Continue straight ahead and The Dock House is approximately 100m in front of you.

From the N1: Follow the road into Cape Town where it merges with the N2, and you will see the CTICC on your left-hand side. Follow the directions as above.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must normally please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

Each room is equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, underfloor heating, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and a bath, room safe, hair dryer, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, satellite/cable TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The suite has access to a private garden, while the other ground floor room opens onto a veranda overlooking the garden and swimming pool area. Three of the 4 upstairs rooms have balconies overlooking the Waterfront's scenic harbour and surroundings; 2 of these upstairs rooms can be interconnecting if required.

There is complimentary parking available.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

There is a state-of-the-art spa and supervised gym facilities which are open from 06:00 until 22:00, plus a heated outdoor swimming pool with bar and al fresco dining.

Cape Town International Airport is approximately 25 km from the hotel.

The Last Word Franschhoek

The Cape Winelands

Days 5 - 6: The Cape Winelands

The Last Word Franschhoek Location Map

The Last Word Franschhoek is an exclusive 5* historic residence situated right in the heart of the gourmet village of Franschhoek. It is private and peaceful, yet only a minutes walk from the many award-winning restaurants and numerous character-filled boutique shops and galleries.

Beautifully restored in the Cape Huguenot tradition, this boutique hotel has been designed with sumptuous home comforts, creating an elegant, sophisticated interior with a handsome mixture of classic and contemporary furnishings. A wooden balcony affords spectacular views across the mountains, the perfect spot for a sundowner or just to relax around the private pool.

The picturesque village of Franschhoek offers world-class wine estates, tastings and cellar tours.

The surrounding valley is also the idyllic setting for walking trails, hiking, cycling, bird watching, horse-riding and fly-fishing.

Golfing enthusiasts are well catered for with several championship golf courses close by.

Six luxurious double rooms, each with their own traditional Cape charm, open onto private patios and small, shaded gardens.

All have marbled en-suite bathrooms, and air-conditioning and satellite TV.

Included in the rates are lavish breakfasts, free drinks, bespoke wines, premium spirits and an in-house chauffeur service is also available to guests.

Example Details For The Last Word Franschhoek

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Superior Double Room
Includes: Breakfast; beverages (including selected wines and premium spirits); Wi-Fi, mini bar and bicycle use are included.
 
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The Last Word Franschhoek Location.

Address

The Last Word Franschhoek,68 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek

Directions

From Cape Town (via N1): Drive out of Cape Town on the N1 past Belville and Brackenfell turn-offs. Continue past the Winelands 1-Stop Engen petrol station as well as the first Stellenbosch turn-off after the petrol station. Take the next turn-off named Stellenbosch/Klapmuts and turn right at the stop on the R44.

Approximately 600m further, go over the 4-way stop. Shortly after the 4 way stop (+/-400m) turn left at the Franschhoek sign. Carry along this road for approximately 8 km until it ends at a T-junction at which you turn right to Franschhoek on the R45. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek (approximately 16 km further).

The Last Word Franschhoek is on right-hand side of the main street in Franschhoek, opposite the River Cafe.

From Cape Town (via N2): Drive out of Cape Town on the N2, and take the first Stellenbosch turn-off (Baden Powell Drive/R310) and keep on travelling to Stellenbosch. You will eventually pass the Spier Wine Estate (on your right) and a few kilometres after that, the road will end at a T-junction (approximately 13 km from the N2 turn-off).

Turn right at the T-junction and travel into Stellenbosch. You will pass over 3 traffic lights - keep to your left. The road ends at a T-junction at which you turn left. Pass over 3 traffic lights and shortly after the 3rd set, turn right at a set of lights at the Franschhoek/Idas Valley sign.

This road will take you over the mountain on the Helshoogte Pass, through Johannesdal and through Pniel and eventually ends at a T-junction (16 km from Stellenbosch). This T-junction is shortly after the Boschendal Wine Estate (which would have been on your right). Turn right at the T-junction onto the R45 to Franschhoek. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek (approximately 13 km further). Follow the directions as above.

From Hermanus/The Garden Route: Either follow the N2 to the Baden Powell Drive/R310 exit, and follow the directions as above OR you can take the more scenic route via the Franschhoek Pass - leave the N2 at the R43 towards Villiersdorp (16 km past Caledon) and follow this road to Villiersdorp. Turn onto the R45 and go over the Franschhoek Pass to Franschhoek. Turn right into the Main road (R45) at the Monument. The Franschhoek is on left-hand side of the main street in Franschhoek, opposite the Tourism Centre.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests. Late departure can be arranged based on availability.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome.

All rooms have air conditioning, a mini bar/fridge, hair dryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities, underfloor heating, complimentary Wi-Fi, telephone, and a TV.

The Pool Suites are 70 square metres including the bathroom. There is a separate shower, bath and toilet. A private plunge pool and courtyard are included as well as a separate lounge area and complimentary mini bar and snacks.

The Superior Double Rooms are 45 square metres in size. They feature complimentary mini bar drinks, snacks and a separate shower, bath and toilet.

The property has a breakfast room, residents bar, lounge area, courtyard and a solar-heated outdoor swimming pool. There is secure off street parking and 24 hour security.

A laundry service is available.

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted.

It is advisable to pre-book dinner reservations in Franschhoek, especially between October and April. You can either do this directly via www.franschhoek-restaurants.co.za or otherwise please ask your Travel Butlers consultant for assistance.

St James of Knysna

The Garden Route

Days 7 - 9: The Garden Route

St James of Knysna Location Map

Situated right in the heart of the Garden Route and set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna (pronounced 'Nysna') is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area.

The excellent selection of accommodation and restaurants, coupled with the many activities on offer, makes this a superb holiday destination and a perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place mid-year in Knysna and is one of the area’s annual highlights, boasting amazing food, great music and friendly people.

The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - 2 large cliff formations which form a natural narrow opening into the ocean. Several operators offer relaxing catamaran trips and sunset champagne cruises out to the Heads and into the open sea, which is a great way to escape the busy streets for a while.

The surrounding forests and nature reserves provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or more strenuous day walks, plus a number of biking trails. Nearby Brenton-on-Sea beach is a magnificent 7 km stretch of uninterrupted white sands around a half heart-shaped bay.

On the shores of the tranquil lagoon on the Garden Route is The St James of Knysna, owner run Country House Hotel. The luxuriously appointed suites and rooms offer spectacular views across the peaceful lagoon to the dramatic Knysna Heads or over the magnificent 3 acre gardens.

At the Manor House you’ll find the luxurious George Rex and Lady Anne Suites, both situated on the first floor boasting large lagoon facing balconies. Along with these you’ll find 2 garden facing Deluxe Suites and a smaller double Room.

The Courtyard, which is adjacent to the Manor House, consists of 4 Superior Suites, 3 of which are Lagoon facing, all with balconies are located on the upper floor and 3 Deluxe Lagoon facing Suites and two Junior Suites nestle around the Mediterranean courtyard with a private swimming pool.

Light refreshments can be ordered from reception throughout the day, and can be served in the dining room, in the garden, at the swimming pool, or in your room or suite.

Example Details For St James of Knysna

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Deluxe Lake Facing Suite 5
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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St James of Knysna Location.

Address

St James of Knysna,The Point, Eastford, Knysna

Directions

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness: Follow the N2 to Knysna. When you approach Knysna, you will cross a bridge - there will be a small section of the lagoon on your left, and the main lagoon will be on your right. Approximately 3 km from the bridge you will see a sign for The Point, where you turn off to the right. The St James is signposted off this road.

From Port Elizabeth/Plettenberg Bay: Take the N2 to Knysna. Drive straight through the town, and you will see a sign for The Point, where you will turn off to the left. Follow the directions as above.

From Oudtshoorn: Depart Oudtshoorn, and follow the N12 towards George. Join the N2 and head to Knysna, following the directions above.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 5 years and older are welcome.

All the rooms and suites have air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a fan, heated towel rails, iron/ironing board, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, a hair dryer, safe, and tea/coffee making facilities.

The hotel has 2 swimming pools, a bar and lounge area with a fireplace, a restaurant, gift shop and magnificent gardens offering peaceful walks.

Breakfast is served until 10:00. There is a snack menu available throughout the day and evening.

There is also a spa offering a range of different treatments and massages (additional cost).

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

All major credit cards are accepted.

There is private secure parking available.

All guests are offered a complimentary 90 minute boat trip on the pontoon barge 'The Boat at St James' from the private jetty. Other activities include swimming, angling, croquet and petanque.

Amakhala Bush Lodge

Amakhala Game Reserve

Days 10 - 12: Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Bush Lodge Location Map

Bush Lodge is situated in the 8,500 hectare Big 5 Amakhala Game Reserve. This beautifully designed lodge offers an intimate safari experience, situated right in the heart of the reserve at the top end of an open valley.

Guests can go on morning and evening game drives in an open Land Rover in search of wildlife including lion, rhino, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra and over 16 antelope species. The scenery is truly spectacular and guests are invited to enjoy the landscape from every possible angle - including sundowner canoe safaris and a cheese and wine boat cruise (subject to river levels).

In addition, the Amakhala Horse Trails offers a unique perspective of the bush. Elevated on horseback, riders can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding landscape while riding quietly across terrain often inaccessible by vehicle. The unobtrusive nature of a horseback safari also allows for incredible animal sightings, as riders can get as close as 10 to 15 metres from wildlife such as eland, wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest and giraffe.

The main lodge has a splendid lounge area and an expansive viewing deck with magnificent views of game-filled plains. Evenings are spent around the outdoor fireplace admiring the unspoilt African star-scape.

There is also a main swimming pool area with sun loungers.

The lodge has just 8 tented suites. Each suite has a thatched roof and tented canvas sides, wooden floors and a fireplace. The spacious en-suite bathrooms offer a large oval bath and outdoor shower, and all the rooms are air-conditioned. Each suite also has its own secluded private viewing deck with an intimate plunge pool, making this a truly wonderful and luxurious bush retreat. Two of the suites are designed for families.

Bush Lodge also has a spa offering a wide range of beauty treatments by a qualified beauty therapist.

Example Details For Amakhala Bush Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Tented Suite with Plunge Pool (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied)
Includes: All meals; all local beverages (excluding premium drinks); the Amakhala Conservation/Community Levy; and 2 shared game drives per day are included.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

 
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Amakhala Bush Lodge Location.

Address

Amakhala Bush Lodge,Off the N2, Amakhala Game Reserve

Directions

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) /Knysna: Follow the N2, taking the N2 slip road (exit 797) heading towards Grahamstown. About 70 km after Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), there is the first road sign for Amakhala – marked Amakhala Day Safaris/Reed Valley Inn/Bush Lodge.

Follow the directions to Reed Valley Inn (on the right hand side), where a ranger will transport you to Bush Lodge. Vehicles will remain at Reed Valley Inn.


Note that Port Elizabeth has been officially renamed Gqeberha, and you may see both names on signposts.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied between 13:00 and 13:30 on the day of arrival. Please ensure that you arrive by 14:30 at the very latest, or else you may miss your first game drive. Game drives depart at 15:00 in the winter months (May to September) and 16:00 in the summer months (October to April).

Rooms must please be vacated by midday on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome.

Each suite has a secluded private viewing deck with a plunge pool, air conditioning, ceiling fan, a fireplace, large oval bath and double outdoor shower, complimentary mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, and an electronic safe.

The main building has a dining room, guest lounge, expansive viewing deck and an outdoor fireplace. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered in the main public areas.

The game drives take place every morning and afternoon. You will be guided by informative, professional rangers through Amakhala Game Reserve in open Land Rovers.

The Amakhala Horse Trails caters for small groups of up to 6 intermediate to experienced riders. Experienced younger riders between 10 and 15 years old may also join, if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Horseback safaris typically last between 2 to 3 hours, and the speed of the trail ride is adjusted to the riders' level of experience. This allows plenty of time for wildlife viewing and finding the perfect spot to rest the horses and enjoy refreshments and snacks.

Spa treatments can also be arranged (on request).

Additional activities that can be booked directly at the lodge during your stay (additional cost) include night drives, star gazing, and Big 5 or nature bush walks.

The guest reception is at the colonial Reed Valley Inn, from where guests are transferred into the reserve and onto Bush Lodge.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners are accepted.

Your rate includes a Conservation/Community Levy which will primarily fund the anti-poaching units and a dedicated rhino monitoring programme to preserve and protect the rhinos of Amakhala Game Reserve. In addition, a percentage of the Levy will also go to support their award-winning Conservation Education Programme, which enables local school children to visit the Amakhala Conservation Centre to learn about wildlife conservation and sustainability for future generations.

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