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The Dock House

Cape Town

Days 1 - 3: 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: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room - Stay 3 / Pay 2 Offer included (applicable to certain periods only)
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.

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards

The Cape Winelands

Days 4 - 5: The Cape Winelands

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards Location Map

Nestled on the slopes of the majestic Klein Dassenberg mountain range, the 5* Mont Rochelle is a stunning 26 bedroom Cape-Dutch style hotel, just under an hours drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek. Famously known as the French Corner of the cape, this traditional vineyard town is considered to be the' food and wine capital' of South Africa.

Occupying 39 hectares of vineyards and hills, the hotel produces wine on-site and guests can tour the cellars or wander the paths between vineyard plots. Mont Rochelle also offers daily activities including private wine tasting and cellar tours, as well as walking and mountain biking trails and horse-riding. Mountain bikes can be hired free of charge. A favourite activity for many guests here is having a picnic on the estate – the kitchen can arrange a well-stocked picnic basket with a chilled bottle of wine (or two!).

Mont Rochelle has two dining options - MIKO is their flagship restaurant boasting a prime location with impeccable 180 degree views of the Franschhoek valley and mountains. Adjacent to the winery is the more casual Country Kitchen, an ideal place for light lunch as well as wine tasting.

The main outdoor heated pool is surrounded by sun loungers and has fantastic views of the Franschhoek mountains. The spa has two dedicated treatment rooms and the hotel bar is perfect for pre or post meal drinks as well as light bites throughout the day.

Named after locally grown wines, the rooms and suites span over 3 separate wings. The smaller of the room types, the Shiraz Rooms feature courtyard and valley views. The Merlot Rooms are slightly larger, and also boast valley views. The Cabernet Rooms include a private terrace overlooking the valley, and the even more spacious Pinotage Suites feature a separate lounge and fantastic views. The Cap Classique suites are the largest rooms, and each suite has a separate lounge, private terrace and a heated private plunge pool. 

For complete privacy, the Manor House is located a short walk from the main hotel and can be booked on an exclusive basis. This beautifully appointed 4 bedroom villa comfortably sleeps 8 adults and boasts a cosy bunkroom that can sleep up to 6 children. Throughout your stay you can enjoy the stunning views, spacious common areas, kitchen, outdoor heated swimming pool and gym, not to mention the services of a chef who can prepare meals from the villa’s dedicated kitchen.

Example Details For Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Cabernet Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards Location.

Address

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards,Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek

Directions

From Cape Town Airport: Follow the exit signs at the airport to the N2 highway traveling away from central Cape Town towards Somerset West. After 3.2 km take the exit marked R300 on your left which will connect you to the N1 highway towards Paarl/Worcester. Take exit 47, which is sign posted for Klapmuts/Stellenbosch/Wellington and follow the directions below.

From Cape Town: Once you leave the city look for the N1 highway and then head west from Cape Town towards Paarl/Worcester. Once you have joined the N1 follow it for roughly 40 km. Take exit 47, which is sign posted for Klapmuts/Stellenbosch/Wellington. Turn right onto the R44 in the direction of Stellenbosch. Butterfly World will be on your left.

Pass through a 4-way stop and then you’ll cross a bridge over the railway. After 300m turn left onto the R45 which is signposted for Franschhoek - follow this road for almost 9 km passing wine estates Glen Carlou, Rupert & Rothschild and later Vrede & Lust. This road comes to a natural end at a T-junction just after you’ve crossed a disused railway. Turn right onto the R45 signposted to Franschhoek (2 strands of the same road merge here).

You will now drive towards Franschhoek - roughly 18 km - through an area called Simondium, passing L’Ormarins and later La Motte wine estates. As you reach the centre of Franschhoek Village, turn right into Bordeaux Street (you’ll first pass Kruger and De Larey Streets on the right) and follow that road – from this point Mont Rochelle is signposted. At the bottom of Bordeaux Street carry on straight as the road veers to the left – this is a short section of Cabriere Street, and then turn right onto Daniel Hugo Street. Keep following the signs to Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard until you arrive!

If you have any difficulties please give the hotel a call and they will do their best to help. The number is +27 (0) 21 876 2770.

CAUTION:Google Maps shows the incorrect location of the hotel if you type in just Mont Rochelle Hotel - you must type in Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyards - otherwise you’ll end up on the other side of Franschhoek half way up the mountain!

Check In / Check Out

The hotel guarantees that your room will be ready for your arrival at 14:00. Should you arrive earlier and a room be ready for you to check in, they will gladly accommodate you. On the day of departure the hotel does ask that you vacate your room by 11:00. Should you require a late departure, please advise the hotel, and they will do their best to accommodate this request.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

All the rooms at Mont Rochelle have air conditioning, a hairdryer, underfloor heating, a mini bar, flat screen TV, mini speakers for streaming music, telephone, safe and complimentary tea/coffee making facilities.

Miko is the main restaurant and serves a blend of international and South African cuisine, paired with some superb local vintages. The restaurant serves breakfast from 07:00 to 10:30. Lunch is served from 12:00 to 15:00, and dinner is from 19:00 until 21:30.

The Country Kitchen is an informal restaurant located a short walk/quick drive from the main hotel building adjacent to the wine cellar. Daytime hours: Wine tasting is available from 10:00 to 18:00. Lunch is served from 12:00 till 17:00. The restaurant is closed for dinner.

Other services such as: laundry, valet services, room service and complimentary internet access are available.

The hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, tennis court, wine cellar and a spa and jacuzzi.

Activities available at Mont Rochelle include massages, mountain biking, picnics and wine tasting.

Baby-sitting can be arranged and a charge will apply but please advise at the time of booking if this may be required. Special food and beverages or simple snacks and light meals can be prepared according to your child’s tastes.

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.

Tsala Treetop Lodge

The Garden Route

Days 6 - 8: The Garden Route

Tsala Treetop Lodge Location Map

Part of the Relais & Chateaux group of exclusive properties, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a beautiful blend of stone, wood, glass and water high above the floor of the magnificent indigenous forests of the Garden Route, only 10 km west from Plettenberg Bay and 24 km east from the busy holiday town of Knysna. From dolphin spotting to coastal forests, and from adrenalin sports to relaxing on vast white-sand beaches or sunset catamaran cruises, there are endless options to fill your days here.

The magical allure of Tsala is irresistable to those who appreciate exclusivity and fine fare and who also want some romance. The afro-baroque décor with its earthy colours, rich textures and handcrafted fittings draws inspiration from the diverse cultures of Africa, yet remains integrated with the sophistication of the Western world.

The main lodge has a magnificent foyer featuring polished blackwood columns and a glass fronted lounge with views of the forest and valley.

Large open suspended decks are ideal for dining and sunset viewing, and the library features reference books on the area.

Superb and imaginative cuisine, reflecting the diversity of South African cultures, is a dining highlight and the wine cellar is stocked with the best South African Estate wines.

Elevated boardwalks high in the forest canopy allow easy access between the main lodge and the 10 exclusive and very private suites and the 6 luxury villas.

Each suite, rising to heights exceeding 6 metres, is a harmonious combination of the craftsmanship of ancient times and the indulgent luxury of every modern convenience. All have a private deck with sun loungers and infinity pool, a sitting room with a wood fire, and a spacious bathroom with inside and outside showers.

The villas are ideal for families or couples travelling together. Each villa has 2 bedrooms, so they are ideal for groups up to 4 people, as well as a private deck with an infinity pool overlooking the forest below.

Example Details For Tsala Treetop Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Suite - Stay 3 / Pay 2 Offer including (applicable to certain periods only)
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Tsala Treetop Lodge Location.

Address

Tsala Treetop Lodge,Off the N2, Plettenberg Bay

Directions

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness/Knysna: Follow the N2 to Plettenberg Bay. Approximately 22 km after leaving Knysna, and before you reach Plettenberg Bay, you will see signboards on the right-hand side for Hunters Country House and Tsala Treetop Lodge. Turn right and travel along a gravel road for 1.5 km until you reach Tsala Treetop Lodge.

From Port Elizabeth: Take the N2 to Plettenberg Bay. Do not take any of the turn-offs into Plettenberg Bay. Approximately 10 km past Plettenberg Bay, you will see signboards on the left-hand side for Hunters Country House and Tsala Treetop Lodge. Follow 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 aged 10 years and older are welcome.

Constructed of stone, wood and glass the beautiful tree-house suites comprise of a plush bedroom, an elegant sitting room with a fireplace and a spacious bathroom fit for royalty. Extending into the forest is a private deck and your own infinity pool providing the ultimate privacy.

All rooms have a hair dryer, in room safe, an umbrella, complimentary port in the room, a fully stocked mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, under floor heating and air conditioning.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge area.

Meals at Tsala are exquisitely presented in the glass walled dining room. For those wanting to enjoy the morning sunshine, the spectacular dining deck, suspended above the forest floor, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and sumptuous breakfast.

Vibrant and casual with distinctive international flavours, the Zinzi Restaurant offers an abundant and tasty menu, in an incredible forest setting.

A winding staircase leads you to the hidden wine cellar at Tsala, where shelves carefully house a selection of vintage and younger wines you can enjoy during your stay.

Babysitting and laundry services are available (additional cost) along with 24 hour room service and pamper treatments (on request).

Credit cards are accepted.

Bayethe Tented Lodge

Shamwari Game Reserve

Days 9 - 12: Shamwari Game Reserve

Bayethe Tented Lodge Location Map

The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is 25,000 hectares of malaria-free, private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape and has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve.

Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life. Steeped in Settler history and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the reserve boasts 5 eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life, including the Big 5 as well as cheetah, hyena, giraffe, hippo, zebra and numerous antelope species.

Game viewing is carried out morning and evening on game drives, when you are driven in your open vehicle over the rolling hills and valleys in search of the wildlife. The experienced rangers are all in 2-way communication with each other at all times, so on any day they know where the game is and how to find the elusive animals such as the rare black rhino.

In addition to spectacular game drives, Shamwari Private Game Reserve also offers professionally guided walking tours, where you can gain a true perspective of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Your guide will point out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots and rare birds, as well as telling you all about the area and its history.

Pronounced 'By-ye-ti', Bayethe Tented Lodge offers guests the opportunity to immerse yourself in utter tranquility with spectacular views of the African bush, surrounded by rich vegetation that provides a feeling of seclusion.

Each of the 12 air-conditioned Superior Tents are camouflaged under trees allowing ample privacy and have an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, as well as a viewing deck with a private plunge pool. The tents also have a romantic indoor fireplace.

Example Details For Bayethe Tented Lodge

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Superior Tent - Stay 4 / Pay 3 Offer included (Applicable for certain periods only)
Includes: All meals; drinks (excluding French champagne and premium products); afternoon tea; twice-daily shared game drives; guided walks; tea/coffee; water; game drive beverages; a Born Free and Animal Rehab visit; and the Conservation Levy are included.

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Guests over 65 wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor prior to arrival confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. More details available on request.

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

 
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Bayethe Tented Lodge Location.

Address

Bayethe Tented Lodge,Off the N2, Shamwari Game Reserve (via Kwantu Gate)

Directions

Note that Port Elizabeth was recently renamed Gqeberha - both names can appear on roadsigns and maps and can be used interchangeably.

 


From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)/Mossel Bay/George/Knysna: Follow the N2 out of Port Elizabeth (now renamed Gqeberha) heading towards Grahamstown bypassing the town of Colchester. 11 km past Colchester use the left lane to take the N2 ramp to Grahamstown. Continue on the N2 for 17 km bypassing the R342 turn-off. Continue along the N2 a further 11 km until you reach a sign board Eagles Crag and Bayethe on the Sidbury road. Turn left onto the gravel road and follow this road for 9 km until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction follow the sign boards right to Bayethe for 4 km.

From Grahamstown: Travel along the N2 towards Port Elizabeth (now renamed Gqeberha), and follow the directions as above.

Please note that you drive through the reserve to get to the lodge - do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 13:00 on the day of arrival. If you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 14:00 at the very latest (between May-August) or 15:00 (between September-April) or else you will miss your afternoon game drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

The Superior Tents have a private plunge pool and deck, an en-suite bathroom (9 tents have an indoor bath and outdoor shower and 3 tents have an indoor bath and indoor shower), air conditioning, hair dryer, electronic safe, fitted international adaptors, international dial telephone, electric blankets, private minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, and an indoor fireplace.

The main lodge has a central lounge area, bush relaxation retreat, gift boutique, in and outdoor dining facilities and an outdoor deck.

The relaxation retreat has 2 private treatment rooms and offers a number of different spa treatments (additional cost).

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted.

Should you wish to leave a gratuity, envelopes are available at reception. Alternatively you can add it to your final bill and settle by credit card when you check out.

In collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, the Big Cat Rescue and Education Centres are situated within the game reserve. They aim to draw attention to the plight of wild cats, confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world. It is the mission of The Born Free Foundation, founded by actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna and her late husband Bill Travers, to ‘Keep Wildlife in the Wild’. Both Shamwari and Born Free aim to promote conservation and protect these species and their habitat, whilst maintaining a compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. The rescue and education centres home rescued lions and leopards from across the world and aim to be an enlightening experience for all visitors.

You also have the opportunity to visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre when you visit Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The Centre helps to rescue, rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned animals under the care of professional veterinary team. Once these animals have been nursed back to health, they are released back into their natural habitat.

A compulsory Conservation Levy has been included in your rate - this contribution will aid conservation efforts as well as the anti-poaching unit.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.  Guests over 65 wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor prior to arrival confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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