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Waterfront Village

Cape Town

Days 1 - 4: Cape Town

Waterfront Village Location Map

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit and it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.

One of the main tourist attractions is the tastefully restored V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants. There is also an aquarium and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The City Bowl is home to many museums and historical buildings which can all be viewed from a 'topless' hop on/hop off tourist bus, complete with interesting commentary as you ride around the city.

The adventurous can climb up (or abseil down) Table Mountain, windsurf or kitesurf at Bloubergstrand Beach, dive in shark tanks, or do any one of a dozen more adrenalin pumping activities. For a more relaxed pace of life, there are miles of sandy beaches for soaking up the African sun, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Waterfront Village is situated on the water’s edge in the picturesque V&A Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain, the marina and the canals.  It has a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, designed to provide luxury and comfort.

Each apartment has a fully fitted kitchen, an open plan dining and living area, and a balcony or patio. All apartments are fully equipped and well appointed, including complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite television, a washing machine, tumble dryer and a dishwasher.

Guests have access to 5 swimming pools, one of which is a heated lap pool on the roof of the Quaterdeck gym with spectacular views of the marina yacht basin. The gym includes state of the art equipment and is open 7 days a week including public holidays - there is a fee for the use of this pool and the gym.

Secure underground parking is also available.

Example Details For Waterfront Village

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x 2 Bedroom Deluxe Apartment (Stay 4/Pay 3 offer applied - selected periods only)
Includes: Self-catering basis - no meals are included.
 
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Waterfront Village Location.

Address

Waterfront Village,Mind Pearl House, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, 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, following the signs for Cape Town North, and then M6 Sea Point. If in doubt, keep bearing right the whole time. 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. Turn right here towards the Waterfront and Dock Road.

Cross next traffic light and straight into main entrance of Victoria & Alfred Waterfront on Dock Road. As you approach the set of traffic lights after 300m, continue straight onto S Arm Road, and then after a further 74m turn left onto the road marked West Quay, towards the Cape Grace Hotel. The main Reception for check in at the Waterfront Village is in the 2nd office block on the left hand side - Office 4 on the ground floor, Mind Pearl House.

From the N1: Follow the road to Cape Town, and you will see the CTICC on your left-hand side. Follow the directions as above.

Check In / Check Out

Apartments may be occupied from 15:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests. Please check in at the Mind Pearl Building, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

All apartments are fully equipped and well appointed, including air conditioning or climate control, an open plan lounge and dining area, satellite television, a fully equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer, a hair dryer, electronic safe, and iron/ironing board.  All apartments have complimentary Wi-Fi and either a patio or a balcony.

Each apartment has an allocated parking bay.

A starter kit for tea/coffee making is provided on arrival.

Guests are offered the facility of underground parking and all apartments have at least one parking bay allocated to them.

Housekeeping is done Monday to Saturday. Sundays and public holidays - a refresh service only is offered.

Guests have access to 5 swimming pools.

The Quarterdeck gym offers state-of-the-art gym equipment including 2 tread mills, bicycles, rowing machines and a lap pool. Access to the gym and the pool here is an additional charge.

The reception area has been set up with a complimentary wireless internet service. There are also 2 computers that guests can use.

Spa treatments can be arranged on request. The concierge at the front desk can assist guests with bookings (additional cost).

A laundry service is available from Monday to Saturday at an additional cost. All laundry received at the front desk by 08:30 will be returned to the guests by 17:00.

Credit cards are accepted.

There is 24 hour security.

138 Marine

Hermanus

Days 5 - 6: Hermanus

138 Marine Location Map

Located on the south coast and within a 2 hour drive of Cape Town, Hermanus and Gansbaai are amongst the world's leading destinations for both land-based and boat-based whale watching. From June to December each year, whales can be seen as close as 20m from the shore and can come right up to the side of the whale watching boats.

With excellent accommodation options, fine restaurants and a glorious coastline in addition to the attraction of getting within a few metres of some of the largest animals ever to have lived on this planet, this is a place that every visitor to South Africa should try to see.

Hermanus is a pretty town and the local 'Whale Crier' walks the streets during the whaling season, informing visitors when the whales are present with a blast on his kelp horn. At the Old Harbour Museum, an underwater microphone transmits the whale songs and calls into the museum hall for everyone to hear. Don't miss Bientang's Cave restaurant, where you can watch whales less than 100m away whilst eating an excellent seafood lunch. Other good vantage points are from the Old Harbour wall or the cliff path.

Gansbaai, 50 km from Hermanus, is the starting point for more boat-based whale watching, as well as cage diving with great white sharks, as well as trips to the Dyer Island seal colony.

138 Marine is a luxurious, upmarket beachfront guest house with spectacular sea views, about a 7 km drive from the centre of Hermanus.

Spend lazy, sun-filled afternoons on the spacious terrace with panoramic views of the ocean and the mountains. Relax with a glass of wine on the deck next to the beach and enjoy magnificent views of breaking waves and spectacular African sunsets over the ocean, or watch the whales from the comfort of your bed during the whale watching season. The extensive breakfast menu changes daily and on request a platter can be provided to enjoy on the beach in front of the guest house.

There are 6 designer double rooms, each individually decorated and luxuriously fitted. No attention to detail has been spared in the superbly stylish decor.

Example Details For 138 Marine

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x Luxury Room (Mussel Room)
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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138 Marine Location.

Address

138 Marine,138 Kus Road, Sand Bay

Directions

From Cape Town/Stellenbosch: Follow the N2 to George/Mossel Bay over 2 mountain passes (Sir Lowry's Pass and Houwhoek Pass). After the 2nd pass, turn off onto R43 to Botrivier/Hermanus. You will pass suburbs called Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, and Onrus. At the 3rd set of traffic lights (3 km before Hermanus), turn right at the Sandbaai/Hemel en Aarde junction into Main Road (at the Engen Garage). Continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

Scenic Route from Cape Town: Take the N2 Highway towards Somerset West. Turn left on the R44 to Strand (just past the Shell Garage). Proceed past Strand until you reach Gordon's Bay. Travel on the R44 along the coastal road to Rooi-els, Hangklip, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond. Continue through Kleinmond and join the R43 to Hermanus. Continue past Hawston, Vermont and Onrus. At the 3rd set of traffic lights (3 km before Hermanus town centre), turn right at the Sandbaai/Hemel en Aarde junction into Main Road (at Engen Garage). Continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

From Franschhoek: Take the R45 out of town passing the Huguenot Memorial and towards the Franchhoek Pass. Continue on this road over the pass for approximately 25 km, and then turn left at the T-junction onto the R321/R45 signposted Villersdorp. After approximately 8 km turn right onto the R43 signposted Hermanus, and follow this road for 32 km until you reach the T-junction with the N2. Turn right onto the N2 (signposted N2 Kaapstad/R43 Hermanus) and continue for 7 km until you see the exit for the R43 Hermanus. Continue on the R43 for 27 km and the turn right at the Sandbaai/Hemel en Aarde junction into Main Road (at the Engen Garage). Continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

From the Garden Route: Drive along the N2, take the R326 turn-off towards Stanford/Hermanus (13 km after Riviersonderend). When you reach the T-junction at Stanford (after approximately 55 km), turn right onto the R43 towards Hermanus. Upon entering Hermanus, drive along the Main Road through the business section of Hermanus. Go past a 2nd Shell petrol station and past a Total petrol station on your left until you reach an Engen petrol station on your left at a set of traffic lights (approximately 7 km since you entered Hermanus). Turn left towards the sea and continue until you reach the T-junction at the beach front. Turn right into Marine Drive (‘Kus Road/Kusweg’). Number 138 is clearly signposted 500 meters down the road on your right.

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 8 years and older are welcome. Children under 8 by prior arrangement only.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with twin basins, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a hair dryer, and a room safe.

The Oyster Room has panoramic sea and mountain views from 4 windows and a balcony, a kingsize bed (or twin beds), and an en-suite bathroom with free-standing slipper bath, shower and twin basins.

The Seastar Room has sea views from 3 windows; a kingsize bed (or twin beds), and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.

The Abalone Room has sea and mountain views, a queensize bed, balcony and a spacious shower in the en-suite bathroom.

The Coral Room has sea views from the open plan bath in the bedroom; a queensize bed; and an ensuite bathroom with twin basins and shower.

The Mussel Room has huge windows with sea and mountain views,a kingsize bed (or twins), and two small single beds on request, an en-suite bathroom with shower, bath and twin basins, and a private patio.

The Periwinkle Room has a queensize bed, and an en-suite bathroom with twin basins and shower.

There is on-site parking available.

138 Marine is situated adjacent to the unique beach path (Whale Walk), providing sea and mountain scenery.

The guest house operates a non-smoking policy.

Knysna Hollow Country Estate

The Garden Route

Days 7 - 9: The Garden Route

Knysna Hollow Country Estate Location Map

Knysna Hollow is set on a secluded 3 hectare country estate and is just a 5 minute drive to Knysna town centre and the lagoon. Situated in the middle of the iconic Garden Route National Park along the Southern Cape Coast, Knysna is the ideal base from which to explore the myriad of attractions the region has to offer.

The modern Cape-country-style Manor House is the focal point of the property and houses all the public areas - restaurant, bar, reception, sun deck and internet library.

The Social Eatery restaurant serves authentic, local food throughout the day and the Social Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy an ice-cold craft beer on tap or a bespoke gin and tonic.

The bar-lounge features a unique glass wine cellar and a library with internet work stations on a mezzanine level.

All restaurants and bar areas open out onto verandahs with views of the gardens for outdoor dining and sundowners.

Knysna Hollow Country Estate features 44 luxurious Garden Suites, situated in the indigenous gardens around 2 sparking swimming pools. All rooms are decorated in a clean, comtemporary style with private garden-facing verandahs and offer modern in-room amentities including air-conditioning, satellite television and Nespresso coffee stations.

Four adjoining rooms offer inter-leading passageways and can be converted into 2 double-room Family Suites.  Another 8 rooms offer sleeper couch sofas which can be converted into beds for up to 2 children under 12 years sharing with their parents.

Example Details For Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x Family Garden Suite (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied)
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Knysna Hollow Country Estate Location.

Address

Knysna Hollow Country Estate,5 Welbedacht Lane, 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. Welbedacht Lane is signposted on the left just as you enter Knysna on the N2. Knysna Hollow is further up the road and the entrance is on the right.

From Port Elizabeth/Plettenberg Bay: Take the N2 to Knysna. Once you enter Knysna on the N2, keep on straight and travel through the town. Welbedacht Lane is signposted on the right as you leave Knysna.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

The suites all have air-conditioning, satellite television, a Nespresso coffee machine, tea kettle, laptop safe, mini-bar fridge (stocked on request), hair dryer, telephone, and a private patio with outdoor seating overlooking the gardens and the swimming pools. USB charging points are located at the dressing table and at each bedside table. All rooms have large en-suite bathrooms with double ‘His & Her’ vanity basins and heated towel rails.

Four adjoining rooms offer inter-leading passageways and can be converted into two double-room Family Suites. Another 8 rooms offer sleeper couch sofas which can be converted into beds for up to two children under 12 years sharing with their parents.

All rooms are non smoking.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout all public areas and guest rooms.

Knysna Hollow consists of 2 swimming pools, 2 garden lounge areas, a boule court, library, wine cellar, a private dining venue and a restaurant and bar.

Bicycles can be rented from the main Reception Desk.

The Social Eatery and Bar is open 7 days a week from 07:00 to 22:00.

All restaurant and bar areas open out onto outside verandahs with views of the gardens for outdoor dining and sundowners in the warm summer months.

The estate has complimentary secure parking.

A same day laundry service is available (additional cost).

A babysitting service and cots are also available on request (additional cost).

Visa, MasterCard and Diners credit cards are accepted.

Kariega Main Lodge

Kariega Game Reserve

Days 10 - 12: Kariega Game Reserve

Kariega Main Lodge Location Map

Only 80 minutes east of Port Elizabeth, a visit to Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect extension of your trip along South Africa's famous Garden Route. Set high above the spectacular Kariega River Valley, this 11,500 hectare malaria-free reserve is home to game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species.

For those who want to do more than merely relax and enjoy the idyllic surroundings, there is plenty to keep you busy at Kariega Main Lodge. Everything revolves around the twice-daily safari drives - the close-up encounters with African wildlife are the centre of guests' unforgettable safari holiday. The experienced game rangers will drive you out on safari every morning and afternoon/evening in open game-drive vehicles, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game roaming freely in their natural habitat. If you are fortunate, you may witness the lion hunting or feeding, or even the heart-warming social interactions of an elephant herd.

A host of other activities are also offered, including guided bush walks amongst more than 25 species of game and abundant birdlife, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, and river cruises down the Kariega River (subject to water levels). There is also a Wellness Centre where guests are able to enjoy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. For the more energetic there is a very well equipped gym with a beautiful view over the valley.

The accommodation at Kariega Main Lodge consists of one, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom log chalets, making this the perfect destination for groups of friends and families seeking a special safari holiday of a lifetime. Each chalet is decorated in an ethnic style and are very spacious. A number of the chalets have a private pool. There are 21 chalets in total.

The family pub and restaurant, nestled in indigenous bush with commanding views of the reserve, serves tasty traditional South African cuisine, or guests can enjoy the experience of a meal in the open-air boma. To cool off during the heat of the day, dive into the river or relax at the sun-splashed main pool areas.

Example Details For Kariega Main Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x 2 Bedroom Log Chalet
Includes: All meals; the Conservation and Community Levy; and morning and evening game drives/river cruises; guided bush walks and canoeing are included.

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.

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

 
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Kariega Main Lodge Location.

Address

Kariega Main Lodge,Near Kenton-on-Sea, Kariega Game Reserve

Directions

Note that Port Elizabeth has been renamed Gqeberha, and Grahamstown has been renamed Makhanda - both names for each place can appear on roadsigns and maps and can be used interchangeably.


From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) / Garden Route coastal route on the R72: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown (Makhanda). Approximately 50 km after Port Elizabeth, leave the N2 and take the off-ramp towards Port Alfred (R72). At the T-junction, turn right. Continue along the R72, and travel approximately 47 km until you reach Alexandria.

Continue through Alexandria until you reach Kenton-on-Sea, and then turn left onto the R343. Continue along this road for approximately 14 km and the Kariega Game Reserve Entrance will be signposted.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) / Garden Route alternate route: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown (Makhanda). Approximately 116 km after Port Elizabeth, leave the N2 and take the R343 towards Alexandria and Kenton-on-Sea. Continue on this road for approximately 32 km and the Kariega Game Reserve Entrance will be signposted.


From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), both of the above routes take a similar time (just over 1h 30 mins) and cover a similar total distance (around 145 km).

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival. Please note that lunch, which is included in your rate, is served from 12:30, and you are invited to arrive by this time to enjoy this before checking into your room. If you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 15:00 the very latest, or else you may miss your first afternoon game drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome. Children under 6 are not allowed on normal game drives, and children under 16 are not allowed on bush walks. Babysitting services are available.

All the log chalets have en-suite bedrooms (with air-conditioning) and private viewing decks. Each chalet also has a spacious lounge and living area. Chalets also have a hair dryer, fridge, telephone, fan, and tea/coffee making facilities.

There is Wi-Fi connectivity in the chalets and the main lodge area.

The main lodge area has a restaurant, bar, boma area, pool, spa and secure parking. There is a safe at reception where guests can store any valuables.

Your ranger will drive you out on safari every morning and afternoon/evening in an open game-drive vehicle, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Guests can complement their safari experience with a boat cruise down the Kariega River (subject to water levels), or take a canoe onto the river for a quiet paddle. Fishing can also be arranged.

Kariega also offers guided safari walks with experienced rangers. This provides guests with the opportunity of walking amongst more than 25 species of game and an abundance of birdlife.

A babysitting service is available (additional cost).

Credit cards are accepted.

Your rate also includes a compulsory Conservation and Community Levy - this contribution will aid conservation efforts as well as the anti-poaching unit and community projects.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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