South Africa is today one of the major producers and exporters of wines worldwide, and has been producing wine since the middle of the 17th century. The Cape Winelands region is set amongst rolling mountain slopes and valleys, with classic colonial style architecture which is some of the oldest surviving in South Africa.

There are literally scores of wine estates, and staying in the area will give you the chance to either search out the labels you are familiar with from home or to go on a voyage of discovery and find new favourites.

The major wine producing areas in the region are around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington and Constantia. There are well established wine routes in each of the major areas which take in a wide range of wine estates, many of which have daily wine tastings, cellar tours and restaurants serving lunches which are open daily to anyone passing by.

Just metres away from the historic town centre, Mont d'Or Franschhoek is within walking distance from Franschhoek’s enviable variety of restaurants, museums, monuments, exclusive shops, art galleries – and the famous wine tram, of course.

There are just 11 rooms in total, and each room is decorated in a unique style. A great way to experience the charms of this renovated 19th century Cape Dutch house is to stay in one of the loft rooms. Beneath the sloping roof, under exposed wooden beams, these rooms are wonderfully charming and snug. One of the loft rooms has two single beds, while the other has a double.  There are also 5 double rooms on the ground floor of the guest house, with 3 more in the garden cottage overlooking the pool. There is also one honeymoon/family suite which open up directly onto the garden, with a double room on the ground floor and 2 additional single beds on the mezzanine floor.

Facilities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, a swimming pool and secure parking.

Address

Mont d'Or Franschhoek,32 Van Wijk Street

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).

Continue down the main street of Franschhoek and onto Huguenot Street.  Turn right onto De La Ray Street and take first left onto Van Wijk Street. Mont d'Or Franschhoek is along here on the right hand side.

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, trough 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).

Continue down the main street of Franschhoek and onto Huguenot Street.  Turn right onto De La Ray Street and take first left onto Van Wijk Street. Mont d'Or Franschhoek is along here on the right hand side.

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 left onto the R45, and after approximately 8 km turn right to stay on the R45 and go over the Franschhoek Pass to Franschhoek. Turn right into the Main road (R45) at the Monument and drive down Huguenot Street (the main street in Franschhoek).

After Approx 550m turn left onto Bordeuax Street and then take the first right turn onto Van Wijk Street.  Mont d'Or Franschhoek is along here on the left hand side.

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.

The Auberge Burgundy Guest House is a charming Provencal style establishment with fragrant courtyards and stone terraces. It is set above the picturesque Old Harbour in the historic heart of Hermanus (the hub of the famous Whale Coast). The guest house is surrounded by restaurants, craft markets, boutiques, art galleries and quaint shopping malls, and the cool blue sea of Walker Bay is just 50m from the doorstep.

Guests are offered a variety of accommodation options. The Middle Room is the smallest room type, situated on the first floor in the Main House. It has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, and whilst it does not have a balcony, it does have lovely mountain views and looks over Hermanus Town.

There are 13 Standard Rooms - 10 in the garden and 3 around the pool.  5 of the garden rooms are situated on the first floor and have balconies, and the other 5 open out onto the garden. The 3 Standard Rooms around the pool obviously have pool views!

The 2 Standard Suites are situated in the Main House, and have a lounge area and a balcony with views over Walker Bay.  The Poolside Suite has a separate lounge with a fireplace, a kitchen area, and a stunning sea view from the lounge balcony. The 2 Penthouse Suites can be interleading if required, and have sea views.

Address

Auberge Burgundy,16 Harbour Road, Hermanus

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 right onto R43 to Kleinmond / Hermanus. You will pass suburbs called Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai.

When you enter the centre of town, turn right into Park Avenue (at the Shell garage and Friendly 7/11 - supermarket), and left at the stop sign into Marine Drive. Follow the road as it curves round the coast - approximately half a kilometre. Turn left into Harbour Road then you will see Auberge Burgundy, which is a 3-storey Proven?al-style building.

From Franschhoek: Take the R45 towards Villiersdorp. Turn left and drive to Villersdorp, then take the R43 towards Botriver. (You will turn onto the N2 for a short while). Take the R43 in the direction of Hermanus. You will pass the Kleinmond turn and then the suburbs of Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai. Follow the directions as above.

From the Garden Route: The N2 brings you west past Swellendam and Riviersonderend. 10 km past Riviersonderend turn on to the R326 to Stanford and then follow the signs to Hermanus. Follow the main road into the town centre. On reaching the centre of town, turn left at the Wimpy Bar into Market Square Street, and then right into Marine Drive. Follow the coast road past the Old Harbour, and turn right into Harbour Road.

The Turbine Hotel and Spa is a boutique 5* hotel in Knysna which offers guests luxurious accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning panoramas, and a range of world-class facilities.

This exceptional boutique hotel is situated on the picturesque Thesen Island, within the scenic Knysna estuary, a location which is considered by many to be one of the most the prestigious on the Garden Route.

The hotel was an ambitious project which transformed an old power station into a unique boutique hotel. All the old machinery which was used in this power station has been loving restored and forms an integral part of the hotels aesthetics.

The Island Cafe restaurant serves up extraordinary dishes from a diverse a la carte menu. The Tapas and Bar Deck allows guests to enjoy watching the sun go down, whilst sipping on something from the extensive drinks menu, and filling up on a wide variety of bite-sized snacks. Also featured on-site is the recently established Col'caccio pizzeria, which produces mouth-watering Italian cuisine.

The hotel offers guests a choice of 17 Standard Rooms, 6 Luxury Rooms, a Honeymoon Suite, and a self-catering Water Club Apartment.

The Amani Spa is one of the finest on the Garden Route, offering guests a wide variety of relaxing treatments including massages, facials, hydrotherapy treatments, and more.

The hotel's Turbine Water Club has partnered with prominent adventure companies to provide guests with the best Knysna water-based activities, including pontoon cruises, fishing charters, eco-safaris and kayak hire.

Address

The Turbine,36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Island, Knysna

Directions

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness: Follow the N2 to Knysna.

After entering Knysna, turn right at the third set of traffic lights into Waterfront Drive. Proceed along Waterfront Drive (railway line on your right), and pass through a set of traffic lights, passing the Waterfront on your right.

Turn right at the next set of traffic lights into Long Street. Proceed over the railway line and across the causeway and bridge onto THESEN ISLANDS.

Once on Thesen Islands, continue to the roundabout at the end of the road. At the roundabout, take the first exit left. Follow the road until you reach the stop street and cross over straight ahead.

Continue on the road around the playground and you will find the Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa on your right hand side.

From Port Elizabeth/Plettenberg Bay: Take the N2 to Knysna. As you enter the town center you will see Knysna Provincial Hospital on your right.  Turn left at the set of lights immediately after you pass the hospital and turn onto Waterfront Drive.  Follow Waterfront drive until you reach the traffic lights at the Long Street junction, then turn left into Long Street and cross over the railway lines and causeway onto THESEN ISLANDS and follow the directions as above.

Leaving Knysna and driving to George Airport (approx 73km / 1h 15 mins):  Take Long St and Waterfront Dr to the Main Rd/N2 in Central Knysna. Turn left onto the N2 towards George and keep on the N2 for approx 68km until you reach exit 425 to join the R404 signposted to George Airport. At the stop sign, turn right and follow the signs to George Airport (approx 3km).

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.

Situated adjacent to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town's premier entertainment and tourist attraction, the PortsWood is an oasis of calm and comfort alongside the active nightlife and vibrant restaurants of the Waterfront.

The PortsWood's success has been due to its superb service and excellent location. The hotel also is part of Cape Town's rich history, as the restaurant and lobby are built around a 300 year old well and the cells which held prisoners on their way to Robben Island.

The PortsWood offers a choice of Studio Rooms, Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites.

There is also a swimming pool for guest's enjoyment - ideal for relaxing by and sipping a cocktail after a day exploring the sights of Cape Town. The spa offers a range of treatments and a steam room.

The Quarter Kitchen is a relaxed, elegant restaurant offering an à la carte breakfast and comprehensive à la carte lunch and dinner menu specialising in Malaysian/Cape Malay Cuisine. For those who prefer the luxury and comfort of their rooms, room service is available 24 hours a day.

Address

The PortsWood,Portswood Square, Portswood Road, 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. Go straight over this set of lights, and turn right at the next set onto Helen Suzman Boulevard (signposted M6 Sea Point). Keep to the right lane, and at the next set of traffic lights, turn right into Portswood Road - the hotel is then signposted.

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.

Simbavati River Lodge is an intimate and friendly camp built on the banks of the seasonal Nhlaralumi River in the heart of the world famous Timbavati Game Reserve. The focus is on the excellent Big 5 game viewing, breathtaking views, friendly and knowledgeable staff in an environment where guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive.

Simbavati River Lodge offers game drives in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when the animals are most active. Game drives are conducted by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers in open 4x4 vehicles, with excellent photographic opportunities. Enjoy sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo as well as other species such as kudu, zebra, warthog, giraffe, monkey to name a few. Nocturnal animals, including the big cats, are regularly sighted on night drives. Bird viewing is spectacular, with over 360 recorded species including various eagles, vultures, kingfishers, buzzards and owls.

Accommodation consists of 6 luxury en-suite safari tents with plunge pools on the deck, 2 tented pool suites and 3 thatched family chalets. The tented accommodation has views of the bush from your own private viewing deck and are spaced adequately far apart to ensure complete privacy. The family chalets include a master bedroom, a twin bedroom as well as a private viewing deck. One of the family chalets can accommodate 5 people, while the other two can accommodate 4 people.

The pool suites have canvas walls, glass doors and windows which open onto a wooden deck and a private plunge pool.

Breakfast and lunch are served daily outside on the wooden deck, set out under age-old jackalberry and leadwood trees, combining African and Western cuisine offering exciting new tastes for the more adventurous as well as for the more conventional preferences. A traditional dinner is served around the campfire in an open-air boma, an experience not to be missed.

Other guest areas include a generously proportioned lounge and bar. During the mid-day heat, recline in a sun lounger or take a dip in the swimming pool.

Address

Simbavati River Lodge,Timbavati Game Reserve, Timbavati Game Reserve

Directions

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

ONCE AT THE TIMBAVATI CONTROL GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance cash fee of R280 per vehicle payable at the gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only and subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.

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.

If you are using a GPS to get to Simbavati, please use the GPS Co-ordinates: S 24° 12’ 20.2” E 31° 19’ 24.2”.  Do NOT type in Simbavati River Lodge into your GPS. The GPS will pick the lodge name up but will try and direct you through Kruger National Park which is not the correct direction. Please note you cannot access the Lodge through Kruger Park but only through the Timbavati Gate as per the directions above.

Very important:
If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please let the lodge know as soon as possible on +27 (0) 15 793 9051/3.