S03 S & E Africa 2012 Supp South Africa 02_Layout 1 20/02/2012 18:27 Page 12
South Africa
Hotel hotline From city to safari, we spoke to the experts to get some recommendations for places to turn up, tune in and drop out
Eastern Cape Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve Location: the five-star Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve is located on a four-mile stretch of private beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, just outside the fishing village of Port Alfred, halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London. Accommodation: 10 private suites make up this safari lodge. The main lodge has three rooms connected to a game room complete with pool table and shuffleboard, while the Ocean suites each offer a king-sized four-poster bed and his and hers bathrooms. The Private Oceana House also has three bedrooms with en-suite baths, a private kitchen complete with a personal chef. Anything else? Oceana’s USP is the fact that it is one of the few private game reserves on the beach in South Africa, so guests can combine surfing, snorkelling, and swimming in the ocean with daily game drives on the reserve. The resort has a gym and steam
room overlook the infinity swimming pool, a fully-service spa, two treatment rooms with heated treatment beds and whirlpool baths. How much? Room rates start at £325 per person per night
The Winelands Babylonstoren Location: Babylonstoren is a 250hectare wine farm on the crossroads of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek where the first vines were planted 300 years ago. Accommodation: six onebedroom suites, two one-bedroom cottages and four two-bedroom cottages. Anything else? Guests can enjoy guided walks around the farm through the vineyards and orchards, cycling, canoeing/rowing and fishing on the farm dams. How much? £247 per night based on two sharing.
Limpopo Province Location: Garonga Safari Camp is a small, intimate retreat in the Makalali game reserve. Accommodation: Garonga has just six safari tents, so it has a real boutique feel. Anything else? All meals, drinks, guided game drives and walking safaris are included in the price along with special elements such as the Garonga Soul Safari, the romantic bush bath for two under the stars and the overnight sleep-out deck experience in the reserve. How much? All-Inclusive rates from £207 per person per night and no single supplement. ■
Kwa-Zulu Natal Oaklands Country Manor Location: Oaklands Country Manor is a small, family-run country hotel between Johannesburg and Durban. High up on Van Reenan’s Pass, it boasts some spectacular views and is perfectly placed for the first stop on a self-drive from Johannesburg to Drakensberg. Accommodation: the hotel can accommodate 32 guests. It has five en-suite rooms facing the garden, four family suites that can accommodate four guests and the Hilltop House which sleeps six. 12
All about Southern & East Africa