100% Africa !

Situated in the tranquil established suburbs of Kimberley, Carrington Lodge offers warm hospitality, delicious English Breakfasts and immaculate attention to detail and of course, service. You are invited to relive the essence of the Colonial era in the historical town of Kimberley. Relax in spacious gardens surrounding the pool and lapa, where the lapa area offers protected braai facilities enabling visitors to enjoy barbeques during any weather type. With fifteen en-suite bedrooms, each with their own separate entrance onto a beautiful colonial style verandah, relax with satellite TV and home comforts. To keep the temperature to your liking, there are ceiling fans and air conditioners available, and in the winter, if you’re feeling the nip in the air, all rooms are also equipped with heaters and electric blankets. Look forward to enjoying a pre-dinner drink in the cozy bar and guest lounge which has a TV and a fireplace, where you can put your feet up in a relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast baskets are offered as an alternative for those who’d like to get on the road early, but then full English or continental breakfasts are served daily. As well as home cooked dinners, prepared on request during week nights. You can also be assured of the number of diverse venues and historical sites in and around authentic Kimberley, for example the Famous Big Hole & Village Museum. Be sure to be in contact with one of the specialist tourist operators for more detail. For more information, click here

Colesburg Overnight is close to the van der Kloof dam and the Doornkloof Nature Reserve, with animals like kudu, brown hyena, mountain Reedbuck, steenbuck, grey duiker, bat-eared fox, aardvark and the aardwolf, is where a place called Colesberg is found. An ideal stop over, between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the deviation off the N1, you’ll find is shorter than the N1 and you have no trucks to contend with either. Enjoy a night or few at the Starry Nights Karoo Cottages. A lovely little village for those wanting to escape from the city for a few days, for those wanting to enjoy the silence, the closeness to nature, stargazing, bird watching, no traffic… the list continues. This is definitely a quintessential town, if ever there was one. Having a rich history, with not only it being the oldest settlement in the Free State, it was established as a mission in 1823, it is also the centre of the old Griqua captaincies and was caught up in the events of the Boer War. Philippolis is in the centre of South Africa. There are many attractions one can take part in, the Laurence van der Post Memorial Centre, this memorial centre is the first tourist attraction as tourists enter the town of Philippolis. However the best probably is the experience one will get when visiting the tiger experience at John Varty’s Tiger Canyons Game Drives and Concert. Going out in a 4×4 vehicle, designed with a cage, means you’re the caged animal and the tigers are free, and yes, this does mean that they will more than likely jump up on the vehicle. For more accommodation options in the Northern Cape, click here

For many people, a true African experience includes a visit to a Guest Game Farm. This particular Guest Farm is situated on the border of Botswana and is owned and managed by Frikkie and Ans Du Preez. This is a place where you can relax and unwind and enjoy the bush and experience a true safari during your visit.
The accommodation offered, provides you with plenty of comfort ranging from luxury en-suites rooms which are adjacent to the main farm house or the detached thatched chalets which offer additional privacy for guests. Campsites are available if you favor a more traditional experience of tenting or caravanning. All the usual amenities which are expected from a campsite are accessible such as, braai facilities, hot and cold running water, electricity and a communal camp fire.
For a more primitive experience, one also has the option of camping at the Boma Bush Kraal Camp, where no luxuries are accessible; it is just you and the bush, sleeping under the stars. The benefits of this spectacular location are the views of the Molopo River, as well as the picturesque sand dunes of Botswana, which are in my opinion, breathtaking. You will also have the opportunity to witness some spectacular sunsets, which will be a great conclusion to the day. If all the fresh air and bush life still does not tire you, then there are plenty of activities to explore, such as, day and night game drives, bird watching, donkey carts, horseback riding, hiking trails and bike trails. For further Northern Cape accommodation.

When it comes to self catering, the majority of people enjoy staying at a place which ‘feels’ like home, a place where one can sit back and relax without the hassle of worrying about making your bed, doing the dishes or tidying up the children’s mess. The Islandview house is a home away from home, and here is where you will most definitely find the time to relax in a private tranquil haven where luxurious amenities are made available to you, such as a large swimming pool, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Islandview house is located on the banks of the Orange River, so be sure to enjoy plenty of picturesque sunsets echoed with the call of the fish eagle, retiring for the night. For those who prefer to do some leisurely activities, there are plenty scenic activities that include a trip to Augrabies waterfalls, a seasonal flower show and a nature park. For the more adventurous dare devils at heart, fill your day with a micro lighting flight, a boat ride or some water skiing, which is a must. On site staff are hands on and go the extra mile for each and every request, whether you need a rugby game taped whilst you are out on your adventures, or perhaps are in need to have a lunch packed for the family’s outing the next day, no task is to big. Personal service is hard to find in a hotel, that’s why the majority of people enjoy staying at a Bed and Breakfast, as it is more relaxed and less ostentatious than a hotel. The Islandview house is comfortable as well as memorable, and most definitely offers an unexpected experience. For more accommodation options in the area, click here

If you’re looking for a short break away from the stresses of everyday life, like a long weekend with friends, then I’d suggest you pay Benmore Lodge a visit. Situated on the Kei River in the Kei Mouth, this has got to be one of South Africa’s best kept holiday secrets. With wide clean beaches that are fringed with dunes that lead inland into sub-tropical bushveld and fynbos, you are one step away from whichever you choose. What I like best about this little Lodge, is that they cater for big parties, like a 21st, or a small intimate party. You don’t have to pay a fortune for good service and your guests don’t have to worry about getting back when they can just spend the night. It has something to offer the family as well, allowing children to be one with nature. It is nestled in the typical Transkei rural scenery, with scattered dwellings in the distant rolling Transkei hills. You won’t get bored when visiting BenmoreLodge, that you can be assured of, with the amazing variety of bird life to enjoy bird watching. Or game viewing with game like eland, impala, bontebok, kudu, bushbuck, wildebeest, zebra, and yes, the list does continue! Really, next time you and a bunch of friends feel like getting away for a long weekend, take advantage of the opportunity, and spend it at Benmore Lodge in the Kei Mouth on the Kei River.

Located on a peninsula at the northern tip of the island, the breathtaking view over the islets of the north coast and the Port Louis Mountain range is spectacular. The authentic Mauritian atmosphere is set off with overtones of African and Oriental décor. The Le Canonnier Hotel is set in seven hectares of tropical garden with relics of the past, a lighthouse, ruins of ancient fortifications and old cannons.
A unique feature is its two completely separate beaches, giving guests a different view of the panoramic seascape from where they choose to relax. And a big attraction is the Wellness Centre built in the branches of a centuries old Banyan tree. With rustic stone steps leading you up to the treatment cabins looking out onto peaceful pools and outdoor relaxation areas, relaxation is what you’re guaranteed to find.
Le Canonnier’s proximity to Grand Bay makes access too easy for shopping and enjoying the international atmosphere at many restaurants and bars. Grand Bay is also the departure point for many attractive excursions by boat.
With the rooms being built in crescents, either overlooking the lush, tropical grounds and swimming pool, or the beach and sea, staying indoors is a thing of the past. Individually controlled air-conditioning, minbar, electronic safe and telephone, TV with satellite channels do make it a little bit hard to choose though.
In the standard rooms, you’ll find that the garden facing rooms each have a shower, basin and toilet; whilst the sea facing rooms have a bath, basin and toilet with a shower in the bath. In the Superior rooms, the newer rooms have a separate shower while the original superior rooms have a shower in the bath. In the family duplexes, there are split level rooms which accommodate two adults and three children. The main room is downstairs and a staircase leads to the open-plan loft bedroom.
The Garden facing family apartments however, consist of two bedrooms, their own bathroom and TV with separate channels. The main room opens onto a spacious terrace area. The Suites? Well there’s no denying, these have got to be the best yet. There are four luxury suites located at the end of the northern crescent, naturally for more privacy. Then there is an open plan bedroom and lounge area.
Enjoy fine cuisine from the two restaurants available to choose from, Le Frangipanier, the main restaurant set under thatch in the garden adjacent to the pool, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here in a tropical environment. And live cooking stations are a highlight!
There’s also the Le Navigator – which romantics are guaranteed to choose this secluded restaurant overlooking the beach. Open for lunch and dinner daily, guests may choose a set menu or a la carte dish.

Choose from only the best when travelling to Mauritius, as it offers only the best!

At the White Lodge Constantia Guest House, you’ll find the V&A Waterfront and City Centre just 15 minutes away. Take a trip to Robben Island, visit the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years! Sure to be a learning experience like no other. My personal favourite though, has always been and always will be the beach and the views. Walk along the Atlantic or Indian Ocean, or simply set out a blanket with a glass of wine in hand, and where better a place to do it than the region of the winelands. Listen to the crashing of the waves, breathe in the deep salt scent and simply laze enjoying the sun. What more could a person ask for? If you’re a golf enthusiast, there are golf courses 10 to 50 minutes away, depending on which courses you’d like to be challenged on. And then of course, there’s the food. Cape Town is home to a wide variety of excellent restaurants presenting a range of cuisine from fresh Mediterranean flavours to exotic Asian spices, local Cape Malay dishes and tradition African meals. But again, the nature and beauty of this splendid town, the amazing views from this beautiful little lodge, are without doubt the way to go. I could honestly pack a little picnic basket, find myself a nice shady spot beneath one of the enormous trees in the garden, with book and wine in hand, admire the mountains in the distance, enjoy the absolute peace surrounding me and maybe even have a little nap.

When one decides to go away for a short break, you usually want to go somewhere quiet, quaint, somewhere with spectacular scenery, somewhere you can enjoy relaxing and not feel pressurized to do anything specific, meet anyone specific or go anywhere that you can’t say is not a touristy place. This amazing little guest lodge in the heart of Noordhoek, describes the above requirements absolutely perfectly, with a dash of cinnamon for the flavour on top. A stunning little lodge, with 6 different suite types to choose from, it’s probably the hardest decision you’ll have to make. Oh, that along with the type of food you’re looking for the choice of tour you’re wanting. Wild Rose Lodge have taken the time to put together specialised tours for each of their guests, which intrigued me as not many lodges take the time to do this. I love their way of making each of their guests feel right extremely spoilt by helping you make your every decision, cause admit it, when you go on holiday, thinking about certain things is something you just don’t want to do! So next time you’re looking for that break away, where you can simply put your feet up and just relax, think about booking yourself some time with Wild Rose Lodge, I can promise you it won’t be a decision you’ll regret.

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, Bantry Bay and Sea Point are the places to be. Known for their near perfect climate and exclusive neighbourhoods, holidaying here are obvious choices. What makes these areas great, is that they are sheltered by Signal Hill so they’re protected from the wind which make them perfect for long summer days and stunning nights. Adding to this, the sparkling Atlantic is at its feet, and with the Lions Head complimenting the background, choosing to stay at the Sunshine Letting Self Catering Apartments is a very good idea when travelling. Furnished and decorated by an interior designer, you can’t help but feel away from home, but surrounded by the comforts of an upmarket establishment. Rest assured that the furnishings are of the highest quality with very modern design. For entertainment, look no further. With a large swimming pool and gym, you’re sure to be kept busy for a while. Don’t worry about packing too many clothes, there’s a laundry available too. And if this doesn’t keep your senses satisfied, there’s the Waterfront and Camps Bay to explore, with many world class restaurants and shopping centres. Clifton Beaches are a 5 minute drive from the apartments. There’s also the Seapoint promenade which invites you for an evening stroll, watching the sun setting. You’ll find these apartments within walking distance of the Villa Sunshine Guesthouse in Sea Point. For further accommodation options in and around Cape Town….click here

On a recent holiday trip to Cape Town, my friend and I were pleasantly met with not only the beauty of Cape Town itself, but also of the amazing accommodation that was set out before us. As most people know, Cape Town is a land of beauty. The mountain is mainly what makes this town what it is and there isn’t a moment where you’ll find yourself looking for something to keep you busy. Known as the “Jewel of Africa”, it surely has every conceivable aspect for tourists around the world. From the majestic mountains and the pristine beaches, to the world-class restaurants it hosts. Not to forget the wine farms. My friend and I wanted to get away for the weekend and this magnificent city was our choice of destination. Staying at what is to be considered a premier location, Villa Capri is situated on a Beach Road in Mouille Point. What makes it wonderful is that we were within walking distance of the renowned V&A Waterfront, and there is golf course and tennis court behind the apartment. The sliding windows in the apartment embrace the excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean, no doubt one of the biggest highlights ever! You can clearly see Robben and Dassen Island so you won’t even think about the TV that is available for use unless you really have to stay in due to bad weather, and the chances of that happening are not likely. My friend and I had one of the best weekends at this apartment in Cape Town ever, definitely a holiday venue to revisit. For more accommodation options in Cape Town, South Africa