October Specials

In celebration of Spring and all that the coming Summer months offer us, we’ve put together a list of specials in destinations offering something “summery”. All specials listed below are valid for the month of October 2009 (unless otherwise specified) and are subject to availability.

The first thought of Spring brings to mind the Namaqualand Daisies. Traditionally one thinks of the Northern Cape, but the Cape West Coast also plays host to spring’s most magnificent bouquet and it’s just an hour or two outside of Cape Town.

Whispering Whale Guest House in Jacobsbaai (known as the Namaqualand of the West Coast) offers a 15% discount on stays of 3 midweek nights or a 10% discount on a 2 night weekend. These self catering apartments are an ideal base from which to explore this unspoilt coastline and its quaint fishing villages.

Aloe Cottage (Darling) offers a 3rd night free when staying 2 midweek nights. The fully equipped self catering cottage which sleeps up to 6 people has magnificent views over Darling’s rolling hills and farmlands to the distant mountains. Though you may visit Darling for its spectacular wildflowers, it has many other secrets to entice visitors, including (but certainly not limited to) Evita se Perron, theatre / cabaret venue of well-known South African satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys.

Though you may have missed the Hermanus Whale Festival, the whales don’t just pack up and move on as the event draws to a close. You still have a month or two to enjoy this magnificent spectacle. Why not take a few days off and enjoy some land-based whale watching at a pace more suited to these gentle giants. The Cape Whale Coast is predominantly made up of the coastal Overberg towns (Hermanus, De Kelders and Gansbaai are best known for whale-watching), but stretches West to Cape Town’s False Bay and East along the Garden Route.

3 Flavours Guest House (Pringle Bay), with sublime sea and mountain panoramas, is offering 2 special offers until the end of November. Stay Friday to Sunday at discounted rates or stay 5 nights and only pay for 4. Either option includes a 5% discount on a whale watching tour in Hermanus.

Kleinmond Panorama (Kleinmond) has a year-round long stay special with a 1% discount on stays of 3 nights or longer. These self catering units offer 180 degree views of the main beach, lagoon and mountain and are only a 2 minute walk from the beach and only 20 minutes’ drive from Hermanus.

Overzee Guest House (Mossel Bay) offers 10% off stays of 3 nights or longer. Watch the whales and dolphins play from your balcony at this log home situated in a nature conservancy. Children over 6 years are welcome.

Nagenoeg Beach Cottage (Herold’s Bay) is offering discounts of 10-20% off depending on length of stay. This private self catering cottage sleeps up to 5 people and is set right on the beachfront with magnificent sea views and direct access to a sandy beach and tidal pool.

Halcyon House (Plettenberg Bay) offers discounts of 5-15% off depending on length of stay. This 4 star guesthouse is situated in a quiet position close to renowned Robberg Beach, and offers sea and mountain views. Boat-based whale watching excursions are available  from Ocean Encounters in Plettenberg Bay.

As a long winter finally draws to a close, we’re all yearning for beach weather. It might not be warm enough to start swimming yet, but a long walk on our sandy shores is good for the soul and some water-sports are definitely on the cards again. There is too much coastline to mention all of the specials available, but here are a few that stand out.

In the Western Cape:

Villa Atlantica (Camps Bay) offers a 4th night free of charge when staying 3 nights.
The Long Beach Hotel (Kommetjie) offers a 3rd night free of charge when staying 2 nights.
Seagetaway Self Catering Cottage (Simons Town) is offering discounted rates on stays of 2 nights or longer.

In KwaZulu Natal:

White Shores Guest House (Southbroom) offers 15-20% off depending on length of stay.
Botha House (Pennington) is offering a free night on stays of 3 nights or longer in celebration of their 1st anniversary.
La Loggia Bed & Breakfast (Umhlanga) offers your 4th night at half price.

Winter is the dry season in most of the country, particularly in South Africa’s game rich provinces. The Spring and Summer rains herald rebirth here with grasses growing tall and animals birthing their calves, cubs or pups. This makes Spring a great time for game viewing.

In KwaZulu Natal:

Bushwillow (Hluhluwe) offers 10-20% off depending on length of stay.
Thanda Private Game Reserve (Hluhluwe) is offering discounted rates on stays of 4 nights or longer.
Mkuze Falls Game Lodge (Mkuze) offers your partner’s stay at half price if you stay 2 nights or longer.

In Mpumlanga:

Bushwise Safari Lodge (Marloth Park) is offering a special 3 night safari package, which includes a full day safari in Kruger Park.
Protea Hotel Kruger Gate (Skukuza) is offering reduced rates on stays of 2 nights or longer.

In Limpopo Province:

Botsebotse Bush Retreat (Bela Bela) offers a 4th night free of charge, when staying 3 nights.
Itaga Private Game Lodge (Bela Bela) is offering a special 3 night package.

In the North West Province:

Bakubung, Kwa Maritane and Tshukudu, all Pilanesberg, are offering discounted rates until the end of the year.