Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve

It’s dusk when we arrive at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, the sun beginning to set beyond the distant purple mountains, the cool air descending. Our welcome at the lodge is warm and comforting and the walk to the reception area full of promise. I’m immediately distracted by the appealing décor, which effortlessly combines colonial grandeur with shabby chic to give a perfect Out of Africa feel.

The beautiful Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge was built in 1822 by Baron von Pletten, an early South African pioneer and conservationist, who used the original, smaller Lodge as his base to explore the then untamed African landscapes.

Built from local stone, the 10-suite lodge has lost little of its original style and is both romantic and luxurious with spectacular views across rolling lawns where zebra and antelope roam freely, to the indigenous forests and majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains in the distance … Continued

Romantic Special Offers …

Romantic Getaways

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, we have hand-picked a selection of romantic destinations throughout South Africa, offering Special Discounted Rates for the month of October through to mid-December 2009.

From quiet secluded cottages in the country, luxury game lodges in some of South Africa’s game rich areas to luxurious boutique hotels in the heart of our major cities, these great getaways are available at a lower price – just right for those of us watching our budgets … Continued

October Specials

West Coast in Bloom

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. Continued

Specials in September 2009

Bushwillow, Hluhluwe

Every month we bring you a few budget savers that prove it’s more affordable than ever to treat yourself to a well deserved break. This month is no exception.

As we’re celebrating Adventures in South Africa in September, we thought we’d bring you special offers from hotels, lodges and other accommodation establishments which also offer adventure activities on site. Think fishing, game activities, kloofing, hiking and lots more … Continued

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Booking eco-friendly accommodation in South Africa doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on comfort (though South Africa does offer a number of camping options should you want to “rough it”).

More and more establishments in South Africa are adopting eco-friendly principles on varying scales. Whether subscribing to “green values”, “sustainable or responsible tourism” or going the whole “eco-tourism” hog, you can support accommodation establishments that are trying to make a difference here in South Africa. Continued

Karkloof Spa – Ecology and Wildlife Management

Article by Karkloof Spa, Natal Midlands

Karkloof Spa

At Karkloof Spa we are proud to be custodians of an extraordinarily beautiful piece of land. It is one which reflects changing moods and colour palettes, according to the seasons, and which supports a large variety of plants, mammals, birds, insects, fish and other creatures. Unfortunately, as is the case with most natural areas, it has fallen victim to encroaching plants, most of them alien to this landscape; and to periods in the past, of overgrazing, frequent burning and inadequate environmental management.

For the past seven years, two experts in ecology and wildlife management have provided guidance on correct management techniques. A major component of this management has been the employment of a large team of people in removing alien plants from the property. Continued

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability at Mosaic Farm

Mosaic Farm

“The term ‘green’ certainly can be misused”, says Kathryn Johnson of Mosaic Farm, one of the few true eco-tourism establishments in South Africa. Surrounded by the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay Beach and the majestic Overberg Mountains, Mosaic Farm (near Stanford) perfectly blends the glories of nature with fine country living and superb South African cuisine and wine.

“Many businesses claim eco-friendliness”, continues Kathryn. “It’s a term often used very loosely as a marketing mantra, but without following the fundamentals of environmental integrity, social justice and economic development, claims can be empty.” Continued

Teniqua Treetops in the Forest Canopy

Teniqua Treetops

It is not often that one is invited to sleep, eat and wash high up in a wild, indigenous forest canopy, surrounded by mountains, bird song, butterflies and, well not much else really. But the tented tree house resort set in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains right in the heart of the Garden Route does just that.

Not only does this pretty, tented treehouse destination lie roughly 23 kilometres outside of the equally attractive village of Sedgefield, but by all accounts a visit here is ‘quietly life-changing’. It is also one of few truly eco-friendly venues. Continued