Retreats Of Africa

From the cape to the forest

ENLARGE MAP

Day 1 - Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town where your private driver will transfer you to the award-winning Cape Grace Hotel (picture 2) which sits on its own private quay on the world-famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Classically inspired from the exterior, gracefully elegant within, this stylish 121 room hotel epitomises the enchanting allure of Cape Town - unquestionably one of the world's most beautiful cities. Cape Grace's renowned charm lies in its intimate atmosphere and its warm personalised hospitality. It was voted 'best hotel in the world' in the Conde Nast Traveller 2000 Readers' Choice Awards. You will enjoy 3 nights here.

Days 2 & 3 - Cape Town

Wake up to a fabulous vista of Cape Town - each of the guest rooms at Cape Grace has French doors opening out to exquisite views of Table Mountain, the yacht basin or the working harbour. After breakfast, take a stroll through the vibrant waterfront or laze by the hotel's pool. Cape Grace's Bascule Bar, right on the water's edge, is a great place for an alfresco lunch accompanied by a chilled glass of Cape wine whilst in the evening, the hotel's contemporary One.Waterfront Restaurant combines casual sophistication and superb regional cuisine with spectacular views of Table Mountain. A rental car will be delivered on your first morning. (B)

Day 4 - Hermanus

Leave Cape Town today and follow the beaches and coves of the Atlantic Ocean coastline around the Cape Peninsula and through Gordons Bay (just under 2 hours drive) to Hermanus - the 'whale watching capital' of South Africa which sits on the shores of beautiful Walker Bay. Between July to November each year, nature lovers from all over the world come to Hermanus to witness the sighting of the magnificent Southern Right Whales as they enter these sheltered coastal waters to calve. Your destination for the next 3 nights is Birkenhead House (picture 3)  - a delightful coastal retreat perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus. Decorated to reflect the beauty of its seaside setting, Birkenhead House is adorned with rare maritime antiques. It is named after a British troop ship which sank in Walker Bay in 1852. No expense has been spared in making this the ultimate coastal escape. Each of the eight beautifully appointed sea facing suites enjoys expansive views across Walker Bay. You will enjoy world class cuisine (seafood delicacies are naturally a speciality) and all meals are included in your stay. (B,D)

Days 5 & 6 - Hermanus

Rise early to follow one of the spectacular mountain trails or cliff path walks. Hermanus also has two superb swimming beaches, both of which are just a stone's throw away. Birkenhead House has a dual-level swimming pool, a gym and a spa - but you may prefer just to sit back and absorb the fresh sea air of this stunning coastal setting. (B,L,D)

Days 7 & 8 - Paarl, Winelands

Head to the rolling vineyards of the Winelands today and make your way to historic Paarl which lies cradled in the picturesque and fertile Berg River Valley, between the second largest granite outcrop in the world and the towering Du Toitskloof Mountains. Paarl (which takes its name from a granite rock formation, which, at a certain position of the sun, shines like a pearl) is one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa, dating back over 300 years to when the émigré French Huguenots and Dutch setters first arrived. They brought their architectural and agricultural savoir faire with them - and they left their mark. Enjoy 2 nights at Paarl's intimately stylish Grande Roche Estate Hotel - a lovingly restored Cape Dutch Manor House which still stands today as the centre-piece of a thriving vineyard. Set on a gentle slope overlooking vines and rugged mountains, Grande Roche epitomises luxury and quiet elegance. Its award-winning Bosman's Restaurant ranks amongst the world's best for its superb service, gourmet cuisine and well-stocked wine cellar of 300 vintage wines. (B)

Day 9 - Kruger National Park

Head back to Cape Town airport today for your early morning flight to Hoedspruit - gateway to the northern region of the Kruger National Park where you will be met and transferred in an open 4WD safari vehicle to the exclusive Royal Malewane Game Lodge (picture 4) for your 3 night stay. This intimate safari lodge relives the colonial days of Africa with sophisticated 'respect for Mother Nature' style. Each of the six private suites, which boast open air thatched gazebos and private plunge pools, blends discreetly with the Acacia trees and surrounding bush - this is a place to enjoy the solitude and stillness of Africa. (B,D)

Days 10 & 11 - Kruger National Park

Spend the next two days enjoying superb cuisine, a highly personalised service and one of the best game viewing experiences in Africa - and after an exhilarating day in the wilds of the African bush, retreat to your suite and allow one of the in-house therapists to pamper you with a soothing massage before dinner. All meals and game drives are included in your stay. (B,L,D)

Days 12 & 13 - Mpumalanga

Following an early morning game drive, board your awaiting helicopter for a spectacular 'Mountain Magic' scenic flight over the gorges and valleys of Mpumalanga - enroute to your next destination -Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa. Fly over Blyde River Canyon and the old gold mining outpost of Pilgrim's Rest before landing on a remote mountain top for a champagne picnic lunch. The helicopter will finally set you down deep in the heart of Mpumalanga at Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa (picture 5)  where you will enjoy 2 nights in a secluded cottage with breakfast and dinner included. (B,D)

Day 14 - Johannesburg

Fly to Johannesburg today to await your onward overnight international flight back to the UK. (B)