Discover... thebeacon travel guide
South Africa - Cape of good holidays!
Julie Gundry, Bespoke Vacations
When Autumn begins and the days get shorter, the weather in Cape Town and along the Garden Route is perfect. This part of South Africa has so much to offer as a holiday destination with the bonus of no jetlag! There is something for all ages and tastes either within the vibrant city of Cape Town, among the stunning scenery of the Garden Route or at one of the family-friendly game reserves.
South Africa is a wonderful destination all year round, but the weather is particularly favourable between October and March. July and August are cooler and provide ideal conditions to view game and experience breath-taking whale-watching.
Cape Town is the perfect place to begin your African adventure. On a clear day, a trip to the top of Table Mountain will be rewarded with panoramic views of the bay along with sightings of rock rabbits scurrying along the mountain ledges! At the lively V & A Waterfront, there is a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops to suit all tastes and an aquarium. You can catch a boat trip from the Waterfront to Robben Island, no longer a place of imprisonment (Nelson Mandela spent more than 25 years incarcerated here), but a World Heritage Site. Further out of the city, the drive around Cape Point provides stunning views of the Ocean and an opportunity to see the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Finally, dine at Camp’s Bay while watching the sun set with the Twelve Apostles providing a spectacular backdrop.
In terms of accommodation Cape Town offers an excellent choice from luxury five star hotels to stylish self catered apartments.
The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is the ideal family getaway, situated further along the coast within a 2,000 acre nature reserve overlooking the bay.
Grootbos offers a children’s programme with activities including excursions to the beach and rock pools, abseiling, trips through the reserve and riding lessons. These options, along with babysitting services and children’s menus make this an excellent family choice. There is also plenty for the adults too, including sea trips in a custom built whale-watching boat. These trips enable you to admire huge sea bird colonies, the nesting grounds of the rare african penguin and watch the antics of the sixty thousand strong Cape Fur Seal colony. While dolphins are playing in the wake of your boat you hold your breath hoping for the awesome spectacle of a Great White shark breaking the water’s surface. After all this excitement you can relax and enjoy the excellent cuisine and five star hospitality offered at Grootbos.
For a first experience of game viewing, Shamwari Game Reserve is an ideal choice. This malaria free, private reserve situated in the Eastern Cape has received numerous international awards for its conservation work.
A typical day at Shamwari begins with an early drive through the reserve accompanied by an experienced, knowledgable guide followed by breakfast at a river camp. There is then time to relax by the pool and enjoy lunch before the evening drive, during which you may experience the incredible sight of a pride of lions with their cubs. The drive ends watching the sun go down enjoying a cool refreshing drink. It’s then back for a quick shower before swapping stories over dinner!
A typical two week break including Cape Town and Game Reserve costs in the region of £2,000 per person, with children’s prices varying dependant upon accomodation and room configuration. Direct flights are available.
Email: bespokelifestyle@sky.com
Telephone: 07971 013008
www.bespokelifestyle.org.uk
