‘The Times they are a-changin’ …and with the current situation as it is, probably a change is just what you need for your holiday plans.
Check out these great specials being offered at four top South African hotels and experience and enjoy (once everything is back to normal) – the bush, the Big Five and new adventures a Thanda Safari and Emdoneni Lodge, where your dream of a true African experience becomes a reality, one of the last unspoiled gems in the Cape, De Hoop Collection in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, the quirkiest of South African hotels The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, and Walkersons Hotel & Spa, renowned for its stylish country charm.
In the Cape
The funky 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, once an old power station, now one of the most unusual hotels in the country is situated on Thesen Islands in Knysna. Its accommodation comprises luxury hotel rooms, standard rooms, a honeymoon suite, a self-catering suite, and a semi-self – catering suite. It also has the Island Café Restaurant, the cosy Gastro Pub and the Turbine Water Club – which offers various water-based activities; and there’s The Turbine Spa which offers a wide range of body and beauty treatments.
The Turbine is offering these stunning Special rates for South Africans – for a 1- night stay at R1 330 per person; a minimum 2-night stay – R1 220 per person and a minimum 3-night stay – R1 110 per person (excluding Easter, Hillclimb and Oyster festival weekends 2020). These rates apply for direct bookings for a Standard room per person sharing and include breakfast. For bookings call reservations on 044 302 5746 or email [email protected]; for further information visit www.turbinehotel.co.za
De Hoop Collection, in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, is the perfect holiday destination for families, couples, groups, honeymooners and wedding parties, family reunions and birthday weekends and offers a wide range of accommodation types designed to suit all budgets. A comfortable three hour’s drive from Cape Town on the world-renowned Garden and Whale routes this is where you can enjoy one of the last unspoiled gems in the Cape by taking advantage of its new Stay in SA, Play in SA special for all South Africans which is valid until 31 August 2020. A 40% discount on all accommodation types, excluding meals and park fees (many self- catering units are available where you can self-isolate) and no minimum night-stays required. All specials subject to availability – excluding Easter and Event weekends. T’s & C’s apply. Booking is essential – phone 021-422 4522 or email [email protected], www.dehoopcollection.com
De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes.
and in Mpumalanga
Located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside, Walkersons Hotel & Spa an exclusive 5-star country house with 27 rooms – two of which, the Family and Manor Suites are suitable for families, and seven self-catering family cottages. Along with the unspoiled scenery, its luxurious Spa, and the chance to fly-fish in Dullstroom’s famous trout dams, one of Walkersons’ biggest attractions for both guests and day visitors is its delicious cuisine. Its traditional full breakfasts, light lunches, meals catering for adults and children and the famous Walkersons scones at teatime at the Terrace Restaurant, and the five-course dinners created by Walkersons celebrated chef at the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs awarded Walkersons Restaurant, all offer exceptional quality.
In these trying times, Walkersons Hotel & Spa takes pleasure in inviting all South Africans to take advantage of its exceptional Stay in SA Play in SA Specials – a whopping 50% midweek special (no minimum stay), and a 30% weekend special based on a two-night stay for hotel rooms. These specials are valid for stays between 1 April and 31 August 2020 (subject to availability). Set in the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga highlands with beautiful views, endless vistas, and unrivalled serenity, this is the place to be!
Reservations: 013 253 7000 I [email protected] I Facebook: Walkersons Hotel & Spa I Twitter: Walkersons Hotel; for information please visit www.walkerson.co.za
and in KwaZulu-Natal
Thanda Safari, an access-controlled private game reserve in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal ticks all the boxes – the perfect escape with 5-star luxury accommodation, service, food, nature, plus excellent all-year-round game viewing – absolutely amazing right now as both the elephant and lion are nursing their young ones – exceptional Big Five experiences, perfect warm weather, and fabulous family-friendly discount packages. Thanda’s SADC low season rates, applicable till end August 2020, include one child free of charge (if there are more than one the other child will pay less 50%) on ALL accommodation types. T&Cs
Its stunning 5-star luxury accommodation:
- the Tented Camp – 15 spacious colonial safari-style tents, all with a private viewing deck and en-suite canvas bathroom includes tented accommodation, two game drives per day with professional guide and tracker, all meals and selected local beverages and wifi in public areas. One child (6-16 years of age) can share a tent with two adults but regrettably, no children under the age of six can be accommodated at Thanda Tented Camp – from only R 2636 per adult sharing per night
- nine bush suites at Thanda Safari Lodge (two children under the age of 16 can share a suite with two adults) – only R4 929 per adult sharing per night
Thanda Safari is a fun destination for families with kids – aside from Big Five game drives and photographic safaris, there are activities specifically geared to children – the Bucks & Bugs Club, the Ranger Course and special bush walks can also be arranged for younger children. There is always something special at Thanda Safari – a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winners of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge.
Thanda Safari – [email protected], +27 (0) 32 586 0149, www.thandasafari.co.za
Emdoneni Lodge – nestled in the heart of Zululand, a two and a half hour’s drive north from Durban on the Elephant Coast, situated between two Big Five game reserves and the World Heritage site of the iSimangaliso Wetlands (greater St Lucia Wetlands) – is a privately owned, multi-award winning 3-star lodge that offers an exclusive, authentic and unforgettable African safari experience. With superb accommodation and impeccable service, it is the ideal place to enjoy the family school holidays. Emdoneni Lodge, together with Heritage & Safari Tours that offers specialised safaris and overnight budget-wise packages to all National Parks and Game Reserves in South Africa, has designed a stunning Stay in SA Play in SA Package:
Accommodation AND Activities for only R3 595 per person sharing (children from 3 to 12 years less 50% if sharing with parents)
- Three nights – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at Emdoneni Lodge
- Cat tour at Zululand Cat Conservation – where you can get up-close (but not personal) with endangered cats
- Full day excursion with Heritage Tours & Safaris – Bush or beach walk (depending on tides for Mission Rocks); a Game Drive and viewing en-route to Cape Vidal, a Picnic Lunch and refreshments at Cape Vidal with swimming; a Sunset Boat Cruise at Lake St Lucia (own transport to St Lucia)
Other add-ons include a spa, walks, 3-hour game drive to Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve, traditional Zulu dancing shows, hikes, safaris, whale watching (seasonal) and bird watching (regrettably no children under 3 permitted on game drive vehicles). T’s & C’s apply. ‘Touch the wild where the Waterberry grows’. Book now.
Emdoneni Lodge: Tel 🙁 +27) 35 562 7000/7001; Mobile: +27 (0)82 6576959; Fax: +27 (0)35 562 7001 or +27 (0)86 503 0739 / [email protected], www.emdonenilodge.com
https://www.facebook.com/emdonenilodge/;https://twitter.com/EmdoneniLodge; Ihttps://www.instagram.com/emdoneni/
Heritage Tours & Safaris: Bev – 035 590 1555; https://www.heritagetoursandsafaris.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Heritagetoursandsafaris/; https://twitter.com/Heritagesafaris/
Please note:
In keeping with protocols regarding the Coronavirus, all these properties are adhering to stringent health and safety cleaning protocols – the safety of their guests and staff being of the highest priority.
