With tourism steadily growing in South Africa over the past few years, and with the dollar and euro doing well against the rand, luxury lodges, large and small, are doing a brisk business. From beautiful Cape Town, the most visited city in South Africa, to Kruger National Park, famous for its big game safaris, hi-end luxury lodging is a fast growing market.
The Spier Estate is one of South Africa’s premiere wine estates and wedding destinations. The lodge is made up of 32 buildings grouped around six private courtyards with 155 rooms–including four suites and nine villa rooms. Each room has a fireplace, antique furnishings and a luxurious bathroom. The Spier Estate has an award-winning golf course, five restaurants and is a great place to sample South African’s finest wines. Trips to Cape Town, the town of Stellenbosch, located in the heart of wine country, and encounters with cheetahs at the cheetah outreach program, located at Spier, are just a few of the activities offered. Rates begin at $155 dollars per night per person. Information and package rates available at [email protected].
The Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, a four-time-winner of the “Best Game Lodge in Southern Africa” by the Diners Club ASATA Travel Awards, operates three distinct eco-tourism lodges in Kruger National Park: All three lodges offer all-suite, luxury accommodations: Bush Lodge (25 suites) Earth Lodge (13 suites) and Selati Lodge (8 suites). Earth Lodge — the newest Sabi Sabi lodge, offers private butlers, private plunge pools and a health spa. Managing Director Patrick Shorten, explains the Sabi Sabi philosophy: “Our lodges mirror yesterday, today and tomorrow. Yesterday is found at Selati Camp with its early colonial style look and feel of times gone by. Today’s contemporary warmth and vibrancy is found at Bush Lodge, while tomorrow is depicted by the groundbreaking Earth Lodge with its minimalist design and avant-garde look.”
Rates begin at $550 dollars a night. Price includes two safari drives, room and all meals, soft drinks and house wines and transfer from local airport. Reservations at [email protected]
Hans Merensky Hotel, known for its one-of-a-kind 18-hole golf course where elephants, hippos and even lions are seen crossing the course, offers the perfect blend of the golf/safari experience. There are 34 lodge rooms, 19 golf perimeter chalets, and 32 deluxe chalets. There is also a private bush lodge away from the main hotel with ten private chalets. Night animal drives, boat cruises, bush walks and day trips to Kruger National Park are daily activities offered. Rooms begin at $80 dollars per person per night with breakfast. Group rates available. Contact [email protected]
Far & Wide Tours specializes in South Africa with offices in the USA and Canada, and can create a custom tour for one person or groups. 1-800-387-2706.
For flights to South Africa contact South Africa Airways.
