South Africa's first golf course was built in Cape Town in 1882, today there are over 500. Yet it's not the quantity, but mainly the quality and the fantastic locations of the courses that makes South Africa a top destination for golfers. A very special highlight in the selection of the most beautiful golf courses is the Pezula Championship Golf Course in Knysna, designed by Ron Fream and David Dale. The fact that you can find one of the most beautiful hotels with an exquisite restaurant and a top-class spa next door makes this remarkable resort a paradise for non-golfers too... Golf Hotel Pezula
Safari South Africa - Kruger National Park:
PROTECTION OF ANIMALS IN A BIG WAY
With a total area the size of Belgium, the Kruger National Park, for many the perfect example of an African nature reserve, covers a considerable part of Mpumalanga. More than 140 types of mammals roam free in this reserve, with more than another 500 species of birds and a large number of reptiles and insects. As part of South Africa's efforts to encourage green, close-to-nature tourism, first-class private reserves such as The Sabi Sand Game Reserve have been set up in areas bordering this state-owned reserve. A few but very high-quality safari lodges have been built here, which are available only to a very limited number of guests... more about Safari Lodges in the Kruger National Park
Nostalgia on rails - Round Trip Africa:
WITH ROVOS RAIL THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA
Romantic travel in fantastic luxury accommodation on wheels is what Rovos Rail stands for with its stylishly fitted and perfectly restored railway carriages from the twenties and thirties. From the private colonial-style railway station in the north of Pretoria, you travel to Cape Town, to a safari through Swaziland or via Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls. With 36 elegant suites, Rovos Rail has room for a maximum of 72 passengers, who can be pampered with exquisite dishes and the finest South Africa wines in the two luxury dining cars. Travelling with Rovos Rail is a really particularly beautiful, comfortable and exclusive way to experience South Africa... more about Rovos Rail South Africa.
Catharina Ustings, a native of Lubeck in Germany, established South Africa's oldest wine-growing estate in 1682. Some of the south african wines made here are today considered to be top-class products by wine experts. The splendid manor house with its four outbuildings is classified as an historical monument. Nestling between vineyards in the breathtaking landscape of Constantia Valley, this venerable estate houses the most elegant country hotel in the Cape region. Gourmets appreciate the lavish restaurant, which, with its excellent cuisine and famous wine cellar, is one of the best in Cape Town... more about Steenberg Hotel South Africa.
The best time to visit the pretty coastal town of Hermanus is definitely during the South African winter. From May to December, the long stretch of Walker Bay is a playground for numerous whales that come here to mate and calf. Around this time, Hermanus even uses the services of a special "whale-crier" to announce the whales' arrival. You'll have a really beautiful top-class seat from which to watch them on the terrace of the enchanting Birkenhead House, and, there, too, you can let yourself be pampered in a wonderful way... more about Hotels Garden Route & Overberg.
