The not-to-be-missed Namaqualand flowers!

Seeing the flowers!!

Visitors can enjoy self-catering accommodation at the Skilpad Rest Camp or enjoy various camping options along the coast. The main entrance, reception, administrative offices and prime accommodation are all at Skilpad. During the flower season, in spring, they host a temporary luxury camp at the coast that is run by a private operator.

Part of the semi-desert Succulent Karoo biome, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. When compared to regions with similar semi-arid environments, the richness of this biome is exceptional.

During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed in to a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers that draw visitors from around the country and from abroad. 

The Devon Hotel - South Africa

Devon detour

Devon Valley is one of Stellenbosch’s best-kept secrets, both scenically and viticulturally. Vines have flourished here since the 18th century and it has an enviable reputation, not only for the red wines produced here, but also as a source of premium grapes.

The Devon Valley Detour offers an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Devon Valley. Experience the abundance of flavours and renowned wines of the Vintners of Devon Valley, read more here.

Whiskey, Wine and food pairings

The Devon Valley Hotel is surrounded by its own working SylvanVale Vineyards that produce handmade boutique style wines that are only available for sale to guests to the property. Gourmet Food and SylvanVale wine pairing are available all year round either in Flavours Restaurant or on a smaller sample tasting scale of Flavours food canapés and a flight of three SylvanVale wines.

The Cedarwood Lounge & Bar is home to one of the most definitive collections of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in South Africa and is frequented by self-confessed Whisky lovers from all over the globe. Whisky tastings and pairing menus are also available and presents the perfect opportunity for Whisky and food lovers to indulge in these simple pleasures while visiting the Stellenbosch Winelands.

Golfing in the fields

From its location in a beautiful and peaceful corner of the Devon Valley, just outside Stellenbosch, The Devon Valley Hotel offers golfers the ideal home-base from which to explore the surrounding area and play some of the best golf courses in the Western Cape. Within an easy driving distance radius of 10 to 30 minutes from the hotel, golfers can enjoy a choice of at least eight excellent golf estates. The options within this radius are DevonVale, De Zalze, Pearl Valley and Erinvale to name a few.

Visit the wine route

Wine lover or not, a visit to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must as the region is one of breathtaking vistas and majestic mountain backdrops while being steeped in rich culture and history. Rolling vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch homesteads await you, as well as award-winning wine farms offering some of the country’s best wines.

The Winelands are divided into various regions, each offering their own ‘wine route’. The most popular and well-known are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl. Not to be forgotten are the highly acclaimed wine estates in the Constantia Valley. Also located in beautiful surroundings with stunning mountain backdrops, the Constantia Valley boasts some of the oldest estates and homesteads along with award-winning wines.

Sun, Surf and sand

As The Devon Valley Hotel is situated in the very heart of the Winelands region and uniquely positioned in its own working SylvanVale Vineyard, guests find themselves surrounded by lush gardens and vineyards and basically everything that celebrates the fine art of wine making. If however, they wish to enjoy a day out on the beach, it is only an easy 20 kilometre’s drive to the nearest beach at Strand (about 20-25 minutes’ drive).

A further 5 kilometres along the coast is Gordon’s Bay and the ever popular Bikini Beach, adjacent to the harbour and yacht club. Boating and fishing can be done from the harbour and swimming in Gordon’s Bay’s beach area is probably the safest of all the False Bay beaches. Guests can enjoy long, leisurely walks along the Strand beach or opt for the more active beach activity options of swimming, boogie-boarding, surfing, paddle-skiing, kite-surfing and sailing.

Whale watching in Hermanus

Approximately an hour and a half from Devon Valley is the seaside town of Hermanus. Hermanus is hailed as offering the best land-based whale watching in the world. From May onwards Southern Right Whales pay homage to these warm, shallow waters in order to calf their young and to mate. The best time for whale watching is between August and November and at this time the bay is dotted with whales.

Romantic Gataways

1.Blue Train bliss


Incorporating The Blue Train into a honeymoon on its route between Pretoria and Cape Town gives a  couple 31 hours of cocooning in luxury with a butler service, brunch, high tea, dinner and breakfast, an off-train excursion and accommodation in a plush compartment with en-suite bathroom.

2.Night skies the star of the show


Romance is found at a number of Sanctuary Retreats properties, among them Sanctuary Baines’ Camp bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. Here honeymooners can bathe under the stars and then go on to sleep in the open, under cover of night.

3.Safari and spa accent at Summerfields


Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa, near Hazyview and 10km from the Kruger National Park’s Phabeni Gate, is offering honeymooners a four-night package with one night free and a number of complimentary inclusions.

4.Secluded beaches in Mozambique


The dunes behind Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique provide an opportunity to take a romantic walk on the beach to a new level.

5.Sabi Sands intimacy


With only 10 comfortable chalets, the four-star Idube Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands is an intimate location for a honeymoon.

Island Holiday

Quirimbas Island- Mozambique

 

The Quirimbas Archipelago is the perfect Mozambique holiday destination with various island resorts and beach lodges to choose from.It is the ‘undiscovered’ nature of the Quirimbas Archipelago that make it so special. This is a place in the world where there are no cars, no roads, few hotels. For anyone looking for a very special Africa location and romantic holiday destination, the Quirimbas Archipelago is it!

Guludo Eco Beach Lodge

 

Guludo is a tropical, barefoot beach paradise; 12km of deserted powder-white sand nestled between the dazzling azure Indian Ocean and wild African Bush, in the Quirimbas National Park, Mozambique.

 

Flamingo Bay Water Lodge 

 

 The magical Flamingo Bay Water Lodge is located in a beautiful tropical tidal estuary along the Inhambane coast. This uniquely designed resort lies 485km north of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. It has become synonymous with honeymooners and couples looking for an eco-chic retreat and the perfect getaway.

 

Barra Beach Lodge 

 

Barra caters mainly for families with children and divers who have come to experience Mozambiques unique Manta Coast diving. The Lodge is geared towards fun and activities for the whole family.

Activities

 
Time is spent drifting over magnificent coral reefs, visiting islands and mingling in the local village. Sunset Sails, Whale watching, Beach Archery, Village football, Beauty on the Beach, Pangane Beach and visiting community projects.

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

Coolest beach cottages in South Africa

Amidst South Africa's natural wonders are a series of beaches with striking turquoise waters and sparkling white sandy shores. The beaches span 4 distinct areas, each with its own personality.

1.The Beach Hut
Paternoster, Cape West Coast
This is exactly the kind of white-washed and nautical-themed spot that springs to mind when you think of a waterfront holiday. The shore itself isn’t the barefoot- friendly type – broken mussel shells make up the bulk of the sand – but that shouldn’t stop you from going for a swim.
 

2.Sea Scape
Langebaan, Cape West Coast
Solid wood tables, a chaise longue, rich leather couches and stainless steel and marble nishes replace the thatch roofs, wicker chairs, shells and driftwood so typical of beach cottages. It’s a double-storey mansion within a few metres of the sand and calm turquoise waters of Langebaan Lagoon.

3.West of the Moon
Churchhaven, Cape West Coast
The whitewashed, rustic beach feel with weathered furniture alongside modern finishes can so easily become clichéd, but West of the Moon in West Coast National Park has the authentic vintage look down pat. There’s nothing modern about the place – everything from the brass light switches and old-fashioned furniture to a blue kettle and kitsch containers is dated and rather delightful.
 

4.The Lighthouse
Yzerfontein, Cape West Coast
The ‘no shoes’ sign at the front door sets the tone for the clean, white interior of this laid-back retreat. Although it’s really big, the wooden floors, worn cupboards, picture frames and an old turquoise display cabinet give it a sense of cosiness. When the wind’s howling and the deck loungers won’t do, the large fireplace is the heart of the home. Whip up hot chocolate in the open-plan kitchen, put your feet up, set your mug on the eccentric coffee table, and take in the salty air and foamy shore.

5.High Rocks Beach House
Umkomaas, KZN South Coast
Very few places offer the feel of a luxury coastal holiday at the price of a budget break, but this converted fisherman’s hut on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast pulls it off in style. Screed floors, high ceilings, Nguni rugs, abstract art, leather headboards, ornate lamps and bright paintings add glamour to the otherwise stark white sea-facing suites and the four-bunk and double rooms that open onto a big lawn.

For more information please contact us at 

info@southern-africa-travel.com

southern-africa-travel.com

The Magic of Lake Malawi National Park

The jewel in the crown of the country’s tourist attractions is Lake Malawi, “discovered” by the missionary-explorer Dr David Livingstone just over 150 years ago. Although totally landlocked, Malawi is not denied its “inland sea”. This vast body of freshwater fringed by beaches of golden sand is not only a scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming. Its approximate dimensions are 365 miles north to south and 52 miles broad, hence the sobriquet: "the calendar lake". The Lake, in the north, is quite extraordinarily deep: 2300 ft/700 m, plunging well below sea level. This reflects the enormity of the natural faulting of the Great Rift Valley, which is the origin of the Lake. The width of the lake’s shorelands vary from nothing to over 25 kilometres (16 miles), the edge of the Rift Valley rising steeply in places and more gently in others.

Because of its rich fish harvest, the Lake plays an important part in the economy. Fishing villages are scattered along the shore and the traditional industry and practices are an attraction to visitors. Access to the Lake is possible along much of its length but it should be noted that it is usually necessary to take a short detour off the main roads in order to reach the beach. Despite the attraction the Lake has to settlement, there are long stretches of totally uninhabited golden sand lakeshore, lapped by crystal clear waters. Kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and water skiing are just some of the lake activities available to visitors. Journeys by lake range from the famous motor vessel the Ilala to sailing in an ocean-going yacht. Cruises into the upper reaches of the great Shire river are also possible.

Places to Stay

Good lodges are now to be found the length of the lakeshore, with a few collections in areas of particular beauty. Between Mangochi and Monkey Bay is a long line of wonderful beaches backed by a variety of accommodation. This Mangochi Lakeshore has the Lake’s greatest concentration of lodges and hotels. Monkey Bay is a functional port town, but round the headland is Cape Maclear and the Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a veritable aquarium of tropical fish. In recent years, a number of high quality lodges have been built in this area. Senga Bay is another place where there are a number of lodges & hotels, and it benefits from being the closest point on the lake to Lilongwe. The stretch between the historic Nkhotakota and the sugar estate town of Dwangwa has a smattering of lodges. Another concentration is found on the Chintheche lakeshore, which has some stunning beaches. Nkhata Bay is primarily a port town, but has grown as a centre for independent travellers. The Northern Lakeshore beyond Chitimba has fewer lodges, and Karonga, an important archeological centre, is the only town of note before reaching Tanzania. Across the lake, into Mozambiquan waters, is Likoma Island. Not only does it have some beautiful beaches, and accommodation, but also a missionary-built cathedral the size of Winchester’s. A nearby stretch of the Mozambique shoreline, Manda Wilderness, is a 120,000 hectare community reserve of unspoilt wilderness and white sand beaches.

Southern Africa's Best !!!
Book your stay with us today:

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Family holidays in Mozambique

Bazaruto is the largest island of the Bazaruto Archipelago, approximately 600 km north of Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique.

Besides Bazaruto, the archipelago is made up of Benguerra, Magaruque and Bangue islands, as well as the small island of Santa Carolina, commonly known as Paradise Island. The archipelago, declared a National Park in the year 2000, presents a wide diversity of fauna and flora which includes forest, savanna and swamp ecosystems.

The island, a small piece of paradise, is 35 km in length and 7 km wide between its furthest points. The impressive beauty of the coral reefs completes this subtropical ecosystem which is, enriched by the abundance and beauty of tropical fish, clean water and excellent conditions for all kinds of fishing activities. The archipelago is deservedly called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean".

Pristine, palm fringed beaches and crystal clear seas, Mozambique is a great beach getaway for families with plenty of activities to keep every member of the family happy!

Mozambique is suitable for any age, but is a malarial country so anti-malarials will be required.

Accommodation in this wonderful country is in beach lodges with a variety of room options for those with children and activities are generally water based, with snorkelling, diving, kayaking, sailing and fishing all available. Inland excursions include horse-riding.

Family accommodation in Mozambique

Bazaruto Lodge is set behind a long white sandy beach in the north of Bazaruto Island. It is a simple but pretty lodge, ideal for people looking for a beautiful and quiet hideaway where the focus is the beach, snorkelling, fishing, diving, walking and exploring.
 

The lodge consists of 40 thatched-roof bungalows, which are dotted around the garden and at the back of the sandy beach. Inside, each bungalow has twin or double beds, simple furniture and a tiled bathroom with wc, basin and bath as well as an outdoor shower. Sandy paths lead you from your bungalow to the dining room, bar and swimming pool, all with lovely ocean views.
The restaurant serves buffet meals with an emphasis on seafood. Crab, crayfish, calamari, prawns and lots of fresh salads feature on the menu. While dinner is taken in the dining room, lunch is usually by the pool, or you can take a picnic to the beach.

Activities from the lodge include snorkelling, diving, fishing and exploring the island on foot or in 4WDs.

  
For more information on travelling with children, give us a call and we can tailor make your tour.....anywhere in the world!!!

Email us: info@namibiareservations.com
or visit our Websites for more travel ideas on accommodations, car rentals, activities and much more:
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