Just to say we are now back and had a fantastic holiday in South Africa.

Many thanks to you and Jason for all your help with various arrangements; Gill really appreciated Jason’s help on the Table Mountain climb and the shark day on Sunday which Jason organised was great (we saw around 4 sharks and many dolphin – Rob and Brandon were great hosts).

The scenery you all enjoy out there really blew us away; Max’s school in Somerest West is also a spectacular setting, being built on a vineyard with views to the mountain ranges.

I hope we can return again sometime and be in touch again.

Best wishes

John

The Bowermans

Thanks very much for 2 unforgettable days

Kind regards,

Maxine and Stuart, Jacqueline and Stephen

Maxine and Stuart, Jacqueline and Stephen

Our aim is to keep you all updated with the latest news and happenings in Cape Town and S.A, from accommodation to festivals and much more!

We welcome your feedback and comments and we look forward to welcoming you, family and friends to Cape Town.

The South Africa Travel Company on Face book

We have created a Face book business page; please have a look for daily updates and great pictures. Become a fan and relive your last trip or be tempted to book another! We would appreciate it of you spread the “word”; there are many great offers during this year’s winter period despite the World Cup!

Weddings

We are currently compiling a comprehensive article on weddings in South Africa, a well priced destination (as most of you already know!) South Africa is fast becoming a very popular option when planning a wedding abroad. We will post the information on our web site, and as per usual, we take care of everything for the bridal couple and their guests. Information will include venue options from the wine lands to the Waterfront, dress boutiques and local designers, flowers, menu options and much more! We will keep you posted, watch this space……!

Waterfront Marina Apartments

We are pleased to confirm that we now represent around 300 Marina apartments within the residential Waterfront Marina. Within easy walking distance of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, (The most visited attraction in Africa) these apartments offer superb, beautifully decorated accommodation at very reasonable rates. Fully serviced, the apartments are cleaned daily and linen and towels are changed for you. The kitchens offer all the required laundry facilities and dishwashers and are well equipped for self catering purposes, but do bare in mind, the restaurants and quayside bars are right on your doorstep so self catering is simply an “added bonus” The Marina offers guests the use of 4 swimming pools and a gym, parking bays and security through several access points, all leading to the Waterfront Malls, restaurants and attractions.

We have apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms in several categories, from Classic to Superior apartments, some with private swimming pools.

These apartments have afforded us the opportunity to offer our guests the very best in accommodation and location at fantastic rates without compromising on the quality and luxury of their stay.

World Cup 11 June -11 July 2010

With the Soccer World Cup less than a month away, we are pleased to confirm that there is still ample accommodation available in S.A. despite earlier predictions that there would be a shortage. Due to the availability, rates are more reasonable than before, so please contact us immediately with your requirements should you be searching for accommodation between the 11 June and 11 July 2010, and we will respond with a quotation.

We will be offering transportation as well as day tours throughout the World Cup period.

Soccer fever has gripped S.A and everyone is gearing up for this momentous accession. The stadiums are magnificent with world class facilities and Cape Town’s stadium situated a mere 2 kilometres from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is really the jewel in the crown!

World Cup memorabilia can be found everywhere and our own unique African flavour has been recognized with the incorporation of the Vuvuzela (long, loud horn) and the Makarapa (elaborately decorated miner’s hat) into the selection of goods available.

This World Cup on African shores looks set to be one of the best ever, and although being held in winter, our visitor’s can as usual look forward to the warm welcoming smiles of the multicultural African people.

Thank you to you all for your continued and valued support.

We are both privileged and delighted to be able to offer our guests an outstanding selection of Private Game Reserves from which to choose once you have decided to include a Safari in your itinerary.The South Africa Travel Company has 10 years experience in arranging Safari trips, we are well informed as to which Reserves are better suited to families and we suggest that younger children with their parents make use of Malaria Free reserves.We arrange Safari’s in the Malaria Free Eastern Cape Private Game reserves as well as The Kruger National Parks concessions, all within South Africa’s borders.

Safaris within the borders of Botswana, Namibia,Zambia and Tanzania can also be easily arranged using South Africa as a spring board to these countries.Our Safari’s are fully inclusive of all meals, accommodation, beverages (Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic) game drives and children’s programs.The Kruger National Park, positioned in the North Eastern corner of South Africa, is probably the most famous and certainly the largest within the boarders of South Africa.Our list of Kruger National Park Private Concession Reserves is extensive and includes well known reserves such as Jock Safari Lodge, Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Reserve, Londolozi, Thornybush, Timbavati, Sabi Sands and many more. Due to the Kruger Park’s Position, it requires charter flights from Johannesburg and we arrange these and all land transfers into these reserves as well as domestic flights from Cape Town where applicable.This region is within the Malaria Belt of Southern Africa and anyone visiting a Game reserve within the area, is advised to take prophylactics (Please take advise from your doctor as to the options).For those visitors to South Africa who intend on basing their holiday within the Cape Town and Garden Route areas, we offer Malaria Free reserves as follows:

The Eastern Cape Malaria Free Reserves offer our guests 4 and 5 star luxury lodges and tented camps within several Reserves.Shamwari reserve is the most popular in this region and offer guests the opportunity to see the Big Five(Lion,Leopard,Elephant,Rhino,Buffalo) in a Malaria free environment surrounded by 5 eco-systems which support many forms of Animal, plant and bird life all within a 25 000 hectare area. This reserve is home to 7 luxury lodges, all small and intimate, and their children’s program is both informative and exciting.

Below is a selection of some of the Safari Reserves that we have to offer you.

Welcome to sabi sabi private game reserve

Since 1979 Sabi Sabi has hosted visitors from all over the world, drawn to this unique area by the promise of the safari experience of a lifetime. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated in the world-renowned 65000 hectare Sabi Sand Wildtuin in the South-Western section of the Kruger National Park, is a wildlife oasis, where you can observe at close quarters the age-old natural relationship between predator and prey.Big game abounds and roams freely throughout this pristine part of the ancient African continent.  The diverse habitat is home to spectacular wildlife including the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant – as well as cheetah, wild dog and some 200 other animal species indigenous to the area.There is nothing quite as stirring as the sight of a lion, elephant or rhino roaming free in the bush;  as haunting as the sound of a hyaena laughing in the dead of night;  as electrifying as the tension one feels when following spoor along a dry riverbed.  This is what makes the Sabi Sabi experience so memorable. Day and night safaris in open Land Rovers, led by highly trained Game Rangers and qualified Trackers, follow the animals on and off-road, deep into the heart of the wild African Bushveld. Walking safaris allow guests to feel the pulse of untamed Africa through the soles of their feet.Sabi Sabi is also home to a remarkable 350 species of birds. On a single summer’s day, a visitor from the Northern Hemisphere will probably see more bird species than he is likely to see in a lifetime in his home country.  In fact, almost 5% of the world’s bird species have been recorded in this region of South Africa.Sabi Sabi offers four completely separate luxurious, all-suite, award-winning lodges with very distinct characters and atmospheres – those of “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” which is encapsulated in the “Yesterday” experience at the romantic Selati Camp;  “Today” at the more contemporary lodges of Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp and “Tomorrow” at the ground-breaking Earth Lodge.

Sabi Sabi

Sabi Sabi

Sabi Sabi

Sabi Sabi

Jock Safari Lodge

Step into the welcoming arms of a luxury lodge with character, people with heart & the bushveld alive with possibility. Welcome to Jock Safari Lodge!

Jock Safari lodge is situated in the Big Five area of the Kruger National Park.

Before the turn of the century, the lure of gold brought men from all corners of the world to Southern Africa. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the animal classic, Jock of the bushveld was one of these.They passed through some of Africa’s most scenic untamed wilderness. It is in this area that Jock Safari Lodge is based with our southern boundary being the old wagon route from Delgoa Bay into the gold fields of the interior. Today the wilderness experience we offer is unchanged from these early times. It is in an area noted for its diversity in game, particularly the BIG FIVE.Jock Safari Lodge incorporates the romance and elegance of the past colonial era, and reflects in its unique style the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures.This luxurious lodge is situated in the southern area of the KNP at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers, half way between Skukuza and Malelane. It is approximately 35 km to the Skukuza airstrip and 150km to the Kruger International Mpumulanga airport in Nelspruit.Magnificent trees and an abundance of bird life surround the Lodge. From here our two track roads take you into 6000 ha of exclusive traversing in the first private concession set in over 2 million hectares of KNP. The lodge is easily accessible by road, just over 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, or 1 hour Skukuza and 2 hours from Kruger International airports.Jock is located in a malaria area, but incidents are very low. Guests are advised to take precaution though.

Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

Shamwari Game Reserve

Welcome to Shamwari Game Reserve, the ultimate luxury big five African safari adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), is malaria free and is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.This reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years.Luxury safari accommodation is offered in 7 different lodges on this private game reserve. Choose a lodge that compliments your ideal African experience.Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man’s dream, and the success of many people’s passion.Steeped in pioneer history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 25 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.Shamwari is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve

CHIEF’S CAMP – BOTSWANA

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is located on Chief’s Island, one of the many islands created by the seasonal floodwaters of the Okavango. The island was named after Chief Moremi, the hereditary king of the area who used the lands as his royal hunting grounds. The vast number of animals who congregate here make it easy to understand why the area was put aside for the chief. It was Moremi’s people, the Tawana, who turned it into a reserve where animals are protected.The guest pavilions are hidden away in a jackalberry and sausage tree woodland that is characteristic of the area. All have their own private decks and indoor and outdoor showers. Generously draped mosquito nets and traditional ceiling fans also feature. There is a communal decked living room with stunning views over the floodplains, while the dining area surrounds a fire pit on the very edge of the Piajio plains so that guests can continue their game viewing while enjoying fine cuisine and wines.Sanctuary Chief’s has been designed with consideration for the environment – all rubbish is taken outside the park for responsible disposal and the whole camp can be removed without anyone knowing it was ever there.

Chiefs Camp - Moremi Reserve

Chiefs Camp - Moremi Reserve

Chiefs Camp - Moremi Reserve

BAINES RIVER CAMP

In the heart of the African subcontinent lies a destination known as “real Africa”. This is Zambia, where you will find remote wilderness areas, breathtaking scenery, wildlife in abundance and a kindhearted people.

In the middle of the unspoiled African bush, on the northern banks of the Zambezi River and directly opposite Mana Pools in Zimabwe, you will discover Baines’ River Camp.

This true safari lodge named after the famous artist and explorer John Thomas Baines, offers a wide variety of activities in and around the Lower Zambezi National Park, including specialized photographic workshops, birding weeks and fly fishing clinics, each hosted by internationally renowned expert guides who are passionate about the African bush.

The tranquil setting, the intimate atmosphere of the camp, the luxurious Explorer Suites and the dedicated pilot accommodation make the camp the ideal location for corporate incentives or an unforgettable holiday.

Bains River Camp

Bains River Camp

Bains River Camp

Bains River Camp

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Experience a conservation success story that is recalling the voices of our ancestors. The hills are again echoing to the beat of the past in this ancient land situated in South Africa’s North West Province. Malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000 hectare reserve restored from farmland to its natural environment.

Being located in a malaria-free safari area of South Africa is what makes Madikwe Game Reserve the perfect family-friendly safari destination. Which is of course important if you want your children to accompany you. Equally, if you are a woman and you are “in the family way”, you can have peace of mind and safely enjoy the wonders of the African bush. Look forward to the sights and sounds whilst tracking Big Five game and other endangered species, or enjoy a thrilling night drive. Be part of the ground breaking restoration success of Madikwe.

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge

TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE

This 5-star luxury safari lodge in Manyeleti Game Reserve is inspired by these emotions and the caring and efficient staff strives to create an unforgettable physical embodiment of this ancient Shangaan blessing. The upmarket 16-bedded safari lodge in Manyeleti Game Reserve is set upon the banks of a dry riverbed among an ancient grove of Sycamore fig trees.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge in Manyeleti Game Reserve blends into the surrounding bush; the main complex as well as the individual suites overlook a waterhole frequented by abundant game.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers 5 standard ultra luxury suites and a honeymoon suite as well as a 2 bedroom self-contained Presidential Suite. Each intimate and secluded suite is air-conditioned, has its own private deck and plunge pool and is positioned along the banks of the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River.

Known for its proliferation of game and consistency of Big Five sightings, the Manyeleti adjoins the Kruger National Park to the east, the Sabi Sands Reserve to the south and the Timbavati to the north. With no fences separating these reserves, the huge variety of wildlife -over 105 different animal and 450 bird species roam free.

Tintswalo Lodge

Tintswalo Lodge

Tintswalo Lodge

Tintswalo Lodge

Tintswalo Lodge

Tintswalo Lodge

Should you wish to discuss your Safari requirements and plan your own itinerary then please feel free to contact us : CLICK HERE

Elephant

Elephant

Cape Buffalo

Lion

White Rhino

Leopard

Pezula 14th Hole

South Africa is fast becoming one of the worlds leading destinations for golf enthusiasts.We have a very proud golfing history from the early years of Bobby Locke and Gary Player to the more recent stars like Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman.The Cape Town golf courses are all within a 20 – 30 min drive from the City Center, positioned on either the Atlantic or False Bay side of the Table Mountain Range. A 30-40 min drive from Cape Town brings you to the Cape Wine Valleys of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franchhoek.The golf courses in this area are magnificently positioned between the river valleys, Mountains and Wine Estates. .As a golfing destination it is hard to beat our sunny climate and spectacular golf course locations.When considering the cost of a round of golf, lunch and drinks at one of our top courses- you are looking at less than half of what the equivalent would be in Europe or the USA.

The Garden Route region of the Western Cape is arguably the most beautiful part of our country.The golf courses situated her are spread mostly between the coastal towns of George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.Playing here is a serious visual treat of Indian Ocean coastline, forested valleys and mountain backdrops.Many of our golf itineraries along The Garden Route are combined with a two or three day (or longer) Safari.This part of South Africa has some of the best “BIG FIVE” and malaria free game reserves in the country.

Whatever golfing destinations you decide on within South Africa, we can promise that you will be booking the next one here before you leave our shores.

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own golfing  itinerary then please E-mail : jwnic@mweb.co.za

or Telephone International +27 21 4611868  or Mobile 083 3969264.

Golf in the Wine Lands

Steenberg 7th Hole

Goose Bay- Garden Route

Pezula Clubhouse - Garden Route

Goose Bay Clubhouse

The following maps provide you with information on how many golf courses there are to choose from within the Cape Town, Wine Region and Garden Route region.

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own golfing  itinerary then please E-mail : jwnic@mweb.co.za

Golf Courses Within Cape Town & Wine Region

or Telephone International +27 21 4611868  or Mobile 083 3969264.

1- Arabella    2- Atlantic Beach     3- Bellville     4- Clovelly     5- Devonvale     6- Durbanville     7- Erinvale

8- Fancourt     9- George     10- Goose Valley     11- Hermanus     12- King David     13- Simola     14- Kuilsriver

15- Langebaan     16- Metropolitan     17- Milnerton     18- Mossel Bay     19-Mobray     20-  Oudtshoorn

21- Paarl     22-Parow     23- Pezula     24- Plettenberg Bay     25- Ronderbosch     26- Royal Cape

27- Somerset West     28- DeZalze     29- Steenberg     30- Stellenbosch     31- Strand     32- Westlake

Garden Route Golf Courses

South Africa Travel is acutely aware that each of our guests have different accommodation requirements, and as such we are proud to offer a large and varied selection of South African hotels, luxury guest houses, boutique hotels and self catering accommodation options.Our portfolio includes the very best hotels and accommodation that South Africa has to offer the discerning traveler as well as the more comfortable and homely environments offered by the smaller boutique hotels.Our selection of four and five star hotels also offer our guests the best locations from which to explore Cape Town, The Garden Route and South Africa in general.Our self catering portfolio includes Villa’s in Camps Bay, luxury and superior apartments in the Victoria and Alfred Residential Marina on the Cape Town Waterfront, and sophisticated loft style apartments in the trendy De Waterkant Village- Cape Town.All properties include a housekeeping service on a daily basis.

Each Cape Town hotel and property in our portfolio is chosen on the following criteria:

Facilities (swimming pool/s,spa,gym) size of the rooms or suites, quality of bathroom fixtures, decor, views, location, service, standard of the breakfast served, quality and selection of food and wine available, speedy check in, knowledgeable/friendly and efficient staff.

One important factor to consider when making use of our services is that because we are solely South African tour operators, we are able to purchase all of our accommodation at reduced rates. These reduced rates are included in all of our fully inclusive itineraries, thus excluding “middleman” markups.

HOTELS:

WATERFRONT HOTELS:

The Victoria and Alfred Hotel  -  ( Please scroll down to view pictures )

The Table Bay Hotel

The Cape Grace Hotel

The One and Only Hotel

The Commodore Hotel

The Portswood Hotel

The Dock  House – boutique hotel

CAMPS BAY HOTELS:

The Bay Hotel

Camps Bay Retreat

WINE LANDS HOTELS

Grande Roche – Paarl

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards – Franschhoek

Franschhoek Hotel – Franschhoek

Asara Wine Estate – Stellenbosch

Steenberg Wine Estate and Hotel – Constantia

WINELANDS BOUTIQUE HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES:

River Manor Country House & Spa  – Stellenbosch

Majeka House – Stellenbosch

De Ouwe Werf – Stellenbosch

Rusthof Country House – Franschhoek

La Petit Ferme  Guest Suites – Franschhoek

La Peitit Lake Side lodges- Franschhoek

L ‘Auberge Chanteclair  – Franschhoek

HERMANUS HOTELS:

The Marine Hotel

Harbour House Botique Hotel

KNYSNA AND THE GARDEN ROUTE:

Leisure Isle Lodge – Knysna

Fish Eagle Lodge- Knysna

The St James Hotel – Knysna

The Queens Hotel – Oudtshoorn

Eight Bells Inn – Mossel Bay

Lake Pleasant Hotel – Knysna

Shamwari Townhouse – Port Elizabeth

JOHANNESBURG :

The Peech Boutique Hotel

The Michelangelo on Nelson Mandela Sq

Da Vinci on Nelson Mandela Sq

PICTURES OF SOME OF OUR ACCOMMODATION BELLOW

The Dock House 5 Star Boutique hotel

Camps Bay Terrace (Luxury Guest House)

Glen Apartments (Camps Bay Self Catering Luxury)

The Table Bay Hotel - Cape Town Waterfront - 5 Star

Victoria and Alfred Hotel- V&A Four Star Hotel

Cape Town Waterfront Marina Luxury Self Catering - Serviced

The Bay Hotel Camps Bay Beach - Five Star Hotel

Western Grand (City Center) 5 Star - Next to Convention Center

The Commodore Hotel-Cape Town Waterfront 4 Star

Bali Bay(Camps Bay) Luxury Self Catering

The One and Only Hotel-Cape Town Waterfront 6 Star

Storms River Beach

The Garden Route Region Stretches Along A 350 Km Section Of South Africa’s Southern Cape Coast 100_4753Line.the Area Includes The Well Known And Holiday Destinations Of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, George And The Wilderness.this Extremely Fertile And Lush Area Is Bordered By The Indian Ocean To The East And The Indigenous Forests And Mountain Ranges To The West.south Africa Is For The Most Part Hot And Dry, So It Is Not Surprising That This Specialized Oasis Of Fauna And Flora Is One Of The Most Popular Holiday Destinations For Both Local And International Tourists.with It’S Abundant Water Ways,magnificent Lakes And Rivers,this Region Provides Unlimited Recreational Opportunities ( Hiking,biking,fishing,golf Etc ) And An Exceptionally Well Organized Tourism Infrastructure.the N2 Motorway Guides You Garden Route With Many Lookout Points High Above The Ocean Or Lakes And Estuaries Dotted Along The Coast.vast Areas Have Been Set Aside As Protected Conservation Biommes And Serve As Sanctuary To The Many Sea Creatures And Waterbirds That Thrive In These Sensitive Estuarine Systems.the Garden Route Is Renowned For The Splendid Accommodation Available For You To Choose From, Whether It Be A Simple Log Cabin On The Lakeside Or A Luxury Guest House On The Shores Of The Knysna Estuary.this Holiday Region Is More Than Just About Visual Treats But Also Offers Superb Culinary Delights With The Emphasis Obviously On The Fresh Local Seafood.the Picturesque Town Of Knysna Is Renowned For Their Oysters, Commercially Farmed In The 18-Square Km Tidal Estuary.the Area Also Has An Abundance Of Fruit And Vegetables Which Are Grown In The Adjacent Langkloof Valley As Well As Local Cheeses And The Knysna Brewed Beer And Ale.

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own Garden Route itinerary then please E-mail : jwnic@mweb.co.za

or Telephone International +27 21 4611868  or Mobile 083 3969264.

Knysna Estuary

Buffalo Bay - Knysna

Knysna Estuary towards The Heads

Knysna was once the home of whalers and woodcutters,situated on the banks of an enormous estuary and flanked by indigenous forests, it is now a spectacular South African holiday destination for those who want to kick back and relax on the beaches or play some of the best golf in South Africa.

Knysna is named after the river which comes down from the mountains and then opens into the Knysna tidal estuary before exchanging its waters with the Indian Ocean through the narrow gap between two huge rocky sandstone bluffs known as the “Knysna Heads”. The western head being a nature reserve (Featherbed), one of the more popular tourist attractions and accessible by ferry. George Rex the founder of Knysna, surely represents the biggest mystery of the knysna was once the home of whalers and woodcutters,situated on the banks of an enormous estuary and flanked by indigenous forests, it is now a spectacular South African holiday destination for those who want to kick back and relax on the beaches or play some of the best golf in South Africa. Knysna is named after the river which comes down from the mountains and then opens into the Knysna tidal estuary before exchanging its waters with the Indian Ocean through the narrow gap between two huge rocky sandstone bluffs known as the “Knysna Heads”. The Western Head being a nature reserve (Featherbed), one of the more popular tourist attractions and accessible by ferry. George Rex the founder of Knysna, surely represents the biggest mystery of the region.

Many claim that he was the first illegitimate son of King George III of England. The fact is that he was responsible for opening up Knysna to the rest of the world by developing the port and harbor through the Knysna Heads. The estuary is a biologically rich and fascinating body of water, with salt marches and deep water channels that are home to the famous Knysna Sea Horse, the Pansy Shell and over 200 species of fish. Hikers and mountain bikers have long acknowledged that Knysna offers some of the very best tracks in South Africa, which vary from light and easy to strenuous and technically demanding. Knysna has awesome beaches at Brenton, Buffalo Bay, Bollard Bay and Noetzie. The warm Indian Ocean currents make for pleasant sea temperatures for two thirds of the year. Between Brenton and Buffalo Bay beaches lie three kilometers of uninterrupted white sand in a crecent shape, which offers safe bathing with life guards.

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own Garden Route itinerary then please Click Here to Contact US.