Check-In: City Lodge OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg

Based at Africa’s busiest airport, City Lodge Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport provides business and leisure travellers with ‘home away from home’ accommodation that is ideal for those commuting to and from Johannesburg and perfect for those who require immediate access to the airport. O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a number of services from banking to a wide range of retailers, so whether it’s a good book or a scrumptious meal, the airport’s facilities have everything you need. The hotel boasts boardroom and conference facilities, a fitness room as well as a deck with a pool and a large commercial area with a coffee shop .

Facilities: 24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Internet Access, Restaurant, Gym, Malaria Free, Pool, Secure Parking Room Facilities: Air Conditioning, Complementary Wi-Fi, En-Suite, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Hair Dryer, Smoking Rooms Services: Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service Facilities: 24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Gym, Internet Access, Malaria Free, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking Room Facilities: Air Conditioning, Complementary Wi-Fi, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Smoking Rooms, Tea / Coffee, Television Services: Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service

Check-In: Kapama Private Game Reserve, River Lodge

Within the expansive Kapama Private Game Reserve, River Lodge epitomises five-star safari accommodation of South Africa. The majestic northern Drakensberg mountains form the backdrop to the 64-suite River Lodge, which is positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River. It’s the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area and is stylishly furnished to ensure an unforgettable African safari experience.

River Lodge’s 40 spacious air-conditioned suites have uninterrupted views over the Big Five game reserve from private patios, and all feature full, en-suite bathrooms with lavish amenities replenished daily. The suites are decorated to reflect old Africa in a luxury game lodge setting. Beverage stations for early morning coffee in suite and minibars for sundowners on your private patio are standard in all rooms.

African artifacts adorn the lounges of River Lodge, and a palate of red and gold reflects the colors of Africa’s earth. Glass stack doors open onto the rim-flow pool to create an al fresco experience. The long, L-shaped lounge and bar, under double-volume thatch, follow the line of the pool to create an airy but cozy atmosphere. In winter, a double-sided fireplace provides additional warmth. Recliners under umbrellas beckon guests to enjoy shady relaxation around the pool, which is also a prime vantage point for game viewing. A small, permanent waterhole lies just beyond the perimeter of River Lodge and attracts various antelope species, elephant, and buffalo, so viewing the Big Five – cocktail in hand – is quite usual from here.

In true African luxury safari style, Kapama offers guests three different dining venues. As in classic old Africa, evening meals are often enjoyed seated around a roaring fire in the Rhino Boma. Here, buffet meals are served under open-sided thatch and showcase pan-African dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients. Traditional venison dishes also feature on this authentic African menu. Romantic dining is epitomised by dinner set in the dry riverbed in front of the lodge, under a star-studded African night sky. The experience adds enchantment to any African luxury safari experience. The Siyatla Lounge is purpose-built as an enclosed dining area, where breakfasts and lunches are served. It has its own bar and lounge with two large fireplaces, while glass stack doors open up the lounge to the surrounding bushveld.

All cuisine at Kapama is prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients and herbs grown in the lodge gardens. Traditional South African dishes and accompaniments, such as mealie pap (African-style polenta) and chakalaka (a hot, spicy relish) further enhance the luxury game lodge experience by giving a taste of real Africa. Menus include warthog stew, kudu casserole, impala sausages and oxtail curry. Vegetarians, vegans, and various other dietary requirements are easily catered for.

Kapama River Lodge boasts a magnificent wine cellar, stocked with the finest South African wines. Over 600 bottles are on hand, stored in a carefully temperature-controlled and humidified environment. With the exception of French champagne, all the wines and sparkling Méthode Cap Classiques are from choice South African vineyards. To keep in touch with the rest of the world, River Lodge Media Room has satellite television and a DVD player. The Media Room can also easily be transformed into an intimate conference room for 20 delegates. Guest Internet facilities are adjacent, should you wish to connect with family and friends back home. The rate is full board which includes all meals and 2 game drives daily. Beer, wine, and alcohol is available for an extra charge.

Check-In: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

Situated on one of Franschhoek’s original country retreats about 20km from Stellenbosch and Paarl, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, a multiple award winning establishment, has captured the essence of five star luxury with postcard views of the Franschhoek Mountains, streams, vineyards and orchards, a perfect setting for sampling contemporary Cape Dutch charm.