These ‘off the beaten track’ properties are definitely worth closer inspection!  Join us as we explore just a few of our favourite hidden gems including recommendations for combinations with other properties.

Nambiti Hills Private Game Experience

Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge is situated on 30,000 magnificent acres of private game reserve, ideally located between Durban and Johannesburg.

All guest suites have private patios, four-poster beds, air-conditioning, over-size bath tubs and rain showers. An added bonus is that the heated swimming pool can accommodate guests all year round.

The Zolile Spa, which uses decadent local products from Healing Earth, can be enjoyed between the twice-daily scheduled game drives or after exploring the reserve on foot on one of the guided bush walks.

The Nambiti Big Five Private Game Reserve is situated in a malaria-free area – so there’s no need for medication. The majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range, which is a World Heritage Site, is less than an hour’s drive from the reserve, perfect for that berg and bush combination.

WE RECOMMEND

For a BATTLEFIELDS AND BUSH EXPERIENCE, combine Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge with Fugitives Drift.

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge is an exclusive five star property set within the magnificent 58 000-acre Manyoni Private Game Reserve. The lodge staff and owners are committed to attention to detail and have a true passion for exceeding the expectations of every guest.

With a total of only 8 chalets, you can be sure that individual care and attention is of utmost importance to the lodge staff.

Wild animals roam freely over this vast wilderness providing spectacular game viewing and intimate encounters with some of Africa’s most endangered species. Game viewing in the reserve is prolific with amazing sightings of the Big Five (including black and white rhino), cheetah and wild dog.

The unique waterhole activity in the middle of the day is an added ‘bonus feature’ of Leopard Mountain which allows guests to just sit back and enjoy life and nature around the Waterhole.

Leopard Mountain Lodge is owner run and managed for over 20 years, ensuring that each guest has a personalised experience.

WE RECOMMEND

For a BUSH AND BEACH EXPERIENCE combine Leopard Mountain Game Lodge with Makakatana Bay Lodge.

Kambaku @ Sea

An adult’s nature wonderland, Kambaku @ Sea is surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, fauna, flora and breath-taking views!  Located on the Swartvlei Estuary, just outside the small town of Sedgefield – where these waters are home to the rarest species of seahorses, the Knysna Seahorse.

Kambaku @ Sea is owner managed and run, which creates a warm and intimate home away from home guest experience with personal touches and attention to detail to make your stay an unforgettable one! On site activities, from birding and kayaking to sunset boat cruises coupled with fine dining and fine wines are on offer.

Based on 40 hectares of unspoilt fynbos, encircled by forest and estuaries, it easily lends itself to the calm and serenity of its surrounds. With resident Bushbuck, Honey Badger, Otters and endangered Tortoises, not to mention around 270 spectacular bird species. 3.5 km of pristine beaches, all registered as conservation areas are only a few minutes away.

WE RECOMMEND

For a BEACH AND BUSH EXPERIENCE, combine Kambaku @ Sea with Botlierskop Game Reserve.

De Hoop Collection

De Hoop Collection is only a 3-hour drive from both Cape Town and George making it a perfect stopover to enjoy a 2 night stay off the Garden Route. The property offers world class land based whale watching with average sightings of around 15 to 20 between August to September.

De Hoop has 86 different kinds of free roaming mammals, approximately 260 different kinds of birds – from Flamingos to Fish Eagles and Blue Cranes as well as a 70km marine protected coastline that is home to an abundance of marine life. There are a variety of accommodation options to suit all pockets ranging from self-catering units, luxury suites, and the Manor House.

Onsite facilities include a restaurant with bar, walk-in cellar, spa, two swimming pools, a tennis court, on-site laundry, guided activities and self-guided walks making it the perfect destination for a traveller of any age!

WE RECOMMEND

For a NATURE GETAWAY, combine De Hoop Collection with Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.

Steenberg Hotel

Steenberg Hotel is located in idyllic Constantia and is tranquil, calm and relaxing while being just 30 minutes from the centre of Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront.

The property is surrounded by wonderful cultural attractions and award-winning restaurants. Guests who visit Steenberg not only experience a farm with many different offerings but also experience and immerse themselves in the culture and heritage of Steenberg. A recent revamp of a selection of rooms and suites have created a modern and luxurious aesthetic and has created a space for families to feel more comfortable.

The property offers complimentary guided cellar tours in winter and garden walks in summer at the Tasting Room and guests even have the opportunity to join one of the best Wine Club’s in Cape Town which has many extraordinary benefits.

Guests can enjoy a marked walking trail at leisure on the property’s beautiful farm, a bicycle ride around the property amongst the vineyards and up to the dam, enjoy a complimentary transfer to and from the V&A Waterfront or even choose to relax in the beautiful Steenberg Spa which offers bespoke treatments in one of the treatment rooms.

WE RECOMMEND

For a GOLF OR FAMILY EXPERIENCE, combine Steenberg Hotel with Fancourt Manor House.

Morukuru Family

Morukuru Family properties are family owned and welcome families with children of all ages at their properties.  Children of all ages can join on game drives at Morukuru Family Madikwe thanks to their exclusive-use concept.

The ‘Morukuru Freedom Concept’ means that guests at any of their exclusive-use houses can do whatever they want, whenever they want. And everything is included as well!

The Morukuru Family offers 3 exclusive-use safari houses in the malaria-free Madikwe, perfect for families or groups of friends travelling together. Each house comes with 8 to 10 staff, as well as a private game drive vehicle. Morukuru Family Madikwe is located in a private concession inside Madikwe Game Reserve, which means they offer a sleep-out option (at no extra costs!), bush dinners and late-night drives

Their unique ‘Safaris with a Purpose’ package in Madikwe enables guests to have a hands-on experience with nature conservation!

WE RECOMMEND

For a LUXURY FAMILY BUSH AND BEACH GETAWAY, combine Morukuru Family with Morukuru Ocean House.

As experts in our field, we are here to guide and advise.  A consultant is just a call or email away for more details on these or other Off the Beaten Track hidden gems and recommended packages.

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us