According to Getaway, 600 participating people, largely from Europe, voted South Africa as their post-coronavirus TOP SPOT destination to travel to!
Those who participated in the booking company survey said that their top destination experiences included outdoor adventure, safari and beach. Its not hard then to see why South Africa nabbed the coveted first place position!
Outdoor adventure is the most desired experience travellers long for, followed by safari and beach getaways.
Longing for the outdoors?
Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, dating back to 1692. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and guests can expect to leave with a sense of well being.
With the Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof and Franschhoek mountains as backdrop, the garden is majestic. Every aspect of Babylonstoren, including the contemporary Farm Hotel & Spa, the Farm Shop and Bakery, are led by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the garden. At Babylonstoren Farm Hotel, the overall effect is relaxed yet well-heeled with some of the existing farm buildings transformed into sophisticated guest accommodation.
Set adjacent to 3,5 ha (8 acres) of cultivated fruit and vegetable garden, the hotel is characterised by thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables and hearty fireplaces that emulate an authentic farm stay experience.
Things to do
Whether travelling with kids or as a couple, the activities on offer at Babylonstoren are set in large, open spaces, ideal for those longing for the outdoors.
Collect fresh eggs for breakfast
Go for a paddle with the Du Toitskloof mountain range as your backdrop
Kids will love a scavenger hunt in the gardens
For couples looking for alone time, enjoy the privacy of a picnic in the boathouse
Take a tour through the wine cellar
End the day with a wine tasting in the gorgeous Tasting Room
At the of a day exploring the beautiful grounds, choose to stay in either their Garden Cottages, Fynbos Cottages, the Manor House, farmhouse and hotel.
Rates and more
View rates, inclusions and exclusions
Can’t decide between safari and the beach??
Do both! And because its tough to decide, we’ll give you two combinations of options to consider…but won’t limit you to JUST South Africa!
Thanda Safari is situated in the heart of Zululand and offers a ‘Big Five’ wildlife experience, matched with a sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment.
The nine luxury suites at the Thanda Safari Lodge have private plunge pools, viewing decks, private salas, lounges, fireplaces and bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. Public facilities include a lounge, library, dining room, boma, dining deck, wine cellar and an award-winning spa that offers a wide range of treatments.
The exclusive-use Villa iZulu can accommodate ten guests, offering accommodation in five suites.
Thanda Tented Camp is built in colonial safari-style, offering an authentic bush experience. The tents have wooden decks, comfortable rooms, en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Public facilities include an attractive reception and lounge area, curio shop, a dining tent, rim-flow pool and boma. The honeymoon tent (Jabula) features a king-sized bed in a spacious bedroom, lounge, private boma, outdoor shower and plunge pool.
Activities include spending time with their conservation team, or for those who want to experience the bush on foot, they offer exclusive guided walks. Thanda offers photographic safaris with their onsite photographer and his especially adapted vehicle. As part of our involvement in the Zulu community, they offer a range of Zulu cultural and community experiences in the neighbouring villages.
Rates and more
View rates, inclusions and exclusions (Thanda Safari Lodge)
View rates, inclusions and exclusions (Thanda Tented Camp)
Combine Thanda Safari with White Pearl Resorts, set in the dunes of the untouched shores of Southern Mozambique tucked behind Casuarina trees.
White Pearl Resorts is a place so beautiful and so pure, quite unlike any other in all of Mozambique.
Situated on stilts while protecting the fragile eco-systems beneath them are White Pearl Resorts’ 22 ocean front suites, each with a plunge pool and outdoor shower over-looking the warm Indian Ocean. Inspired by the rich coastal biodiversity and ocean reefs, our contemporary styled resort offers a laid-back beachside chic feeling while making the most of the incredible views.
With the proximity to the Kruger National Park and the Maputo Special Reserve, a perfect combination of 5 star Bush and Beach packages are available. Paired with exceptional Butler service, White Pearl Resorts earns the reputation of being the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
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Combine Rhino Ridge with Anvil Bay, a private and exclusive barefoot beach camp on a rare untouched stretch of coastal wilderness in Mozambique’s most southern national park.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private/community owned lodge in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. The lodge commands spectacular views over 96 000 hectares of Big 5 territory and an active waterhole.
The chic eclectic design of the lodge exudes a sense of peace and relaxation. A maximum of 36 guests are accommodated in either Honeymoon Bush Villas with private plunge pools, luxury Bush Villa with lounge area, fireplace & private decks or Safari Rooms (ideal for families with young children). Twice daily game drives are conducted in the park, home of White Rhino conservation. Guided bush walks are highly recommended.
The spa with breath taking views offers an extensive range of treatments. An 11 meter infinity lap pool with viewing deck is an ideal spot to relax after a safari drive. Delicious breakfasts and high tea are served in the dining room or on the deck and dinners are served in the dining room.
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Anvil Bay is a private & exclusive barefoot beach eco-lodge on a rare untouched stretch of coastal wilderness in Mozambique’s most southern national park, Maputo Special Reserve (MSR). Created with the smallest possible footprint to preserve the wilderness and the special sense of place, the camp is set up on the beach under canvas and thatch. Solar powered and natural materials used for furnishings proudly made on site. The lodge is operated by a trust, the sole beneficiaries of which are the surrounding Chemucane communities.
Anvil Bay elevates exclusivity offering only 10 Robinson-Crusoe inspired coastal eco-cabins called Casinhas, Portuguese for ‘little home’. Each casinha is nestled into the lush green canopy on stilted wooden decks – spread far apart, out of sight of one another to give guests total seclusion, yet placed so close to the ocean, that you are lulled to sleep by the sound of waves gently crashing on the sandy shore. Designed for minimal environmental impact, endorsing thatch and timber to emphasize its forest surroundings. Carefully created in, not on top of, the virgin forest.
Activities include game drives, village cultural visits, turtle nesting walks, beach activities, snorkeling trips, whale watching and fishing.
Rates and More
When you’re ready, we’ll be waiting! #wewillbewaiting Contact us to book an outdoor, safari or beach getaway now.
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za
Tel: +27 31 275 3500
https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us
Thompsons Africa is part of Cullinan Holdings Ltd, whose main shareholder is The Travel Corporation, a family-owned entity with 45 offices worldwide and an envied reputation for delivering quality, service, and value. We also have trusted, long-standing supplier relationships that extend back in excess of 40 years. We are proud to be part of a joint initiative by The Travel Corporation family of brands, called The TreadRight Foundation — a not-for-profit that works to ensure that the environment and communities we explore, remain vibrant for future generations.