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THE BEST PLACES FOR THE SPOILT
INCENTIVE TRAVELLER IN SOUTH AFRICA
Yolanda Logt
Try something else than the ‘common’ five star hotel in
South Africa. Seek the African spirit and spoil your
client. Especially suitable for smaller groups. Here our
personal favourites.
Kariega Game
Reserve is family owned situated along the
famous Garden Route (Eastern Cape) only 140 km from Port
Elizabeth. Two beautiful rivers make this game reserve
completely unique. Guests can complement their safari
experience with a boat cruise sighting abundant river
birdlife or take a kayak onto the river for a quiet
paddle. In the evenings, relax and sit back with a sun
downer to simply enjoy the tranquil sights and sounds of
river life. The reserve has 4 lodges of which one is a
private lodge that offers its’ guests all the comfort,
convenience and luxury of their own home. With a
dedicated game ranger and chef, guests have the
flexibility to plan their day according to their own
specific needs (max 10 persons). www.kariega.co.za
Lemoenfontein Game Lodge,
a tranquil place for the weary traveller in the heart of
South Africa’s Great Karoo. Imagine yourself in
mid-1800s when staying at this homestead. Enjoy the
panoramic view on the veranda where your group also will
enjoy their meals or lazy afternoons. Experience the
beauty and silence of the Karoo. Have your braai (BBQ)
together in the gardens or warm yourself on the cosy
fireplace.
www.lemoenfontein.co.za
Grootbos
only a 2 hour drive from Capetown (en route to
Hermanus) provides the veritable lap of luxury in
harmony with nature, consisting of two luxury 5 star
lodges and an exclusive villa. All have breathtaking
views over the ocean. You have the opportunity to
experience other kind of safari’s like shark cage diving
and whale watching but even flower safaris. The perfect
start for a Garden Route adventure with only one
problem… you never want to leave! Tip: don’t forget to
explore the wine cellar. www.grootbos.com/en/home
Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge
in the South of Kruger National Park is
perfect for small groups. This secluded private camp
exists of six thatched suites build in the traditional
Tsonga style like the main area. The staff introduces
you to the habits and customs of the Shangaan people
that live in this area. In combination of the bush,
traditional cuisine, the warmth of the accommodation an
ensurement of an unforgettable safari experience. Like
the words Hoyo Hoyo already tell you from the start;
Welcome! Can you imagine the whole camp exclusively for
your group? hoyohoyo.com
Inyati Private Game
Reserve perfectly located in Sabi Sands
against a hill overlooking the riverbed and the
grasslands on the other side. Excellent to view wild
life while sipping from your wine from the veranda or
the poolside. The spacious rooms are all facing the
river. Your dinner is either on the main deck or served
in the boma* where the staff will surprise you with
their local dances and songs around the fire place. Sabi
Sands is famous for its big 5 game viewing. If there,
ask for George, one of the most talented rangers I ever
met. They also provide in a meeting area separate from
where the guests stay. www.inyati.co.za
Nungubane Game Lodge
is only a 3 hour drive from Joburg in Welgevonden
Private Game Reserve, at the heart of the spectacular
Waterberg and is malaria free. Nungubane welcomes a
maximum of ten guests in an atmosphere of intimate
luxury. Guests are accommodated in spacious chalets,
which command majestic views over the reserve from their
individual decks. www.nungubane.co.za
See also our article about
Garonga Safari Lodge
*boma; means British Officers Mess Area in
former times. Nowadays the area where you sit in a
circle around the fire to have your dinner during
safaris. Khayelitsha
"Township" hospitality in Cape Town
 Cape
Town Tour Guide and ATA Chapter member Dan Dunn
(right) helped make our final week in Cape Town one
of the most memorable ever. Dan introduced us to
Thope Lekau (far right) and started off a beautiful
friendship. We enjoyed an overnight stay at
Kopanong, a charming bed and breakfast which has
been featured in a number of hospitality trade
magazines in South Africa. Now we know the reason
why.
Contact
Thope at Kopanong B&B,
mailto:kopanong@xsinet.co.za
Contact
Dan Dunn at
Daniel Dunn, Chairman/ President
Western Cape Chapter
Africa Travel Associaiton
E-Mail: mailto:dddunn@mweb.co.za
 PENGUINS
ON PARADE?
Did
you know that there were penguins in South Africa?
Now you do! Visitors to the area will discover an
entire colony of Jackass penguins lounging and
fraternizing (with each other, not the tourists) at
a local beach community called Boulders, not far
from Cape Town. There are dozens of more such
attractions to come, on this site. We look forward
to filming the little guy on the right and his
entire family as they dine on Southern seafood
delights. Most images in this section are courtesy
of Cape Town Tourism. Above photos by Muguette
Goufrani.
Click
for
larger photo of penguins.
 The
Cape's Two Oceans offer some great beaches for
swimming and places to enjoy your favorite water
sport, including sailing, salt water fishing and
scuba diving. The photo below courtesy of Cape
Tourism shows the colorful 1920s style bath houses
at a local beach. More to come.
Cango
Caves: Underground Adventures
in
South Africa's Karoo Country
In another section,
we talk about the Amboni
Caves in
Northern Tanzania at Tanga near the Coast and Pemba
Island. Now we've news about the famous caves of
South Africa, including the Cango Caves in
the Karoo area. The total length of this
underground attraction is 5km. It is said that the
word "Kango" is derived from the San or Khoi
language (relatives of the Bushmen), and means "
Water between the Hills." Karoo is a Hotentot word
meaning "extremely dry or bitter." This wonder of
the world is located near
Oudtshoorn,
400 km east Cape Town. The caves are said to have
been inhabited for thousands of years.
Underground
Music? Just inside the cave's broad entrance is
a huge underground theatre area, where musical
concerts can be staged for up to 2,000 visitors, a
special attraction during local holidays and
festivals. As you might imagine, the acoustics are
almost perfect.
A National
Treasure. Dedicated as a National Monument in
the early part of the last century, the incredible
Cango Caves have a variety of unique halls and
chambers with limestone formations such as the Pipe
Organ, Cleopatra's Needle, Fairy Palace, Throne
Room, Bridal Chamber, Roman Candle and Crystal
Forest - names that conjure up all sorts of
impressions for the imaginative visitor.
Information:
http://www.gardenroute.co.za/oudts/cango/
Guided cave
tours take up to an hour and a half and cost $8.00
US. Watch for more on this exciting attraction, or
if you have enjoyed an experience at Cango Caves,
E-Mail the editor: africa@dowco.com,
fax (604) 681-6595
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