DESTINATION

THE WHALE COAST – HERMANUS

The popular resort town of Hermanus, situated between mountain and sea, has gained world-wide recognition as the world's foremost land-based whale watching destination. Contributory factors to the success of the town are the natural scenic beauty, the mild climate, beautiful beachesand the vast range of outdoor activities available. Hermanus is a mere 140km from the Cape Town city center. This area is the ideal base from which to explore the Western Cape and the Cape Overberg.

Hermanus has something for everyone. The FernkloofNature Reserve has over 40 km of walks, ranging from moderate to strenuous walks in the beautiful mountains which form an imposing backdrop to the town. The 14 km of unique cliff walks recently incorporated into the nature reserve boast a variety of coastal fynbos and birdlife. The pristine stretches of beach offer solitude to the walker and boating activities abound in the KleinriverLagoon, renowned for its birdlife. Invigorating horse rides along the beach appeal to all ages.

THE STELLENBOSCH AND FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS

The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands, origin of some of the world's most popular wines, is a must-see experience nearCape Town. Wine tasting, winemaking tours, excellent cuisine and historical landmarks collectively create an irresistible attraction in a region whichboasts some of the most majestic scenery in South Africa.

Most Cape wine estates are characterised by classic Cape Dutch-style buildings and vast vineyards with picturesque mountains as a backdrop. There is also a distinct European influence in the regions, thanks to the arrival of French Huguenot, Dutch and German settlers during the 16th century. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the best wine estates and some of the oldest vineyards in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoekarea. Indulge in award winning food and wines during your visit to this unique part of the Cape Winelands.

THE GARDEN ROUTE

The Garden Route is a beautiful destination to visit. Stretching from MosselBay to Storms River and encompassing the towns of Knysna, Oudtshoorn, George, PlettenbergBay, Sedgefield and Wilderness –this is a coastal wonder land with many fantastic things to see and do. It is called the Garden Route because of the spectacular flora and fauna that surrounds the coastline. There are many interesting things to do on the Garden Route including whale watching, cave exploration, elephant interactions, game drives, mountain passes, beaches, great restaurants and of course excellent golf at Fancourt, Pezula, Oubaai, Simola and Pinnacle Point. In this region, with its diverse offering of activities, there is something for everyone. Some activities on the Garden Route include a visit the “Ostrich Capital” in the town of Oudtshoorn, followed by an excursion to the world famous CangoCaves, visit to the Oyster Factory, or a private cruise on the KnysnaLagoon.

ACCOMMODATION

ROOSENWIJN GUEST HOUSE

Roosenwijn Guest House is a beautiful Victorian-styled home built in 1904. This declared South African National Monument has been lovingly restored to give their guests that old-world feeling while at the same time experiencing four star luxury accommodation in Stellenbosch. Situated in the heart of this quaint town, the guest house is a mere 5 minute stroll away from the town’s centre, fine restaurants, museums, art galleries and the internationally acclaimed University of Stellenbosch. Right next door to Roosenwijn is the well known Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens, a wonderful experience for all plant lovers. 15 stylishly decorated, luxurious, en-suite rooms are all furnished with beautiful antiques and some with a touch of African décor. Each room has air-conditioning, satellite television, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, telephone and an uninterrupted internet connection.

ON THE CLIFF GUEST HOUSE

Accommodation in Hermanus on the seafront in an upmarket 5-star luxury guest house, or boutique hotel as the English guests describe them, where all rooms have panoramic sea views ideal for whale watching and are fully en-suite with king-size beds, private balconies or patios and luxury fittings. Rates include bed and breakfast.

The Guest house in Hermanus provides awesome whale watching opportunities. Listen to the sea gently lull you to sleep each evening. Shark cage diving or shark-based activities can be arranged and is an easy drive from Hermanus.

PEZULA HOTEL

A scenic location, luxurious rooms, on-site activities, locally sourced dining are only a few of the reasons to stay at Pezula.

Located on the Eastern head of Knysnaon South Africa’s legendary Garden Route, Pezula Resort & Spa is set in a lush paradise of ancient indigenous forests, mountains, lakes, and pristine beaches on the prestigious Pezula Private Estate. This luxurious and award-winning Hotel overlooks the magnificent Knysna Lagoon and the commanding OuteniquaMountains.

GOLF COURSE

ERINVALE GOLF CLUB

ErinvaleGolf Club, nestled at the foothills of the Helderbergand Hottentot Holland mountains in Somerset West near Cape Town is one of South Africa’s great golfing challenges. Situated in a beautiful Western Cape wine region the breathtakingmountain and sea views are an integral part of this unforgettable golfing experience.

The Gary Player-designed golf course was host to the 1996 World Cup of Golf and has fast become renowned both locally and abroad. ErinvaleGolf Club’s beautifully manicured par 72 championship course boasts some of the country’s most challenging and spectacular holes. This isa course with two distinctly different nines. The demanding front nine meanders through park-like terrain and the back nine provides a contrasting challenge winding its way through the foothills of the mountains with panoramic views of False Bay. The signature hole is the par-four 17th hole, a great finishing hole that swoops downhill and is an extreme test of nerves playing from an elevated tee towards a long and narrow green.

DE ZALZE GOLF CLUB

Renowned golf course architect, Peter Matkovich, designer of the De Zalze Golf Course, made the most of the stunning setting while placing a premium on accuracy. With magnificent mountain backdrops and stunning water features; this exquisite setting presents an exciting and interesting challenge to golfers of all standards. De Zalze Golf Course offers a fine mix of parkland holes, its main defences being the water features on several ofthe holes. The oak-lined BlaauwklippenRiver winds its way through the golf estate and comes into play at various intervals.

HERMANUS GOLF CLUB

Hermanus, on the Cape South Coast, is a charming fishing village famous for the whales that come here annually to calve. It is popular with Capetoniansas a weekend getaway and during the Christmas and Easter holidays the resident population of 8000 swells to over 40000. Due to this influx, the HermanusGolf Club has always experienced heavy traffic at certain times of the year. Despite this, the club, blessed with a dedicated and professional management has over many years deservedly gained a reputation for excellent year round standards. South Africa’s premiere course architect, Peter Matkovichrecently had the chance to play an important role in upgrading the clubs existing 18 holes to an impressive 27 holes and he grabbed it with both hands. The greens are of the highest standardsand fairways will have your heart fluttering. Add the occasional swirling wind into the mix and you have got yourself an opponent.

SIMOLA GOLF CLUB

Keeping your head down at Simola can be a challenge; simply because the views around the course are awe-inspiring, and with this, it is clear to see why Simola takes its place as one of South Africa's premier golfing destinations. It is also the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course onthe Garden Route, reflecting the maestro's philosophy of attuning the layout and design to the natural lie of the land. The course offers challenging and rewarding golfamidst spectacular scenery.

Set below the high ridges, Simola Golf Course is free from the wind that so often plagues coastal courses. Fairways flow withthe natural undulating contours of the terrain and the unusual configuration of five par 5's and five par 3's adds a new dimension to the game.

PEZULA GOLF CLUB

The area known as the East Heads has become the site of 18 spectacular championship holes of golf at Pezula and 250 hectares of well-planned residential properties and natural fynbos growth. The Pezula Golf Course is a “Scottish links-style" course with a similar look to that of Gleneagles in the Scottish Highlands and Pebble beach on the Monterey coastline. Featuring cool-season grasses and five different tee placements to satisfy, challenge and reward all golfers. The varied coastal terrain offers a complete golfers' menu requiring a full range of shots with signature holes having been earmarked as the 13th and 14th.

With its gourmet cuisine, sumptuous accommodation, world-class spa, championship golf course and close proximity to secluded beaches and a pristine river, the location is amidst a naturist’s fantasy world offering a great number of outdoor activities that will entice all visitors alike.

GOOSE VALLEY GOLF CLUB

The Goose Valley Golf Club is situated in pristine surroundings, only 4km from PlettenbergBay, bordering on the KeurboomsLagoon, access to the Club is from the N2. This magnificent golf estate offers a splendid Gary Player designed 72 par, 18-hole signature golf course in the heart of the Garden Route.

Golfers will experience breathtakingviews of the KeurboomsLagoon, the Indian Ocean, the spectacular TsitsikammaMountains and the famous RobbergPeninsula. The beauty of the natural fynbos, indigenous trees and an abundance of animal and bird life add a special dimension to your golfing experience. The club house includes a spacious, elegant restaurant and bar with a delightful choice of light meals.

Golfers will experience breathtakingviews of the KeurboomsLagoon, the Indian Ocean, the spectacular TsitsikammaMountains and the famous RobbergPeninsula. The beauty of the natural fynbos, indigenous trees and an abundance of animal and bird life add a special dimension to your golfing experience. The club house includes a spacious, elegant restaurant and bar with a delightful choice of light meals.

COME AND EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA