Cape Genet Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is set in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It's just minutes away from the bustling city centre with many shops and restaurants, and only a short drive from some of the country's most stunning beaches. It was built in 1904 as a warehouse, and converted into a luxury hotel – named after the former Queen of England and her son – in 1990.

"undeniably great location"

R & CfromEngland

Arrived 8 Mar 2020, 2 nights

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is set in a very central location with secure parking and close to many local attractions. It's an ideal base for a relaxing city break in Cape Town. See our full report on Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Ocean Eleven – occasionally written as ‘Ocean 11’ – is set on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, in a quiet residential area of the small coastal town of Hermanus. It’s a comfortable guesthouse in Cape Cod style with stunning views and a good chance to watch whales (from June to November) from the veranda, the cliff top or the comfort of your own room.
NOTE - Ocean Eleven is currently closed with no date set for when it may re-open.

"This place was beautiful with gorgeous ocean views. "

Mr P & familyfromDublin

Arrived 9 Jul 2019, 1 night

This small, owner-run guesthouse offers a warm, friendly atmosphere in a modern colonial setting. Situated on the clifftop path within walking distance of Hermanus, it is a great spot in the winter months for whale-watching, and in the summer months for a beach break. See our full report on Ocean Eleven

The De Hoop Opstal, which is often also simply called 'The Opstal', is the central hub of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, not far from the southern tip of South Africa, about four hours' drive from Cape Town. It’s all about the big outdoors here with a unique variety of eco-systems to explore from sand dunes and inter-tidal rock pools to the vlei, indigenous fynbos plants and antelope. The Opstal has a range of rooms and cottages to suit most people.

"Well worth visiting, especially the dunes. Abundance of wildlife was a surprise."

Mr & Mrs HfromManingtree

Arrived 12 Apr 2019, 2 nights

The Opstal has a wide variety of accommodation, which is all good value – from self-catering cottages, which appeal to families, to the historic, elegant rooms in the Opstal Manor and other smart suites. It's a great base from which to explore the real attraction: the fantastic De Hoop Reserve; it’s perfect for those who like to head off the beaten track and explore nature. Come for stunning scenery, outstanding birdlife and a spectacular coastline – to drive a little and explore a lot; it's a real gem of a park. See our full report on De Hoop Opstal

Set in a piece of heaven that you’d never know existed, Hunter's Country House lies along South Africa's Garden Route between the popular towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Its extensive gardens, on a private estate, just off the N2 freeway, originally housed a homestead called Pear Tree Farm. The homestead became a B&B, then went on to open as one of the area's first luxury lodges.

"Wonderful grounds with excellent accommodation all round."

Mr & Mrs HfromManingtree

Arrived 14 Apr 2019, 3 nights

Hunter's Country House offers truly elegant and comfortable accommodation, with luxurious suites in extensive, beautiful surroundings, and superb food. The lodge has many services and facilities, and caters particularly well for families – although couples seeking privacy will also be very happy here. It also makes an excellent base for exploring Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding Garden Route area. See our full report on Hunters Country House

In the heart of the Klein Karoo, only 10km from the town of Oudtshoorn, the family-run Mooiplaas Guesthouse is situated on the owner’s working ostrich farm. Bound to the north by South Africa’s Swartberg Mountains and to the south by the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains, there are three spectacular passes in the area – the Swartberg, Meiringspoort and Seweweekspoort.

"Good launch pad to the Caves"

Mr P & familyfromDublin

Arrived 29 Jun 2019, 2 nights

Mooiplaas Guesthouse is warm and welcoming and has incredibly friendly staff, making for a delightfully relaxing stay. Adults will enjoy the rural setting, informal atmosphere and opportunities to venture out and explore the beautiful scenery. It is also a firm favourite with families, for whom it caters well, with suitable room types, outdoor space, a jungle gym and the ostrich farm visit – which was a huge hit with our child. See our full report on Mooiplaas Guesthouse

Just 3km from Montagu, on the scenic South African Route 62, the Galenia Estate is encircled by the Langeberg Mountains, and enjoys beautiful views from its guesthouse across the Klein Karoo. The estate is predominantly covered by indigenous fynbos and renosterbos, along with a large olive grove, but it also features the Boontjiesrivier and five picturesque dams, which attract an array of birds. Please note Galenia will be closed for the winter between 16th May until 14th August 2020 inclusive.

We are delighted to see a new high-quality guesthouse in this area, promising a welcoming and charming atmosphere, a high level of service and food, and stylish and comfortable accommodation.

"Galenia is nicely appointed & comfortable... evening meals all very good..."

Mr AfromSt Albans

Arrived 9 Nov 2021, 4 nights

We are looking forward to visiting Galenia ourselves and will post further details here as soon as we have them – but meanwhile just ask us for the latest information. See our full report on Galenia Estate

Set on one of South Africa's oldest and best-preserved streets, in the middle of Stellenbosch, Oude Werf (formerly known as D' Ouwe Werf) is a national monument and said to be one of the oldest inns in South Africa, dating back to 1802 (though remains of a 1687 church lie under the restaurant). The hotel has a very established, solid feel and its cobbled courtyard leads to one of the Cape's best restaurants.

"Impressive blend of old frontage and new interior."

Mr & Mrs TfromExeter

Arrived 2 Feb 2024, 2 nights

Oude Werf has the most convenient location for walking into town and exploring the little lanes of Stellenbosch, filled with art galleries, museums, historic sites, boutiques, jewellery stores and restaurants. It's a little gem, tucked away on the popular Church Street. It's a lovely option for staying somewhere other than a wine farm. See our full report on Oude Werf

The Farmhouse Hotel is an old renovated farmstead located in the quiet seaside town of Langebaan, 134km's from Cape Town. It is located up on a hill with uninterrupted views of the tranquil Langebaan Lagoon.

"The hotel is comfortable"

Mr & Mrs OfromSomerset

Arrived 28 Sep 2018, 3 nights

Don't expect the ultimate in luxury, but rather a fairly dated, albeit traditional and slightly quirky old farmhouse feel. Not much has changed in the decor over the years, but it's a comfortable place to stay, offering friendly service and a good base to explore the West Coast Nature Reserve and surrounding towns of Yzerfontein, Paternoster and the likes. See our full report on Farmhouse Hotel