Waterbuck self-drive: Day-by-day

In the heart of Constantia, one of Cape Town’s leafiest and most affluent suburbs, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel lies close to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It’s a Relais & Châteaux hotel, set in nine acres of manicured, award-winning gardens, for which it is well known, with a small vineyard and forested area. The name relates to the original cellars of the 18th-century Klaasenbosch wine estate, and the Hohenort Manor House – both of which have been beautifully restored.

"Wonderful hotel and gardens...Great position "

Mr D.fromChelmsford

Arrived 15 Nov 2022, 3 nights

The Cellars-Hohenort is a luxury hotel offering a relaxing place to stay in beautiful surroundings close to Cape Town’s city centre and major attractions. The tasteful mix of contemporary and antique furniture creates an elegant ambience, and the staff are professional, friendly and polite. It’s the ideal choice for a Cape Town hotel with a quiet country feel. See our full report on Cellars-Hohenort

For those seeking a peaceful spot in a tiny town surrounded by vineyards, the excellent Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek may be the answer. (It's recently joined the Relais & Château group.) Open log fires, sumptuous rooms and a couple of superb restaurants ensure a very comfortable stay here. The town itself has a diverse array of art galleries, high fashion clothing boutiques, jewellers, local artisans, coffee shops and restaurants. As with everywhere in this region, excellent wine estates are close by.

"The Quartier Francais exceeded our expectations with superb service"

Mr & Mrs GfromBucks

Arrived 11 Feb 2020, 3 nights

Le Quartier Français has the most convenient location for walking into the little town of Franschhoek. In fact, the entrance to their award winning restaurant lies right on the high street. But, the rooms are behind this - in a much quieter setting. We loved this property. It's sophisticated, offering top-class service combined with understated luxury. See our full report on Le Quartier Francais

Schoone Oordt Country House is located in the historic town of Swellendam, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. A beautiful Victorian house dating back to 1853, it is a convenient halfway stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route. The house is set in landscaped gardens and has been lovingly restored by its current owners as an upmarket guesthouse.

"Fantastic breakfast beautifully presented, as was the evening meal."

Mr & Mrs TfromExeter

Arrived 28 Jan 2024, 1 night

Schoone Oordt Country House is a beautifully restored guesthouse with friendly staff, an inviting atmosphere and good-quality accommodation. It offers a convenient base to explore Swellendam and the surrounding area. See our full report on Schoone Oordt Country House

The elegant Rosenhof Country House occupies a mid-19th-century single-storey homestead on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, in South Africa’s Little Karoo. It is well placed for visits to the Cango Caves and several ostrich farms in the region. During our last visit, the rooms were being renovated and refurbished.

"We enjoyed a really excellent evening meal ..."

Prof & Dr MfromSheffield

Arrived 9 May 2019, 1 night

Rosenhof Country House offers high-quality accommodation in peaceful surroundings. See our full report on Rosenhof Country House

The Turbine or, as it’s more formally known, ‘The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa’, is located on Thesen Islands, beside the town of Knysna, on South Africa’s Garden Route. Converted from an old power station, and beside one of this small island’s waterways, The Turbine is particularly interesting for its history and for the original machinery, which has been incorporated into its modern design.

With slight echoes of the set on ‘The Truman Show’, a location on Thesen Islands won’t be to everyone’s taste. However, the Turbine’s sensitive, modern design with chunks of its industrial past give it a character that transcends its immediate neighbourhood. Come for a safe and comfortable base for a few days, to explore the Knysna Lagoon and the wider Knysna area. See our full report on Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

In the heart of the Garden Route, in an area known as The Crags, lies Hog Hollow Country Lodge. This tranquil property, where the only sounds are birdsong, baboons barking and monkeys chattering, is set on a hillside, overlooking the Matjies River Gorge below and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Just 18km east of the popular holiday town of Plettenberg Bay, it is well positioned to explore this stretch of the South African coast.

"A very beautiful lodge in a great position."

Dr and Ms RfromBristol

Arrived 17 Apr 2018, 2 nights

Hog Hollow isn't overly luxurious; in fact, on first appearances, it seems fairly simple. However, over the years it's been very consistent in offering really excellent, personal service and incredibly good food. It stands in some stunning scenery and we regard it as a lovely, comfortable retreat, offering good value for money. See our full report on Hog Hollow Country Lodge