Cape Town
An African safari, with a chance to see some of the continent’s wonderful animals close up, is many people’s idea of a dream holiday. But if you’re planning a trip to South Africa soon to take advantage of the fall in the value of the rand – the current rate is around 15.6 ZAR to £1 – include a few days in a city with one of the world’s most picturesque locations: Cape Town.
The place to stay is the Mount Nelson, a five-star hotel within easy reach of local sightseeing and shops but tucked away in lovely, quiet gardens, with Table Mountain as a backdrop.
SEE WILDLIFE
Book one of the delightful Garden Cottage Suites, eight restored historic cottages adjacent to one of the two outdoor heated pools.
So you want to see some wildlife? Go in search of jackass penguins, great white sharks, Cape fur seals, dolphins and whales – in particular, magni cent southern right whales from June to November in the Cape’s False Bay as well as Walker Bay near Hermanus.
South Africa means great wines too, and the hotel o ers half- and full-day tours to the major wine trails, as well as red, white and Cap Classique tours. A popular place to visit is Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, 60km from Cape Town. It has orchards, vines and an excellent restaurant.
If you’d like to meet locals, there’s a half-day Uthando Township Tour to visit social development projects, including the acclaimed Hout Bay Music Project and Abalimi Bezekhaya, an urban microfarming initiative, both of which are supported by the Mount Nelson. A ‘must excursion’ is to Robben Island, 7km off the coast of Cape Town, to see the cell in which Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of captivity.
SPA TREAT
Book the exclusive walking tour of the cultural and historical heart of Cape Town, too, which includes the 114-year-old Pink Palace and tales of some of the famous people who’ve stayed there.
Put the bounce back into your step with a visit to the hotel’s Librisa spa – their full body mask, scalp and foot massage costs 450 rand (around £29).
SHOPS APLENTY
Then it’s time to shop. The Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Kloof Street or the Old Biscuit Mill market, offer shops aplenty. Cape Town is packed with knick-knack shops, so leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
The city has a huge range of great places to eat, too, including Mount Nelson’s Planet Restaurant & Bar, beloved of visiting celebrities. And don’t leave Cape Town without trying its legendary afternoon tea. It’s been called the best in the world, with an enormous range of yummies on o er, from nger sandwiches to exquisite pastries and cakes. And at 225 rand or around £14.50 at today’s rates, it’s an absolute bargain.
Africa Travel – 020-7843 3587, www.africatravel.co.uk – offers tailor-made holidays to Africa. A four-night stay at the Mount Nelson Hotel – www.mountnelson.co.za – including breakfast, British Airways flights and a hire car, costs from £1,525 per person.
LADIES’ DAY
Lolfa Cynin, a B&B on a farm in St Clears, Carmarthenshire, is staging its annual Ladies’ Day on 7 July in aid of Cancer Research Wales. Make a weekend of it and stay overnight from £81 per person.
01994-232773, www.little-places.co.uk; www.visitcarmarthenshire.co.uk
ICELAND TRIP
Discover The World’s four-day self-drive Iceland adventure, Beyond The Wall, explores landscapes used in filming Game Of Thrones. From £872 per person including fights, car rental and Glacier Explorer Hike.
01737-214291, www.discover-the-world.co.uk
BUTTERFLY TEA
Book the Adonis Blue Butter§ y Afternoon Tea, £25.50, at the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst, West Sussex, this summer and 10 per cent of proceeds will go to The South Downs National Park’s butter§ y conservation project.
01730-816911 or email spreadeagle@hshotels.co.uk
The place to stay is the Mount Nelson, a five-star hotel within easy reach of local sightseeing and shops but tucked away in lovely, quiet gardens, with Table Mountain as a backdrop.
SEE WILDLIFE
Book one of the delightful Garden Cottage Suites, eight restored historic cottages adjacent to one of the two outdoor heated pools.
So you want to see some wildlife? Go in search of jackass penguins, great white sharks, Cape fur seals, dolphins and whales – in particular, magni cent southern right whales from June to November in the Cape’s False Bay as well as Walker Bay near Hermanus.
South Africa means great wines too, and the hotel o ers half- and full-day tours to the major wine trails, as well as red, white and Cap Classique tours. A popular place to visit is Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, 60km from Cape Town. It has orchards, vines and an excellent restaurant.
If you’d like to meet locals, there’s a half-day Uthando Township Tour to visit social development projects, including the acclaimed Hout Bay Music Project and Abalimi Bezekhaya, an urban microfarming initiative, both of which are supported by the Mount Nelson. A ‘must excursion’ is to Robben Island, 7km off the coast of Cape Town, to see the cell in which Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of captivity.
SPA TREAT
Book the exclusive walking tour of the cultural and historical heart of Cape Town, too, which includes the 114-year-old Pink Palace and tales of some of the famous people who’ve stayed there.
Put the bounce back into your step with a visit to the hotel’s Librisa spa – their full body mask, scalp and foot massage costs 450 rand (around £29).
SHOPS APLENTY
Then it’s time to shop. The Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Kloof Street or the Old Biscuit Mill market, offer shops aplenty. Cape Town is packed with knick-knack shops, so leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
The city has a huge range of great places to eat, too, including Mount Nelson’s Planet Restaurant & Bar, beloved of visiting celebrities. And don’t leave Cape Town without trying its legendary afternoon tea. It’s been called the best in the world, with an enormous range of yummies on o er, from nger sandwiches to exquisite pastries and cakes. And at 225 rand or around £14.50 at today’s rates, it’s an absolute bargain.
Africa Travel – 020-7843 3587, www.africatravel.co.uk – offers tailor-made holidays to Africa. A four-night stay at the Mount Nelson Hotel – www.mountnelson.co.za – including breakfast, British Airways flights and a hire car, costs from £1,525 per person.
TRAVEL NEWS
LADIES’ DAY
Lolfa Cynin, a B&B on a farm in St Clears, Carmarthenshire, is staging its annual Ladies’ Day on 7 July in aid of Cancer Research Wales. Make a weekend of it and stay overnight from £81 per person.01994-232773, www.little-places.co.uk; www.visitcarmarthenshire.co.uk
ICELAND TRIP
Discover The World’s four-day self-drive Iceland adventure, Beyond The Wall, explores landscapes used in filming Game Of Thrones. From £872 per person including fights, car rental and Glacier Explorer Hike.
01737-214291, www.discover-the-world.co.uk
BUTTERFLY TEA
Book the Adonis Blue Butter§ y Afternoon Tea, £25.50, at the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst, West Sussex, this summer and 10 per cent of proceeds will go to The South Downs National Park’s butter§ y conservation project.
01730-816911 or email spreadeagle@hshotels.co.uk