Cape Town, South Africa
Mount Nelson
The historic landmark hotel of Cape Town
The Grand Dame, heritage property of Cape Town, Mount Nelson comes with bags of history and is widely considered one of the best hotels in South Africa. Located directly at the foot of Table Mountain, it’s set within expansive grounds with a collection of smaller buildings dotted throughout the gardens.
Most rooms have been refurbished with a contemporary refresh, adding comfort and modern touches to the historic décor. The bar and restaurant have had a similar treatment making them a popular place to visit for Capetonians (a great sign for any hotel restaurant, particularly in the fickle and competitive Cape Town restaurant scene).
With a vermiculture project, on-site beehives and locally produced organic vegetables, the hotel places strong emphasis on supporting the environment and local community.
Mount Nelson is very much a location in itself. The large grounds sit just a short stroll away from downtown and also the Kloof Street Area, which is famous among locals for excellent new restaurants and boutiques. We especially recommend experiencing Afternoon Tea at Nelson (or Nellie, as it’s affectionately known), a Cape Town institution that’s very much worth trying.
Highlights
Enjoy afternoon tea in the light-filled lounge or on the terrace with tiered pastries, savouries and a variety of premium teas – often accompanied by live piano music
Swim in one of two heated outdoor pools set within palm-lined gardens at the foot of Table Mountain
Dine at The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse with its creative Pan-Asian tasting menu of bold flavours and refined small plates
Embark on a chauffeured vintage sidecar adventure from the hotel to spectacular coastal drives or beaches like Bloubergstran
Learn about seasonal ingredients and cooking techniques while interacting directly with the chefs, savouring a multi-course Chef’s Table experience in a private kitchen setting
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Places to combine The Mount Nelson with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
