A Luxury Rail Journey Through Africa

Ellerman House is a class act throughout. Not to mention a wonderful piece of history that feels very much like your own home but with top class service befitting a five-star hotel. Perched in one of the most spectacular and privileged settings in Cape Town overlooking Bantry Bay, it is the epitome of comfort and class with a relaxed, elegant style. Decoration is colonial, with a nod to the contemporary and recently refurbished to provide thoroughly modern comforts. The hotel’s Click Foundation is having an impact in the education sector and its annual ArtAngels event raises awareness and funds for the foundation.  Where Ellerman House excels above others is the excellent house staff, who in these grand surrounds create such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Taking a (complimentary) evening cocktail from the lounge and strolling out onto the peaceful gardens overlooking the sea for sunset is the perfect end to a day in Cape Town as one feels both special and relaxing. There are just 11 rooms, two suites and two private contemporary villas. Communal areas include a spacious lounge, large garden area (with outdoor pool) and a huge spa. There is an open kitchen you are invited to visit, a pantry that you can raid as well as the complimentary evening cocktails. A particular feature of the property is its private art collection. This is simply outstanding, one of the best in South Africa with works from African masters inside the main building and then, underneath is a contemporary gallery. For anyone interested in art this will add an extra element to their stay. New for 2020,  guests will be able to book Sleep Rooms at Ellerman House. A concept created by wellness expert Harry Jameson, each of the 13 rooms at the property can be converted into wellness rooms specially designed to optimise both sleep and recovery.

Located in the popular V&A waterfront, the One&Only is the most contemporary of Cape Town’s top hotels. As one might expect from the top luxury resort specialists, the service is excellent. The very spacious rooms and suites (107) have an elegant style, fabrics and textiles taking an African influence with rich colourful hues. The main hotel area sits around a lagoon in which an island has been created. This is where the outdoor pool, jacuzzis and spa are located, to give more of a ‘resort’ style feel to the hotel. Special Island suites are also available here. Inside the hotel itself there are large communal areas including a vast lobby and bar area as well as restaurants from South African celebrity Chef Reuben Rifell and Nobu. The resort also has a particularly good kids club, which they can be left in comfortably for the day as the adults go out exploring.

Situated in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Grace is one of Cape Town’s most famous luxury hotels. You can expect world class, personalised service from the Grace in a location perfect for enjoying the restaurants, boutiques and entertainment of this upmarket area. The hotel also has a strong focus on contributing to community upliftment and has varuous measures in place to improve their water and energy consumption. Reflecting its location, the recently refurbished décor has a nautical theme and is full of local detail, with antiques and maps adorning the hallways. In a playful touch, sumptuous chandeliers are adorned with unusual items (such as crockery and kitchenware in the Restaurant area). The 120 rooms and suites are spacious, comfortable and elegantly decorated offering views out to Table Mountain, Signal Hill or the Marina. The hotel also features a luxurious pool and outdoor deck, a spa on the top floor and a great whiskey bar. You can walk straight out into the waterfront area here making it a perennial favourite.

The Grand Dame, heritage property of Cape Town, the Mount Nelson comes with bags of history and is perhaps the most famous hotel in the city. It’s set in large grounds and is made up of a number of different smaller buildings. 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). From their vermiculture project and on-site beehives, to their use of locally produced organic vegetables, the hotel puts a strong emphasis on having a positive impact on the environment and local community. Rooms are very comfortable and spacious and are located in several buildings dotted throughout the large property and gardens. This makes it stand apart from other larger hotels in Cape Town as in this most outdoor of cities it’s great to have large, green gardens to take a stroll through and outdoor pools (and for the more active, there are also tennis courts). Though The 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. Afternoon Tea at the Nelson (or Nellie as it is affectionately known) is a Cape Town institution and well worth trying.

Set in the fashionable Kloof Street area, the Cape Cadogan is a wonderful boutique hotel. The historic, listed building has been decorated with contemporary neutral hues giving a more light and spacious look whilst the elegant fixtures remain true to the origin of the building. Communal areas are very comfortable and include a library and lounge (with open fireplace) as well as a small garden and pool area. The rooms at the Cadogan are light and open with modern fittings sitting side by side with restored antique pieces. Service is helpful and attentive with a relaxed but professional touch. This is a great area to explore with some fashionable new restaurants appearing in the neighbourhood.

Surrounded by vineyards and gardens and just minutes from the village of Franschhoek is Leeu Estates, a boutique hotel, winery and wellness spa. Set within 68 hectares between the Dassenberg mountains and Franschhoek River, it offers guests the opportunity to enjoy stunning natural beauty in total luxury. Each room is individually styled and upholstered in natural linens giving a relaxed yet sophisticated feel. The luxury en-suite bathrooms have marble floors with underfloor heating and some feature a freestanding bath tub. You’ll enjoy your beautiful surroundings from the moment you wake up, with windows that look out over the gardens and orchard. Located within the Manor House is The Dining Room, where uncomplicated dishes let the locally produced ingredients shine though. In the warmer months, choose to dine al fresco and enjoy soaking up the sun from the garden terrace. For when you want to simply relax and unwind, The Reading Room is an intimate space with a fireplace, opening onto a veranda with views of the gardens, vineyards and Franschhoek Valley. There is plenty of reading material and enough board games to keep you occupied, but if you do fancy engaging in something more active then make a beeline for the gym, pool and spa.

One of the most famous hotels in South Africa, La Residence is a truly opulent and stately base from which to explore the wine region. From the moment one enters the grand hall at the entrance, it is obvious that you have entered a very special place. Works of art and antiques from all over the world adorn the lavish interiors. Set close to the pretty town of Franschhoek on a backdrop of rolling hills, the hotel sits in thirty acres of working farm with immaculately manicured gardens, vineyards and orchards. There are eleven suites set in the main building, each very individual from the other and themed around a colour, with an eclectic but cohesive mix of antiques and art lending both character and opulence to each of the rooms. Further down the hill are the newly constructed villas. These have a slightly more contemporary feel, with brighter colours and are also very suitable for families as they range from two to four bedrooms each. The villas also share a separate pool area and a communal open kitchen and dining area, encouraging a more informal mingling of guests in this part of the property.

Set on one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms in the wine region, Babylonstoren is a 200-hectare working fruit farm with an exclusive hotel and restaurant set amongst the vineyards orchards and beautiful kitchen gardens. This is a beautiful and relaxing sanctuary, effortlessly blending its colonial, pastoral past with modern contemporary design. There are 14 cottages spread out through the grounds, a spacious blend of restored Cape-Dutch architecture and sophisticated modern touches. This is modern design at its very best with a deft lightness of touch giving a feeling of space and modernity whilst remaining very true to the historic style of the buildings. It’s no surprise therefore that Karen Roos (former editor of Elle Decoration) is one of the owners. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool area, restaurant, eight-acre kitchen garden, spa and gym. The farm is also to be explored, walking through the 200 hectares of land or perhaps taking a canoe out on the farm dam.

The most contemporary luxury property in the wine region, Delaire sits on a privileged vantage point, perched on the hillside along the magnificent Helshoogte mountain range between Stellenbosch and Franschhoeck. There are 16 individual lodgings, each very private, decorated in elegant neutral tones and modern art. Each boasts a separate lounge and bedroom as well as a large deck and private infinity pool. At the centre of the property sits the large communal area, with a large pool, Jacuzzi and deck outdoors (from which one can enjoy spectacular views) as well as a peaceful interior decorated with a fantastic modern art collection. There is also an in-house cinema that screens documentaries and two restaurants, where the service is exemplary.

Set inside the peaceful, pretty town of Franschhoek, Le Quartier Français is a tranquil, luxurious base from which to explore the town and winelands beyond. This is by far the best hotel in town with a fantastic level of service and a relaxed, modest atmosphere that belies the level of comfort and attention to detail. 17 of the 21 rooms and suites are set around the central courtyard, with four others around a private garden. The white exteriors contrast with the warm, colourful interiors of the rooms, all very comfortable and spacious. The hotel also has two excellent dining options which front onto the main high-street of Franschhoek. Guests can also enjoy a pleasant lounge area, herb garden and private cinema. The ‘La Petite Colombe’ restaurant is among the best in South Africa. With the excellent service, comfort and cuisine one would expect, however, what elevates it above all, is the friendly personal aspect to the service here.

Harry Kirkman’s original 1920s homestead has been beautifully restored and now comprises 12 suites that look out over the bushveld. Perched on a ridge above the Sands River, guests can enjoy unspoiled views as they relax at this atmospheric and charming lodge. Kirkman’s offers the perfect balance of old and new with all the amemities you would expect from a luxury lodge alongside plenty of touches that hark back to days gone by. Each suite comes with a private verandah from which to relax with a glass of wine or afternoon tea while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the African bush. Curl up in front of the roaring fire in the sitting room, relax with a book in the library then sink into your claw-foot bathtub after a day of game drives. When you need to cool off, take refuge from the sun with a dip in the outdoor pool. Nestled in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kirkman’s Kamp shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, and enjoys an abundantly rich local concentration of fauna, including the Big Five. It is a particularly good spot to base your safari activities if you want to spot the most elusive of cats, the leopard. Strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of your game viewing experience.

Sitting alongside the meandering Sands River, set amidst wild bush and enormous trees in the middle of South Africa’s ‘big cat country’, is Singita’s original Ebony Lodge. Unrivalled hospitality is blended with the heritage of an English county home to create a timeless and most welcoming safari experience. The 12 suites, two which have two bedrooms and are perfect for families, all feature en-suite bathrooms and indoor-outdoor showers, private heated plunge pools and spacious game viewing decks. Your suite has been decorated according to a black and white colour scheme in homage to the big ebony trees that surround the lodge and interiors are furnished with vintage campaign furniture from Luke Bailes’ (the founder of Singita) family collection, sepia photography, tribal print murals and imitation leopard and zebra-print fabrics. Interior walls have been replaced by canvas or glass to create a light and airy atmosphere and to capitalise on the amazing views outside, to beautiful effect in the bedroom where you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view out onto the terrace. The food here is exquisite yet unpretentious, fitting of the lodge’s homely feel, and is paired with an extensive range of handpicked South African wines. Free time at the lodge can be spent indulging in the Bush Spa, relaxing in the library, using the well-equipped gym or cooling down in the pool. Of course the highlight here is the rich array of wildlife. Species such as leopard, lion, rhino, large herds of buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippopotamus, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and many types of birds can be spotted on expertly guided day and night game drives, and thrilling walking safaris. Other activities such as stargazing will get Africa even further under your skin.

Award winning Selati Camp calls on the nostalgic romance and opulence of the colonial era. Eight thatched suites are surely sculpted with all classical charm and dressed with the traditional trimmings of antique travelling chests, oil lanterns, mahogany and rattan furniture, vintage pieces and Persian rugs. The historical railway theme extends throughout the lodge and creates a charming and authentic home in wilderness. Selati has a close bond with the local community and has set up a multifunctional educational centre and a sports initiative which funds more than a dozen teams at nearby schools.  Each air-conditioned suite boasts a gorgeous en-suite bathroom and private alfresco shower nestled in the trees. In the communal areas you can lounge by the swimming pool, or relax on the wooden viewing decks and watch wildlife drinking at the nearby waterhole. The Ivory Presidential Suite is a favourite with a private terrace, plunge pool and its own homely fireplace. There’s a lovely little outdoor boma for dinner under the stars lit by lanterns after a day out on safari in Sabi Sabi Reserve. On colder evenings the world-class meals are served in the dining room that resembles a very cozy farmhouse kitchen.

Singita Boulders Lodge is set along the banks of the Sand River in Singita’s privately owned reserve within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Consistently one of the most popular lodges in the area, Boulders design concept effortlessly mixes modern contemporary touches such as floor to ceiling windows, clean white fabrics and neutral tones with a distinctly African feel accented by natural stone and wood, perfectly at home in its pristine setting. Whether through walls of glass or open-air areas, the surrounding landscape and animals can be seen and enjoyed from every angle, making for a truly immersive safari experience. The lodge sits in an elevated area, offering views from almost all angles and there are large communal areas to relax in, as well as twelve vast villa suites, each with a private heated pool. Daily game drives with professional guides and trackers provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while spot lit nighttime drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa and guided walking safaris can uncover a more intimate side of the bush. During your stay you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife including leopard, lion, rhino, large herds of buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippopotamus, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and many species of birds. Stargazing is another special way to enjoy the wilderness.

With only three suites the very smart Pioneer Camp, like the Granite Suites, offers a highly personal service and safari experience. It’s also the most secluded of all the lodges at Londolozi Reserve thanks in part to a canopy of 500-year-old ebony trees. Then there are the wonderful views of the river. Even though recently renovated this camp has still not forgone its name and initial purpose, so its design falls more in line with the classical era of the adventurer. The overall feel is a sumptuously modern one but the use of old travelling chests, gramophones, nostalgic colonial antiques and more traditional-style furniture romantically reminds you of how safaris were first forged. For families and small groups, the entire Pioneer Camp can be exclusively hired and its connecting sky walkways mean that the three suites can be turned into one bush home

This gorgeous lodge is situated in the southern part of the internationally famous Sabi Sand Reserve. The ‘Big Five’ sightings are so frequent, it is not unusual to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino in a single game drive. Numerous nearby dams and a series of waterholes in front of the lodge attract many species, especially in the dry winter months when elephants are daily visitors. There are seven suites – three executive and four luxury, all with their own private plunge pools. The executive suites feature canvas roofs for an authentic safari feel as well as large bathrooms with a free standing tub, double vanities, double shower and toilet as well as outdoor shower. There are glass doors that open onto covered patios where your private plunge pool faces waterholes in the bush. The four luxury suites are nestled among indigenous trees that attract a variety of bird life. They have the same facilities as the larger suites in a more compact space. There is also the two-bedroom Savana Suite where the bedrooms lie on either side of an inter-connecting lounge. Each bedroom has the same bathroom facilites and the luxury and exutive suites, while the living room features a cosy reading nook in front of the fireplace. The outdoor patio is perfect for candle-lit dinners or private pre-dinner cocktails. This suite is perfect for families or groups of friends.

Dulini’s privileged position on the banks of the Sand River makes viewing the wildlife that either wallows in it or lingering around it particularly good, especially so when it’s from your own private plunge pool. Tucked into the western corner of the 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands reserve renowned for its superb volume and quality of game, especially leopard sightings, the Dulini River Lodge’s game drives (morning, afternoon and even night) are led by a team of expert rangers and Shangaan trackers. What’s more, with a maximum of six people per vehicle, the drives are pleasingly exclusive. The six suites are all spacious with good views and are well-equipped with a modern but natural décor.

Tinga Lodge is a remote and beautiful camp situated on the bank of the Sabie River in a private concession of the Kruger, bordering the Lion Sands Reserve. Its grand, African design gives the lodge a feeling of spaciousness and true luxury, while its phenomenal location guarantees you a superior safari experience. Accommodation is composed of nine luxury en suite rooms, in private spots overlooking the river. Each feature indoor and outdoor showers, separate lounge areas with minibars, private plunge pools and decks and 24 hour air-conditioning. The communal areas of the lodge are sophisticated and serene with a large open lounge and dining area complete with a fireplace, a central public pool and wooden decking. Surrounded entirely by bush and sky, Tinga Lodge is one of only seven private concessions in the Kruger National Park and is a year-round safari destination. The Kruger National Park boasts the highest concentration of Black Rhino in the whole of South Africa, and the lodge offers both morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles, bush walks and a whole host of other activities – such as nights out in the Tineyeleti Treehouse – to give you a safari experience like no other.

Located a short distance outside of Johannesburg in Pretoria, 131 on Herbert Baker reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of chic and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the city centre, this luxury boutique hotel overlooks the expansive city. Originally built as a private residence, 131 on Herbert Baker was later transformed into a luxury boutique hotel with exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine to make the city’s most graceful and elegant hotel. The hotel comprises of 8 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites. There are seven individually appointed luxury bedrooms, each with a private balcony. For those who demand the very highest levels of luxury above that already offered, there is also a Presidential Suite that includes a private lounge with bar and dining area.

Boasting an ideal location combed with chic luxury, the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel captures the essence of South Africa’s capital city through its personal touches and generous facilities. Each of the 175 luxurious rooms and suites offer elegant, cream coloured furnishings. The en-suite bathrooms feature wall to wall Italian marble. When it comes to relaxing, there are ample facilities on offer; a health club, gym, sauna, outdoor pool and massage rooms.The hotel doesn’t scrimp when it comes to dining options either, hosting 3 restaurants which offer diverse and sumptuous gastronomy. Overlook the fascinating history and significant architecture of the capital from the union terrace views and some balconies. Once you step outside this luxury hotel, you will be strategically placed within the heart of major landmarks, exquisite gardens and extensive shopping opportunities.

Travel through South Africa’s epic landscapes in the romantic refinement of the Edwardian era and five-star luxury of today. You cannot see such breath-taking terrains in as much high comfort and style as Rovos Rail travel. Now with a fleet of four trains restored to their 1920s and 1930s glamour, with mahogany panelling, white-cloth-and-crystal dining cars, silver service, observatory cars, and sumptuous lounges and elegant suites. There are several weekly to annual journeys across South Africa (some to Namibia and Zambia) from which to choose: The weekly route between Pretoria and Cape Town sees you journey over 1,600 kilometres of scenic wonders. This journey takes 55-hours as you travel slowly and make stops and off-train excursions in Kimberley and Matjiesfontein. There is the iconic 4 day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls, one of ten Wonders of The Natural World. Journeying between Pretoria and Durban, with game drives in the Nambiti Conservancy and Spionkop Nature Reserve and an excursion to Ardmore Ceramics near Pietermaritzburg. The Golf Safari Train calls at some of South Africa’s most beautiful golf courses in between game viewing and sightseeing. For some really extraordinary African locomotive adventures there are annual and tri-annual journeys from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) for fourteen days (6100km) with off-train excursions along the way. There’s also the annual 3400km journey to Swakopmund in Namibia in May for nine days.

Set on a quiet, secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river, the Royal Chundu River Lodge oozes sophistication and grace. Overlooking the unspoiled expanse of the Zambezi River and the Zimbabwean savanna of the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, it’s a place to come and relax by the river, watching for the wildlife that pass by. The lodge is a Relais & Châteaux property, only one of two in Zambia. The other is The River Lodge’s sister property, The Island Lodge. Royal Chundu properties support a selection of positive impact initiatives including Pack for a Purpose, a foundation school and a seed project. Composed of 10 luxurious suites sleeping 20 people in total, River Lodge is the main hub at Royal Chundu and the larger of the two lodges. Each magnificent and spacious river-front suite features thatched roofs and opens on to a private deck for uninterrupted river views. Suites come with double showers and king-size beds. For evening meals, enjoy the unique African experience of the dining outside at the beautiful boma. There’s also a dining room for intimate indoor occasions. Excellent spa facilities will help you unwind while activities are a mix of river-based relaxation and Falls-based adventure.

A historic landmark and an attraction in itself, the ‘grand old lady of the Falls’ still packs as much colonial flair and character as she always has, and has long been one of the most magnificent places to stay here. The stately Edwardian style building has been here since 1904 and still commands the atmospheric appeal of the age of adventurer, standing at the rendezvous point where many pioneers have chosen to meet over the last century. Of course outfitted with the modern comforts and demands, the hotel has kept up with the times and all of its 176 well-equipped rooms are proof of this. Furthermore there are a phenomenal level of facilities here to spoil you right in the middle of untamed Africa, and their wonderfully manicured and tropical gardens are lovely to take a stroll around. One of the best things about the Victoria Falls hotel is its position, being seated just ten minutes’ walk away from the cascades along one of the hotel’s private pathways. There is nothing quite like taking afternoon tea on the Stanley Terrace, listening to the muted roar of the falls, and a royal view of the rising mist from the ‘smoke that thunders’ and the silhouette of the Victoria Falls bridge that links Zimbabwe with Zambia. If you choose to stay here, you’ll be following in many a royal family’s footsteps and those of many a famous figure, that aside you can’t fail to the feel the history and enduring elegance of this hotel.

This is one of our favourites, combining spacious luxury with bags of personality and character. The lodge is set on the banks of the Zambezi in a secluded spot upstream from the falls. The main lodge has four open fronted houses, one enclosed house with private plunge pool and an enclosed family house with an exclusive garden and private pool, as well as five enclosed riverfront cottages. Sindabezi Island features four open fronted chalets and one open fronted honeymoon chalet. The houses, cottages and chalets are enormous and each decorated individually. All enjoy views of the river. Care has been taken to make this one of the most romantic places to stay in the area, with many little touches and hidden away spots to relax in. The lodge makes the most of its location away from the falls, providing a haven to relax in (many prefer a longer stay here). Staff are excellent, with a friendly and welcoming team for whom nothing is too much trouble. In addition to this, they’re also taking numerous sustainable initiatives, such as reducing the need for plastic bottles on-site.

Set just a short walk away from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi, one can admire the coil of steam and spray rising from the falls on the horizon. The 173 rooms and suites are set in well manicured gardens along the banks of the river. This is one of just a few hotels from which the falls can be accessed on foot, making it ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. The hotel has been built in a colonial style, harking back to the days of it’s namesake, with grand dining and lounge areas as well as a large outdoor pool and riverside deck.

In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms. Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom. The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife. Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel. Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.