The Panorama Route is one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa connecting the Lowveld and the amazing geological features of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg. One of the major highlights of the region is the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, the third largest canyon of its kind in the world and home to spectacular wildlife and birdlife.

Other highlights include the breath-taking waterfalls in Graskop and Sabie, Lisbon and Berlin Falls, Gods Window and the Gold Rush territory, Pilgrim’s Rest, home to the early gold prospectors.

Mogodi Lodge is superbly situated just 50 meters from the Graskop Gorge Falls with a magnificent view over the Mpumalanga Lowveld. An ideal location for guests to enjoy the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding area. From Mogodi Lodge one can go on forest walks, berg hikes or a scenic drive along the Panorama Route.

Mogodi Lodge offers 10 luxury, self-catering, two-bedroom flats, which are fully furnished and equipped. Braai facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and an inside fireplace give Mogodi Lodge the edge in providing to its visitor’s every need. The lodge boasts its very own “fully licensed” Koweni’s Lookout Restaurant and bar with a comprehensive a la carte menu and extensive wine list. This restaurant which overlooks the Graskop Gorge can seat up to 60 people.

For warmer days, guests can relax around the lodge’s large swimming pool and soak up the Mpumalanga sun or be more active on their 9 holes putt-putt course.

Overnight: Mogodi Lodge

At more than 2 million hectares the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Because of its exceptional size you can experience amazing diversity – from the scenery and ecosystems to the correspondingly amazing array of animals, trees and birds. A trip to the Kruger National Park is an unforgettable and potentially life changing experience.

With its soothing riverine views and Lacombe Mountain skyline in the background, the Lower Sabie Rest camp hugs the banks of the perennial Sabie River in the Kruger National Park. The camp is an exhibition of the natural wealth of the area, surrounded by lush green vegetation and attracting a multitude of game that can easily be spotted from the deck overlooking the water. The river itself, enveloped by abundant foliage, is populated by cormorants, herons, kingfishers and storks.

In the lazy midday heat, lions can be found resting alongside the hippos which wallow on the riverbanks in the cool shade of large riverine trees like the Fever Tree, Round-leaved Teak and sycamore fig. Early morning game drives are an opportunity to spot lion, cheetah, elephant, rhino and buffalo among others, and there’s no better way to end a morning drive than by enjoying a sumptuous bush breakfast in idyllic settings. Nthandanyati Bird Hide overlooks the habitat of the Marabou and Black Storks, as well as the Grey Heron, Little Bee-eaters, Hammerkop and Open-billed Storks. Sunset drives show off the bush as it comes alive at night, with a myriad of nocturnal species which begin to hunt as the moon starts to rise.

Campsites, safari tents, a range of bungalows and a commodious guest house make up the accommodation at Lower Sabie camp. At night, the lodge screens entertaining films on wildlife and conservation and during the hot summer days, refreshing dips in the swimming pool will keep guests cool. From the deck of the Ingwe Restaurant visitors can enjoy an authentic African dining experience, accompanied by an excellent selection of South African wines, while taking in the view of the river over breakfast, lunch or dinner.

With nothing to do except indulge in the serenity of the landscape and the luxury provided by the camp, guests will be able to bask in a truly relaxing experience. Whether going on adventurous bush walks or game drives, or simply soaking in the majestic views and wildlife spectacles that unfold along the banks of the river, guests of the Lower Sabie Restcamp will experience an unforgettable African getaway.

Overnight: Lower Sabie Rest Camp

Swaziland
Route 62 might market itself as the longest Wine Route in the world, but that’s definitely not all there is to it. Lush greenery and fertile valleys form a stark contrast against the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo while towering mountains and their rivers and streams provide an awe-inspiring backdrop throughout. Some of the renowned attractions visitors will spot as they follow the route are the winelands of the Breede River Valley, the majestic Swartberg mountains, the Cango Caves and ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley.

Overnight: Hawane Resort
Framed by Malolotja’s majestic peaks rests Swaziland’s northern highland Paradise, Hawane Resort. Situated 2 hours south of Kruger Park, 3.5 hours from Johannesburg and west of Mozambique, the breathtaking beauty of the area and it’s spectacular views transport visitors into a multi-dimensional experience that offer as much adventure, solitude, adrenaline or tranquility as desired.

If the stunning views aren’t enough to keep you entertained, we have a fully equipped games room and toys for indoor and out that will amuse all ages.

Resting on the banks of the Mkuze River, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is comprised of 10000 hectares of pristine wilderness characterized by savannah, mountains, and wetlands. This spectacularly scenic environment serves as an ideal habitat for a remarkable array of African wildlife including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant buffalo, and rhino) as well as warthog, cheetah, crocodile, giraffe, hippopotamus, several different species of antelope, and over 400 species of bird. Visitors can look forward to staying in one of the reserve’s two luxury lodges where they can enjoy a truly authentic African experience complete with game drives, bush walks, and night safaris guided by qualified and knowledgeable rangers. In between game drives, guests can indulge in a relaxing massage with a qualified masseuse or arrange a cultural trip to a nearby local village.

Situated in the heart of historic Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is one of only two Private Game Reserves in the region where you can view the ‘Big 5’ – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant and for bird lovers, nearly 430 species of birds are resident.

Overlooking the Mkuze Waterfall, the lodge features nine luxurious thatched Chalets and one Safari Suite, accommodating eighteen guests in utmost comfort and style. All these rooms have a breathtaking view of the river, private plunge pools and an outside shower, and an air-conditioned bedroom.

Relax in the lounge, view animals from the wooden deck, sip cocktails in the swimming pool or recount your sightings of the day in the bar! Taste South African food with a sophisticated flair under a star-strewn sky or in the boma.

Guests are invited to join the open-vehicle safaris with experienced field guides and rangers who also conduct bird, bush and game walks on request. Game and bird walks are conducted professionally and safely bringing the bush alive in a close encounter with the knowledge of the guide. The unique ecosystems of riverine, wetland, lowveld bushveld and montane grassland provide the diversity and large quantity of bird and animal species, big and small.

Overnight: Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve

An imposing wall of rock that rises to 3000m, creating untold inspiring views and hikes. Known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears and to the first European settlers as the Dragon’s Mountains. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg is 1 of 8 South African UNESCO World Heritage sites, uniquely being on for both its significance as a natural resource and for the heritage of the San Paintings. For 1000s of years they hosted the San people and they in turn left their record on the walls on numerous sandstone caves.

Today most of the Drakensberg is protected as a National Park and it is a major attraction for the lover of the outdoors.

Lotheni Nature Reserve is located in a tranquil and remote section of the Drakensberg Park in a landscape where imposing grey cliffs give way to alpine forests and open grasslands that are dotted with crystal clear lakes and rivers. Situated deep in this area of dramatic beauty, Loteni (meaning ‘in the ashes’, from the colour of the shale found in the river valley) is the perfect hideaway spot from which to relax and restore oneself.

Accommodation at Lotheni is made up of fully self-contained six-bed bungalows, complete with fire places. Bedding , cutlery and crockery are provided , but visitors must bring all their own food supplies and do their own cooking. There is also a charming cottage, which is rustic and secluded, and even has a private trout dam for the exclusive use of tenants. Simes cottage is fitted with gas and includes a bathroom, and an equipped kitchen, but visitors must supply towels and linen as well as gas lamps and torches.

Also available are mountain-view huts that overlook a gorgeous view of mountain and rivers. Huts sleep three people and have a kitchen, a small deep-freeze, shower and toilet as well as a decent supply of cutlery and crockery. However, visitors must supply their own linen and towels.

Overnight: Lotheni Chalets

The Eastern Cape is endowed with some of the best beaches in South Africa – long stretches of fine white sand backed by hills blanketed with lush subtropical vegetation and, for the most part, blissfully uncrowded. The Indian Ocean waters that fringe this coast are mild throughout the year and support a myriad of marine life, including a wide array of fish species that make the region an angler’s idyll. South Africa’s most legendary surfing destination is located along the Eastern Cape coast: Jeffrey’s Bay, renowned for its long rides and world class barrels.

Benmore Lodge is situated above Kei Mouth, in rugged, steep, bushveld countryside. It nestles in typical Transkei rural scenery with scattered dwellings in the distant rolling Transkei hills. There is an amazing variety of birdlife. Game viewing features eland, impala, bontebok, kudu, bushbuck, wildebeest zebra and many others. Benmore Farm, on which Benmore Lodge is situated, is a delight to explore on foot; from a short stroll to the Strelitzia fields to an adventurous circle route on foot and boat via the Kei River to the village of Kei Mouth.

Overnight: Benmore Lodge

As South Africa’s third-largest national park, the Addo National Elephant Park offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. This finely-tuned ecosystem provides a sanctuary to large numbers of elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyenas, leopards, antelope, zebra, and over 400 bird species – to name but a few. The park is unique as it is the only park in the world to boast the “Big 7” – the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the coast of the Algoa Bay. Spend your days marveling at the extensive knowledge of the park’s experienced guides who offer exhilarating 4×4 safari adventures, exciting horse riding excursions, and wonderful night drives where you are likely to spot some fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Famed for its large herds of elephants, Addo provides an ideal, tranquil retreat for those looking to escape the stresses of big city living.

The popular main rest camp of the park offers a wide variety of accommodation units to suit all tastes and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. A unique feature is the waterhole lookout point, floodlit at night, within the camp as well as the underground hide, allowing close encounters with wildlife at the waterhole.

Overnight: Addo Rest Camp

Nestled between the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by world-renowned forests, Knysna offers a wealth of activities for visitors. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, jet-ski, boat, fish, and walk on soft sand and take ferry rides. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn’t known as the “Garden of Eden” for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers. World class golf courses are at your doorstep. And of course the area is famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters.

The award-winning team from Kanonkop House has curated a collection of ‘Beautiful Knysna Villas’, situated throughout the picturesque town of Knysna.

These exclusive-use villas offer travellers and their friends and families the opportunity to stay in their own private villa, off-site from Kanonkop House, in the location of their choice (from the golf course to the beach), and to be hosted by the Kanonkop Team.

The Lagoon Views Private Villa at Pezula is a luxurious 4 bedroom en-suite house in the spectacular Pezula Nature Reserve on the Knysna Eastern Head. The Villa has stunning views across the Knysna Lagoon to the Featherbed reserve and all the way to the magnificent Outeniqua mountains beyond. An easy 10 minutes from the centre of town with restaurants, shopping and actitives and 10 minutes to the nearest beach. The Pezula Conrad Hotel, luxury spa and championship golf course is a safe walk or a 2 minute drive away and our guests are welcome to make use of the restaurant and facilities of the hotel, the treatments at the spa and to play discounted golf on our corporate membership on the golf course both here and at other courses local to Knysna.

Lagoon Views Private Villa at Pezula allows guests to make the most of the South African outdoor lifestyle with a fabulous outdoor entertainment area, including lounge, dining and barbeque area overlooking a rimflow pool and private garden to the spectacular views. Accommodation includes 4 similar styled en-suite bedrooms all with private decks or verandas and a television in room. The living areas include a large lounge area includes satellite TV, large plasma screen, integrated music system, ipod docking station, dvd and cd player and a fully equipped modern kitchen with breakfast bar and dining room.

The Villa is serviced by its own private breakfast chef and hospitality team. The Kanonkop House concierge team is available to look after guests every need and to compile tailor made packages to experience the very best that the Garden Route has to offer.

The Villa Collection was created for the enjoyment of the discerning traveller to South Africa, to experience our wonderful hospitality and the natural splendour and many activities of the local area from the privacy of their own ‘home’. The opportunity exists to tailor make the services guests require from babysitters to ‘braai masters’ and private chefs should they choose to spend an evening ‘dining in’ in the privacy of their villa. The rates are graded from a minimum to a maximum number of guests and include breakfast, drinks (beer, wine, soft and hot beverages), daily cleaning, unlimited wifi and off-street parking.

Overnight: Lagoon Views Private Villa at Pezula View

Built along the beautiful shores and cliffs of Walker Bay, Hermanus has grown from a small seaside resort town to become possibly the best-known place for whale watching in the world. Today, this busy town is more than just a popular holiday destination and offers visitors all kinds of activities, both energetic and relaxing.

22 private ensuite rooms,all with showers. Many of the rooms have a lovely sea view. Clean white linen, towels provided and generous hot water. Television in the rooms, Dstv in the lounges. Wifi and internet connection. Tea & coffee stations. Fridges and braai facilities. Fully licenced. Lovely heated swimming pool looking up to the mountains.

Overnight: Baleens

Departure