AN ALTERNATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA’S GARDEN ROUTE – DISCOVER THE LESSER-KNOWN WESTERN CAPE WITH SCOTT DUNN IN 2020
November 14thWestern Cape
World renowned luxury travel operators, Scott Dunn is offering travellers the chance to explore an untapped side of South Africa, naming the coastal route of Western Cape as a top travel destination for 2020. Instead of turning left, head west from Cape Town and explore the lesser-known circuit along the coast, guaranting exceptional views, destinations and tailor-made experiences, spotlighting the newly declared South African National Heritage Site, Bushmans Kloof. The journey provides one of the most beautiful drives in South Africa and an alternative to the iconic Garden Route, without the crowds.
Paternoster
Stop at the laid-back village of Paternoster – the unlikely home of some of the country’s best restaurants, pristine sandy beaches, and a fascinating nature reserve. Paternoster is growingly renowned as one of the best places to dine in South Africa, where the unfussy offerings rely entirely upon the freshness of their ingredients. Wolfgat Restaurant, a humble ocean-side eatery, was recently named Restaurant of the Year at the World Restaurant Awards, serving up unique offerings and culinary eccentricities such as seaweed jellies and dune succulents, combined with shellfish and seafood all sourced within a 6km radius. Meanwhile, beautiful shoreside shacks like Voorstrandt serve local favourites like seafood curry and surf and turf, and restaurants like Gaaitjie have unmatched locations overlooking the ocean. Stay at the charming Strandloper hotel, a dune-side property housing 14 suites and rooms (with another six to come shortly) dressed in marine hues, with private terraces planted with bougainvillea and enormous picture windows facing the crystal-blue ocean ahead.
Clanwillam
From there, venture into Clanwillam for the day before climbing into the picturesque Cederberg Mountains. Being one of the oldest towns in South Africa, Clanwillam stands as a must-see destination along Western Cape, rich in history and striking backdrops. Walk the streets of the old town, exploring the charming architecture and lush landscapes situated between the western slopes of the mountain and the east bank of Olifants River. This modest town of 7,000 is at the center of the Rooibos tea industry – a traditional South African tea, naturally derived from the grounds of Clanwilliams, that is equally delicious as it is beneficial to your health. Take the Rooibos Route and indulge in a tailor-made rooibos experience, exploring the organic tea fields by foot or horse-back, stopping along the way to enjoy the freshest culinary creations of rooibos-infused drinks and dishes across local restuarants and vineyards. Sit on the stoep of The Rooibos Teahouse, the only tea house of its kind in the world, and taste over 100 variations of rooibos, finding the perfect combination that compliments your palette to sip as you bask in the nautral beauty of the western coast.
Cederberg Mountains
Carry on your journey to Cederberg Mountains, the land of ancient and untamed beauty, exploring the trails and dramatic rock formations before arriving at Bushmans Kloof – a wilderness retreat and UNESCO World Heritage Site situated within the Mountains. Far from a fly and flop destination, Bushmans Kloof is renowned for its outstanding nature experiences. Guests have 7,000-hectares to explore, allowing them to walk with wildlife and enrich their minds with tales of ancient Bushman. Spend the days exploring the land with daily nature drives to spot flora and fauna – including rare Cape Mountain zebra and ostriches protected by Bushman Kloof’s wildlife reintroduction program – and excursions to the world’s largest outdoor art gallery.
Bushmans Kloof is the proud custodian of over 130 ancient rock art sites dating back 10,000 years, and as such, has been awarded a Grade One accreditation – the highest level of designation alongside Robben Island, Union Building and other iconic national locations. The Rock Art Excursions provides guests with an insight into the rich and spiritual culture of the Bushman who resided for years in the Cederberg Mountains.
Back at the property, enjoy spa treatments inspired by ancient African traditions and locally-inspired menus. Unique venues are set up throughout the property, each thoughtfully designed in harmony with the natural attributes of the Cederberg Mountains. Dining at Embers, guests can savour contemporary cuisine within a sandstone amphitheatre under the billion stars of the Milky way, a roaring fire and a myriad of candles and lanterns dress the space in a level of romance. Other culinary highlights include: wine tastings; traditional South African braais, picnics in the reserve and a private dining experience at Kadoro – a remote, renovated shepherd’s house in the middle of the wilderness.
Bushmans Kloof is part of Red Carnation Hotels and offers a perfect South African circuit with Red Carnation’s Cape Town hotel The Twelve Apostles and The Oyster Box in Durban. In June 2020, Red Carnation will open Xigera Safari Lodge in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a seven-night trip to South Africa from £2,100 per person. This based on two adults spending two nights at Strandloper Ocean Lodge on a B&B basis, two nights at Bushmans Kloof on a full board basis and two nights at Twelve Apostles on a B&B basis and includes international flights and car hire. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5070.