Everything was arranged to perfection! A big compliment for this to your address, but also to James, our fantastic guide and private driver, with whom we could talk for 2 weeks in Afrikaans (which is a bit better for us as English). The lodges were all gems. We stayed 3 nights at Sea Point Blackheath lodge Cape Town: friendly, tidy, delicious full breakfast and on our last day before leaving home, we were allowed to stay there for a few more hours (what to eat and to shower – thanks to James) . We then visited Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, V&A Waterfront (eaten in Belgian restaurant Den Anker – where James reserved for our table), Bo Kaap. And all this in 3 days! 2nd stop : Franschhoek -> 3 nights Plumwood Inn Guesthouse.
Very hospitable. And we could walk to the various restaurants close by. James then showed us around Paarl, did various wine tastings with us (also sparkling wine with nougat !!), Stellenbosch
The restaurant that was recommended in their folder that was in the room (The Black Swan) was downright BAD (I was sick from eating even the whole night (was pasta with seafood). My husband had requested leg of lamb (245 rand!), but it just couldn’t be eaten due to being too fat, but the other restaurant, The Colony, was very tasty.
Then the highlight of the lodges: 3 nights Knysna at Double Dutch B&B. You immediately felt at home here. What a 2 fantastic Dutch ladies. Friendly to, neat, delicious breakfast. In addition, the 3 restaurants reserved in advance were TOP. We went to Brenton on Sea, The Heads, Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Tsisikamma then 3 day Safari to Botlierskop (2 nights). The Big 4 (they didn’t see the 5 – leopard here) and slept adventurously in a tent. Blissful. Everything here was full board. Very tasty food and 2 x nice Game Drive done. Then to Swellendam / Bonnievale: 1 night at Jan Harmsgat Country House. Reception was cooler (too many people in restaurant – too busy according to receptionist). Food was nice. The last day James took us to Cape Agulhas and we have seen a very beautiful part of the coast while we drove back to Cape Town. End of a wonderful journey that is worth repeating !!
We hope to be able to experience this again in the future!