All hotels have a swimming pool (except Brisa Oceano), A/C, fans, TV, hairdryer, Internet, safe, mini-fridge, and laundry service (extra cost), unless specified.
For pickleball players, Turtle Inn has a court, and Inky’s has 4 courts located mid-peninsula (very close to Naia).
Briso Oceano is located right in the center of Placencia village on the “Sidewalk”, so it is easy access to restaurants, shops, and grocery stores. The Pickled Parrot bar is right next door, which plays American football games on the TV.
It has 24 units — standard rooms, studios with kitchenette, 1-bedroom/2-bedroom/3-bedroom suites with full kitchen. All are ocean view or ocean front. The 1-bedroom suite ocean front and studio ocean view are interconnecting. All have a balcony, but some are larger than others. There is no telephone in the rooms.
The hotel is located right on the beach, but there is no swimming pool. The beach has kayaks, volleyball, corn hole, beach chairs, and bicycles.
The small restaurant is on the second floor, serving breakfast and dinner, with nice views of sunset. There is a small gym and lots of parking.
2) Turtle Inn
The Turtle Inn is a tropical luxury Francis Ford Coppola hotel just outside of Placencia village.
It has 25 cottages. Garden cottages and 2 garden view villas have A/C, but all units have ceiling fans and outdoor showers.
There are 2 pools + a kids pool. The family pavilion also has a gelato bar. Beach bikes and kayaks are free to use. Paddleboards and trimarans are an extra cost. There is scheduled shuttle service into the village. They also have pickleball court.
There are 4 restaurants:
Mare Restuarant – Italian and seafood (BLD)
Aunti Luba’s Kitchen – Belizean food on the lagoon side (Dinner)
Gauguin Gill – Seafood on the beach (Dinner)
Pizzeria (BLD)
Laughing Fish – Pool bar (lunch)
Continental breakfast is included with the room.
There is a full spa.
Wine Tasting is offered when possible. It lasts 1.5 hours for 2-12 people, near the Wine Aquarium 4-5:30pm. The price is $60/person for 2 whites + 2 reds, or $100/person for upgraded wines.
3) Ellysian Boutique Hotel
Located right in Placencia Village with 13 rooms in a tall building on the beach. There is no elevator.
There are 13 rooms. No interconnecting rooms, but some are next to each other.
Studio: 1 King bed, mini-fridge, and coffee maker, ocean view more expensive than garden view.
Suites: 1 king or 2 queen beds, kitchenette
1 Penthouse: 3 bedroom
Muna Restaurant is on the 4th floor with great sunset views. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are a few outside tables.
There is a nice pool next to the beach and a pool bar. The spa in on the 5th floor. They have parking by the street, and they have bikes.
4) Umaya Resort
Umaya is located on the northern part of the Placencia Peninsula in Maya Beach. Some rooms are west facing with a lagoon view and some are east facing with ocean view.
Most of them are 2-bedroom/2-bathroom condos (1 king+2 twin beds), but they can also be rented as 1-bedroom/1-bath. There is a separate area of the resort with six 3-bedroom/2-bathroom self-contained cottages (1 king+2 queens) and a small separate pool — also oceanfront. All units have a full kitchen and patio/balcony. There are no interconnecting units. There is one penthouse condo with 1 king + 2 queens and more small appliances.
The resort has a large pool that faces the ocean with a nice beach. The pool has a bar and wood-burning pizzeria. The beach has hammocks, kayaks, and paddleboards.
The main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and faces the lagoon. Next to the lagoon is a dock and firepit area, which is a perfect spot for watching the sunset. There are other restaurants close to the hotel as well.
There are bikes you can use and also a shuttle to Placencia town twice a day.
5) Naia Resort & Spa
Naia is a boutique hotel with 36 rooms. They all have 1 king bed. One twin bed can be added to a beachfront room. There are 5 units with 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms and have a small pool. Some houses have a pool and some do not. They have a standalone tub and outside shower. Rooms can be beach front or beach view. All have a porch/balcony and a kitchenette. There is also a 4-bedroom house.
Located in the Maya Beach area in the northern part of the Placencia Peninsula.
The swimming pool is on the small side. There is pool bar. The main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are not included but can be added. There is a second fancier restaurant upstairs.
There is a full spa, tour desk, and gift shop. They have kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel equipment, and bikes.
6) Itz’ana Belize Resort
Itz’ana is about 4 miles north of Placenia village (Siene Bight). The shuttle to town is $5/person one-way.
It has 62 rooms, including 14 villas, which are 3 bedrooms, which can be rented together or separately. All rooms have a king bed, patio or deck, filtered water, mini-fridge (minibar is not included), French press for coffee, and showers. The 3-bedroom villa will have a plunge pool, and washer/dryer. You can book your room with or without breakfast.
There is a huge swimming pool, and the pool bar has a wood-burning pizza oven.
The long, beautiful beach has lounge beds, swings, hammocks, and bean bag chairs. They have kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating in a nice garden area. Check out the Biblio Bar – it has a “secret room” which can be rented out for private events.
Yoga is offered every morning on the Yoga Deck. They also offer massages, but there is no gym.
Meet at 9am, 1 hour to Silk Caye, briefing by ranger, snorkel around island, lunch on island, snorkel at second spot, 1 hour boat back (return at 2pm).
Immigration at the Belize Airport can be awful, taking 1+ hours in line. Immigration will ask what hotel you are staying at. Then you collect your luggage and put it through an x-ray machine. When you exit security, your driver will be there with a sign with your name.
Drive to Placencia (2h30m). Driving in Belize is relatively easy. This particular drive is a bit painful with all the speed bumps.
Dinner at Barefoot Beach Bar
There are a number of restaurants right on the beach with tables inside or in the sand. They are all lively and fun with decent food.
Brisa Oceano Hotel
This hotel has rooms and apartments, some facing the ocean and less expensive units facing in. It is in a great location right on the beach and on the Sidewalk. There is an upstairs restaurant and a small gym.
DAY 2: Explore town
Sidewalk, Beach, Rum tasting
DAY 3: Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
Hiking
Great views, waterfalls for swimming, and airplanes
DAY 4: Snorkel at Silk Caye
Meet at 9am, 1 hour to Silk Caye, briefing by ranger, snorkel around island, lunch on island, snorkel at second spot, 1 hour boat back (return at 2pm).
DAY 5: Pickleball, Umaya Resort
Pickleball at Inky’s
Umaya Resort
DAY 6: To Ambergris Caye
Drive to Belize Airport, fly to Ambergris
Check-in for Maya Island Air is fairly easy and casual. Keep your luggage tags handy as they ask for them on the other end. Maya Island Air is at Gate 9.
Golf Cart
Isla Bonita Yacht Club
DAY 7: Secret Beach
Secret Beach
Pickleball at Mata Rocks
DAY 8: Scuba Diving
Scuba diving barrier reef
DAY 9: Full day Caye Caulker
Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Snorkel Shark Ray Alley
Manatees
Tarpons
Sea horses
Explore Caye Caulker
DAY 10: Snorkel Mexico Rocks
Snorkel in 2 spots
DAY 11: Fly to Belize, drive to San Ignacio
Fly to Belize — I recommend flying back to the Belize International Airport (BZE) instead of the municipal airport.
Drive to San Ignacio (1h45m) — If you have a private transfer, your guide can stop at a coffee shop or store for you. If you take an early morning flight, you can add an excursion to the Belize Zoo along the way.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
This is the nicest hotel near the center of town. The other nice hotels are outside of town in the jungle (lovely! but you will need to taxi into town).
DAY 12: ATM Cave
ATM Cave
This is the #1 excursion in Belize, and it is amazing. However, it is definitely on the “extreme” side.
Dinner at Guava Limb
Guava Limb is on the edge of town on a residential street. Lovely ambience, great drinks, and amazing food.
DAY 13: Tikal Maya Site
Tikal Maya Site
This is the largest Maya site in the area. It is actually located in Guatemala, so there is a border crossing with a $20/person departure tax. There are people at the border crossing that will exchange money for you. It is about a 2h30m drive one-way. You will stop for lunch on the way back.
Dinner at Vanilla Hills Resort
This is a lovely and reasonable priced resort not far from town in a beautiful jungle setting. The bar (with wine cellar) and restaurant are worth the visit!
DAY 14: San Ignacio Farmers Market, Cahal Pech, Iguana Project
San Ignacio Farmers Market
Saturday is the biggest day, but it is worth visiting any day. Be sure to look for the butterfly artist and the picture frame guy — both are worth buying!
Cahal Pech
This is right on the edge of San Ignacio. You can walk there from the San Ignacio Resort Hotel or take a taxi. You can explore on your own, or it is great to combine with a visit to Xunantunich.
Iguana Project
This is located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Tours are offered daily every hour on the hour (9am-4pm) and takes about 45 minutes. It costs about $11/person.
Dinner at San Ignacio Resort Hotel
DAY 15: Transfer to Belize Airport, depart
Transfer to Belize Airport (1h45m)
Departing from the Belize Airport was easy, especially compared to the arrival hassle. When you check in for your flight, they will give you a small piece of paper. This has to be filled out before you go through immigration. There are some snack bars in the airport if you need food before flying out.
Ramon’s is one of the oldest resorts on the island. It had a beautiful and swimmable beach (arguably the nicest beach in the town area), and an extensive scuba, snorkeling, and fishing operation.
There are 61 rooms in the main area with tropical pool, beach restaurant, and easy access to beach. There are 10 cabanas across the street with a small pool that are cheaper. Rooms have A/C and ceiling fan, telephone, fridge with ice and water. There are no TV’s in the room but in the bar (for sports). In the main area, the rooms are
Beachfront
Seaside (no view)
Jungle
There are 2 family rooms with 1 king bed + 2 queen beds in 1 room. There are also interconnecting rooms.
Pineapples is the restaurant right on the beach. The resort offers free airport transfers. There are on-side golf cart rentals, including electric golf carts.
The dive shop is on the dock right at the resort with many boats for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and other water tours.
2) Las Terrazas Resort
This is a luxury resort about 20 minutes north of town. It has a selection of rooms and condos, a beautiful swimmable beach, sophisticated pool, and restaurant with rooftop dining. Airport transfers can be done by boat or by road.
All rooms have a coffee maker, there are TV’s in all rooms except the smallest rooms with twin beds, and washer/dryer.
It has a full spa (no gym).
They have golf carts on site. There is no dive shop, but tours can be arranged, and there is dock where you can be picked up.
Meals are not included with the price of the room, but they can be added. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a small village nearby that also has a breakfast restaurant, or you can buy groceries to cook in your condo. Secret Beach is great for lunch, and the Truck Stop is great for lunch or dinner. All are easily accessible by golf cart.
3) Isla Bonita Yacht Club
These are owner-owned condos that are rented out. This is a great option if you want a condo near town at a reasonable price with a dive/snorkel shop onsite. It is located south of the airport near Ramon’s.
Condos are all 1 bedroom units with bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and living room. All have patio or balcony. The upstairs units are smaller. There are 4 condos per building, so the units can be combined/interconnected. Condos have A/C and ceiling fans, TV, and full kitchen (no dishwasher).
Prices are based on Deluxe, Standard, or Garden View (some are remodeled) and season. Dec-Mar is high season, Apr-Nov is low season.
There is a nice, medium sized pool. There is no restaurant onsite, but there are many 1-3 blocks away.
Belize Diving Adventures is located on the dock at the resort. They offer scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and other water tours.
4) Sunbreeze Hotel
Sunbreeze is right across from the airport. It has a very nice pool area and one of the best restaurants in town.
There are 43 rooms. Premiere and Deluxe rooms have an ocean view. Premiere rooms are on the corners and have a king bed. Standard rooms have no view and 2 double beds. Rooms have big showers but no tub. All have a patio or balcony with 2 chairs and a table. There are 2 interconnecting rooms, and there are some handicap rooms. All rooms have a TV.
The swimming pool has a great vibe to it. It is medium sized with a fountain and a pool bar.
The restaurant is the Blue Water Grill, which is very popular, so make reservations for dinner. It has lots of specials and events. There is also a small snack shop.
The hotel has an ice machine, a coffee station every morning on the deck, and a dive shop on the dock. The beach is not for swimming. There are also massages on site.
Just north of town is the sister property Sunbreeze Suites if you prefer a condo.
The Zimbabwe side is bigger, and often Zambia has no water Sept-Dec.
This is about 1.5 miles of walking. It is mostly level except for one optional spot which has 38 steps down and buck up.
The area by the bridge to the right is extremely misty, and you will get wet. Wear Tennis shoes as it is rocky, uneven, mossy, slippery, wet (cameras will get wet if not covered). Bring a rain jacket if you don’t want to get wet and to protect your camera (additionally, an umbrella is also a good option for your camera).
At the entrance, there are toilets, restaurant, gift shop. In the parking area, there are lots of small vendors selling things.
2) Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River
The sunset cruises run every evening at 4:30-6:30pm. It can also be done as a dinner cruise. This is a nice option because there are many boats on the river at sunset, but only a couple of boats operate into the evening, so at some point, you have the whole river to yourselves. If you are doing a safari in Botswana first, the sunset cruise may seem repetitive, but the dinner cruise is a nice option.
Palm River sunset cruise
The Ra-Ikane River Cruise starts from Palm River. It offers breakfast, birdwatching, lunch, and sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. They are cute wooden boats (replica of Livingstone’s). The boats seat 12 people (6 couples) with small tables with 2 chairs.
The evening starts with welcome ice tea, olives, peanuts, fried chips. Then there is an offering of cocktails, beer, wine, soda. Snacks included veggies with hummus, meatball, chicken skewer, vegetable tart, potato chips.
Bring a light jacket, but there are also blankets on boat.
You might see hippos, lots of birds, Egyptian geese, crocodiles, and more.
Budget $5/person tip for the crew.
3) Game Drive
Choose from 3 different options:
Stanley Livingstone Game Reserve – rhinos
Zambezi National Park – 2 entrances so 2 separate game drives
5) Lunch at Lookout Cafe
The Café is very close to Victoria Falls entrance. There are Great views of the gorge and bridge. They do the ropes swing right by the café.
Try the Crocodile skewers with rice, Thai curry sauce, carrot, beet, potato salad, fried chips, or the Bream in caper sauce.
4) Chobe Day Trip
If you are not going to Botswana on your trip this is a great way to see the wildlife in one of the largest parks in Botswana in just one day. Note that you will have to go through immigration in both directions.
5) Lunch at Lookout Cafe (or High Tea at Victoria Falls Hotel)
Lunch at the Lookout Cafe is a must-do with great views of the gorge and maybe even see some adrenaline swingers.
Another classic experience is the high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, starting at 3pm on the Stanley Terrace. This is a nice way to be allowed to explore this historic hotel.
The Palm River Hotel is also offering high tea 3:30-5:00pm daily on the banks of the Zambezi River for $25/person.
6) Boma Dinner (or Dusty Road Restaurant or Riverside Dining at Palm River)
The Boma Restaurant has a large buffet and live entertainment. It is a fun and lively evening!
Dusty Roadis an authentic Township dining experience. You need to make reservations for both lunch and dinner. Dinner is $40/person, cash only. Their popular cookbook is also $40.
7) White Water Rafting
This is a great option mid-July to mid-April.
8) Bungee Jumping
For the real adrenaline seekers!
9) Helicopter Flight
A great way to see the falls! Prices start at $100/person for 15 minutes.
10) Elephant Conservation Center
You will get juice on arrival, followed by a briefing.
It is a 10-minute drive to elephants with guide and armed ranger. You will get photos with the elephants, and you can pet the elephants. Then you walk through the bush to the river and feed elephants with pellets. Afterwards, you drive back to the lodge for drinks and snacks. There are other animals in the area, including giraffes.
There are 17 elephants, but only interact with 5-7 of them. They are all orphans.
There is also a breakfast and lunch option.
11) Village Tour
A great option if you are interested in local culture.
12) Lunar Moonbow over Falls (or full moon dinner at Lookout Cafe)
For 3 days around a full moon, there is a special guided tour to the falls to see the rainbow-like imagery.
Alternatively, plan on dinner at the Lookout Cafe for a great view of the moon rise.
13) E-biking Tour
An easy touring option around town. Plan on 2 hours, and tours are offered morning, mid-day, and afternoon.
14) Train across the Zambezi River
The historic train runs every other day from the Zimbabwe side and other days from the Zambia side. It is a great way to take pictures of falls.
15) Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool (Zambia)
The Devil’s Pool and Angel’s Pool is on the Zambia side. The Devil’s Pool is typically open mid-Aug to mid-Jan. If it is not open, there is a chance that the Angel’s Pool is open.
16) Ultralight Flight (Zambia)
This is offered on the Zambia side. No cameras or cell phones are allowed.
17) Restaurants and Shopping in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
These are right in the center of town:
The River Brewing
Victoria Falls Distilling Company
Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar
Marula Restaurant
Elephant Walk for shopping and cafes – Outdoor market and sculpture gardens nearby
The Victoria Falls Hotel for afternoon high tea. It also has fine dining in the Livingstone Room, but it has a dress code. It used to be jacket and tie for men, but now it is just a long-sleeve collared shirt and closed toe shoes. Closed on Sundays. Reservations are required, or they may not let you into the hotel.
MORE INFORMATION
1) Flying to VFA
Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. There are lines to check bags, security, and immigration and your gate maybe way out. Computers out but not iPads and shoes on.
Shongololo Lounge with Priority Pass is nice, lots of food options, self serve wine and beer, comfortable seating not far from A20 gates.
FastJet uses a bus to airplane.
Insecticide sprayed in airplane before taxiing.
On arrival, fill out form. Guy checks form and sends you to counter pay $50 cash for univisa. Pieces are good for 30 days and you can go between Zimbabwe, Zambia, and a day trip to Botswana. Really a multi entry visa…
Collect luggage. Put checked luggage through X-ray. Go through exit and drivers are lined up.
No cell service and couldn’t get airport WiFi to work.
2) Border Crossing Zim/Zam
Drive 10 minutes to border crossing
20 minutes through immigration, depends on line
Crossing the border to Zambia.
Stop at immigration to exit Zimbabwe, fill out form and show visa. Drive to immigration in Zambia. Super long line but guide skipped the line so quick.
Show passport one more time at gate.
On way back, stop at immigration to exit Zambia, different place. Across bridge and go through immigration Zimbabwe side. Guides do most of the work, but you have to go with them.
The 5-Day Cape Horn Voyage sails between Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina. It is a great way to see the Fjords and glaciers at the southern tip of Chile and Argentina — pristine and remote region of the Southern Tip of Patagonia, sailing the waters of the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, visiting fjords and glaciers, engaging with the flora and fauna, and making the mythical landing at Cape Horn.
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia — Fjords of Tierra del Fuego Route
DAY 1: Punta Arenas
DAY 2: Ainsworth Bay – Tuckers Islets
DAY 3: Pia Glacier – Glacier Alley
DAY 4: Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay
DAY 5: Ushuaia
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas — Patagonian Explorer Route
DAY 1: Ushuaia
DAY 2: Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay
DAY 3: Pia Glacier – Porter Glacier
DAY 4: Aguila Glacier – Condor Glacier
DAY 5: Magdalena Island – Punta Arenas
There are 2 excursions per day, weather permitting. Landing at Cape Horn is one of the highlights! The excursions offered have low, intermediate, and high options and take 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.
Whales: Mid-December to the end of February
Penguins: Mid-October to mid-March
There are 2 identical ships — Ventus and Stella. Each boat has 100 cabins, so a maximum of 200 people, but they typically operate at 150-160 passengers. Cabins have 1 king bed or 2 twin beds. They can accommodate triple for kids under 12 years old with a roll-away bed. There are no interconnecting rooms. Single cabins have a 50% single room supplement.
There are different cabin types. They are all very similar, but the location is different. There are no balconies but all rooms have large panoramic windows.
AAA – Located on the upper deck
AAA Superior – Same deck but mid-ship and a bit larger (most expensive)
AA – Located on the middle deck
AA Superior – Same deck but mid-ship
A – Located on the lower deck
B – Located on the lower deck in the front (least expensive)
There are 8-9 guides, so about 1 guide for 15 people. There are enough zodiacs that the entire ship is transferred in about 20 minutes.
You will want to bring waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, rain pants, warm clothing.
Prices are all-inclusive except for port fees (quoted separately) and tips. Dining is table service and open bar. There is no Wifi, laundry, spa, gym, or elevator.
Extend your trip in Chile with 5 days in Torres del Paine. If you start in Punta Arenas, you do not see the penguins on Magellan Island, so we recommend adding a night there before the cruise. You will need to fly into or out of Santiago, Chile.
There are many hotels to choose from at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Here are some of our favorites (ordered by price – most expensive to least expensive)
Less than half of the hotels have TV’s. There isn’t much to watch anyway…. Most hotels do not have triple or family rooms, but typically they have interconnected rooms. If hotels have a spa, it may just be massages and mani-pedi, or it may be a full-service spa. I only saw one hotel with a sauna, and it was a small, dry sauna. All hotels will have indoor and outdoor dining and lounge areas. All hotels will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, most hotels have a buffet of cold/continental items and then you order hot items off a small menu (custom orders also possible). Some hotels put out snacks at tea time.
All hotel rooms will have a swimming pool, a/c (and maybe a ceiling fan), 1 king bed or 2 twin beds, Wifi, safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, telephone, and laundry (extra charge). Higher level rooms will have robes and slippers (may be available on request for other rooms). Pools are outside and not heated – smaller pools in the sun will feel warmer. All rooms will have a coffee/tea station – it might just be instant coffee and powdered creamer, or a Nespresso maker, or French press with real milk.
For 6-12 people, there are options for a villa / wing / private camp.
Let us know if you absolutely need:
TV in your room
Gym
Spa
Stocked minibar
Advice:
Download Google maps so you can find your way back.
Don’t walk a night because of animals.
Some hotels have Bamba Bikes by the entrance. There are e-bikes you rent to zip around town.
In town and at some hotels, you will see Ecodrop Water Stations. You can buy a multi-fill plan for $5 for 30 fills.
1) Elephant Camp / Old Drift — all inclusive
Elephant Camp has 12 rooms/tents, 3 have sky beds on the roof for sleeping outside. Nearby is Elephant Camp West which has 4 rooms and is often used for exclusive groups or families.
Rooms are like large tents. Beds are 1 king or 2 twin. There is a separate seating area and large deck with plunge pool, table and chairs, and outdoor shower. There is a coffee/tea station that includes a french press and real milk. The minibar is included and stocked with drinks.
The main area has an indoor lounge (chess), bar, and dining room plus outdoor lounge and dining area. There is an outdoor pool and bonfire. There are baboons, which are fun to watch during the day and listen to at night.
There may be baboons walking through the camp as well as warthogs and bushbucks.
It is 15-20 minutes to Elephant Camp. Main roads good. Road to camp bumpy gravel road with speed bumps. Surrounded by electric fence, so it is safe to walk around camp even at night.
Laundry is extra and expect a 5-6 hour turnaround.
Many activities are included:
Victoria Falls Tour
Elephant interaction (11am)
Sundowner at the gorge (5pm)
Village tour
Canopy tour (9 small ziplines)
Sunset cruise (3:45pm)
Game drive (morning or afternoon)
Conservation program wildlife trust
Massages, manicure/pedicure (extra charge)
Meals:
7:30-10 Breakfast
1-3 Lunch
7-9 Dinner
Breakfast has a buffet of cold items (including fresh fruit, homemade yogurt and granola, pastries) and eggs to order. Cappuccinos are also available.
Lunch is choice if 4 items plus dessert, drinks, and snacks (maybe soft warm breadsticks with corn sauce).
Dinner is choice of starter, main, and dessert (examples are oxtail ravioli, ostrich steak, and lamb stew).
Elephant Camp has 2 family rooms (1 king in 1 room and 2 twins in 2nd room) and 3 rooms have Sky Beds.
Elephant Camp West is offered for exclusive use on request. There are 4 tents, 2 of which are family tents, so it sleeps 8-12 people. It has its own lounge, dining area, pool, and bonfire.
2) Wallow — all inclusive
A lower priced option next to Elephant Camp with many similar amenities.
3) Victoria Falls Hotel
They have 149 rooms – Classic, Stable Signature Suites, Premium Suites (with sitting room), Deluxe Suites, Executive Suites, Batonka Royal Suite (1), Presidential Suite.
Royal Suite is 4 interconnected rooms and has a butler
Premium Suites have access to the Premium Lounge.
Stable Suites have a separate lounge and surround a private courtyard. Two of these have balconies.
1 Accessible room
No triples/quads, but interconnected rooms
It is right in town, so you can walk around. There is a small gym, full-service spa, beauty salon, Chapel, putting green. There is no elevator to the rooms. The Rovos Rail arrives (10am) and departs (4pm) from here.
There are 4 Restaurants:
Jungle Junction is main restaurant where breakfast is served. Breakfast and dinner are a buffet. There is entertainment every night.
The Terrace is an alternative for breakfast, lunch, and tea (3-5:30pm)
Poolside is open for lunch with marimbas.
Fine dining restaurant is open Mon-Sat and has a dress code (jackets for men) – TBD
4) Palm River Lodge
The Palm River Lodge has 69 rooms in 3 stories / 1 tiny elevator
Standard
Deluxe
Executive (4)
Executive Suite (2) – Family suites with 2 bedrooms + lounge
Honeymoon Suite (2) – Has indoor bedroom + outside bedroom / lounge/ outdoor shower
Presidential (1)
Accessible (2)
The minibar is stocked the first time for free, and then charged (suites have an unlimited minibar). There is also a Nespresso machine + real milk.
They offer a shuttle into town 6am-6pm on demand (5 minutes from town).
There is a Gym (open 24 hours with room key) and an outdoor ping pong table. The Spa offers massages and mani-pedi. The nature walk around property is 2km.
Mint iced tea is served on arrival. Elephants often walk along river bank, so there is an electric fence at night closer to hotel. The sunset cruise departs right from hotel.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the restaurant and on the patio:
B – 6:30-10:00am – Cold buffet + hot off menu
L – 12:00-2:00pm – Menu
D – 6:30-9:00pm – Menu
High Tea – 3:30-5:00pm with coffee, tea, and light snacks
Snacks available off menu 10am-6pm
Palm River breakfast
Large cold buffet
Fruit, pasties, yogurt, granola, overnight oats
Cappuccino
Hot selections off menu
English breakfast, French toast, avocado toast
There is 1 Villa – 3 bedrooms (2 bedrooms down with living room and kitchen + 1 bedroom up), private pool.
5) Ilala Lodge
Ilala Lodge has 73 Rooms on 3 levels, no elevator. It is the closest hotel to Victoria Falls, and there are shops and restaurants right out back. You can see many animals on the grounds, including elephants.
Classic (32) — Ensuite bathroom with shower. Two adjoining rooms are available to accommodate families.
Deluxe (36) — All deluxe rooms have twin vanities and private patio with sliding doors to the outside.
Classic Suite (2) — The suites are situated at the top of the hotel with the best view of the Falls.
Executive Suite (2) – Similar to Presidential but no hot tub or kitchen — These suites also are located at the top of the hotel in the new Deluxe wing and offer separate lounge area and adjoining bedroom. Private patio, twin vanities and separate bathtub are also other features.
Presidential Suite (1) – Kitchen (stocked), hot tub, large balcony
With the classic and deluxe rooms, the first minibar is free. With suites, the minibar is free throughout, and there is a welcome snack platter. Suites interconnect with a twin classic.
Mosquito nets on top floor only because of the palapa roofs, but all other rooms have a mosquito plug.
There are 2 Pools – one is lower down with cabanas, upper is by bar and has pool lounge.
The Spa offers massage and mani-pedi
The restaurant offers inside and outside dining. With a 3-night stay, one dinner at Ilala is included.
6) Batonka
Sister to Pioneers Lodge
Batonka has 27 Rooms in the main area and 5 separate rooms in the Flame Lily section.
Pool View – Tub and shower, balcony in front
Garden View – Shower only, balcony in back (quieter and more private, so good for honeymooners)
Family Room – Interconnected rooms, can sleep up to 6
They can add a pullout bed for kids to make a triple (not adults). Rooms have mosquito nets, ceiling fans, TV’s, and 2 bottles of water in the mini-fridge per day.
Flame Lily is 5 Rooms in separate area with their own garden, pool, lounge, and dining area. It can be booked separate for a group, or book the rooms separately. If booked by a group, breakfast and dinners will be served here. If rooms are booked separately, then just breakfast served in the dining area.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining with a separate area in the garden for private dinners. Breakfast is a cold buffet + hot items off a menu. Tea and coffee are free at the bar, including cappuccinos. Nibbles/tea available in lounge 3-5pm.
The hotel has a lovely garden with mature trees. There is also a gift shop and water refill station.
They offer a free shuttle to town 10am and 3pm. You can take a taxi back or walk (safe during the day).
7) Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has a waterhole with wildlife and live cam plus no helicopter noise. The Buffalo Bar overlooks the waterhole and sunset. At 1pm, they do vulture feeding. It has a big hotel feel and big groups stay here.
72 Rooms
42 look towards the waterhole – shower only
24 look towards the national park – some interconnect
6 Suites – 2 floors with lounge downstairs and bedroom with 1 king bed upstairs, tub+shower, robes, stocked minibar
4 rooms are accessible, 1 is handicap
The hotel has a full service spa complex, a great pool, a gym, library, and art gallery. There is no elevator.
There are no TV’s in the rooms, but there is a separate TV room.
They offer a shuttle to town every 1-2 hours.
Victoria Falls Safari Club:
This 5-star hotel next to the lodge has 20 rooms with butler service.
8) Shongwe Lookout
Lookout and Oasis are right next to each other. Lookout accepts families, and Oasis is adult only.
The restaurant has an excellent chef that cooks with local food and changes the menu daily. Good with vegetarian/vegan as well. The Cucumber Mojito sounds amazing.
Family rooms are interconnected with 1 king + 2 twin beds.
The 4 story lookout tower is a great place to have a drink at sunset. There is an art gallery at the bottom. The tower is available for both Shongwe hotels.
9) Shongwe Oasis
Shongwe Oasis is next to Shongwe Lookout, but it is adults only. The rooms are the same, but there are 3 Honeymoon Suites (same size but have outdoor shower and private garden). Guests have access to the lookout tower.
The Spa offers massages, mani-pedi, and baths.
10) Insika Lodge
Newly built in 2023, Insika Lodge has 40 Rooms – 14 Luxury and 26 Signature (bigger with lounge and better view). Only Luxury have some interconnected rooms. All rooms have a patio.
Inside, it has grassy grounds with trees. There is a bar by large swimming pool. They also have an on-site art gallery. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served a la carte.
The Spa has a sauna and offers massages (including couples massages), and mani-pedi.
The lodge owns is own boat on the Zambezi River. The sunset cruise includes drinks and canapes.
They offer free transfers to town.
11) Pioneers Lodge
Pioneers Lodge has 50 Rooms — Standard (46) and Family (4).
All face the center garden/pool area. No TV in room, but there is a TV room by reception. All rooms have a ceiling fan.
There are 2 medium sized pools outside (the upper pool in sun is warmer).
The Spa offers massages and mani-pedis.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining:
Breakfast 7-10am – cappuccinos extra
Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 6:30-9:30pm (last order at 8:45pm) – make reservations
Tea 3-4pm
Can have private dinner by pool
It is about $5 for a taxi to town. They also have electric Bamba Bikes that you can rent right outside reception.
12) Shearwater Explorer Village
Shearwater is right in the center of town near shops and restaurants (near Ilala). It has a nice “Village” feeling. It has beautiful gardens and trees.
It has 96 Rooms — Standard (42) and Deluxe (54). Some are interconnecting for families. Rooms have mosquito net and tea station. The rooms are smaller but priced well. Hairdryers are in Deluxe rooms only or on request.
The hotel has nice pool, large restaurant, and fire pit. There is no spa.
13) 528 Victoria Falls
528 | Victoria Falls is a unique boutique guest house located 2.5km from Victoria Falls town, just 3km from the iconic waterfall. 528 | Victoria Falls is based in a quiet, leafy suburb, close to all restaurants & activities in Victoria Falls town (a mere 5-minute taxi ride at $4/ride).
We have just 8 en-suite rooms, including 1 family suite for 5 pax and 1 family room for 4 pax, a triple room for 3 pax, the rest are en-suite doubles (king or twin depending on your needs). All of our unique rooms have air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, hair dryers, safes and luxurious bathrooms. Our small size allows personalized service from our close-knit team. Our delicious cold spread and cooked to order breakfasts are included.
HOTELS IN ZAMBIA
1) Thorntree
Thorntree is a gorgeous boutique lodge right on the Zambezi River inside the park (1 of 3 hotels in the park).
There are 12 rooms. All rooms have plunge pool, outdoor shower, desk, sitting area, and big patio outside. 2 Family rooms sleep up to 6 people (2 rooms connected by hallway), closest to main lodge, on either side of the lodge. Robes, slippers, minibar is included.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining areas, big table for groups inside, wine cellar. All meals off menu, some special nights have a Zambian buffet. There is a floating jetty that seats up to 14 people for dinner on request.
There is a large pool with lounge chairs in the water. The fire pit has a bonfire with snacks before dinner.
The Spa offers massages, even for kids. There is a nice gym. There is a library, beanbag chairs, and gift shop.
It is a small park, but you can see the white rhino. There are often elephants, baboons, and zebras on the road to the lodge, and hippos in the river.
All inclusive including activities:
Game drive
Sunset or Sunrise River Cruise
Tour of falls (Zambia side)
Rhino walk
Market / village visit
Fishing
Canoeing
$85/person extra for Elephant Interaction next door
2) Avani
Avani is popular with families with its large pool and kids club. It has 213 rooms — all have balcony or patio, tub + shower.
Standard
Superior – Robes, slippers, coffee
Family – 2 adults + 2 kids <= 12 year old, 1 big room with 2 queen beds
4 Suites – two rooms/lounge, can connect with standard room
Tribal warriors meet guests at the entrance. It has a big hotel feel and dark hallways.
2 Restaurants – 1 BLD and 1 at pool LD a la carte. They offer a huge breakfast buffet. There is a pool bar and restaurant. Boma Dinner – Tu/Th/Sat for extra price.
The Kids Club is for 7-12 years old, and is offered in the morning and the afternoon for a small extra price. Baby cot on request + babysitting extra.
There is a full-service spa at the Royal Livingstone next door. The Gym is open 24 hours.
It has a huge swimming pool with a bridge across. There are hammocks by the pond.
The Granddaddy Hotel has a fun Sky Bar on the 4th floor roof. There are also several airstream trailers up there that are rented out as rooms.
Planet Bar at the Mt. Nelson Hotel
High-End Dining:
There are no Michelin star restaurants in Africa, but these restaurants are arguably equivalent. You will need to make a reservation a couple of months in advance. If you decide to go to Fyn, let us know as we can help make reservations.
In the summer, consider Camps Bay or Bantry Bay as they have great beaches and beachfront restaurants. Hotels by the V&A Waterfront are walkable to the V&A Waterfront. Many of the better restaurants are in the City Center area, but not walkable at night. The Sea Point area has great views of the ocean with a 3.5 mile promenade that is great to walk year round.
Prices are for an entry-level room from low season – high season just as a general guide.
The Bay Hotel has 79 rooms. They are all very similar, but prices vary by view. The cabana pool rooms open to the pool. All rooms have a daybed, which can be used for 1 child under 14 years old. They also have a smart TV. The first minibar is included. There are no interconnecting rooms, but two rooms can be closed off by an outside door.
There are 4 guest pools. The main pool is solar heated. The Beach Club has a big deck, lounge chairs, and DJ during the summer.
Breakfast is a buffet and a la carte. The bar is cozy with nice windows and fireplace. Lunch and dinner are served at the poolside bistro.
The Bay has a large gym plus a spa with massages, mani-pedi, steam room and sauna. The spa are can be used by guests with early check-in or late check-out. There is also an indoor Padel court.
2) Commodore (V&A)
The Commodore has 230 rooms on 6 floors. Standard rooms are on lower floors with a bath/shower combo, some are connecting. Deluxe rooms are larger and the same as Executive rooms, but on lower floors. Executive rooms are on upper floors and with a balcony. Junior Suites are on a corner with a large balcony, and the sofa can be made into a bed for a child. Suites have a sitting and dining area plus a large balcony with nice views. The hotel has many family rooms that sleep 3 people but also connect with other rooms.
The gym is big and well-equipped. The spa has massages, mani-pedi’s, facials, steam room, and sauna.
3) Portswood (Commodore)
The Portswood is next to the Commodore but at a more modest price. It has 101 rooms on 4 floors — Standard, Deluxe, Studio King (6), Suites (2). The Suites connect to a Standard room. They also have an accessible room.
There is a nice restaurant and bar. The pool is a bit small, there is a large patio with tables.
Guests can also use the gym, pool and spa at the Commodore.
4) Pepperclub Hotel (City Center)
The Pepperclub is in the city center in a high-rise building. It has a sophisticated feel. The suites are good option for families.
Rooms are deluxe, superior deluxe, 1-room suites, 1-bedroom suites, and 2-bedroom suites. Deluxe rooms have 1 king or 2 twin rooms. Superior deluxe are the same but larger and some have a balcony. The 1-rooms suites have a sitting area with pull-out couch, but it is all one room. The 1-bedroom suites are the same but the bed is in a separate room. The 2-bedroom suite has 2 separate bedrooms. All rooms have smart TV’s.
The main level has a nice restaurant and bar. Breakfast is a hot and cold buffet and also a la carte. Lunch and dinner are also served.
There is a small private movie theater with popcorn to watch movies (free but prebook).
The spa has massages, mani-pedi, and a wet sauna. The gym is big and nice with great views.
Free shuttles go to the V&A and the Beach Club at Camps Bay. The Beach Club has lockers and showers.
5) The President (Bantry Bay)
With 349 rooms, this is the second largest hotel in Cape Town. It is located in Bantry Bay between Camp’s Bay and Sea Point.
Rooms are Standard, 1-bedroom suite, 2-bedroom suite, 1-bedroom ocean suite. Room s have small TV, desk, chair, microwave, mini-fridge (unstocked), and coffee/tea. Sleeper couches can accommodate up to two kids under 14. A few of the suites have a balcony (on request if available).
There are 3 restaurants. The main serves a breakfast buffet plus lunch and dinner. The second is a cafe with light meals. The third has pizza and pasta. At 4-6am, they offer a grab-and-go breakfast for people leaving early. There are indoor and outdoor bars.
The pool also has a kids area. External people can use the pool with a day pass.
They have a good gym with sunrise yoga. The full-service spa also has a hairdresser.
There is a shuttle to the V&A and to the beach every hour.
6) Southern Sun The Cullinan (V&A/City Center)
The Cullinan is located between the city center and V&A Waterfront. It will reopen after refurbishment on July 1, 2024.
The lobby is grand with tall ceilings, columns, granite floors, and a grand piano.
The gym is big with good machines and weights. There are 2 computers in the business center. The spa offers massages and mani-pedis.
Breakfast is a huge buffet in the upstairs restaurant with piano music. Lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant on the ground floor. There is also a wine shop.
Shuttle to the V&A on the hour, back on the half hour.
7) Southern Sun Waterfront (Southern Sun)
The Southern Sun Waterfront is right next to The Cullinan but at a more modest price point. It has 537 rooms — standard, executive, and suites. Standard rooms have 1 king or 2 twin beds, 2 chairs, small table, and desk. Executive rooms have a nice sitting area and a Nespresso machine. Suites have a separate living room and a bigger bathroom. Some room are accessible and some are interconnecting.
There is a medium size pool with waterfalls, tables, and lounge chairs.
Breakfast is a large buffet with hot and cold dishes.
There is a spa with massages and mani-pedi, and a business center.
They have a free shuttle to the V&A every hour.
8) Winchester (Sea Point)
The Winchester is right across the street from the Sea Point Promenade. The lovely courtyard with bougainvillea is one of the most photographs spots in Cape Town. It has a spa, small gym, and a pool with lounge chairs.
The Winchester Hotel has 78 rooms, including various suites and lofts. Select rooms offer ocean or mountain views. There are 16 Loft Rooms, 32 Classic Rooms, 18 Jr. Suites, 2 Family Suites, and 10 Suites. Some of the suites are sea-facing.
The Shoreditch Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Harvey Bar has a great patio overlooking the promenade.
LUXURY
1) Cape Cadogan (City Center/Kloof)
Cape Cadogan is 19 room boutique hotel in 2 beautiful historic white buildings with gardens. Rooms are Superior and Superior Luxury (with veranda and bathtub).
There is a small pool, nice patio, a gym, and spa with massages (including couples) and mani-pedi. They offer afternoon tea and canapes.
The Cape Cadogan Residence is 3 rooms in a separate house. Breakfast is served in the house, the minibar is included, there is a separate fireplace, private pool, and it comes with a butler.
The Stable Suites are 1- and 2-bedroom suites with living room (no kitchen).
Upper Union is the restaurant, which is very popular, so make a reservation for dinner. There is seating inside, in the sunroom, and on the patio. Breakfast is buffet plus a la carte.
There is a shuttle once a day to the V&A. And a kids program.
2) V&A Hotel (V&A)
The V&A Hotel was refurbished in 2023. There are 94 rooms — Loft, Piazza facing, Mountain view, Harbor view. Some rooms are connecting and some are accessible. All have a smart TV.
Breakfast is a large buffet plus menu and great outdoor seating area. Lunch and dinner is also served. There is a small cafe with snacks. On weekends, there is live entertainment.
Guests can use the gym and spa at the Queen Victoria.
3) Queen Victoria Hotel (V&A)
This is the sister hotel to the V&A Hotel. It is across the street from the V&A and a bit more sophisticated, boutique, and on the ridge.
There are 35 rooms on 3 floors — Deluxe, Premium, Jr. Mountain Suites, Executive Suites, Presidential Suites. All rooms have smart TV’s. One room is accessible.
It has a big gym with yoga mats. The spa has massages, mani-pedi, facials, and a sauna. The pool is on a large grassy area. They have e-bikes to rent.
Breakfast is a buffet plus a la carte. You can also go to the V&A Hotel for one breakfast. Lunch and dinner is also served in the restaurant. On weekends, they offer a 7-course tasting menu. The grand piano also plays in the lobby on weekends.
4) Dock House (Queen Victoria)
The Dock House is a separate building next door. It has 6 separate rooms that can be booked altogether or separately. Some rooms are connecting.
5) Twelve Apostles (Camp’s Bay)
The Twelve Apostles is a 5-star hotel in Camp’s Bay with amazing views of the mountains.
ELITE
1) Cape Grace (V&A)
Cape Grace is a Fairmont hotel located on the bay of the V&A Waterfront.
2) The Marly Boutique Hotel (Camps Bay)
The Marly is a 5-star boutique hotel in Camp’s Bay. It is very quiet with beautiful art, flowers, candles, and lovely scents throughout (even in the elevator). There is a rooftop pool and bar.
It has 38 rooms — classic, superior, and suites. Sea view rooms have a balcony and have a higher price than mountain view rooms. All rooms have bath+shower, lots of mirrors including a magnifying mirror, robes, and slippers. They also have a minibar and coffee/tea. 10 rooms have a sofa bed for kids. There are some interconnecting rooms that can accommodate up to 5 people with sofa bed.
Breakfast is served at the restaurant or on the patio with a continental buffet and hot items off a menu. Full room service is offered at no extra charge.
The Marly has a large spa on the ground floor with massages and mani-pedi. There is also a nice gym. Guests with a late check-out or early check-in can use the spa facilities.
3) Mount Nelson (City Center)
Mountain Nelson is a Belmond property on the south end of city center.
4) One & Only (V&A)
Gorgeous 5-star hotel at the V&A Waterfront. There are 91 rooms in the main building and 40 rooms on the island. The entry level room is the Premier King in the main building, followed by the Marina Suite, and finally the Island Suites. The Marina Suites can interconnecting to a room with 2 queen beds for a family suite. Island Suites have a couch, dressing room, and large bath plus there are golf carts if needed.
All rooms have 1 king or 2 queen beds with a mountain view or lagoon view. They have a smart TV with Chromecast.
There is a large heated swimming pool. The pool restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch (but closed in winter). The pool has cabanas, which are included with suites.
The spa is located on its own island. They offer massages, mani-pedi, and facials.
The lobby bar is spacious with tall ceilings and a wall of glass overlooking the lagoon and Table Mountain. The custom carpet is topography of the Cape Town area. On site is the Japanese restaurant, Namu. There is also a Wine Studio for wine paring and blending experiences.
There is a kids club for kids 4-11 years old open 10am-6pm offered for free.
5) Table Bay (V&A)
Table Bay is located on the end of the V&A mall. It will be closed for renovations February-December 2025.
Luxury boutique country house just a short distance from the center of Franschhoek and from the Wine Tram. It is a beautiful French-like garden area. There are both a heated and unheated pools.
There are standard rooms in lodge, 4-room building, 2-room building, 2-floor rooms, and amazing villa rooms.
Breakfast is a cold buffet plus hot options off a menu and cappuccinos. Arguably, the best croissants around.
Free parking and free shuttle to/from the Wine Tram.
2) Le Quartier Francais Hotel (Franschhoek)
Quiet neighborhood 2 blocks from the main street. Sophisticated boutique hotel with luxury restaurant and spa. You can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, a poolside bar, and a terrace at Le Quartier Francais. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids’ meals, and garden views. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and a library. An outdoor pool with sun loungers and pool umbrellas.
3) Franschhoek House
For a small group, the Franschhoek House is a private villa that has 6 suites that can accommodate up to 12 people. Whether celebrating special moments or simply enjoying the passage of time together, guests will find themselves in a setting that nurtures connections both old and new, all under the canopy of a magnificent 200-year-old oak tree.
Situated on the La Residence estate means that a wide range of amenities are available to those staying at Franschhoek House, including the spa treatment room, restaurants, wine tastings, and the opportunity to walk in the beautiful vineyards and grounds.
The property has private services – including a chef and host that will cater to every need. Franschhoek House encapsulates the essence of luxury living, blending elegant design with effortless comfort.
Embracing the region’s rich French heritage, this villa offers a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury. Each element of Franschhoek House has been designed to evoke a sense of belonging, with spaces that feel familiar yet refreshing, indulgent yet intimate.
3) Oude Werf Hotel (Stellenbosch)
Located right in the middle of downtown Stellenbosch, Oude Werf has 58 rooms on 3 floors. Some rooms are in the original building, which are more historic, and some are in the newer buildings, which are more modern. There are 3 levels of rooms — all have same amenities, but some bigger than others, some on a corner, and some have balcony. The rooms on the pool are bit like a fishbowl.
There is a medium sized pool in a nice courtyard with lots of lounge areas and garden. There is a boardroom that seats 14 people and has a large TV. Valet parking is free. This is the only hotel I visited that had a steamer for clothes and a towel heater.
Breakfast 7-11am with hot and cold buffet plus a la carte. Cappuccinos are included at breakfast. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner to the public. The bar also serves coffee and is popular for afternoon tea.
There are lots of restaurants and shops right outside the door. The hotel can organize a day of wine tasting with a local wine expert.
4) Lanzerac Hotel & Spa (Stellenbosch)
Built in 1692, the hotel has 54 rooms. 8 rooms have fireplaces, 4 have private plunge pools. Minibar is included. All rooms are designed for 2 people, but a daybed can be brought in for a child. There are 5 shared pools, one with a small pool bar. Room categories are Classic, Luxury, Stable, Manor House (6 rooms common lounge), Suite.
The hotel has a rose garden, whiskey and cigar lounge (good for watching sports). You can walk through the vineyards. Shuttle to Stellenbosch 3 times a day.
The gastro-pub has a fireplace and patio. Breakfast and dinner are served in the main restaurant. Breakfast is a cold buffet and hot dishes off a menu. There is a large private dining room, and smaller board rooms, which can be used for private dining. They offer Saturday afternoon tea and Sunday brunch.
Spa is one of the best in the country and open to the public, so it is important to pre-book services. It offers full spa services, indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, gym, and juice bar.
Wine tasting areas indoors and outdoors, chocolate pairing, deli (famous scones), open 8am-6pm, cellar tours offered 11am and 3pm, no reservation necessary.
5) River Manor Boutique Hotel (Stellenbosch)
River Manor is just a couple of blocks from the center of Stellenbosch. It has a B&B / oasis feel to it. There 2 pools in a cozy garden.
It has 18 rooms in 2 buildings — Loft, Standard, Deluxe, Superior, Family (4 people). Room #3 has a balcony.
Breakfast has a cold buffet and order hot dishes off a menu. The cappuccino machine is available all day. At 3pm, they offer tea with cake.
The spa has massages, mani/pedi, and facials.
6) Southern Sun de Wagen (Stellenbosch)
Located on the edge of town, there are 22 rooms: deluxe, attic, 8 suites in separate building, 2 family rooms.
Breakfast 7-11am, hot and cold buffet, lunch and dinner served at restaurant next door.
Interior courtyard is lovely with tall grasses and small pool.
At Fairview Cheese and Wine, all wine tastings are paired with cheese. They offer a premium wine tasting in the room in the back. Picnics are not allowed, but there is a restaurant. The grounds are beautiful with a lovely koi pond.
For kids, they offer a special tasting with cheese and juice. There is a pen with goats and tower that the goats climb up on stairs.
2) Rickety Bridge Estate (Franschhoek)
Rickety Bridge Estate has wine tastings for kids (juice with cheese or chocolate). There are also cheese platters and pizza. They have indoor and outdoor seating in a lovely area with mature trees. There is also a playground and boules (bocce ball). The separate restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Cellar tours are by appointment.
3) Boschendal Wine Estate (Franschhoek)
For kids, there is a tree fort, pump park (kids bikes for rent), gardens for walking, big chickens walking around, and an ice cream truck. For parents, there is wine tasting, deli restaurant, and farm shop. This is a large winery, but a lovely setting with tall trees.
4) Hazendal Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Wonderdal is a huge, awesome play area for kids 5-13 ($7-19 for 2 hours). There is a free car museum with several Bentleys. The wine tasting area is mostly indoors and very sophisticated. The outdoor area is fairly small. We can arrange the loft VIP tasting area for 6 people. They do have cheese or charcuterie pairings as well. There is also a beer garden with pizza and burgers. They also have a hotel, golf course, and spa. No reservation is needed for the cellar tour.
5) Spier Wine Farm (Stellenbosch)
Spier is a large winery with lots of activities. One unique element is the Eagle Encounter where you can get up close to a number of raptors. There are also walks, Segway tours, and a craft market. For adults, they offer charcuterie, cheese and olive platters to accompany the wine tasting, a wine blending experience, and a spa.
