Holiday to South Africa
Graham Finney, 13th February 2011Nothing was to much trouble for Greg and his team. We explored different options and lengths of stay before coming to a decision about our final itinerary. The timetable, the accomodation and the organised tour in Zululand were impeccably arranged. We had an incorrect entry on our Barclaycard from one of the car hire firms in South Africa and Greg obtained the details for us, confirmed that our understanding was correct and arranged a refund for us. When that refund from the car hire company did not match what had been incorrectly deducted, Greg arranged a Sterling payment direct to us.
Countries Visited
South Africa
“We have been to South Africa before in February/March when it is the depths of winter in the UK. Envigorating to get away from our dismal weather and the South Africans we have met have always made us welcome. Where we have been, we have alway felt safe although we have clearly avoided the townships. The service levels in the hotels, the restaurants and the retail outlets are at a very high level. We are golfers and the courses we have played on are at championship level. Fairways like Axminster carpets and the greens extremely tru and fast. Even though we have only seen a little of South Africa,it is a country that we recommend to our friends”
Accommodation Visited
“Lovely hotel, close to the golf courses and overlooking the sea. The monkeys were a particlar delight early in the morning provided they were not allowed to take your marmalade. The staff were very helpful and provided us with directions to many attractions and local restaurants to eat at. Accomodation very good and food up to the usual high standard we have come to expect from hotels that Mahlatini recommend. '5 stars' to Audacia”
Fugitives Drift Lodge
“Wonderful atmosphere and the guides to the Zulu/British battlefields (Islandlwana and Rourkes Drift) have made a lasting impression on us. So much so that they are regularly topics of conversation even after some 9 months since we were there. Accomodation as above for Audacia Manor and the camaraderie at night when we all had dinner together was great. '5 stars plus' to Fugitives Drift”
Cathedral Peak Hotel
“After a relatively long drive to the Drakensbergs, we reached the Cathedral Peak hotel. The staff were very friendly but Cathedral Peak some work to do if it wishes to live up to the Mahlatini standard of the other hotels we stayed in. Bearing in mind the clientele in the Cathedral Peak, the menu's could be develioped to have a more haute cuisine approach for people who want to pay a little extra. However, the scenery was spectacular.”
“We were only at Thunzi Bush Lodge for 1 night before we drove down the Garden route to Cape Town. So all we really wanted was a bed and some food for the night. Would not exactly call it luxury accommodation as in the brochure details as it was what we would call satisfactory. However, we could walk into the bush area to see the wildlife. The food was at best average but the staff were very accommodating.”
“Just what was needed after a drive from Port Elizabeth. Overlooking the sea and within easy reach of the shops and restauants, the views from the hotel were magnificent. The accommodation was very good, the quality of the food very high and the staff were very knowledgeable about the history of the hotel and the surrounding area. The golf course at which we played also gave some spectacular views over the hills and onto the sea. Very Good. '5 stars' to Faclons View”
“A jewel in Mahlatini's crown. Just off the Garden route and easy to find, we could not fault the staff, the accommodation and the food all of which were to the highest standard. Sitting on the patio overlooking the 'infinity' pool and having a top quality meal was just wonderful. Well done to Mahlatini for selecting this as a stop on our way to Cape Town. '5 stars plus plus' to Mardouw”
“This is the second year we ahve stayed at the Glen Avon and we requested it again because of our experience the first time. David, Annette and Wendy always provide you with what seems like a personalised service and the front of house and the catering staff really know how to make you feel comfortable. Food excellent and Glen Avon is is a beautiful area close to central Cape Town (about 25 minutes to the V&A waterfront) and yet you feel that you are out in the countryside. '5 stars' to Glen Avon”
Staff Review
“See above under highlights of our holiday”