A top 5 South African travel writer remains

With around 250 South African destinations under my belt as a travel journalist, some will be absolute favourites. These are the best picks in South Africa, each unique and beautiful.

Luxury lodge: Silvan, Kruger National Park

Sabi Sabi is the origin of a series of slick lodges, and Silvan is one of the smartest places to stay. A short walk through the lodge area, and it’s almost hard to believe your eyes: the Lodge occupies an enviable elevated position along the river bank, where the modern communal lodge area all offers generous views. The dark wooden exterior blends in with the surrounding bush, while the bright interior elements speak to the vibrant South African culture – and owner David Ryan’s playfulness.

The suites (of which there are only six) are hands down the most spacious I have experienced in Kruger – so much so that it feels like you have your own home in the desert. Custom artwork adorns the interior spaces, and outside the private deck and pool offer views of the desert. Each suite is unique, our favorite is The Tree Wisteria Suite with its beautiful interior and outdoor bathtub.

Of course, don’t forget that this proud Relais & Châteaux property is located in the Kruger’s best wildlife viewing area, so get ready to see wildlife like never before.

Boutique hotel: Camissa House, Cape Town

Since almost all South African itineraries include the Capital City, ensure that the day in Cape Town is in absolute style. Camissa House is one of the city’s slickest boutique offerings and is quietly tucked away in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after suburbs – and at the very base of Table Mountain itself – a location hard to compete with.

After a day exploring the city, you have the privilege of retreating to Camissa for sanctuary and sleep. The Luxury Terrace Rooms are my favorite – lying in bed at night, thousands of city lights are shining far in the distance. Then, at the flick of the curtain, it rested in the deep night at the foot of the mountain.

In between exploring, Camissa House has a lot to offer, from an outdoor rooftop bar and pool terrace – and rates include all house beverages and afternoon tea. If you go out for dinner, you will be transferred to the restaurant and back safely.

Castle: Noetzie Castle (Knysna)

South Africa is a country full of surprises, and few international visitors know that on the famous Garden Route – a green corridor along the Eastern coast of the Western Cape – there is a very remote and beautiful beach with many castles that can be rented. International Hospitality group Buccara is the proud custodian of this unique castle, each different in its own right.

First up is Pezula Castle with its lush gardens, large swimming pool, and three suites (one famously hosted Nelson Mandela as a guest). Honeymoon Castle is a double story romantic two-sleeper with a private pool. Craighross Castle has a state-of-the-art interior and is a generous 14-sleeper split over three levels of luxury. Finally, Lindsay Castle is a twelve sleeper with a traditional castle interior and also the most remote of all the castles.

All have direct access to the beach, and since the castles can be booked together, they make for impressive destination parties or other group celebrations with guests spread across different castles.

Villa: Bordeaux in Britannia, West Coast

The West Coast is one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. Twenty minutes outside of Cape Town, the highway north leaves all civilization behind, with fynbos-fringed hills occasionally giving glimpses of the wild sea that awaits.

Britannia Bay is one of the coastal villages (I say village because there are no shops or restaurants) that is home to whitewashed houses with direct access to the beach. Here you find a piece of Greece in Africa, and in Bordeaux at Britannia, the villa owners add a little French touch with their passion for French red (the villa even has its own Bordeaux red blend) and Greek meets Morrocan curated interior style. from other trips abroad.

Downstairs, a large open-plan living area offers relaxation, with a swimming pool and playroom – and a veranda that spills directly onto the sand. The upstairs space has four bedrooms, all off the central living room and balcony with killer views. There is also a room for children with stylish bunks and access to the beach through the shower. Relaxed luxury at its best, with all creature comforts taken care of – including the amazing housekeeper, Joseph. With this level of luxury, you will do as I did when I visited: park the car and forget about it while you relax on the sliver of the sea.

Wine estate: Quoin Rock, Cape Winelands

When abroad, people rarely believe me when I say that within a two-hour drive of Cape Town, there are over 600 wine estates. With endless choices, however, there are some that have distinguished themselves above the rest with their unique terroir, exceptional hospitality, and of course, exceptional wine.

Quoin Rock is one of – so much so that if the visitor has time for only one wine estate visit, I send it to Quoin Rock. The estate is famous for its unique wines, especially the Red Blend. The frontispiece is a multi-volume glass mirror in which, depending on the time, the frame and the mirror are part of a stunning scene.

But there is more than just wine and views. First up, the Quoin Rock restaurant, Gåte, is a fantastic dining experience (be sure to book in advance) – headed up by renowned Chef Paul Prinsloo. Second, seen floating on one of the highest parts of the farm is the magnificent Cape Dutch-style Manor House, available for exclusive booking. Surrounding the luxury property is a beautiful garden – grand and sprawling. At sunset, a walk is rewarded not only with glowing garden beds but also a postcard view of Table Mountain in the distance.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a freelance travel journalist who loves connecting people and experiences through words, pictures and social media. Read more at www.jaredincpt.com